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: 702 Published: 13 Apr 2015
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?
SUMMARYNine months ago now we started this series with the Beatitudes and we have finished the kingdom parables Jesus gave, most probably, on the same occasion.
For these teachings found in greatest detail in Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7 form the heart of the gospel of the kingdom. Significantly these chapters include what we know as the Lord's (really the disciples) Prayer which includes....
In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.(Matthew 6:9-10)
Then we went on to have a look at the church according to Jesus, including the churches of Revelation which Jesus Himself, through John, commented on.
This was followed, from the Biblical accounts, an analysis of the early Jewish church and the primarily Gentile churches set up by Paul.
At this stage, of course, we had to revert to the history books in order to follow the progress of the church through the next, nearly 2 millennia.
Finally we have considered the kingdom parables in order to see what the church of the future, the kingdom church, will look like.
Next week, we will draw some conclusions from our study.
But in the meantime 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.
Find out more about us at.....
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUSMay we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
Not to Worry (Matthew 6:25-34)
“That’s why I’m telling you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about what to eat, or what to drink, or what clothes to put on. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds—they don’t sow or reap or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they are? Who of you by worrying can add a minute to your life? And why are you worried about clothes? Look at the beautiful flowers in the field. See how they grow: they don’t work hard, they don’t spin thread. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like one of these flowers. So if God decorates the fields like this, grass which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, won’t he do much more for you, you people who trust so little? So don’t worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ These are all the things that the heathen chase after, but your heavenly Father knows everything you need. Seek his kingdom first, and his way of doing right, and everything will be given to you. So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow can worry about itself. There’s already enough evil in every day.
Do Not Judge Others (Matthew 7:1-6, Luke 6:37-42)
“Don’t judge others, so that you won’t be judged. For whatever standard you use to judge others will be used to judge you, and whatever measurement you use to measure others will be used to measure you. Why do you see the speck that’s in your brother’s eye? Don’t you notice the plank that’s in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take out that speck from your eye’ when you have a plank in your own eye? You’re being hypocritical! First get rid of the plank that’s in your own eye. Then you’ll be able to see clearly to take out the speck from your brother’s eye.
“Don’t give dogs what’s holy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs. That way the pigs won’t trample them underfoot, and the dogs won’t turn and attack you.
(Continued next week.)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
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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.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.....
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
BEAUTY1078. 'Beauty Within' outpaces 'Starlet' in the 'Race of Life'.
1079. We value the superficial but God' loves a beautiful heart.
1080. You cannot judge a book, or a person, by their cover!
1081. Beauty is fleeting, but a beautiful spirit, eternal.
1082. A beautiful body attracts a king, but a beautiful heart, the King of Kings.
1083. We can do little to alter our appearance, but a lot to beautify our heart.
1084. Beauty comes, beauty goes, but a beautiful heart goes on forever.
1084. To be beautiful in your old age cultivate a beautiful spirit now.
1085. Wrinkles follow the pattern of the heart rather than the shape of the face.
1086. Outward beauty is a blessing, inward beauty, God's gift.
1087. The foolish person seeks beauty, the wise, wisdom, the godly, a beautiful spirit.
1088. As the beauty of youth fades, inner beauty blossoms.
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 ...
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: HOLY SPIRIT WEEKEND IN HAWKES BAY.... with Rodney Francis and David Tait
If you are in New Zealand (or Australia or elsewhere!) why not take the opportunity to join us for a weekend retreat on the theme HEARING ANOBEYING GOD'S VOICE at Stoney Creek Ranch, Maraekakaho, Hawkes Bay, from Friday evening 24 April until Sunday afternoon on the 26th April. The speakers are Rodney Francis of theGospel Faith Messenger and yours truly, David Tait of Walking With Jesus MinistriesWalking With Jesus Ministries. Check out our websites to find out more about us.It will be a weekend of Holy Spirit inspiration, guidance and participation. We would love you to attend. Am sure both we, and you, will be blessed.
Should you want more details please email david@wwj.org.nz HERE and I will endeavour to answer any questions and/or send you a registration form.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE THE OTHER PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE. Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 3. FROM KINGS TO KINGDOM continues... as we look at the second church Jesus commended, that at Philadelphia.
Check out all the available teachings at...
*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
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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. ***
164. THEME SONGS FOR BIBLE CHARACTERS
Noah: "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head"
Adam and Eve: "Strangers in Paradise"
Lazarus: "The Second Time Around"
Esther: "I Feel Pretty"
Job: "I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues"
163. PASTORAL VISITING
A new pastor moved into a town, and he went out one day to visit his parishioners. All went well until he came upon this one house. It was obvious that someone was home, but no one came to the door even after he had knocked several times. Finally he took out his card, wrote on the back "Revelation 3:20" and stuck it on the back of the door.
Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me."
Later in the week, as he was counting the offering, he found his card in the collection plate. Below his message was the notation "Genesis 3:10."
Genesis 3:10: "And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked: so I hid myself."
