WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY? Part 2

THE CHURCH ACCORDING TO JESUS

 A PEOPLE OF GODLY LIVING      

Jesus did not teach theology as we understand. He simply set out the way His followers were to live in what is known as the 'sermon on the mount'. It was not a sermon as we understand it but a teaching to His disciples.....       

The Beatitudes     

5 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:1-12)     

He explained the ways of God by using illustration and parables that the people understood from everyday experience.....      

Salt and Light       

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-15) 

Reading the teachings of Jesus in Matthew, Chapters 5, 6 and 7 give the instructions for godly living, both then and now. These chapters provide the behavioural foundation upon which our lives are to be based. Membership of the kingdom is not defined by Catholic or Protestant, Calvinism or Armenianism, Pre or Post-Trib whatever, but by how we walk with Jesus, in conforming to His image and ways.  

A PEOPLE OF LOVE AND COMMITMENT TO THE FATHER AND EACH OTHER

Jesus gave one all-encompassing commandment that we are to live by..... 

37 Jesus replied: ”‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-9)    

Without love motivating our thoughts and actions, we are merely living an empty religion.       

A PEOPLE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

We will see, as we proceed, the difference between the Jesus church and the religious church is the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”..... 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:16-21, 25-6)    

Without the Holy Spirit transforming us, leading and guiding us through life, our 'Christian' walk is merely manmade religion. 

A PEOPLE WHO WOULD SHARE HIS TEACHINGS WITH OTHERS 

         
Jesus came at a specific time in history when it had become possible to share knowledge, ideas and faith with the entire known world through travelling upon the network of roads built throughout the Roman Empire. It was now possible, in a practical way, to share the message of the Great Commission.....   

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-19)        

When this didn't generally happen, except for Paul and his cohorts, Jerusalem was destroyed in AD70 and the people were forced to flee 'to all nations. God has His ways of seeing His instructions obeyed!     

JESUS CRITICIZED THE RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENT

Throughout the Gospels Jesus was highly critical of the religious establishment of His day. The Pharisees and Rabbis were criticised for legalism, pride, hypocrisy, greed, religious control, false teachings and much more. A few, sample comments follow.....        

 

23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. 25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. 27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. 29 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. (Matthew 23:23-9) 

Could this still apply to the church of today? For, in essence, 'religion', like Jesus, never changes. The criticisms and opposition He had from the religious establishment of His day, remain the same. How would Jesus be treated if He walked into your church today?

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FROM THE WORD

THE WORDS OF JESUS

May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.

 

Seventy (or 72) Sent Out (Luke 10:1-16)

Ahead of Jesus 

“The harvest is large, but the number of workers is small,” “Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send workers to his harvest fields. So get on your way: I’m sending you like sheep among wolves. Don’t take any money or a bag or extra sandals, and don’t spend time chatting with people you meet. Whatever house you enter, first of all say, ‘May this house have peace.’ If there’s a peaceful person living there, then your peace will

rest on them; of not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for a worker deserves to be paid. Don’t go from house to house. If you enter a town and the people there welcome you, then eat what’s set before you 9and heal those who are sick. Tell them, ‘God’s kingdom has come to you.’ But if you enter a town and the people there don’t welcome you, go through their streets telling them, ‘We are wiping off even the dust from your town that clings to our feet to show you our disapproval. But you should recognize this: God’s kingdom has come.’

“I tell you, in the Day of Judgment it will be better for Sodom than for such a town. Shame on you Korazin! Shame on you Bethsaida! For if the miracles you saw happen had happened in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented a long time ago, and they would be sitting in sackcloth and ashes. That’s why in the

judgment it will be better for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, you won’t be exalted to

heaven; you will go down to Hades.

“Anyone who hears you hears me, and anyone who rejects you rejects me. But anyone who rejects me

rejects the one who sent me.”

 

Seventy (or 72) Return (Luke 10:17-24)

Jesus praises God for their good report. 

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread on snakes and scorpions, and to overcome all the enemy’s strength, and nothing will harm you. But don’t take delight that the spirits do what you tell them—just be glad that your names are written in heaven.”

At that moment Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you hid these things from the wise and clever people and revealed them to children! Yes, Father, you were pleased to do it in this way.

“My Father has handed over everything to me. No one understands the Son except the Father, and no one

understands the Father except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

When they were by themselves Jesus turned to the disciples and told them, “Those who see what you’re

seeing should be really happy! I tell you, many prophets and kings have wanted to see what you’re seeing, but they didn’t see, and wanted to hear the things you’re hearing, but didn’t hear.”

