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: 752 Published: 28 Mar 2016
CHRISTIANITY - A CULTURE, ORGANISATION, OR A RELATIONSHIP?
It is easy to criticize the church and its religious ways, but the real question is 'what do we do about it?' That is the challenge that we as God's disciples face today. Over these 12 weeks we are looking at practical ways God is calling His church, you and me, and the body corporate, to change today. These are taken from my publication A REVELATION OF……. GOD'S CALL TO HIS CHURCH, published 10 years ago. I do not pretend that the changes are easy, but they are necessary for God's kingdom to be established on the earth in preparation for the return of Jesus. Let's continue.....1: FROM MARTHA TO MARY
2: FROM GREEK TO HEBREW
3: FROM REVIVAL TO HABITATION
4: FROM KINGSHIP TO SERVANTHOOD
5: FROM RECEIVING TO GIVING
6: FROM SONG TO HEART WORSHIP
7: TO CHANGE FOCUS FROM US TO HIM
8: FROM NUMBERS TO DISCIPLESHIP
9: FROM BUILDINGS TO COMMUNITY
10: FROM SERVING PROGRAMMES TO MEETING INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
11: FROM PRIESTLY FOCUS TO PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT
One of the greatest frustrations to church leaders is in getting their people involved in doing the work of the church. We have, of course, previously dealt with the difference between the 'churches work' and 'God's work', so we won't go there again.
Why is it though, that people don't want to be involved? While we constantly hear the excuse that today we are too busy, I would suggest that this is an 'excuse' rather than the 'reason'. For we all find time to do the things that that we consider most important to us. Put simply, God's work is further down the priority list than other pursuits in the time we have available.
I would suggest, even going back 50 years when the pace of life was slower, the situation was little better. Sure, at this time when mothers stayed at home with the kids, there was a greater people resource available, but it still didn't result in a big increase in God's kingdom.
So there has to be another, more basic reason why people don't feel the need to become involved, even while claiming that God is their No. 1 life priority!
To find the answer we need to go right back to the time of Constantine and the early Roman church where we saw the formalisation of a paid priesthood placed over the laity. It is no good criticising the Roman Catholic Church about this, for the division has been perpetuated through all the reformations that have taken place since. From priests to ministers to pastors, the basic organisation structure has remained. The common perception is that the 'professionals' are far better qualified to do the job - and this is what we are paying them for anyway!
Pastors will cry out, "No David, you are wrong! We aren't like that at all!"
But 'Pastor Tait' has a title, perhaps wears a robe, or clerical collar, or more subtly, dresses better than his people. He likely has a formal qualification, may even be called 'Rev' or 'Dr'. He stands behind a pulpit on a raised platform, maybe even sitting on a grand throne on the stage. He is placed on a pedestal by his people and takes the place of honour at banquets. Then wonders why the people might perceive him (or her) as a superior Christian to them! To know, deep down, that they are inferior believers and the Lord would certainly use the pastor first to build His kingdom. Besides, that is (generally) what he is paid to do.
Yet this Old Covenant system is not the way it is meant to be under the New Covenant. Jesus criticised the Rabbis for precisely the same things!
5 “Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’ 8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:5-12)
Jesus came to bring a new way, with a brotherhood to replace the hierarchy.
11 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.†(Hebrews 2:11-12)
It is a sad fact, that in the church, we generally have more hierarchy than in the world. There are very few people accorded leadership titles in the world, yet so many in the church.
God is calling His leaders to a change in attitude, from one of getting the people to help fulfil the pastor's vision towards encouraging and training the people to seek the Lord for personal vision and then helping them implement what the Lord reveals. For it is the saints who are designated to do the work, not the leaders.
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. (Ephesians 4:11-12)
In those rare situations where equipping and encouraging the people to do the work is the primary focus of ministry, you will almost always find a healthy, happy and effective 'church', of whatever form it might take. One of people willing to work for Jesus in the way the Lord has shown them to do. It is a more difficult road for the leadership, but the truth is, we are to be like Jesus and act as He acted.
