TWENTY-FIVE COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS

Not clearly numbered and listed, as in the Old Testament outward Law of the 10 Commandments, they are found among the teachings of Jesus in the 4 Gospels, and are available for all who have a heart to seek them.

We all too easily think, with the emphasis that Jesus places on love and forgiveness, that he didn't teach any absolutes. But, as can be seen here, Jesus did place boundaries on believer's behaviour, along with instructions for Godly living.

I have grouped these into 3 categories for easier comprehension.

Don't take my word for it! Study the Scriptures!

David Tait
Walking With Jesus Ministries
www.wwj.org.nz

LOVE THE 25 COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS
BRILLIANT!
Dr Bernie Wade
President - ICOF Global Union

You may download the PDF here.....

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/wwj47p22.pdf

WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?

THE POST APOSTOLIC CHURCH

The major question now is, "where is the church of the 21st Century heading".

Fourteen years into the new century, it is becoming more apparent that God is 'doing a new thing'. But as we have seen over the past 2000 years, through the Dark Ages, the Reformation and the Holy Spirit revivals of the 20th century, the Holy Spirit will always be to the fore of what transpires.

Regrettably from a human perspective, all past movements of the Holy Spirit have come to an end, primarily because man has codified them and taken over. Like Moses, the world's humblest man and the closest to God before Jesus, when he hit the rock, (which he had done successfully before to bring water), rather than talk to it as God had instructed him to do,(Numbers 20:13) man has always seemingly known better than God. This cost Moses the opportunity to take the Israelites into the Promised Land.

So where do we go from here? What is God doing here and now, and into the future.

PRACTICAL KINGDOM LIVING

We will now have a look at some of the practical aspects, and differences, of kingdom living, as opposed to a church focus.

Another article has come in this week! I am really pleased to be able to print other's understanding, so you can see it is more than just 'David's thinking'!

OPENING UP THE GATES TO THE KING OF GLORY

Psalms 24:7 "Lift up your heads, O you gates And be lifted up, you everlasting doors And the King of glory shall come in."

God has made us to be gates and doors of His glory. Jesus comes to us as the King to rule our hearts in His glory. It can be all too easy to get caught up doing lots of stuff and not experience the intimacy of Kingdom glory in our lives. When Jesus walked the earth He carried the weight of heaven, the glory of God. People constantly were encountering heaven's glory when they got around Jesus. What does it take for us to walk in this kind of glory ourselves? For certain, we must have intimacy with God, a living communion in His Presence. Here are a few things that help create a "good foundation" for His glory in our lives:

1. Make Jesus the Center

Some time ago, My wife Brandi had a dream where Jesus was at center stage. His Presence was in the place and because of this, people were drawn to Him. When we allow Him to be at the center, everything works. When He is not at the center there is only chaos and anarchy.

2. Invite & Interact with the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit needs to be invited and stirred within us. He is the "treasure within us." We are not trying to get Him to come out of heaven. He is already within us if we are God's. Each of us are temples of the Holy Spirit. We need to take time to welcome Him to fill us, refresh us and saturate us. The Holy Spirit is the "living waters" that Jesus promised us that would spring up into everlasting life! Don't neglect the blessing that God has already deposited within you. Through a life of worship and prayer He fills us with His joy.

3. Major on the Majors

Major on foundational truths like grace, love, joy, peace, righteousness, the blood of Christ and other things that are central to the gospel that we need to focus on. Avoid controversies that have no profit, (ex. when Jesus is going to return). Just occupy until He comes. Don't wrangle about the carpet in the church and ridiculous things. Avoid heretical extreme teachings.

One of these teachings would be "sloppy grace" teaching. This is the type of thinking where people don't believe they can't sin and continue living ignorantly in rebellion. The grace of God helps us to overcome sin, not live in denial of sin. If someone does not think they can sin this is a "major" foundational truth that has been compromised, the result being a cracked foundation. All sin simply put is "wrong doing." Done anything "wrong" lately?

