WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?

THE POST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
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.

We continue, by looking at prominent spirit filled men, women and children who lived during the 16th and 17th centuries AD.

1517-1700

THE QUAKERS

The 'Religious Society of Friends', or 'Quakers' as they were derogatively known for shaking under the power of the Holy Spirit, was an obvious charismatic movement, in huge contrast to the established church of the time. King Henry VIII had split from Rome, but other than appointing himself head of the Church, had continued with most Roman Catholic practices.

GEORGE FOX (1624-91)

In total despair, unable to find help from the state Church and clergy, he heard a voice say.....

"There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition."

The Lord then proceeded to teach him personally and dynamically, and he became particularly convinced of the priority of Christ within (Colossians 1:27) and the Inner Light (John 1:1-14).

This brought Fox into conflict with the authoritarian State Church, which relied on ritual and ceremony to rule the people. He emphasized personal responsibility to seek and respond to Christ, through Scripture. He preached against church buildings, salaried clergy, and titles. The authority to minister remained with Christ, expressing itself through true and equal believers.

PERSECUTION

This led to both civil and church persecution. At one time 15,000 Quakers were held in British prisons and 100's died in there. But the movement continued to grow!

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

Charismatic gifts were common among the early Quakers. Fox's 'Journal and Book of Miracles' is filled with accounts of miraculous healings and other charismatic gifts. It reports that on one occasion as Fox prayed.....

The Lord's power was so great that the house seemed to be shaken. When I had done some of the professors said it was now as in the days of the apostles, when the house was shaken where they were.

In his Journal, Fox talks of the healing of John Banks, a fellow Quaker who had lost the use of his right arm and hand. Banks had a powerful dream where he was to ask Fox to pray for him. Fox prayed.....

"The Lord strengthen thee within and without."

When eating a meal elsewhere that night, Banks realized he had regained full use of his arm and hand. Later, in gratitude he said.....

My heart was broke into true tenderness before the Lord, and the next day I went home, with my hand and arm restored to its former use and strength, without any pain. And the next time that George Fox and I met he readily said, "John, thou mended, thou mended;" I answered, "Yes, very well, in a little time." "Well," said he, "give God the glory."

Spiritual gifts such as discerning of spirits and gifts of wisdom and discernment were exercised by Fox and others.

Speaking in tongues was normal. Edward Burrough, a friend and colleague of Fox recalled Quaker meetings where they sat and waited in silence upon God for hours at a time, experiencing God's dynamic and apostolic presence, saying.....

We received often the pouring down of the Spirit upon us, and the gift of God's Holy eternal Spirit as in the days of old, and our hearts were made glad, and our tongues loosed, and our mouths opened, and we spoke with new tongues, as the Lord gave us utterance, and as His Spirit led us, which was poured down upon us, on sons and daughters.

CONCLUSION

In spite of savage persecution, stonings, whippings, beatings, public hangings and lengthy imprisonments, Quaker missionaries went round the known world, becoming the fastest growing Christian movement in the world within a single generation, having by 1660, forty to sixty thousand adherents. Truly a Spirit-led movement.

So we can continue to say.....

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 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 heals Boy With Evil Spirit and Gives Explanation to Disciples (Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-43)
A boy brought out of the crowd to Jesus by his father.
16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.
19 “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
“How long has he been like this?”
23 ”‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”
“You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

The disciples asked how he did it, as they had not been able to.

“Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
“The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.”

Jesus Discusses His Death (Matthew 17:22-3, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-43)
With the Disciples.

“The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.”

Paying the Temple Tax (Matthew 17:24-7)
By Peter to the taxman

“What do you think, Simon?” “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?”
“Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

(Continued next week)

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

GENERAL

47. I’m far from perfect – but allowing God to work on it!

48. Our highest call is to be the ‘Living Word.’

49. We are to be dependent upon God, interdependent amongst each other, and independent of the old nature.

50. The 3 ‘H’s’ of our walk in God – Holiness, ‘Helps’ and Harvest.

51. Salvation yields a 30 fold harvest, the Spirit a 60 fold harvest, but obedience a 100 fold harvest of that which was sown.