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.†(Matthew 20:28)
PRINCIPLE 11: God is calling all His people to become personally involved in the ministry of the kingdom.
DAVID'S DOUBTS: But God, how can I fulfil MY vision if I have no flock to help me, for surely my vision is their vision!" "David, my son, serve your people and give your life up for them, as Jesus did." "But God... OK God!"
(Continued next week)
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUSMay we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
Jesus’ Authority Questioned in the Temple (Matthew 21:23-7, Mark 11: 20-26, Luke 20:1-8)
By the priests, teachers and elders.
“I too will ask you a question,†“If you give me the answer, I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Where did the baptism of John come from? Was it from heaven, or was it from people?
No reply is given.
“Then I won’t tell you by what authority I’m doing these things,â€
Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
Spoken to the Pharisees.
“But what do you think about this illustration? Once there was a man who had two sons. He went to the first son, and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘I won’t,’ but afterwards he was sorry for what he said and he did go. The man went to the second son, and told him the same thing. He replied, ‘I’ll go,’ but he didn’t. Which of the two sons did what his father wanted?â€
The first.
“I tell you the truth: tax-collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you,†“John came to show you the way to live right with God, and you didn’t believe him, but the tax-collectors and prostitutes did believe him. Later, when you saw what happened, you still didn’t repent and believe him.â€
(Continued next week.)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
***NEW*** FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!!!
Finally, my book "TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH" is now available worldwide for electronic download on Amazon (Kindle) for $US0.99c . Unfortunately there has to be charge in order to list.This has been a journey for me, I but have now mastered the technology and believe it is the right time to do this.
Now only a further 40 odd books and booklets, written over 15 years, to go!
Your support would be appreciated and it could well change your life!
Check it out here.....
***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today
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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
JOY624. Laughter expresses emotion, joy character.
625. Remaining joyful in adverse circumstances reflects God in you.
626. Joy is not an emotion, but a way of life.
627. Joy is the outward expression of peace within.
628. Laughter comes, laughter goes, but joy goes on forever.
1217. True joy is God given, not human driven.
1218. The source of true joy is righteousness rather then happiness.
1219. Real joy is of the spirit, not the soul.
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:A REVELATION OF... THE THREE PRIESTHOODS continues......... as we progress through our study of the Aaronic Priesthood.
Check out all the available teachings at...
*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
As Christians, if we can't laugh at ourselves, others will! A fun way to start your day. To register today, simply click here lao-on@wwj.org.nz and press send. Then it's done! Should you wish, check out early issues (where you can also subscribe) at...
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. ***
301. ROOM IN HEAVEN
One day a doctor, a farmer and the president of an HMO arrive at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter hesitates, because heaven is getting kind of full. Finally he tells the doctor, "You may come in, for you have taken care of the sick in their time of need." Then he turns to the farmer and says, "And you , too, may enter, for you have grown food to nourish your fellow man."
Then St. Peter turns to the HMO executive. "Well, I guess you can come in too - but only for three days."
300. SLEEPING IN
Pastor to Parishioner: "Will I see you in church tomorrow?"
Parishioner: "I expect to be there Reverend, but I've been sleeping in on Sunday mornings."
Pastor: "Oh, really? How late have you been sleeping in?"
Parishioner: "That all depends on the length of your sermon."
299. HEAVEN AND HELL - THE REAL DIFFERENCE
A man spoke with the Lord about heaven and hell. The Lord said to the man, "Come, I will show you hell." They entered a room where a group of people sat around a huge pot of stew. Everyone was famished, desperate and starving. Each held a spoon that reached the pot, but each spoon had a handle so much longer than their own arm that it could not be used to get the stew into their own mouths. The suffering was terrible.
"Come, now I will show you heaven," the Lord said after a while. They entered another room, identical to the first - the pot of stew, the group of people, the same long-handled spoons. But there everyone was happy and well-nourished.