I John 1:8-10 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." (1 Cor. 15:34, Hebrews 12:1, 12:4)

It is true that in Christ we no longer live a "lifestyle" of sin, but to say that we no longer have the ability to blow it (or "miss the mark") is error. Although, a righteously lived life is the rule, not the exception for the believer. That is why Paul says, "Don't use the grace of God as an occasion to sin..." (Romans 6:1-2)

There is also teaching that says you can just continue to sin, knowing your sinning and God's grace covers you. This is heretical as well. The truth is we don't live in sin. Jesus has set us free. If we do somehow happen to sin then we can come to him in repentance and His blood will cleanse us. We are not His if we live in a lifestyle of sin ignorantly or knowingly foreign to relationship with Him. (1 John 3:9)

4. Treasure His Presence

Moses would not go without God's Presence. (Exodus 33:15) Prioritize God's Presence as number one in your life. Christ in us is the hope of Glory. This is referring to the Presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Treasure Him more than anything. Nothing can replace our intimate relationship with God.

5. Engage in Presence-Valuing Community

Find pure-hearted people who love to spend time in God's Presence, those who are devoted to God with accountability to others in the truth.

There isn't anything more satisfying than having the Presence of God in our lives with a pure devotion to Him. Worship God without compromise devoting yourself to His everlasting purposes.

Let the Depths of Your Heart Call Out To God,

John Belt
www.overflowglobal.com

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.

(Continues 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.

Of course, it is not a Bible substitute! I Hope you find it helpful too, in your walk with Jesus.

Jesus Washes the Feet of His Disciples (John 13:1-20)
Peter protests.

“You won’t realize what I’m doing for you now. But one day you’ll understand.”
“If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me,”
“Anyone who has had a bath only needs to wash their feet and then they’re clean all over. You are clean—but not all of you.”
“Do you understand what I’ve done to you?” “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that’s who I am. So if I, your Teacher and Lord, washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example, so you should do just as I did. I tell you the truth, servants are not more important than their master, and the one sent is not greater than the sender. Now that you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
I’m not talking about all of you—I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill Scripture: “The one who shares my food has turned against me. I’m telling you this now, before it happens, so when it does happen you will be convinced that I am who I am. I tell you the truth, whoever welcomes anyone I send welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes the One who sent me.”

The Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-9, Mark 14:22-5, Luke 22:14-20 , 1 Corinthians 11:23-9)
Instructions to Peter and John.

“I’ve been really looking forward to eating this Passover meal with you before my sufferings begin. I tell you I shall not eat it again until the time it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

Taking the cup.

“Take this and share it among yourselves. I tell you that I won’t drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

Taking the bread.

“This is my body which is given for you; do this in order to remember me,”

Taking the cup again after supper.

“This cup is the new agreement in my blood which is poured out for you.”

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal (Matthew 26:21-5), Mark 14:18-21, Luke 22:21-3, John 13:21-30)
By Judas.

“I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.”
“It’s the one to whom I will give a piece of bread after I have dipped it.”
“What you’re going to do, do it quickly,”

(Continued next week)

You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/wwj46p52.pdf

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'THE WORDS OF JESUS' NOW AVAILABLE FOR PDF DOWNLOAD

Join the many who have downloaded the 'The Words of Jesus'. I am sure you will be blessed by it, as I have been. There have been nearly 350 downloads to date.

One key element here is the setting out in chronological order (as far as it is possible to do so) our Lord's words drawn from all the Gospels, and the elimination of repetition between Gospels.

You may be surprised by the different perspective this presentation gives you both in understanding of His life and ministry, and in achieving a closer relationship with Him.

Download the free PDF here.....

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/wwj46p52.pdf

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

CHARACTER

1099. Testing builds a godly character. Many Christians do their best to avoid both!

1100. As the church develops the character of Christ, so it will conquer the world for Him.

1101. To fulfil our potential in God we need to inherit His character.

1102. Character cannot be bought but must be developed through the trials of life.

1103. Salvation is instant, but developing godly character takes a lifetime.

1104. Feeling come and feelings go but character is eternal.

1105. An ounce of character outweighs a ton of enthusiasm, any day.

1106. Gifts are given, character developed. We prefer gifts but God seeks character, for the gifts are already His!

1107. Spiritual gifts are temporary while character lasts through eternity.

1108. Believers believe in God, while disciples build a godly character.

1109. Spiritual fruit grows on 'Character Trees'!

1110. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are the fruit of the 'Character Tree'.

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

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

THE WORLD'S GREATEST PROBLEM!!!!! (Next to not knowing Jesus)

KEEPING WEIGHT OFF

We can lose weight, through willpower, by cutting back on both calorie and protein intake. ie. starving ourselves. Unfortunately, nearly all of us put the weight back on, and likely some more, within 12 months. It is a huge difficulty for us and is the reality upon which most gyms exist!

