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: 823 Published: 07 Aug 2017
TIME FOR A CHANGE
After 15.8076923077 yeaars of PGIM, it is time for a change of format, co-inciding with our move of 3 weeks now to Webuye, Kenya, here in East Africa!
While PGIM has evolved considerably over the years, circumstances are now dictating a major revamp. I hope you like it!
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY? Part 8
THE IMPACT OF EMPEROR CONSTANTINES CONVERSION
Much traditional church teaching would say that the conversion of the Emperor Constantine in AD312 led to the spreading of Christianity throughout the extensive Roman sphere of influence in the world. Regrettably, while this may have been true in form, the true essence of what Jesus taught - a personal relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit was lost. The church now became another organ of the state. For example, of the Council of Nicaea, the modern historian Hans Kung has recorded in 'Christianity: Essence, History, and Future'.....
Constantine used this first council not least to adapt the church organization to the state organization. The church provinces were to correspond to the imperial provinces, each with a metropolitan and a provincial synod. In other words, the empire now had its imperial church!
Initially, Constantine granted special favours to the church, and built churches modelled on the civic auditoriums of the day. Elevated throne-like seating for the state appointed bishop were provided along with rows of pew like seating for the congregation, making congregational involvement impractical. Liturgy and worship, once plain and personal, now became modelled on the pomp and ceremony of the Imperial Court.
When Constantine died in 337, his sons continued and intensified the favouring of the church. In 381, the new emperor, Theodosius I, made Christianity the exclusive religion of the state. According to human logic, this was a wonderful event for the church, but it actually resulted in hordes of unconverted pagans coming in, bringing with them their heathen ideas and immoral practices.
One who appalled by this terrible state of affairs was John Chrysostom (347-407), patriarch of Constantinople. He complained that the character of the church of his day was no different from that of the marketplace or theatre.....
If anyone is trying or intending to corrupt a woman, there is no place, I suppose, that seems to him more suitable than the Church. And if anything is to be sold or bought, the Church appears more convenient than the market. Or if any wish to say or to hear any scandal, you will find that this to be had here more than the forum without.
He stated, when mourning the loss of spiritual gifts in the formal church.....
The obscurity is produced by our ignorance of the facts referred to and their cessation.
The church became a political organization, modelled along the state lines, with personal worship being replaced by formalized sacraments, presided over by ecclesiastical officials.
This provided an ideal climate for doctrinal disputes (which continue to the present day) to emerge and develop, for again, form rather than substance took over. Basil of Caesarea, bishop of Cappadocia (370-379), likened it to a great naval battle being fought by men who "cherish a deadly hate against one another." He continued.....
But what storm at sea was ever so wild and fierce as this tempest of the churches. In it every landmark of the Fathers has been moved; every foundation, every bulwark of opinion has been shaken; everything buoyed up on the unsound is dashed about and shaken down. We attack one another. If our enemy is not the first to strike us, we are wounded by the comrade at our side.
The battle for Holy Spirit influence in the church was lost, but the Spirit of God cannot be denied. He now continued His influence through individuals, namely the 'monastics', who literally withdrew from the world.
(Continued next week)
Find out more about us here.....
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10-17)
Contrary to accepted religious thought, with Jesus being criticized by the synagogue leader.
“You’re freed of your sickness.”
“You hypocrites! Doesn’t every one of you untie your ox or donkey from the stall and take it to drink? Why shouldn’t this woman, this daughter of Abraham whom Satan has kept tied up for eighteen years, be untied and set free this Sabbath day?”
Parables about a Mustard Seed and Yeast (Luke 13:18-21)
Kingdom illustrations.
“So what is the kingdom of God like? What should I compare it to? It’s like a mustard seed that a man planted in his garden. It grew into a tree, and the birds came and nested in its branches.”
He asked again, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It’s like yeast that a woman took and
mixed into three measures of flour which made the whole batch rise.”
The Jews Confront Jesus’ Claim to be The Christ (John 10:24-39)
In the Temple at the Feast of Dedication.
“I already told you and you refuse to believe it. The miracles I do in my Father’s name prove who I am. You don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. 27My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they shall never be lost, and no one can snatch them from me. My Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone else; no one can snatch them from him. I and the
Father are one.”
“You’ve seen many good deeds that I’ve done from the Father. Which one are you stoning me for?”
