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: 831 Published: 02 Oct 2017
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY? Part 14
600AD-1517
MONASTICISM BECOMES RELIGIOUS
THE WALDENSES
(c. 1176 - Today)
Beginning as a renewal movement within the Roman Catholic Church, seeking to live by New Testament patterns, they were rejected by the Church. Forming their own church, they emphasized inner spiritual life rather than the outward form and ritual of the establishment.
Their platform included 5 main points.....
1. To return to the pure teaching of Scripture.
2. Rejected the concept of purgatory.
3. Rejected the infallibility of the church.
4. Christian laypersons, male and female, were allowed to preach.
5. Selling ones goods and giving to the poor were acts of consecration.
PETER WALDO (c.1140 -1218) A wealthy merchant from Lyons in southern France, he obtained a copy of the New Testament, he was particularly moved by Matthew 10:5-13, where the disciples were told to go away and preach without concern for material comfort. Keeping just enough goods to provide for his family, he gave up the rest and became an itinerant preacher.
He life of devotion soon attracted sizeable numbers of those with like minds. They went out preaching 2 by 2, as was the example set by Scripture.
REJECTION AND PERSECUTION
Like others before, and since, he tried to minister within the Church, but was rejected when he requested his lay people be allowed to preach. In 1179, Pope Innocent III rejected the request, considering them to be but ignorant lay people. Waldo, forced to choose between obedience to God and man, he chose to continue the work already begun. As could be expected, in 1184, Pope Lucius III excommunicated the Waldenses.
NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY
Pursuing New Testament Christianity, they experienced the supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit. Inevitably too, like the Cathari, the Waldenses were accused of witchcraft because of miraculous phenomena that took place, which also became grounds for persecution by the institutional church.
DIVINE HEALING
Divine healing was a vital aspect of their belief system. The Waldensian confession of 1431 states:
Therefore concerning the anointing of the sick, we hold it as an article of faith, and profess sincerely from the heart that sick persons, when they ask it, may lawfully be anointed with anointing oil by one who joins them in praying that it may be efficacious to the healing of the body according to the design and end and effect mentioned by the apostles; and we profess that such an anointing performed according to the apostolic design and practice will be healing and profitable.
EQUALITY IN MINISTRY
The Waldenses recognized the responsibility of both men and women to preach, to baptize and to administer the Lord's Supper. The basis for ministry was the anointing or gifting of the Spirit rather than institutional appointment or ordination. Ministry was open to all since it was the direct, free activity of the Holy Spirit that gave the right to bind and loose, to consecrate and bless.
CONCLUSION
Severely persecuted by the institutional church, the Waldenses endured, and in the 16th century aligned themselves with the Protestant Reformation, while retaining their own identity, still being found in many parts of Italy. While their position on charismatic gifts today, is not so clear, they certainly were a Holy Spirit based movement in origin.
(Continued next week)
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
Divorce (Matthew 19:1-12, Mark 10:1-9)
Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees.
“Haven’t you read that God who created people in the beginning made them male and female?
‘This is the reason a man will leave his father and mother, and join with his wife, and the two shall become one. Now they’re no longer two, but one. What God has joined together no one should separate.”
Then asked why Moses permitted divorce.
“Because of your hard-hearted attitude Moses permitted you to divorce your wives, but it wasn’t like that in the beginning,” “I tell you, anyone who divorces his wife except on the grounds of sexual immorality and then marries another woman, commits adultery.”
The disciples also thought the teaching was too difficult.
“Not everyone can accept this instruction, only those it’s given to,” “Some are born as eunuchs, some are made eunuchs by men, and some choose to be eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Those who can accept this should accept it.”
Jesus Blesses the Children (Matthew 19:10-12, Mark 10:3-16, Luke 18:15-17)
When the disciples rebuked them for approaching Jesus.
“Let the children come to me! Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like
these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t welcome the kingdom of God like a child won’t enter it.”
The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30)
Asked Jesus what is good to obtain eternal life.
“Why do you ask me what is good?” “There’s only one who is good. But if you want to have eternal life, then keep the commandments.”
“Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t give false testimony, honor you father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself,”
These he had done.
“If you want to be perfect, then go and sell your possessions, give the money to the poor, and you’ll have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.”
This was too hard to accept.
“I tell you the truth,” “rich people find it hard to enter the kingdom of heaven. I also tell you this: It’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
The astonished disciples asked, “Who then, can be saved?”
“From a human point of view it’s impossible, but all things are possible with God.”
The disciples asked about their reward.
“I tell you the truth: when everything is remade and the Son of man sits on his glorious throne you who’ve followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. All those who because of me have left their homes, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, and fields, will receive back a hundred times more, and will receive eternal life. For many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
(Continued next week)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
Experience life here with us in Kenya.
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THE BEST FOOTBALL IN THE BUSINESS!
Walking down the road today towards our hospital land, I was stopped in my tracks by a group of the neighbourhood boys playing with their ‘football’.
The football was so well made I had to stop and take a photo. So here it is!
Beautifully made of plastic bags woven together into a ball, and superbly held together with a latticed twine, this truly was a work of art. And the ball bounced too. A classic example of how those who have so little adapt to produce something both practical, and in this case, a work of art too.
Kenya, 3 weeks ago, joined the enlightened group of countries that have banned plastic bags. All over Africa, waste plastic is a huge problem littering fields as well as properties in town. Over recent times the country has made a determined effort to clean up their act, instituting rubbish collections from central points in the towns. This has made a huge difference to the presentation of the towns.