There do appear however, to be 3 possible ways of getting weight off and keeping it off.

1. LOTS OF EXERCISE: This method has the most scientific data behind it. But it is also the most difficult! Personally, I have always enjoyed exercise and have generally kept fairly fit. However I found it was insufficient to keep the weight down. Exercise plus a reduction of food intake and a change of diet seems to work for me. To keep weight off though, ongoing exercise in necessary or inevitably, it will go back on.

2. LOSING WEIGHT VERY, VERY SLOWLY: By losing weight at no more than 500gm (1lb) a week, preferably less, the body has the chance to adjust to the new weight levels. One in 3 people retain some weight loss after a year, while 1 in 5 have put on some weight after 12 months. But whether this level of success is acceptable to people is debatable.

3. LOSE WEIGHT STEADILY AND RESET THE BODY SYSTEM WITH A LONG PERIOD OF STABILISATION: This method allows you to lose weight by eating more protein plus lots of vegetables and some fruit, and to keep to a long term goal, by not going back to old habits as soon as you reach your target. It obviously requires a change of lifestyle, but it does work long term. For the body is able to adjust to the new weight achieved, rather than automatically try and put the weight - and more - back on again. Cutting out sugars, processed foods containing them, white flour etc., is hard to do, but pays definite dividends to health and enjoyment of life. And to our ability to serve Jesus. For under the New Covenant, our body is His temple.

PS: Comments are welcomed and appreciated.

CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER

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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

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

with a look at:
3: FROM REVIVAL TO HABITATION and
4: FROM KINGSHIP TO SERVANTHOOD

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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. ***

90. FUNDRAISING
There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets."

89. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story.
From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his
wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again.

Finally she spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?"

"Yes, sweetheart," he answered, "God made me a long time ago."

"Oh," she paused, "Grandpa, did God make me too?"

"Yes, indeed, honey," he said, "God made you just a little while ago."

Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it, isn't he?"

88. NO PRAYER REQUIRED
The Sunday School Teacher asks, "Now, Johnny, tell me frankly, do you say prayers
before eating?"

"No sir," little Johnny replies, "I don't have to. My Mom is a good cook."

"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: Which 'King' in a pack of cards doesn’t have a moustache?

ANSWER: The King of Hearts. (Wins hearts without it?)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the hardest substance in the human body?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

651. BACK IN A JIFFY
The ‘jiffy’ is a unit of time that lasts 3.3455x100,000,000,000 of a second. For that is the length of time it takes a ray of light to travel 1cm in a vacuum. (I must start moving faster.)

652. CAN'T AVOID THEM
Cockroaches inhabited the earth even before dinosaurs! (Look like it too.)

653. TOASTED
The bread slots in a toaster are called ‘toast wells’. (Sometimes toasts too well ie burnt.)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

CHARISMA

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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PRAYER

11: Who asked for an understanding heart to judge God's people?

a. David
b. Solomon
c. Samson
d. Deborah

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"""

WISDOM FROM GRANDPA

!!!!!! Too many couples marry for better, or for worse, but not for good.

!!!!! When a man marries a woman, they become one; but the trouble starts when they try to decide which one.

!!!! The bonds of matrimony are a good investment, only when the interest is kept up.

!!! The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

!! How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

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

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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

LIFE'S A LAUGH

68. MISTEAK OR CHICKEN!
On a flight home after a business trip, Bill was waiting for his meal. By the time the attendant reached his seat, only one dinner remained on her cart. Nonetheless, she followed routine by asking, Steak or chicken?"

Bill stared at the dinner for some time before responding, "Okay, I give up. Which is it?"

69. TOGETHERNESS
My Parents had not been out together in quite some time.

One Saturday, as Mom was finishing the dinner dishes, my father stepped up behind her. "Would you like to go out, girl?" he asked.

Not even turning around, my mother quickly replied, "Oh, yes, I'd love to!"

They had a wonderful evening, and it wasn't until the end of the evening that Dad finally confessed that his question had actually been directed to the family dog, laying near Mom's feet on the kitchen floor.

70. ASSUMPTIONS
A few years ago, I decided to visit my brother who was stationed in Germany. I assumed that most Germans would speak English. But I found that many people spoke only their native tongue - including the ticket inspector on the train.