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

https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj46p39.pdf

A NOTE ABOUT AFRICA

A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

We are very pleased to announce the substantial financial support of a leading New Zealand ophthalmologist (Eye Surgeon) for our Eye Clinic/Hospital project. 

Thank you Lord.

Fundraising is progressing well. We are at a stage where we can confidently say that the building itself will be able to be constructed as planned. PTL!  Now to equip it!

While the Lord provides, of course He does it through people. We invite you to participate, as the Lord leads you. Full details of the project are enclosed in the Case Statement available at this link.....

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B44p0f3zvNcCVXlpRU12eXRTVDg/view?usp=sharing

I am always available to answer questions at.... david@wwj.org.nz 

We appreciate your prayers, encouragement and support. 

Check out our website here.....

http://www.aneye4africa.org

***NOW***NINE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!!!

9 BOOKS are now available on Amazon (Kindle)!

All are available worldwide for electronic download on Amazon (Kindle) for $US0.99c . Unfortunately there has to be a charge in order to list.

Your support would be appreciated and they could well change your life!

They are all found at this link.....

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=david+tait+books/

BOOK OF THE WEEK

TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH:

CHANGES GOD REQUIRES IN HIS CHURCH TODAY IN ORDER TO PRODUCE THE PERFECTED ‘BRIDE OF CHRIST’

A journey of discovery for those who are dissatisfied with the 'church system' today. If you have a spiritual hunger for more of Jesus, more 'real' interaction with the Holy Spirit and desire to know and live the will of the Father in your life, this is for you. Do you earnestly hunger to enter the 'kingdom of God', the final age that will usher in the return of Jesus? 'TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH' will illuminate the way ahead for you.

Downloadable from Amazon for USD99c at.....

https://www.amazon.com/TRANSFORMATION-CHURCH-CHANGES-REQUIRES-PERFECTED-ebook/dp/B01DBD2SVG/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JJRWR22N7AKT9KSTC4V3

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***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today

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'THE WORDS OF JESUS' REMAIN 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.....

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

RELIGION, REVELATION  AND GOD'S KINGDOM

1061. God reveals, while religion conceals.

1062. Religion is not a church but a mind closed to change.

1063. Revelation is from without, while the heart of religion is birthed within.

1064. Revelation sows, religion mows!

1065. Religion is not the church, but the church too easily becomes religion.

1066. Religion kills, God upskills.

1067. Religion is a gathering of like minds, God's kingdom, one of godly natures.

1068. Religion insidiously enters the church through repetition.

1069. Repetition is religion's close ally.

1070. As people we are inherently religious, for we enjoy feeling comfortable - even in our discomfort!

 

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

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CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER

Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com

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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF... THE FIRST MIRACLE OF JESUS - Water into Wine & THE LORDS SUPPER - Part 4

Revealing the amazing underlying, spiritual meanings of the miracle itself and its relevance to the Lord's Supper that we celebrate today.

Check out all the available teachings at...

https://www.wwj.org.nz/tuesday-teachings

*** 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, go down to the bottom of the page link below, click on the subscribe  link lao--on@wwj.org.nz  (or paste the address in an email yourself and send) Then it's done! 

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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. *** 

 

7. Sermon to Order

After the praise and worship the pastor got up and said, " For today I have prepared 3 sermons. A $10 hell raiser on fire and brimstone that will take an hour and a half to deliver, a $50 exposition on the evils of sin that will take 45 minutes to give, along with a $100, 10 minute gem on love and generosity. We will now take the collection to see which you vote for!"

 

https://www.wwj.org.nz/laughing-at-ourselves

FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is the lowest place on Earth? 

 

ANSWER:  The Dead Sea, located near some of Israel's most famous historical sites, is the lowest place on Earth. It lies further below sea level than any other place in the world. (The only place you can float below sea level?)

 

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Are pigeons and doves of the same family?

 

SOME FUN FACTS

 

PALPABLY PUZZLING PROBLEM No. 1….. Why is the time of day when the traffic is slowest called the ‘rush hour’?

 

7. A ‘Muckraker’?

President Theodore Roosevelt coined the word ‘muckrake’ in a speech that he delivered to the Gridiron Club in Washington, DC in 1906. (A politician looking into a mirror?)

 

8. And Ne’er The Twain Shall Meet – Temporarily!

The Berlin wall that separated East from West in Berlin was 155km (96 miles) long, lasting for 28 years and 3 months until November 1989 had 302 watch towers and 20 bunkers. 77 people were killed while trying to escape over it. (Physical walls cannot contain the restless soul.)

