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: 869 Published: 18 Jun 2018
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY? Part 47
THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered: ”‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37)
This is one of the best known of the parables of Jesus. We get the general message very easily. We are to 'agape love', that is to care for as would of yourself, 'our neighbour', which is everyone, particularly the poor, the unlovely, even those we don't like. This is a recurring theme of Jesus…..
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-8)
…..being confirmed by Paul.
14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14)
While this is well understood, although maybe not always as well lived by us, it is interesting to consider, as an aside, the 3 potential helpers here.
The first two, the priest and the Levite, were members of the God appointed priestly class. It was an indication of how far the religious hierarchy had moved away from God's Law over the 1500 years from Moses to Jesus. In these, the days of the Law, the religious people had become extra legalistic! It is a classic example of why the Law could not work, for man was never able to keep the letter, let alone the spirit, of it. Not even the Levites, the descendants of those who had been loyal to God at the time of the building of the golden calf at Mount Sinai. Classic proof that the Law would not work in reconciling mankind to God, for no-one could or can keep all of it all the time.
The third person involved was a Samaritan. The Jews and the Samaritans were bitter enemies. The Jews saw the Samaritans as a mongrel race of remnants from the 10 tribes of Israel mixed with other peoples of the area. They had retained a bastardized form of Judaism which they would abandon when expedient. The Jews thought themselves far superior. Listen to the antipathy of John when Jesus was rejected by the Samaritans.
52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they went to another village. (Luke 9:52-6)
Through this illustration Jesus was showing the Jews, and us, that living under the Law did not bring about righteousness. It was an indication that the old religious order was about to change to a system of individual decision to enter the kingdom and attain righteousness, irrespective of race.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
Paul explained this change in the religious order well.
3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:3-11)
May we be careful not to fall back into the old religious practices of the priests and Levites. Instead, give all the praise and thanks to Jesus, that because of His sacrifice on the cross, we are able, through belief in what He has done for us; enter the glorious kingdom of God.
(Continued next week)
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
Adultery (Matthew 5:27-30)
You’ve heard that the law said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that everyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye leads you to sin, then tear it out and throw it away, because it’s better to lose one part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into the fire of judgment. If your right hand leads you to sin, then cut it off and throw it away, for it’s better for you to lose one of your limbs than for your whole body to go into the fire of judgment.
Divorce (Matthew 5:31-2)
“The law also said, ‘If a man divorces his wife, he should give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that any man who divorces his wife except for sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Oaths (Matthew 5:33-7)
“And again, you’ve heard that the law said to the people of long ago, ‘You shall not perjure yourself. Instead make sure you keep the oaths you swear to the Lord.’ But I tell you, don’t swear at all. Don’t swear by heaven, because it’s the throne of God. Don’t swear by the earth, because it’s God’s footstool. Don’t swear by Jerusalem, because it’s the city of the great King. Don’t even swear by your head, because you’re not able to make a single hair white or black. Simply say yes or no—more than this comes from the Evil One.
(Continued next week)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
Back into full action now, having been given very good treatment by the medical team in our Kingdom Health Clinic. Thanks guys.
There will be no more shared African Experiences this week but please, see what I have written in A DAVID MUSING for more.
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COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT
A project we are doing, here requesting help from Public Health. We work in and with the community.
KINGDOM HEALTH FAITH BASED HOSPITAL
COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT
BACKGROUND
When we came to Kenya and built the facility, charging minimal prices compared to other facilities, and only 50shillings more than the public system, with much better service, we imagined that people would flock in, to take advantage of the facility.
However, the results have been very disappointing as, in spite of our best efforts, working through the traditional lines of a medical camp, Community Health Volunteers, Chiefs and Elders, results have simply hardly improved. Sometimes they have actually had negative effects. (CHV’s).
We have been bleeding money sustaining the operational expenses, which is not sustainable long term. However again, NHIF registration will cure that, by providing services to the slightly better off. That is in progress.
We still desire to provide some benefit to villagers, and perhaps show our heart to them.
So we have come up with this programme, which is very low cost, but we expect to be effective for them.
OBJECTIVES
1. To provide very basic health checks to the villagers
2. To encourage people who need problems dealt with to seek medical help, whether at our facility or another of their choice.
PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR
Responsibility for oversight, with act participation, is KATHY TAIT, who needs no introduction being known as Mama Kathy Nafula in the community! She has participated in many village clinics, funerals, church meetings etc.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS
CAPITAL
GAZEBO, (currently being made) 32,000 Supplied by Kingdom Health
TABLE, CHAIRS, SCALES, etc 10,000 Supplied by Kingdom Health
OPERATIONAL
MANPOWER 3 – 2 Supplied by Kingdom Health
1 Nurse Requested from Public Health
DRUGS
The services we can provide are effectively limited by the resources that can be put in. It is important to us that our Public Partnership assist by providing medications and tests. We can provide the platform of service but, other than Paracetamol, no drugs. We have already received from the hospital Jiggers treatment liquid so we will offer that service.
When the kits were available, we did malaria testing. But free treatment cannot be offered unless it is contributed by the Public Health.
We could do diabetes testing if the Blood Glucose Testing strips were provided. The machines we have are SoftStyle and Accu-Chek Active.
Other simple suggestions would be appreciated.
TRANSPORTATION
Will be by bodaboda, at Kingdom Health’s cost.