He punched my ticket, then chatted cordially for a bit, making gestures like a windmill. I simply nodded from time to time to show him that I was interested.

When he had gone, an American woman soldier in the compartment leaned forward and asked if I spoke German.

"No," I confessed.

"Then that explains," she said, "why you didn't bat an eyelid when he told you that you were on the wrong train."

71. SLIP OF THE TONGUE
A man walks into a shoe store, and tries on a pair of shoes.

"How do they feel?" asks the sales clerk.

"Well ... they feel a bit tight." replies the man.

The assistant promptly bends down and has a look at the shoes and the mans feet.

"Try pulling out on the tongue." offers the clerk.

"Nath theyth sthill feelth a bith tighth." He says.

Laugh more at real life here.....

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

Children of married parents are better behaved, research finds

Children raised in marital homes are better behaved than those brought up by unmarried parents, according to major research funded by the Department for Education. The study of around 3,000 children aged three to sixteen found that those with married parents showed lower levels of anti-social behaviour and hyperactivity. They were also more confident, kind and responsible, according to the research from the University of Oxford and the University of London. The study, launched in 1997, tracked the long-term impact of factors such as financial income, social class and marital status on exam grades and behaviour. It covered a child’s self-regulation, which includes traits such as showing leadership, confidence and taking responsibility, alongside pro-social behaviour, anti-social behaviour, and hyperactivity. The study said: ‘The marital status of parents in the early years, when children were first recruited to the study, was also a significant predictor of changes in self-regulation and pro-social behaviour during secondary education.’

Via: OpenHeaven.com

DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

THE POWER OF THE CALL

Understanding the call of God upon your life and that of the church.

Download your free PDF Files here.....

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WAXING LYRICAL

Before Adam and Eve sinned there was no need for time, for they had eternity. The tyranny of time is one of the costs of man's fall.

A MATTER OF TIME

Isn’t time such a wonderful thing,
Seems as long as a piece of string.
Not knowing where it begins, or is likely to end,
With so much of it, you can give some to a friend.

In the bright sparkle of youth,
It’s never ending, ’tis the truth!
So much to do, but with all the time in the world,
No hurry to use it! In bed we lie, snugly curled.

Then comes along the responsibilities of life,
Now it’s time to settle down with the wife.
Still the time ahead, it seems so great,
To be lovingly shared, now with a mate.

But soon comes along the patter of little feet,
And suddenly, time is no longer in surfeit!
For now there just are too few hours in the day,
To do all your work, no longer time to play.

The family grows up,
With a cat and a pup.
Then all of a sudden they are leaving home,
For now it’s their turn, the world to roam.

Where did all the years dash?
Disappeared now in a flash!
Yes, time it truly does you con,
Once so much, now all gone.

Then it’s time to do all the things we desire,
As time passes, from our work we may now retire.
But while the mind is willing, the body’s now weak,
For old man time, havoc on our person does wreak.

So the moral of the story, both for woman and man,
Is to use every minute in the best way we can.
For all too soon, time comes to an end,
Then to heaven or hell, it does us send.

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

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

A DAVID MUSING

I love elections! This week I have had 3 to keep me interested.

Firstly, in Fiji. After 8 years or so of military dictatorship, the former dictator, Frank Bainimarama's party, has won 60% of the vote in a clear cut win, which should mitigate any post-election trouble. Kathy and I hope so, as we are going there for a week's holiday, in another week!

Secondly, there has been the referendum on independence for Scotland. This is again of interest, as my father's family came from the Shetland Islands, a part of Scotland, to New Zealand. We now have our 'Scottish family (our eldest son, his wife and 3 grandchildren) living back on the Scottish mainland. The 55-45% vote to remain a part of Britain was also clear cut. But there is to be a greater devolution of power to Scotland (and England, Ireland and Wales) which appears to be a 'win win' situation for all.

Finally today Saturday, when I am writing this, is our triennial election here in New Zealand. Kathy and I will go and vote when we close the shop this afternoon. Then tonight, we will sit in front of the TV and listen to the results.

I really enjoy elections, so have had plenty to be interested in over the past few weeks!

God's kingdom is not a democracy, nor is it 'ruled' by man. For we are to be led by the Holy Spirit, relying upon him for our instructions for living. Easier said than done! But it is the way of the Lord and the challenge of Christian maturity. And we know too, who the ultimate winner will be!

So until next week.....

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: ARCHAISM

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' b. Solomon

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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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