“Isn’t it written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’?” He called those people ‘gods,’ the people to whom the word of God came—and Scripture can’t be altered. So why are you saying the one whom the Father set apart and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said ‘I am the Son of God’? If I’m not doing what my Father does, then don’t believe me. But if that is what I’m doing, even though you don’t believe me, you should believe because of the evidence of what I’ve done. That way you can know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.
(Continued next week)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
DAVID AND KATHY EXPERIENCING LIFE HERE IN WEBUYE, KENYA, EAST AFRICA
Arriving in Kenya on 14 July 2017, we would now like to share with you our life and observations, so you too may also share in our experience. We much appreciate your prayers, and as the Lord leads, your contributions to the work of the kingdom here.
Enjoy!
Karibu! (Welcome)
Check out our website here.....
THE KENYAN ELECTIONS
On Tuesday Kenyans will vote in their 5 yearly election for the President, central legislature, one of 44 County Governors, and the local legislature for their own County.
Our family, and others, are particularly concerned about our safety over this time. But so far, it has been a relatively trouble free campaign, the notable exceptions being the attempted kidnapping of the Vice President (he was out when they called) and, in an attempt to disrupt the election, the kidnapping and murder of the head of the Electoral Commission, charged with running a fair election! He was particularly responsible for the electronic reporting of the polling station results to Central Headquarters.
In the West, this would be huge news, of course, but here they seem to be coping with it!
The current President of the Jubilee Party, Uhuru Kenyatta (youngest son of the founding president in 1963, Jono Kenyatta), is standing for his second and final term against Raila Odinga of NASA, a coalition of various opposition parties along with 6 other candidates.
The winner must receive 50% of the vote +1, to be elected. If not received, there will be a runoff in September of the top 2 pollers, with the highest voting then, taking the Presidency.
The most notable fact for me has been the united prayers of millions of Christians across the nation for peace, in a way inconceivable in the West. The level of unity of churches here is fresh air to my soul!
All too are praying for a decisive result one way or the other, although most Christians appear to be favouring Jubilee. Voting however, is mainly along tribal lines, so the result is in the balance.
In a week, or maybe less we will know.
And, by the way, Webuye is regarded as safe place to be over this time.
THE EYE CLINIC/HOSPITAL
We are currently in a holding pattern, waiting upon the results of the election, and the arrival on 18 August of the Dutch pastor who vision set up the Compound in which we live and desire to build, for their agreement. This is not essential but Africa works on a talking through to attain a consensus, rather than being confrontational. This takes more time than we are used to, but is better in many ways too.
Don’t worry about laziness or boredom, as we are busily getting a greenhouse back into production, which we will share about next week! Great exercise too!
THE BIGGEST FRUSTRATION!
SUPER SLOW INTERNET SPEED. (We live by it! eg. Production of PGIM!) This is caused primarily because we live in the country, a few kilometres outside Webuye itself. But also because the tremendous growth of net usage outrunning the ability to increase capacity. Most of the country is on a 3G network, and 4G is being rapidly introduced.
The solution? A satellite WIFI connection, involving setting up a dish to send and receive signals. This fast service costs $US400 (NZ 600), an expensive alternative, but then includes unlimited downloading for KES3000 (Kenyan shillings) (USD30, NZD42) a month, which is a pretty good deal, compared to the price in New Zealand, at least. The Eye Clinic/Hospital will requires fast connection too. So, a good investment.
THE BIGGEST BLESSING!!!
In a unique African way, being accepted as part of the Walukhu family. It is hard to describe in words the acceptance and love we have received that has made our transition just so much easier. We have our own Granny and Granddad Flat where we can hibernate but spend much time simply being part of the family. A family so different to what we are used to, where the culture of serving each other, is alive and well. More later.
David and Selina, and kids, Kathy and I are just so grateful for embracing us as part of your family, with no expectations of us, in the African tradition. It is something we will remember forever!
WATCH OUR PRESENTATION - DOWN THE ROAD
We have produced a slideshow about the area in whch we are living, available in video form on our Facebook page.....
https://web.facebook.com/aneye4africa/videos/vb.1222791161147706/1415422065217947/?type=2&theater
(Take the opportunity to like our page for our latest updates, at the same time!)
or for a high definition in slide format on Google Drive at.....