Any help that can be provided by Public Health to make the service more effective for the community will be much appreciated.
David Tait
DIRECTOR.
DEATH AND FUNERALS
Death here in an everyday occurance. Kathy has been to a neighbour's today.
It is most interesting to see how different cultures handle death.
Last week we went to the funeral of Fred, the senior brother of our host family. Kathy too is attending funerals to tell people about our hospital services, as funerals are one of the few large gatherings here. Politicians use them as a forum too!
What interests me most is the varied grieving processes.
In New Zealand, our Maori people have a Tangi, where they grieve for several days before the burial. Then get on with life.
Here in Kenya, most often, the family often 'celebrate' for up to 3 days and nights after the burial. Then get on with life.
In our Western culture, there is no formal grieving period. Before the funeral we are busy organizing, and straight afterwards, people go home, and the loved ones are left to grieve alone.
There is much we can learn from other cultures.
The photos are from Fred's funeral. His widow, Anne, is in the white patterned top. People are buried on their own family land.
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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
157. A Christian leader is but an ordinary person called to an extraordinary task. Both leaders and the led need to be reminded of this!
158. Worldly leadership builds up self, but godly leadership builds up others.
159. In God, understanding and sharing vulnerabilities is a sign of maturity and success, not an acknowledgement of failure.
160. In God, if you're not led to lead, you'll be bled to death.
161. To lead or be led? The difference is 'a' for attitude!
162. Only God has the required glue to attach 'super' to 'natural'.
372. To be a leader in the world is difficult, in the church, impossible. However, with God's help, we can do the impossible.
373. God loves obedient leaders.
374. Leaders are not God - for only God is perfect.
375. Our leaders are not God substitutes. They too, make mistakes, just as we do.
376. Truly godly leaders are more precious than diamonds - and equally hard to find.
377. The Bible tells us that there is only one God. Some leaders need to be reminded of this fact.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
NEXT WEEK: THE POWER OF THE BLOOD
We will take a look at what the sacrifice, the blood of Jesus , has done for us.
*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
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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. ***
QWIK QWIP: “When things go wrong.....don't go with them.”
150. Biblical Headlines
Biblical headlines as they might be written today:
ï‚· On Red Sea crossing:
WETLANDS TRAMPLED IN LABOR STRIKE: Pursuing Environmentalists Killed
ï‚· On David vs. Goliath:
HATE CRIME KILLS BELOVED CHAMPION: Psychologist Questions Influence of Rock
ï‚· On Elijah on Mt. Carmel:
FIRE SENDS RELIGIOUS RIGHT EXTREMIST INTO FRENZY: 400 Killed
ï‚· On the birth of Christ:
HOTELS FULL, ANIMALS LEFT HOMELESS: Animal Rights Activists Enraged by Insensitive Couple
ï‚· On feeding the 5,000:
PREACHER STEALS CHILD'S LUNCH: Disciples Mystified Over Behaviour
ï‚· On healing the 10 lepers:
LOCAL DOCTOR'S PRACTICE RUINED: "Faith Healer" Causes Bankruptcy
ï‚· On healing of the Gadarene demoniac:
MADMAN'S FRIEND CAUSES STAMPEDE: Local Farmer's Investment Lost
On raising Lazarus from the dead:
PREACHER RAISES A STINK: Last Will & Testament Reading Delayed
QWIK QWIP: “Life is what's coming.... not what was.”
151. 10 Reason Not to Wash
In one church, the pastor, apparently fed up with all the excuses given over the years as to why people don't go to church, included "Ten Reasons Why I Never Wash" in the Sunday bulletin:
1. I was forced to as a child.
2. People who wash are hypocrites - they think they are cleaner than everybody else.
3. There are so many different kinds of soap, I can't decide which one is best.
4. I used to wash, but I got bored and stopped.
5. I wash only on special occasions, like Christmas and Easter.
6. None of my friends wash.
7. I'll start washing when I get older and dirtier.
8. I can't spare the time.
9. The bathroom is never warm enough in winter or cool enough in summer.
10. People who make soap are only after your money.
152. An Arm and a Leg!
Adam was walking around the Garden of Eden feeling very lonely, so God asked Adam, "What's wrong?" Adam said he didn't have anyone to talk to. So God said he was going to give him a companion and it would be a woman.
He said this person would cook for you and wash your clothes, she will always agree with every decision you make. She will bear you children and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. She will not nag you, and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you've had a disagreement. She will never have a headache, and will freely give you love and compassion whenever needed.
Adam asked God, "What would a woman like this cost?"
God said, "An arm and a leg."
Adam said "What can I get for just a rib?"
The rest is history!
A DAVID MUSING
This week we went to the big city, travelling 7 hours by car to Nairobi.
There we met a future corporate sponsor (to be announced soon), and picked up an English doctor, who is coming to experience Africa for a month. Most importantly however, we visited the Immigration Centre to try and sort out our Missionary Permits.
This was done successfully - we hope! Nothing in Africa is certain until it actually happens!
However, it was a great relief to us to see some progress, after 12 months of trying.
Basically, nearly everything here needs to be done personally. Just how the system works.
Adjusting to a new culture is never easy, but after nearly a year here, we have taken the first steps of understanding.
Jesus too, requires a 'cultural shift' in our lives as we learn to live our lives for Him, to reflect His nature in our life.
It is not easy, but if we follow the Word, and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is possible.
May we become His light to a needy world today.
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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