162. LATERAL THINKING
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, and Ryan, 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait." Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"
"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 is the only bone in the body that does not connect to other bones?ANSWER: The hyoid bone, in the throat, is the only bone in the human body that does not connect to other bones. Its particular job is to support the tongue and its muscles. (Gets a greater workout from one sex than the other! See No. 780!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Is there really such a thing as a flea circus?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS 570. BUSY BODY
Our bodies create and kill 15 million red blood cells per second! (Amazing that there is time left for anything else!)
571. MOUSE HOUSE
The average mouse pad 8.75 inches (220mm) by 7.5 inches (185mm). (How is it that those who hate mice can still manage to operate a computer?)
572. NOT SO PRICKLY
The Aubergine or Eggplant is a part of the Thistle Family. (Sour taste too!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
DISCOUNT
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...
BIBLE TRIVIA 1
18: How many verses are there in Psalm 23?a. Two
b. Four
c. Six
d. Eight
Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! I've heard it's bad luck to be superstitious?
!!!!!! Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.
!!!!! A professor is a person who talks in SOMEONE ELSE'S sleep.
!!!! We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God. (Dwight Moody)
!!! Christ is a substitute for everything, but nothing is a substitute for Christ. (Ironside)
!! If lips and life do not agree, the testimony will not amount to much.
! Time is given us to use in view of eternity.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
JUST JOKES
344. ANSWERS OF A BRILLIANT STUDENT WHO OBTAINED 0% . . .I would have given him 100% !!
Q1. In which battle did Napoleon die?
* his last battle
Q2. Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?
* at the bottom of the page
Q3. River Ravi flows in which state?
* liquid
Q4. What is the main reason for divorce?
* marriage
Q5. What is the main reason for failure?
* exams
Q6. What can you never eat for breakfast?
* Lunch & dinner
Q7. What looks like half an apple?
* The other half
Q8. If you throw a red stone into the blue sea what it will become?
* it will simply become wet
Q9. How can a man go eight days without sleeping ?
* No problem, he sleeps at night.
Q10. How can you lift an elephant with one hand?
* You will never find an elephant that has only one hand.
Q11. If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand and four apples and three oranges in other hand, what would you have ?
* Very large hands
Q12. If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long would it take four men to build it?
* No time at all, the wall is already built.
Q13. How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?
*Concrete floors are very hard to crack.
343. THE LAWN
Paddy and Mick were waiting at the bus stop when a truck went past loaded up with rolls of turf.
Paddy said, “I’m gonna do dat when I win da lottery…'
“What's dat den?â€asks Mick.
“Send me lawn away to be cutâ€â€¦
342. FULL SERVICE STOP
A guy comes into a coffee shop and places his order: "I want 3 flat tires & a pair of headlights".
The waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, goes to the kitchen & asks the cook, "This guy out there just ordered 3 flat tires & a pair of headlights. What does he think, this is an auto parts store?!"
"No," the cook says, "3 flat tires means 3 pancakes & a pair of headlights is 2 eggs sunny side up."
"Oh," says the waitress. She thinks about this and then she spoons up a bowl of beans and gives it to the customer.
The guy says "What are the beans for?"
The waitress replies "I thought that, while you're waiting for the flat tires & headlights, you might want to gas up."
More fun at.....
Ariel University: A Model of Co-Existence
CBN NewsARIEL, Israel -- Parts of the U.S. and European governments are trying to block an Israeli university from developing good relations with and helping its Arab neighbors primarily because the foreigners don't agree with the Bible.
Ariel University is located in the hills of biblical Samaria. Established in 1982 as a branch of Bar-Ilan University, the school sought to improve higher education here, especially in the sciences, engineering, and health.
Now it's at the forefront of cancer and other research.
Cancer Research
Professor Aharon Friedman is a scientist and the head of the university's Schlesinger Center for Compact Accelerators and Radiation Sources. He showed CBN News a giant particle accelerator.
Interestingly, he said every home has one.
"You have a microwave oven, and in a microwave oven you have a little particle accelerator and it creates the radiation," he told CBN News.
Friedman said the particle accelerator at Ariel University was built in the early 1960s and there are only a few like it in the world.
But it's not obsolete and actually works more efficiently than the modern ones do today.
"The main research that we actually have occurring here now is cancer research," Friedman explained. "We have discovered that that particular radiation causes cancer cells to kill themselves."
Friedman said it's like putting them on a "suicide mission" but "all the healthy cells are alive and well."
Controversial Home
The university's home is Ariel, what some call a "West Bank settlement" in territory Palestinians want for a future state. It's also part of the land promised to the Jewish people in the Bible as an eternal inheritance.
That has led to boycotts of the university by European governments and the U.S. State Department, Friedman said.
Oddly enough, despite the politics, the university represents a model for co-existence. Some 15,000 Israeli Jewish and Arab students study here together in Hebrew -- without a problem.
CBN's Scott Ross asked several students why they chose Ariel University and if it causes them problems.
"I was looking where there was a good psychology program and something of an eclectic student body, and I found it here," said Shira, a psychology major from New York.
Efrat, a religious IsraelI woman studying public relations and marketing management, said she chose the university "because…of the professional department here and especially in the communication."
Yossi, who immigrated with his family from Ethiopia is studying electrical engineering.