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B44p0f3zvNcCbU5INVROQUVQaHc/view
Please share the experience with us.
***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/
'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.....
***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today
Receive one of David's sayings in your mailbox each day to inspire, challenge or maybe, amuse. To register today, go down to the bottom of the page link below, click on the subscribe link dd-on@wwj.org.nz (or paste the address in an email yourself and send) Then it's done! If you have an Irish heritage, you will love the background coloring!
Subscription and back issue link is.....
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
1141. Perspiration turns dreams into visions.
1142. Praise God when your vision dies for it is one stage closer to fulfilment!
1143. As a flower dies before its seed germinates, so your vision must die, testing your faithfulness, before restoration and fulfilment.
1144. It takes wisdom and discernment to separate our human dreams from God's visions.
1145. Man's pride frequently gets in the way of God's visions.
1146. For visions to be effective, ownership must remain with God.
1147. Without GOD'S vision the people perish.
1148. We are to simply be the conduit for God's visions, not to invent our own.
1149. With vision man we are to be reactive to God, not proactive to self.
1150. We must never place vision ahead of relationship with the ultimate visionary, Jesus.
1151. I am not interested in your vision but excited about the vision God has placed in you.
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
Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF……. THE WAY OF HOLINESS
THIS WEEK: PART 1 OF 9
INTRODUCTION - KNOWING GOD
The pursuit of holiness is at the centre of the Christian faith, yet it is also one of its least understood principles.
Over the years I have struggled with its meaning, and more importantly, its life application! Like us all!
The interesting thing is that it can't be laid out simply in points 1 through 10, as many people make the mistake of trying to do. Rather, holiness is a life learning and development process during which the individual grows more into the image of Jesus.
This is not a theological presentation of 'the principles of holiness', for I am not a theologian, and would not attempt it. Nor would it likely do much good! For the real problem is in living it!
Rather, this is a revelation of some of the principles the Lord has shown me and which I am doing my best to apply to my own life. I am not presenting them as the super secret of, "do this and you will be holy!" The purpose is that you will take the principles and apply the lessons they contain, to help you deepen your 'walk with Jesus'.
The Lord has given me a large number of sayings, which I call 'David's Doodlings'. As you can see, I like alliteration! One doodling, in particular, seems to sum up the mystery, the dichotomy, and the experience of our pursuit of this ultimate goal.
"The closer I get to God, the further away I find I really am."
Yes, the pursuit of holiness is a lifetime walk, a journey that our Lord so much desires each pilgrim to take. I trust that this may help us a little as we seek to walk with Jesus.
*** 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!
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. ***
34. Church Bulletin Bloopers Continue….
*** Twenty-two members were present at the church meeting held at the home of Mrs Martha Crutchfield last evening. Mrs Crutchfield and Mrs Rankin sang a duet, ‘The Lord Knows Why.’
*** Thursday night potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.
*** The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs Julie Belzer.
*** This afternoon there will be a meeting in the north and south ends of the church. Children will be baptised at both ends.
*** On Tuesday there will be an ice cream social at 4pm. All ladies giving milk, please come early.
QWIK QWIP: “He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.”
35. Help?
Several women were visiting an elderly friend who was ill. After a while, they rose to leave and told her; "We will keep you in our prayers."
"Just wash the dishes in the kitchen," the ailing woman said, "I can do my own praying."
36. A Good Question
If money is the root of all evil, why do churches want it so badly?
37. Saved For Sure!
A friend of mine and her husband were on vacation. They visited an Episcopal Church on Sunday. The pews in this older church were in those little, box-like enclosures that have a "gate" entry to each one.
My friend likes to sit close to the front. So they entered a pew in the second row.
Shortly after settling into the pew, an usher came up to them, tapped lightly on the gate, and said, "This pew is saved."
Her husband replied, "So are WE!"
A DAVID MUSING
PHEW!!! Made it this far!
In no other issue yet has the time taken to upload material to this PGIM been greater.
As I have matured in Jesus so my patience has improved but it has taken sreer old fashioned guts and will power to get there!
I hope the result is worthwhile! Not going to do it again if it isn't!
Our walk with Jesus, at many times, requires determination too. Not everything is easy! In todays world of instant gratification, this is not well accepted.
How is the perseverance in your life?
Karibu
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Visit us here.....
REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT
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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