A Weekly World Wide Word of Encouragement to those in the Ministry
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A WEEKLY ‘WWW (world-wide word) OF ENCOURAGEMENT’
TO THOSE IN MINISTRY
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Issue No: 828 Published: 11 Sep 2017
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY? Part 11
600AD-1517
MONASTICISM BECOMES RELIGIOUS
With the rise and rise of the Roman Catholic Church to a dominant position not only in the spiritual but also in society where it raised armies and dominated political life, it was inevitable that monasticism would be drawn into this 'religious' source of influence.
The state of the church of the day was beautifully summed up when Augustine visited Rome. When being shown the church's wealth, Pope Innocent IV commented, "You see that the Church is no longer in an age in which she can say, 'Silver and gold have I none.'" Augustine replied, "It is true, nor can she say to the lame man, 'Rise up and walk.'"How true this was then - and now!
The spiritual life and vitality of early monasticism drifted into legalism and spiritual pride. As the monasteries had become wealthy through communal ownership and thrift, so they now fell into laziness, greed, and gluttony. Hence today's common caricature of a 'fat monk'.
Miracles were replaced by myths and legends, personal relationship with Jesus by mysticism and formalism.
In the book 'Mystike Theologia', written by a Syrian monk under the pen name Dionysius the Areopagite, he encouraged his readers.....
I counsel that in the earnest exercise of mystic contemplation, you leave the senses and activities of the intellect and all that the senses or intellect can perceive. Having laid your understanding to rest, strain as far as you can toward a union with Him whom neither being nor understanding can contain. So shall you be led upwards to the Ray of that divine Darkness which surpasses all existence.
The persecution suffering of the early church was replaced by self-inflicted long term fasting, sleep deprivation and exposure to the elements. Sickness became glorified and healing was only to be of the soul. Monasticism had become worldly and inward looking.
The credible miracles of the time were now found in the missionary expansion of the church. Three examples follow.
Ansgar (800-865), called "The Apostle of the North," was one of the first missionaries to Scandinavia. He is said to have experienced visions and dreams from childhood. When commended by his contemporaries, he exclaimed that the greatest miracle would be for him to become pious through them.
Miracles also accompanied the arrival of the Gospel to Britain. Augustine arrived in 597, sent by Pope Gregory. Reporting on Augustine's mission in his Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation, the Venerable Bede (673-735) tells of a letter written by Gregory around 601 in which he commends Augustine because "the English by outward miracles are drawn to inward grace." Gregory had also cautioned him not to be "puffed up by the number of them."
The later "preaching friars", individuals such as Bernard of Clairvaux, Francis of Assisi and Vincent of Ferrier, instead of withdrawing from the world, similarly experienced great success and saw miraculous manifestations of the Holy Spirit when they went out amongst the people and preached the gospel.
As mentioned earlier, there had become a separation between the priesthood and the people. This can be seen in the Roman Catholic Church's publication of its 'Roman Rituals' around 1000. Speaking in tongues was to be regarded as a sign of demon possession, while amongst monks and the church priesthood, a sign of sainthood! The people were given a corporate identity with the Church but not allowed a personal relationship with Jesus.
Medieval mysticism, while having some benefits was not spiritual in terms of personal relationship with the Saviour and the signs and wonders, miracles and healings that are to accompany it. However certain people broke the mould and went out from the monasteries to display true Christianity to the world through missions.
We will discover now that there was ongoing Holy Spirit activity in the midst of the Dark Ages, both within and outside the dominant Roman Catholic Church of the time.
(Continued next week)
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
Instructions to the Disciples (Luke 17:1-10)
Jesus taught them.
“Temptations are unavoidable, but it will be a disaster for those through whom they come! For such people it would be better to have a millstone hung around the neck and thrown into the sea than to cause these little ones to sin. So take care what you do. If your brother sins, warn him; and if he repents, forgive him. Even if he sins against you seven times a day, and seven times comes back and tells you, ‘I’m really sorry,’ forgive him.”
The disciples asked for more trust.
“Even if your trust was as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Uproot yourself, and plant yourself in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
“Say you have a servant who does plowing or shepherding. When he comes in from work, do you say to him, ‘Come in and sit down now for a meal’? No. You say to him, ‘Prepare a meal for me, get yourself dressed, and serve me until I’ve finished my meal. After that you can have your meal’? And do you thank the servant for doing what you told him? No. Likewise once you’ve done everything you were told, you should simply say, ‘We are undeserving servants. We just did our duty.’”
Sickness and Death of Lazarus of Bethany (John 11:1-16)
Jesus delays, then returns to Judea, to the dismay of the disciples.
“Lord, your close friend is sick.” When Jesus heard the news he said, “The end result of this sickness will not be death. Through this God’s glory will be revealed so that the Son of God may be glorified.”
“Aren’t there twelve hours in a day?” “If you walk during the day you don’t stumble because you can see where you’re going by the light of this world. But if you walk during the night you stumble because you have no light.” After telling them this, he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I’m going to go there and wake him up!”
“Lazarus is dead. For your sake I’m glad I wasn’t there, because now you will be able to trust in me. Let’s go and see him.”
Jesus Comforts Mary and Martha (John 11:17-37)
The sisters of Lazarus, after Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.
“Your brother will rise again.”
‘In the resurrection’, they replied.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who trust in me will live, even though they die. All who live in me and trust in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Upon arriving in the village.
“Where have you laid him?”
Jesus Raises Lazarus (John 11:38-44)
From the dead.
“Remove the stone,”
“Didn’t I tell you that if you trusted me you would see God’s glory?”