"The people are so warm and happy, the teachers, too," he said. "It's a small university so they can give a good care to every student they see."
Yasser, an Israeli Arab studying computer science and mathematics, agreed there's a good atmosphere on campus.
"My relationship with other people is very good as well, and I don't have any problem with anyone," Yasser told CBN News.
Jew-Arab Relations Model?
Most of the students say people are afraid to visit the university because they've never been there and don't know what a nice and safe place it is.
"There are a lot of hostile Arabs around here and there is a lot of incidents around here so you know the parents are afraid for the children," Yossi said.
"I feel like the more people who know what really goes on here are the more people who actually come into contact with it [and] don't really have worries at all," Shira said. "People who are worried are people who've never been here, like my family maybe in America, who haven't been here."
Most of the students who spoke with CBN News said they hoped they could be a model for Jewish-Arab relations in the rest of the country.
"In my apartment the next door is Arab people and we have a good relationship, we don't have a problem at all," said Eli Ron, an Israeli reservist who is studying electrical engineering.
Yossi said he wasn't surprised at how effective they are.
"I have to be part of the system here that sends a message to everyone," Yossi said. "The thing is that people remember this place from bad times, harsh times, when things were rough or bad publicity in the news. But no one really comes here to see what happens so they don't really know," Yossi said.
"Maybe we will change something because I think people really think that it's a very hard or not a safe place but it's not true," Efrat said about the media attention.
"The things that we're trying to say about this beautiful place can go outside by the TV, by the media, and people will know that it's a nice place," Eli Ron added.....
Via: OpenHeaven.com
Article continues at.....
http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=49927&PN=1
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
WALKING WITH JESUS POSTERQuoting 1 John 2:1-6, six of the most thought provoking and important verses in scripture for walking with Jesus today. A4 size.
Download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
One of the greatest misunderstandings of man over the two millennia since Christ has been that you can earn your passage into heaven through being a good person – that is by works alone. The message of Jesus however was that the only way into heaven was through belief in Him – called faith. Perhaps why this poem was given to me.A GOOD MAN GOES TO HEAVEN?
I met a man, a very good man,
He looked after his family well.
And his son was his greatest fan,
He had no fear of going to hell.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
He went to church at Christmas and Easter
And was most generous with donations,
While the pastors words could not be clearer
He’d sit there, in control of his emotions.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
He was active in the community,
A man of standing - a Rotarian indeed.
Helping others at every opportunity,
The pillar of hope to those in need.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
He had a dear friend, a Moslem brother,
Six times a day facing Mecca he’d pray.
To the God of Abraham, indeed no other,
Of course, he too had found another way.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
Or the man in the jungle, he hadn’t been taught,
He would never have heard of the Jesus word!
Living a good life, doing as he ought,
In no way could he be for the sword!
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
This Jesus man, he was a great guy,
The best role model of all to follow.
Crucified, now living up there in the sky,
But the only way – that rings too hollow.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
The man I met, he suddenly died
His funeral was very well attended.
A pillar of the community the family cried,
Their grief so great, for a life sadly ended.
But surely, a good man goes to heaven?
He took the path to the heavenly gate,
Full of confidence, had nothing to fear,
More than willing to meet his fate,
His ears so eagerly waiting to hear.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
Jesus was waiting there; he’s on the way in!
Then seeing God’s face, hope turned to pain,
What if the requirement was forgiveness of sin?
And repentance the key that brings with it gain.
"But surely God, a good man goes to heaven!"
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life.
No-one comes to the Father except through me."
These words cut through his soul like a knife,
They gutted him, oh how wrong could he be.
"But, I thought a good man goes to heaven!"
"I tell you the truth, I don’t know you", Jesus replied,
The lake of burning sulphur now eternally his fate.
Forever to burn, he cried, "To me the devil has always lied,
Don’t make my mistake – repent now before it’s too late!
For I’ve found out, a good man doesn’t go to heaven!"
I heard the man’s screams - not so far away,
As Satan ever tortures him with his sword.
My sins to Jesus readily confessed that day,
"Thankyou my Jesus, please be my Lord."
Yes surely, a forgiven man goes to heaven!
Thanks to Julian Batchelor for the inspiration of his little black book,
"Why Good People Don’t Go To Heaven".
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
Six weeks ago, this photo of our friend Joce and myself was taken when I went to her house to show her my 'Art Deco' getup. (Our city of Napier is regarded as the Art Deco Capital of the world. Each year in February we have a celebration of it.)
Joce is looking well as you can see, even though she had been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Three weeks later her condition deteriorated and last week she went home to Jesus. Kathy and I were blessed to be with her when she died.
Joce has been a great friend to me (and Kathy) over the past 5 years, and I/we have looked after her, as she had no local family to do so.
We don't have too many really close friends in life, but in spite of our considerable age difference, (Joce was 88 but never looked it!) we were able to encourage and support each other through good times and bad.
Joce died peacefully.
I will miss you Joce - but I know that you are now resting in the arms of Jesus. What an amazing assurance, we as believers, have.
So until next week.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: CONDUITS
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' d. Hegai (Esther 2:8,15)
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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