 

9. Doll Talk

Thomas Alva Edison (of light bulb fame), not toy maker Mattel, transferred this major feminine characteristic to dolls in 1888. (Generations of young ladies now trained in its ways!)

 

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU 

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

 

PRESBYTERIAN (Three word answer.)

 

Answer at the end of A David Musing

FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA here.....  https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj14p11.pdf

Or check out all 1232 online at.....

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PAUL

8: Who was well reported of at Lystra?

a. Silas
b. Timothy
c. Titus
d. Barnabas

Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk

Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING

A CAVE turned into a Church to Worship Jesus in Egypt, 70,000+ gather every week to woshsip.

Cave church in Egypt is one of the largest church in the country, a place where more than 70,000 christians gather every week to worship and praise the name of Jesus.

Being in the Arabic world, surrounded by all Islam dominated countries, it is very hard to maintain the custom and continue their coptic culture. Yet, their uncompromising faith to gather and praise the ‘Name that’s Above Every Other Name’ “Jesus” in the Cave Church.

A special arabic song ‘Emmanuel” is sung by almost 70,000 in the cave church gives goosebumps to people to hear it. Watch the video here.  https://youtu.be/W4x83NmFvpY

Churches in Egypt have seen their communities decline in recent years as Egypt has faced political turmoil, a slumping economy and a growing militant insurgency. The exodus of christians has intensified fears for the future for Christianity in the Middle East (Arab World), as some now worry for the fate of Egypt’s Christians, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities.

“Mostly they’re travelling to US to find better opportunities because of uncertainties in Egypt,” said Rev. Markos Ayoub, a priest who leads the Sunday liturgy at St. Mark in English. “It’s not easy to be a Coptic Christian in the Middle East these days considering the militant insurgency in Egypt.

Source: http://www.christiansvoice.com/2016/05/26/a-cave-turned-into-a-church-to-worship-jesus-in-egypt-70000-gather-every-week-to-worhsip

IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

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

STILL MORE THOUGHTS

!!!!!!! Never tell a bald man a hair-raising story.

!!!!!! The lottery is the best kind of tax ever conceived. It only taxes the willing.

!!!!! A job is nice but it interferes with my life.

!!!! breakfast.com halted. Cereal port not responding. 

!!! You always hear that a camel can go 500 miles without water. How come nobody's ever bothered to see how far they can go WITH water.

!! My mama always said we were put on this earth to help others. My question is, what are the others here for?

! Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.- John Steinbeck

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

https://www.wwj.org.nz/if-only-id-thought-of-it

JUST JOKES

https://www.wwj.org.nz/groans

Pastor responds to human trafficking in Southeast Asia

DAVID'S DOWNLOADS

THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW

We are all products of the societies and cultures in which we are brought up. When it comes to the Bible and Jesus, most of us look through a Western, Greek based mind set, rather than that of the Hebraic society in which Jesus lived and ministered. 
This has led to major misunderstandings and misinterpretation of Scripture during the past approximately 2 millennia since Jesus.
This e-book summarizes these and looks at the spiritual challenges They pose to the church today.

Download your free PDF File here.....

https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj50p31.pdf

WAXING LYRICAL

Sometimes it is easier to wait than at others. It may be forced on us!

 

CAN YOU WAIT?

Nothing now to write,
With brain do fight.
How sad,
Too bad,
Next week I might!

Patience is a virtue,
Both for me and you.
We don't know?
Let's let go.
For it's so true.

Can you wait?
Am so late!
Will do.
You too?
You're a mate!

 

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

https://www.wwj.org.nz/waxing-lyrical

A DAVID MUSING

Well, am still alive and kicking after having had my appendix out last Tuesday!

Keyhole surgery is amazing. There is a saying, 'No pain, no brain', which may well be true, as I have been remarkably pain free, but I prefer to put it down to the surgeons skill! LOL!

Only 3 more days until we leave our flat of the last 9 years. It is the longest we have ever lived in the same property! Kathy is doing an amazing job of packing and getting rid of much unnecessary 'stuff' that we all tend to collect over the years. Fortunately, we have downsized over many years now, our homes becoming smaller as our family has grown up, so it is not as big a job as it is for many people. 

As I am not allowed to lift, due to my operation, others are having to do the physical work for me, which I am not used to. Ah well.

By the time next weeks PGIM comes we will be on our way, within New Zealand, and the next day be on the 'big bird', off to see our family in Britain, before going to Kenya in mid July.

Until next week....... 

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: BEST IN PRAYER

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTIONS' ANSWER: b. Timothy (Acts 16:1)

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ABOUT US

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

Walking With Jesus Ministries
7 Bull Street
Ahuriri
Napier
New Zealand

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

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

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

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