52. Religious titles are but a human invention, for every minister is to be God’s servant.

53. God desires the ‘height’ of relationship, while man prefers the ‘distance’ of fame. As we seek His heights so He will provide distance to our ministry.

54. Life brings strife. Overcoming strife brings back life.

55. ‘New birth’ on earth, removes a dearth of mirth, increasing self worth and spiritual girth! (Inspiration from the Firth of Perth!)

56. Only fools make up rules for God’s principles never change.

57. The ‘5-G’ Principle. A ‘GIVER’ Gratefully Gives God Gracious Gifts.

170. There are but two types of people in the world. Those who replace an empty toilet roll and those who don't.

171. Have you noticed how the most 'holey' socks always find their way to the top of the pile?

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 ...

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CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER

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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

THIS WEEK: THE 3 GARDENS OF GOD PLUS ANOTHER YET TO COME

THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE: A GARDEN OF SELF-SACRIFICE

Jesus committed to His ultimate self-sacrifice on the cross in a garden, the Garden of Gethsemane.

Let's investigate.

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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. ***

839. GOD'S GIFT
A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her small daughter was very sick with a fever. She left work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication. She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys in the car. She didn't know what to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened.

The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door."

The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, but said to herself, "I don't know how to use this."

She bowed her head and asked God to send her help. Within five minutes an old, beat-up motorcycle pulled up with a bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head.

The woman thought, "This is what You sent to help me?" But she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got off of his bike and asked if he could help.

She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her, please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"

He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened.

She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank you SO much! You are a very nice man."

The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison yesterday - for car theft."

The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, thank you God! You even sent me a professional!"

…..Mikey’s Funnies (funnies-owner@lists.MikeysFunnies.com) by way of "Christian Voices” (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

838. PUT IT OUT!
Nearing the parish church during his daily walk, a young man saw that the hedge was on fire. He banged on the rectory door and told the woman who opened it she'd better call the fire department.

She ran to the phone to place the call. She identified herself, gave the location, and explained the situation.

"You mean to tell me," said the emergency dispatcher, "that there's a burning bush on the church lawn ... and you want us to put it out?!?"

…..Teddi’s Humor (redactatrix@gmail.com) by way of "Christian Voices” (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

837. THE COUNT
Recently while we were eating lunch after church one Sunday, my youngest son asked me what the highest number I had ever counted up to was.

I said I didn't know. Then I asked him how high he had counted.

"5,372," came the prompt reply.

"Oh," I said. "Why did you stop there?"

"The sermon was over."

" 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 creature has infrared receptors to help it catch prey in total darkness?

ANSWER: Snakes! Certain snakes, including pythons and boa constrictors, have pits along their lips that are actually infrared heat receptors. These receptors can help a snake locate prey even in total darkness. (I pray not to be the prey! What am I worried about? New Zealand is about the only country that doesn’t have snakes!)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the lowest place on Earth?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

751. CALAMITY JANE
Martha Jane Burke, much better known as Calamity Jane, was married twelve times. (Calamities all round!)

752. PISTOL PRAYING
If you are taking a class in pistology, you are not studying pistols, but rather, faith. (Death by pistol, death through lack of faith.)

753. RISING TO THE OCCASION
In 4000 BC, Egyptians discovered yeast's leavening abilities and turned out more than 40 types of bread. (But did they open ‘Hot Bread Shops’?)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

CLEATS

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...

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SERMON ON THE MOUNT

19. What it is in the hypocrite's eye?

a. Dirt
b. A fly
c. A mote
d. A beam


Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk

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

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

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

!!!!!!! The best mirror is an good friend.

!!!!!! The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail and not his tongue.

!!!!! There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 AM. It could be a right number.

!!!! When people complain that they don't get what they deserve, they don't know how fortunate they are.

!!! Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due.

!! You were born an original. Don't die a copy.

