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: 722 Published: 31 Aug 2015
THE PURGING of THE CHURCH
The Lord has led me to go back to a sermon/prophecy I received in a group mailing, and filed, some time ago. It is by David Wilkerson.David was the Founding Pastor of Times Square Church in New York City. He was called to New York in 1958 to minister to gang members and drug addicts, as told in the best-selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade.
After the introduction, he gave 11 bullet points about THE GLORIOUS FUTURE JUST AHEAD. As the Lord leads, I will expand on these challenging but inspiring aspects over the weeks ahead.
9. His Person being lifted up to draw all men to Him!
The prophet Isaiah, who lived c.740-681BC, both prophesied the coming of Jesus and His glorification.....
The suffering and glory of the servant
13 See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. (Isaiah 52:13)
On the other hand, Isaiah also prophesied that fallen man, confident in their own strength, such as we in our modern world, would be humbled by the glory of the the Lord being lifted up by His people.
12 The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled), 13 for all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty, and all the oaks of Bashan, 14 for all the towering mountains and all the high hills, 15 for every lofty tower and every fortified wall, 16 for every trading ship and every stately vessel. 17 The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day, 18 and the idols will totally disappear. (Isaiah 2:12-18)
The New Testament acknowledges that that Jesus was to die and be lifted up.....
13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.’ (John3:13-15)
And that finally, all people will be drawn to Him.....
31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. (John 12:31-3)
Footnotes: John 12:32 The Greek for lifted up also means exalted.
He died on the cross, overcame death, and was lifted up. We all should bow to Him.....
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (Philippians 2:8-10)
Amazingly He made a one-time sacrifice for us.....
25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 Such a high priest truly meets our need – one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. (Hebrews 7:25-7)
He is to rule and reign in the church, and then over the world in the age to come.....
20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, (Ephesians 1:20-22)
The times when Jesus has been made preeminent in the church have been those of revelation and revival. Unfortunately we, as humans, have tended to absorb revelation, converting it into religion, and have worked out the pattern of revival, wresting control back from the Holy Spirit. Today's picture, a quotation of Reinhard Bonke, sums it up perfectly, particularly in the Western world.
The kingdom church is based on the exaltation of Jesus, as revealed by the Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Are you prepared to put Jesus in first place in your life?
(Continued next week.)
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUSMay we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
Discipline within the Church (Matthew 18:15-20)
“If a brother sins against you, go and point out the wrong to him, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you’ve won your brother over. But if he doesn’t listen, then take one or two more people with you, so that by two or three witnesses the truth can be confirmed. If however he refuses to listen to them, then tell the church. If he refuses to listen to the church as well, then treat him as a foreigner and a tax-collector. I tell you the truth, whatever you ban on earth will be banned in heaven, and whatever you allow on earth will be allowed in heaven.
“I also tell you that if two of you agree here on earth about something you’re praying for, then my heavenly Father will do it for you. For where two or three gather together in my name, I’m there with them.â€
A Question About Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)
Peter asks Jesus how often sin is to be forgiven.
“No, not seven times. I would say seventy times seven!â€
Jesus then tells a parable.
“This is why the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with those servants who owed him money. As he began to settle accounts, one servant was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. Since he didn’t have the money to pay, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all his possessions, so that the debt could be paid back. The servant fell down on his knees and said to his master, ‘Please be patient with me! I will pay everything back!’ The master took pity on the servant, released him, and cancelled the debt. But when that same servant went out he found one of his fellow-servants who owed him just a hundred denarii. He grabbed him by the neck and choked him, saying, ‘Pay me back what you owe me!’ His fellow-servant threw himself down at the man’s feet and begged him, ‘Please be patient with me! I will pay you back!’ But the man refused, and went and threw his fellow-servant into prison until he paid back what he owed.
“When the other servants saw what took place they were shocked and upset. They went and told their master everything that had happened. Then the master called the man back in and told him, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you all your debt because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have been merciful to your fellow-servant as well, just as I was merciful to you?’ His master became angry and handed him over to the jailors until he had repaid all the debt. This is what my heavenly Father will do to every one of you unless you sincerely forgive your brothers.â€
(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
GENERAL429. Our job is 'to be', so that God can use us 'to do'.