"I don’t understand," said the man. "Why are they happy here when they were miserable in the other room and everything was the same?"
The Lord smiled, "Ah, it is simple," he said. "here they have learned to feed each other."
By Ann Landers
"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: Is it true that August stole a day from February?ANSWER: Yes. Under the Julian calendar, February had 29 days and the other months alternated evenly between 30 and 31 days. Because July had 31 days, the month following it was supposed to have 30 days. But that was the month that Augustus had brought Egypt under control and entered the city in triumph and he had to have it. He couldn't, of course, be duly honored with a LESSER month, one with fewer days. So to make his month as long as Julius' month, they had to steal a day from February (making it just 28) and add it to August (making it 31). (They also messed with September and the remaining months, in order to avoid three months in a row with 31 days.) (The Emperors thought they ruled time too!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
1. What is the youngest book in the Old Testament?
2. What is the oldest book of the New Testament?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS 425. CAN'T CARRY IT HOME
$1,000,000 in $1 bills weighs approximately one ton. Placed in a pile it would be 360 feet (110 m) high – as tall as 63 average adults standing on top of each other. (Now $100 bills of course…..)
426. PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT
When using the first pay telephones, a caller did not deposit his coins in the machine. He gave them to an attendant standing next to the telephone. Coin phones did not appear until 1899. (Another labour saving device.)
427. NO TIME
When in China, avoid giving the gift of a clock. To the older Chinese generation, the clock is a symbol of bad luck. (To me too, when I am running late!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
TEDIOUS
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...
GENERAL TRIVIA 1
8: Paul said our faith is worthless if what didn't happen?a. Raising of Jesus
b. Exodus of the Jews
c. Birth of Jesus
d. Gift of the Holy Spirit
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"""!!!!!!! A mistake is proof that somebody tried anyhow.
!!!!!! The most dangerous thing in the world is to try to leap a chasm in two jumps.
!!!!! A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he knows something.
!!!! When you became a Christian, God didn't call you to a playground, but a battleground!
!!! Sin will keep you from the Bible ~ but the Bible will keep you from sin.
!! Co-operate! Remember the banana ~ every time it leaves the bunch it gets skinned.
! Success comes in cans: Failure comes in can'ts.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
TIL DEATH DO US PART
73. ATTRACTION TO LIGHT!In the back woods of Arkansas, Mr. Stewart's wife went into labor in the middle of the night, and the doctor was called out to assist in the delivery.
To keep the nervous father-to-be busy, the doctor handed him a lantern and said, "Here, you hold this high so I can see what I'm doing." Soon, a wee baby boy was brought into the world. "Whoa there Scotty!" said the doctor. "Don't be in a rush to put the lantern down...I think there's yet another wee one to come."
Sure enough, within minutes he had delivered another little baby.
"No, no, don't be in a great hurry to be putting down that lantern, young man...It seems there's yet another one besides!" cried the doctor.
The new father scratched his head in bewilderment, and asked the doctor. "Do ye think it's the light that's attractin' them?"
74. LAST REQUESTS?
Mary Clancy goes up to Father O'Grady after his Sunday morning service, and she's in tears. He says, "So what's bothering you, dear?"
She says, "Oh, Father, I've got terrible news. My husband passed away last night."
The priest says, "Oh, Mary, that's terrible. Tell me, Mary, did he have any last requests?"
She says, "That he did, Father..."
The priest says, "What did he ask, Mary?"
She says, "He said, 'Please, Mary, put down that gun..."
75. DON'T WORRY MOM
My six-year-old grandson called his mother from his friend Charlie's house and confessed he had broken a lamp when he threw a football in their living room.
"But, Mom," he said, brightening, "you don't have to worry about buying another one. Charlie's mom said it was irreplaceable."
76. FAMILY DEFINITIONS
DUMBWAITER: one who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
FAMILY PLANNING: the art of spacing your children the proper distance apart to keep you on the edge of financial disaster.