! Your behavior is what you believe; all the rest is just talk.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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

GREAT GROANERS

202. THE LESSON
A young missionary on his first term in Africa was reading his Bible in a clearing when a lion came up and laid down beside him. As he quietly prayed for deliverance, another lion came out of the bush and laid down by his other side. Convinced that this was a test of his faith, he returned to reading his Bible. As soon as he did, the two lions pounced on him and devoured him.

Moral: Don't try to read between the lions.

203. MACE
A mechanic who worked out of his home had a dog named Mace. Mace had a bad habit of eating all the grass on the mechanic's lawn, so the mechanic had to keep Mace inside.

The grass eventually became overgrown.

One day the mechanic was working on a car in the backyard and dropped his wrench, losing it in the tall grass. He couldn't find it for the life of him, so he decided to call it a day.

That night, Mace escaped from the house and ate all the grass in the backyard.

The next morning the mechanic went outside and saw his wrench glinting in the sunlight. Realizing what had happened he looked toward the heavens and proclaimed, "A grazing Mace, how sweet the hound, that saved a wrench for me!"

204.JESUS AND JONAH
What did Jesus have in common with the fish that swallowed Jonah?

Jesus had dinner with a sinner, and the fish had a sinner for dinner.

Groan greatly here.....

http://wwj.org.nz/lifelaugh.php

The 7 Great Lies in the Church Today

By Steve Hill

Editor’s Note: Most Charisma readers remember Steve Hill as the fiery evangelist from the Brownsville Revival who has since continued to win countless souls for Jesus around the world. But what many readers don’t realize is that Hill only recently came out of a three-year battle with melanoma. During that time, he received a prophetic vision warning the church of an impending “spiritual avalanche” that could kill millions. The following article on deception in the church is part of this timely message, now delivered in his latest book, Spiritual Avalanche.

Considered previously.....

1) Overemphasis of Prosperity:
2) Exaggerated View of Grace
3) Antinomianism

4) Deification of Man

Many false teachings today start with man rather than with God. In contrast, when Paul laid out the gospel message in Romans, he started with God and then went to man: God is holy and we are not; He is righteous and we are not; we are under His judgment and in need of mercy, and that mercy comes through the cross.

Today’s gospel, especially in America, has a very different ring to it; rather than being all about God, it’s all about me. Just as the American way is to make everything bigger and better, the American gospel says that Jesus came to make you into a bigger and better you. That is not the gospel!

Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:24-25).

We are in grave danger worldwide as millions upon millions gaze upon man rather than God. Just take a look at our political system. Words like messiah, lord, savior and anointed one are tossed around like candy. I cringe at heaven’s response. This is a setup for the Antichrist; as we become so accustomed to worshipping man, it will be a simple maneuver for the Antichrist to move into position.

5) Challenging the Authority of the Word

The challenging of God’s authority goes back to the Garden of Eden, starting with the serpent’s challenge to Eve: “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” (Gen. 3:1). This satanic challenge was twofold: First, did God really say that? And second, God didn’t really mean what He said. After all, you won’t die if you eat from the tree (vv. 1-5).

That twofold challenge continues to assault us today. Best-selling authors tell us the biblical text isn’t reliable, that the biblical manuscripts we have in our possession are hopelessly contradictory, and that we can know little or nothing about the real, historical Jesus. Other authors tell us that the Bible is no more than a collection of religious traditions and that God Himself is nothing more than a religious myth.

For the most part, though, the challenge to the authority of the Scriptures is subtler, and some of it flows out of the deification of man, which says, “The Bible must live up to my standards. I will judge the God of the Bible based on my morality rather than the God of the Bible judging me based on His morality.” In short, when the Scriptures contradict our feelings and preferences rather than crucify our feelings and preferences and bow down before God and His Word, we question God’s Word.

Continued next week.

Source: http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/from-the-frontlines/39026-the-7-great-lies-in-the-church-today

DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

A REVELATION OF... THE POWER OF THREE IN GOD AND THE CHURCH

In walking further with Jesus, I increasingly appreciate that this particular revelation of 'threes in God' has been hugely important in developing my understanding of God and how He works both in the church and in our lives.