550. How is it that those who hate mice can still manage to operate a computer?
551. How is it that ‘back seat drivers’ usually sit in the front passenger’s seat?
552. Heroism is in the eye of the beholder.
553. You may know how to get there but you first have to know where to go!
554. For another to believe you is good, to believe in you, life giving.
555. The quickest way to get feedback is to make a mistake.
556. If you don’t think anyone is listening, make a mistake and you will be sure to find out!
557. To be believed pleases the mind, to be believed in, builds up the soul.
558. Hope is of the mind, faith of the heart, but true love is our expression of God’s will.
559. Prophecy is powerful when confirmed by the Word.
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 ...
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: 4. CHARACTERISTICS OF KINGDOM PEOPLEOur study on the transformation of the church concludes with the second part of our look at unity of the Spirit.
Check out all the available teachings at...
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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. ***
219. MARRIED BLISS
Adam and Eve had a unique advantage for starting married life: he didn't have to hear about the men she could have married and she didn't have to worry about not cooking things the way his mother cooked them.
218. TOP 10 REASONS FOR NOT READING THE SCRIPTURE
In one church, members were asked to read Joshua Chapter 1 in preparation for the following Sunday's sermon. A few members failed to read - here are their top ten excuses:
10. I was absent last week, and thought that the bulletin I received in the mail was for spending quality time making paper airplanes with my grandson.
9. I tried, but finally gave up trying to find the book of Joshua in my handy pocket New Testament.
8. I procrastinated until Saturday night, but the excitement of my wife's favorite WWF show was too distracting.
7. My dog ate my Great Chapters assignment sheet.
6. Spiritual giants like me read the Bible as guided from above, not as directed by mere man.
5. My Bible could not be found - prior to Y2k I had buried it in a metal box in the woods so I could access it when Anti-Christ takes over the world.
4. When the Pastor said "Joshua one", I thought he was telling us that "Joshua won" at the Israeli marathon race last week.
3. I'm a visual person so I looked at the Bible comic book pictures.
2. I'm an auditory person so I listened to the song, "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho".
And the number one top excuse for not reading the assigned Bible chapter:
1. I started to read the chapter, but then came under persecution when an officer pulled me over and forbade me to read while driving on I - 80.
217. PREACHING AND PRAYING
There was a Pastor that died and went to heaven. Upon his arrival he was given an old shack to live in. He noticed a cab driver who had entered was given a huge mansion.
The pastor had asked Peter why he was given this shack after he had given his entire life to serving the Lord. He also inquired how a cabby reap such a reward. Peter responded, "It's simple, when you preached people fell asleep but when he drove people prayed "
"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 happened to Pontius Pilate after he sentenced Christ to be crucified?ANSWER: As could be expected, things went rapidly downhill from there. Pilate ended up killing himself in 36 AD after Caligula ordered him to come to Rome to explain his actions in the massacre of some Samaritans. It is unclear whether Caligula ordered the suicide or Pilate simply feared harsh punishment. (An inevitable judgement.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: When was the first animal cloned?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS 513. FLYING SUARE
The Swiss flag is square. (But generally doesn’t have holes in it, as does their cheese.)
514. BE PREPARED
A golden razor removed from the tomb of King Tutankhamen (1336 - 1327 BC) was still sharp enough to be used. (As he was murdered when only 18, he may not have had much use out of it!)
515. CAN'T CURDLE
Camel’s milk doesn’t curdle. (Now know why we can’t buy ‘camel milk yoghurt’.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
TUTOR
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...
WHICH BOOK?
18: …comes five books after Galatians?a. Philemon
b. Colossians
c. 2 Thessalonians
d. 2 John
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"""!!!!!!! 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.
!!!! It's harder to talk your way out of a problem than it is to behave yourself into one.
!!! I was taught to respect my elders. It's just getting harder to find any.
!! The two most common elements in the world are hydrogen and stupidity.