Can we do without plastic bags? The answer is yes, as we have found out here as we learn to find alternatives. With a little effort it truly works.
A brilliant Kenyan experience.
THE EYE CLINIC/HOSPITAL
There has been lots of progress on the land this week. Firstly, completion pf the fences, then planting 700 trees and shrubs, and finally clearing and digging up the deep set sugar cane roots that were left.
I could say that I worked really hard, but that would be stretching the truth. My friend Richard and his team toiled under the hot sun to get the place prepared for construction to begin.
Next week we will pile the dried out roots into piles, throw on a bit of petrol, and away she will go! No outdoor fire restrictions here!
On Monday the building designers will be here, then after Council approval, the building can truly get under way.
OUR FIRST KENYAN EYE OPERATION – AS OBSERVERS
On Friday Kathy and I visited the public hospital in Eldoret, a near 2 hour drive away in the squashed vans that provide the main public transportation here.
On arrival, after the now expected time of waiting, an African normality, we were met by Lily, one of the Ophthalmologists there. As it happened, she had one cataract operation to do, and we were invited to watch.
Of course Kathy was in her element, but for me it was a first, draped in theatre gown with a hat and mask that made me feel like I was a doctor!
The procedure was carried out on a man who could only see his hands when near his eyes – 99% blind to my layman’s understanding. The cataract was very thick, far more so than those in the Western world, according to Kathy.
Upon removal, a standard lens was inserted, and the eye covered for 24 hours.
We were told that when the patch is taken off, he will be able to see sufficiently well to live a productive life here. Glasses may be given to improve his sight further eg. for reading. But many of the poor here do not read, so this may be unnecessary.
In the West we operate to IMPROVE SIGHT. Here in Kenya, we will operate to GIVESIGHT. A big difference!
We can now see how this can be done with the minimum of facilities, but the results are life changing.
Should you have assisted us financially, WE CAN ASSURE YOU THAT YOUR INVESTMENT WILL CHANGE LIVES DRAMATICALLY FOR THE BETTER. Truly, for the receiver, a modern day miracle!
PS: A slide show will shortly be added to our Facebook page, AN EYE 4 Africa, giving a pictorial view of the operation for your greater understanding.
***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.
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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.
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
1252. Godliness is going 'down' in self in order to go 'up' in God.
1253. Godliness is available to us all, but only obtained by the few prepared to pay the life price.
1254. To the foolish, life in Christ is a security blanket, to the wise, a lifestyle, but to the godly, their very reason for being.
1255. The foolish try to change themselves, the wise allow God to change them, while the godly submit their very being to the Lord and His will for them.
1256. God redeems the foolish, loves the wise, but truly seeks the godly.
1257. We are happy to seek everything from God, but loath to give Him back everything of us, in return!
1258. We need to empty the house of our life, in order to make room for His replacement furniture.
1259. The simple choice of godliness - will 'I' or will 'I not' give God 'my will'!
1260. Godliness grows as me goes!
1261. Godliness is discovered in truly entering into God's rest.
1262 - 1271.
Godliness is...
....... putting God's heart in place of mine.
....... placing other's needs before my own.
....... keeping short accounts with God and others.
....... blessing God before myself.
....... giving myself to God because I truly love Him, without expecting a return.
....... absorbing the ridicule of others without reacting negatively.
....... being sold out to God's will for my life.
....... truly entering God's rest.
....... being prepared to die for my Lord.
....... Christ likeness.
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
As we come to the end of our study, it is time to summarise the main characteristics of holiness we have discovered over the past 8 weeks.
And then, of course, to seek to live them! Always the most difficult part!
We'll see what it involves
*** 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: “God can mend all broken hearts. You just have to give him all the pieces.”
52. The Latest Translation
Nine year old Joey, was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school.
"Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved."
"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked.
"Well, no, Mom. But if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"
53. The Transfer
A professor at London University, just appointed to a new post in the United States, informed his three-year-old daughter that she would soon be making her home in America.
That night, when her parents heard her prayers, the little girl started with, "Good-bye dear God, I'm going to America."
54. One Good Turn deserves...
A priest was walking down his street one day when he noticed a very small boy trying to press the doorbell on a house. The boy was very short and the doorbell was too high for him to reach.
After watching the boy's efforts for some time, the priest moved closer to the boy. He crossed the street, walked up behind the little fellow, placed his hand kind heartedly on the child's shoulder leaned over and gave the doorbell a solid ring.
Crouching down to the child's level, the priest smiled benevolently and asked, "And now what, my little man?" To which the boy replied, "Now we run!"
A DAVID MUSING
CHANGING SEASONS
Most of the time we have been in Kenya it has been the wet season, which all are very grateful for, as it was 3 months late and there was a fear of prolonged drought. THe livelyhoods of the farmers here depends upon regular rains, as there is no irrigation in most places. Crops grow or die, depending upon the the friendliness of the clouds.
This is of particular interest to me at the moment as we have planted 700 trees and hedging plants round the boundary of our hospital grounds. While we can water, there is no better water than that God provides from the skies for plant growth. It has the X factor! And it is free!
Water both gives and means new life. When we get baptized in water we arise a new being, in Jesus, cleansed and puriied from our past life. And then, the river of eternal life flows down from the throne of God.
Is the tap turned on in your life?
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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