“Father, thank you for listening to me. I know you always listen to me. I said this because of the crowd standing here so that they will believe that you sent me.”
“Lazarus, come out!”
“Unbind him and set him free,”
(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.....
WASHING DAY LADIES!
If you have a washing machine, never complain about having to do the washing again!
This lady had to wash 62 sheets from guests staying for the Bible School Graduation, in bowls of cold water! They come out sparkling clean and fresh at the other end!
I asked the lady how she was felling, still with 20 sheets to go, and she said, “TIRED!”
Now there is someone who really did have something to complain about! But she didn’t!
A real lesson to all of us who have so many appliances to make life easier, isn’t it?
PS: In case you were wondering if that was how we do our washing, it is! BUT others do it for us!!! LOL!
THE EYE CLINIC/HOSPITAL
The money has been transferred from New Zealand and received in Kenya, in less than 5 days. Brilliant!
Now for something to spend it on! LOL! AFRICAN TIME STILL APPLIES.
The agreement has been arranged, and price agreed. We are now waiting for the Surveyor to mark the land out. Hopefully we can settle on Tuesday. Then we can finally get underway!
A sneak peek at the land! It is the non-sugar cane land to the left of the photo. The boundary with the compound we are living on is to the left hand edge of the picture. The Cyprus trees are on the compound.
Our friend, Harrison the Welder, who is conducting negotiations on our behalf, is in the foreground.
Again, more news next week!
KATHY SPEAKING IN CHURCH
Last Sunday Kathy gave a brilliant semon in our local Compound Church, which we attend, if not speaking elsewhere.
It related to the story of Abigail meeting David and her protection of her bad tempered husband, Nabal. Of course Nabal died a few days Later and was rewarded by becoming David’s 2nd wife. Her presentation was powerful, relating to the need to be wise in what we say, particularly to our spouses and family, and profoundly affected all present, men as well as women.
She did so well that people were commenting to me all week about what she had said.
Beautiful!
BIBLE SCHOOL GRADUATION DAY!
This was a day of seriousness, as the students received their Diplomas, and celebration, as only Africans know how to celebrate!
The photo shows a mixture of the two. Looking serious for the photo, but garlanded in leis and congratulatory messages from family and friends.
(I will put a video on our Facebook Page, AN EYE 4 AFRICA, Which I recommend = LOL!) that shows the celebration)
Outside there were food stalls, photographers stands, everything done with typical African colour and flair. (also on Facebook) All the fun of the fair!
***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/
***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.....
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
1194. A key difference between the Old and New Testaments is that we are now all in ministry. How easy it is to forget this!
1195. Ministry is not simply for the professionals, but the call upon all believers.
1196. The most effective ministry of all, is our life!
1197. The world's most effective ministry is unspoken! For it is our life!
1198. If all our talk was turned into action, the whole world would have been converted many times over!
1199. Mature ministry is based upon actions rather than words.
1200. Ministry truly is a corporate responsibility.
1201. To be called to minister is both an honour, and the responsibility of us all.
1202. The temptation for professional ministry is to become priests rather than servants.
1203. Ministry, put simply, is being Jesus to others.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF……. THE WAY OF HOLINESS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF……. THE WAY OF HOLINESS PART 6 OF 9 THE DREAM
Occasionally though, He will use a dream. As this doesn't happen very often to me, it is something special. Particularly as I don't normally remember them! Only when they are from the Lord!
This dream had a real application to our walk of holiness, hence why I have included it. Something a little different.
*** 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. ***
QWIK QWIP: “A friend is someone who reaches for your hand but touches your heart.”
45. The Real Truth
Little Johnny had bought Grandma a book for her birthday and wanted to write a suitable inscription. He racked his brain until suddenly he remembered that his father had a book with an inscription of which he was very proud, so Johnny decided to use it.
You can imagine Grandma's surprise when she opened her book, a Bible, and found neatly inscribed the following phrase: "To Grandma, with the compliments of the author."
46. Know We Will Have The Perfect Church When We Hear
1. Hey! It's my turn to sit in the front pew.
2. I was so enthralled, I never noticed your sermon went 25 minutes over time.
3. Personally I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.
4. I've decided to give our church the $500 a month I used to send to TV evangelists.
5. I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the junior high Sunday school class.
6. Forget the denominational minimum salary, let's pay our pastor so he can live like we do.
7. I love it when we sing hymns I've never heard before!
8. Since we're all here, let's start the service early.
9. Pastor, we'd like to send you to this Bible seminar in the Bahamas.
10. Nothing inspires me and strengthens my commitment like our annual stewardship campaign.
A DAVID MUSING
Over the years I have always dreamed of having a greenhouse to grow crops again.
As we live a no assets lifestyle, the chances of that happening when living in New Zealand were remote, due to a lack of capital, firstly to buy a property, then to build a greenhouse on it.
We come to Kenya, and what do we find? A dilapidated greenhouse on the compound on which we live! God provides our desires in amazing ways!
Of course, we have had to put some money into it to bring it back to a usable, if not perfect, standard, but this has been achievable for us.
Plus, we have had a lot of waiting time, while we get our Eye Clinic/Hospital under way, so we have had time to do it too! It would have been a boring, more frutrating time of waiting, had we not had this project to do.
The result? As the photo shows, a fine crop of tomatoes growing!
We have had physical help and advice from Patrick and his friends also, wehich has made the project that much more enjoyable and easier on my back! The Lord provides!
The picture shows the result!
Now to keep them flourishing until harvest in a couple of months' time!
As we are obedient to Him, isn't it amazing how the Lord provides! A dream come true!
PS: The reason for the different sizes is 2 seed plantings 2 weeks apart.
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
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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!
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