FEEDBACK: the inevitable result when the baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.
FULL NAME: what you call your child when you're mad at him/her.
GRANDPARENTS: the people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.
HEARSAY: what toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
IMPREGNABLE: a woman whose memory of labor is still vivid.
INDEPENDENT: how we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say.
OW: the first word spoken by children with older siblings.
PRENATAL: when your life was still somewhat your own.
PUDDLE: a small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
SHOW OFF: a child who is more talented than yours.
STERILIZE: what you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it.
TOP BUNK: where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.
TWO-MINUTE WARNING: when the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar grunting noises.
VERBAL: able to whine in words
WHODUNIT: none of the kids that live in your house.
Laugh (or cry) at more family humour .....
Peru’s March for Life drew over 750,000 people, organizers say
March 14, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) – For the fourth year in a row, Peruvian pro-lifers took to the streets of Lima to defend the right to life of all persons from conception to natural death.Organizers estimate that over 750,000 people participated in the annual March for Life on Saturday.
Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriano, the archbishop of Lima, who has taken a visible and active role in the defense of life in Peru, stated that "this march has brought together the greatest number of citizens ever in Peru's history, all of them united by one idea and one mission, to defend the paramount right to life."
Cardinal Cipriani addressed the multitudinous gathering telling them that "I feel very proud to be with you at this march. Peru is showing Latin America and Europe that we can change our way of thinking. We must support life, the family, and we must have the courage to take to the streets. They will not silence us. We will always take to the streets to defend life."
The march began at 3 pm with an address by the auxiliary bishop of Lima, Msgr. Adriano Tomasi, and proceeded through several neighborhoods of Lima before ending at a beach on the Costa Verde (the green coast). Pro-lifers were then treated to a concert and several talks, among them one by Lianna Rebolledo, a rape survivor who became pregnant by rape and, although only 12 years old, refused to abort.
Also attending the March were several presidential and vice presidential candidates, such as Hernando Guerra, Lourdes Flores, and Ãntero Flores-Araoz, who gave statements of support for the right to life and those who defend it.
Peru, along with other Latin American nations that defend the right to life from conception, have been under an unremitting assault from international abortion activists, who have found allies in some of the political elites of leftists political parties.
Although legislation has been defeated repeatedly in the Peruvian congress, last year the current first lady, Nadine Heredia, along with a cadre of handpicked abortion activists appointed to head up the health ministry, were able to issue national health regulations intended to "standardize abortion care" in cases where the health of the mother was in danger. In so doing, they sought to circumvent the clear protections against abortion in the criminal code and in Article 1 of the Peruvian constitution, which states that "the defense of the human person and the respect for his or her dignity is the paramount purpose for society and the state."
The march is an especially important show of force in light of the upcoming presidential elections, which will be held in less than a month on the tenth of April.
A recent poll found that 89% of Peruvians reject abortion.
Source: www.lifesitenews.com
Via: OpenHeaven.com
DAVID'S DOWNLOADS
A REVELATION OF... THE 3 RIVERS OF GODThe principle of the 'river' in scripture and how it applies to our lives and the church today.
Download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
Normally writing verse takes longer than writing prose. But not this time!IN A HURRY!
Time is short,
Too much sport!
Bad attitude,
No gratitude!
Put Jesus first,
Develop thirst!
Do come aboard,
Jesus is Lord!
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
As we complete the Easter cycle of remembering the death of Jesus and celebrating His resurrection, it is a good time to look at our own lives and reconsider whether we have truly 'died to self' and been 'resurrected' in the likeness of Jesus.Of course, this is an ongoing process in our walk with Jesus towards Christian maturity.
But, at times, it is good to stop and reflect on the progress we have made and reconsider whether we have truly made the sacrifices we need to make in order to hasten our progress.
It seems to me that Easter, when the memory of His sacrifice for us is at the forefront, is a good time to do this.
Do you agree?
Will we do it?
So until next week.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: OUTSIDE
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' a. Raising of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:14)
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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