! A friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be somewhere else.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
GREAT GROANERS
171. THE DISASTERA husband and wife had a human cannonball act in the circus. One day the wife ran off with the lion tamer. The husband was extremely dejected. The strong man asked him what he was going to do.
"This is a disaster," the husband answered, I don't know where I'm going to find another woman of her caliber."
172. THE HOUSE SPECIAL
A very thirsty man goes into a bar. As he's sitting down, he hears the man next to him tell the bartender, "I'll have another waterloo."
The bartender gives the fellow a tall, well-iced drink, then asks the newcomer what he would like to drink. Thinking the other man's drink may be a specialty of the house, he says, "I'll have a waterloo, too."
The bartender gives him the tall, well-iced drink, and the customer takes a big drink.
"Hey," he says, "this isn't any good. It tastes just like water!" The man next to him looks at the bartender and says, "Well, it is water.! Right, Lou?"
173. THE DILEMNA
There was this guy, and he had a girlfriend called Lorraine who was very pretty and he liked her a lot. One day he went to work to find a new girl had started. Her name was Clearly and she was absolutely gorgeous. He became quite besotted with her and after a while it became obvious that she was interested in him too.
But this guy was a loyal man and he wouldn't do anything with Clearly while he was still going out with Lorraine. He decided that there was nothing to do but to break up with her and get it on with the new girl. He planned several times to tell Lorraine but he couldn't bring himself to do it.
One day they went for a walk along the river bank when Lorraine slipped and fell in to the river. The current carried her off and she drowned. The guy stopped for a moment by the river and then ran off smiling and singing.......
I can see Clearly now Lorraine has gone.
174. THE DELIVERY
A doctor had just delivered twins. They were a boy and a girl. The head nurse brought them out for their father to see. He could hardly believe his good fortune. The girl baby had a pink blanket wrapped around her and the boy baby was enclosed in a blue blanket.
He took one step forward just so he could touch the babies and believe they had finally arrived. As he started to touch them the nurse took a step backwards and said, "You can't touch those babies. You aren't sterile!"
With out missing a beat, he retorted "You're telling me I'm not sterile!"
More of my favorite humour here.....
DAVID'S DOWNLOADS
A REVELATION OF... THE POWER OF THREE IN GOD AND THE CHURCHIn 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!
Download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
All too often we don't consider the long term consequences of our choices in life. Choices made now will affect us for eternity.WE CHOOSE
Life comes, life goes,
Brings peaks, and lows.
We surely reap what we sow!
Our tide does ebb and flow.
When I look back on what I've done,
I see the storms, but also the sun.
For I have done good, at times been bad,
Sometimes am happy, sometimes am sad.
No, the time past I cannot now change,
But my future, yes, I may rearrange.
What will I do? Where will I go?
I may think, but God does know.
Will I put my life in His hand?
On His Rock, my days to stand.
Or will I build my house on the sand?
And His will for me, not understand.
Today I am charged to live the call.
Am I prepared to give Him my all?
Or will I continue in my earthly ways?
Seeking my own pleasure, all my days.
My time may well be short, it may be long,
Before joining Jesus, forever to belong,
What will He say that glorious day I see His face?
Knowing I've been saved, by His amazing grace.
Will it be, "Well done good and faithful servant",
Or will I seek my actions to quickly recant!
For on that day, I will surely see
The result of choices, made by me.
The past I can't change, the future neither,
But by my today's actions I can either
Build His kingdom here upon the earth,
Or make my own! My decision, my worth.
What will I do? Where will I go?
Will it be wheat or tares I sow?
Today I now have the choices to make,
Of what direction my life will take.
You too, my friend, today are in the very same boat,
To be a sheep of the Shepherd, or to be the goat.
What will be your choice of 'the way' to live?
All your life to Jesus, will you now give?
One day we will meet together with Jesus in heaven,
Having lived lives of fruitfulness, or of leaven.
The choices we now make on earth today,
Do determine what role we will play.
Let's now look towards
Our heavenly rewards.
The choice is mine,
The choice is thine!
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
Catch up soon!So until next time.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: TROUT
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' c. 1 Samuel
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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