It matters not whether you are a 'oneness', 'twoness', or 'trinitarian' believer. The concept still applies. For we're all very good at putting God in a box, limited to the walls of our theology and understanding. But, one day, we will know all the truth of the great mystery of God.

In the meantime, if you can grasp this simple, yet profound concept, I'm sure it will open up new realms of understanding for you too about God and His plans for His people in these end days.

It certainly developed my faith tremendously, being able to grasp more of God's mighty plan for me. And for you too!

Find out more and download your free PDF Files here.....

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WAXING LYRICAL

This was written when we were expanding our business by 50%, opening 3 new shops over a 6 week period.

But could I keep my priorities right?

BUSY, BUSY

Lots of perspiration,
But no inspiration.
So please bear with me,
Until I'm set free!

Another shop to open this week,
The toilet there, it does leak!
So many things there are still to do,
While also to God, to remain true.

When you are expanding in the business
Tis easy to get taken over by busyness
Take a rest David, seek the Lord,
With Him do now strike a chord.

What is my priority?
Who gets seniority?
It's so very very easy to go astray,
In the good intentions of the day.

Tomorrow I will take time out to preach,
Maybe the message, it will me teach!
God can grab our attention,
In ways we never mention.

Now as I do finish this rhyme,
Feeling better about my time.
Thankyou Lord for speaking to me this way,
For giving me strength to face the day.

More of David's poetry here.....

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

A DAVID MUSING

On Wednesday, my wife Kathy and her friend Maggie, disappeared from the Hawkes bay sunshine into the bright blue yonder in the big flying bird.

36 hours later they landed in London, in the cloud, rain and cold of an English winter! Not a good idea - except that Kathy was met at the airport by our son Nigel and his lady Savi, to return sunshine to her heart!

On Friday they were all to travel by plane, early in the day to Inverness, Scotland. Unfortunately the taxi taking them to Gatwick Airport, south of London, got delayed by flooded roads and they missed their flight. After a day at the airport they finally managed to get on a plane to Aberdeen where another ray of sunshine in the form of another son, Andrew, was waiting to meet them. Then a 4 hour drive to Thurso, where they arrived at 1am in the morning! More rays of sunshine, for Andrew's wife Catriona, and our 2 granddaughters had stayed up to welcome them all!

A very happy reunion, I am told.

I will make do with taking another son, Cameron, to the cricket today, in actual sunshine, to watch New Zealand play India in a 1 day International. Warm body, cold heart - unless the unexpected happens and we win the match! (For our American friends, this game only takes 7 hours to complete! Just a short game, much less that a 5 day Test! LOL!)

So I had better get prepared. Food and sunscreen to take.....

So until next week.....

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: CASTLE

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' d. A beam

REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT

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ABOUT US

WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Hastings, New Zealand. A ministry dedicated to developing discipleship, fostering unity amongst God’s people to achieve the Great Commission, and in doing so, preparing for Christ’s return. It is securely based upon the foundational principles of the Apostles Creed while recognising the wide and rich diversity of beliefs amongst Christians in other areas. In accordance with the Lord’s direction, materials produced by the ministry are available, free of charge, to genuine enquirers upon request. The ministry is solely funded by donations, as the Lord provides. A list of materials available (plus some fun!) is obtainable and freely downloadable from our website
wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.

Walking With Jesus Ministries
7 Bull Street
Ahuriri
Napier
New Zealand

Phone: (06) 835 0567 International (+64) 6 835 0567

Email: enquiries@wwj.org.nz
Web: wwj.org.nz

Our role is to bless and encourage those in ministry while promoting co-operation and unity of direction amongst the body of Christ, as emphasised 3 times by Jesus in His longest prayer, immediately prior to His arrest and crucifixion. "… so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:12, 21, 23-4) Our website is currently being developed to encourage your participation one with another, to share resources, and to enable you to promote events and items of interest to the body as a whole – and have a smile while doing it!

For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz