A QUESTION ASKED AND ANSWERED

David
I know this will be more than a one sentence answer but some of us really struggle with problems of society that are definitely caused by the over use of alcohol, but then when we try to get Biblical guidance we see that priests were allowed to drink ,just not when they were going into the church to preach or if they took a nazaritic vow. Samuel and John the Baptist seemed to do alright with this vow but Samson seemed to fall off the wagon and really pierced himself with many arrows.

Is there a definite position on this that Christians can take or is another all things in moderation thing that seems to be the answer when there isn't any positive scriptural imperative.

Thank you
Roger

Hi Roger
A question that has challenged Christians through the ages!

It is obvious throughout the Bible that drinking wasn't banned, in the cases you have quoted and many others. Overindulgence though, consistently was and remains, unacceptable.

Many of our individual attitudes, on this and other matters where there is no scriptural imperative are strongly influenced, even determined, by the society we live in or group we belong to. For example, in Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in India and Africa, drinking is regarded as, almost, a mortal sin! Their desire is to display a point of difference to unbelievers. I respect their position. In New Zealand however, it is considered a matter of personal choice. On the other hand, in Traditional churches worldwide, drinking in moderation is generally accepted.

For me, the key issue is the New Testament teaching of being careful not to do anything that might offend our brother or sister or lead them astray, to badly paraphrase things.

I drank until 6 years ago, when the Lord specifically told me to stop. It was not something I wanted to do, but He won - eventually! I can see why now, as I currently most often minister in countries where drinking is unacceptable. My wife, on the other hand, continues to enjoy a glass of wine and I have no problem with that.

It is a matter on which there is individual choice, so we should be careful not to become 'religious' and condemn another for the choice they make, simply because it is different to our own. Loving God and our neighbour are the key commands of Jesus, so our personal decisions should be made within these parameters.

It would be so easy if all saw things the same way and there was a 'golden rule' on this and many other contentious matters. But that would simply be returning to 'The Law', and we know that salvation through the law was a dismal failure, because we are incapable of keeping even simple laws, all of the time. Jesus came with a better way, the only way, the way of 'Grace'. And I am so grateful that He did, for I am constantly in need of it! Maybe even more so, some will say, after reading this!

Find out more about us on ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/about.php

FROM THE WORD

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:15-18)

"Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses." (1 Timothy 5:23)

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin." (Romans 14:19-23)

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

*** The foolish man lusts after instant pleasure, the wise man seeks knowledge, but the godly man yearns for God's truth.

*** It’s easy to be wise in theory, but a lot more difficult in practise!

*** Every time we forego excellence in favour of the average, we succeed in lowering the average.

*** A truly wise person is quick to listen but slow to answer.

*** People find it much easier to find solutions to the problems of others than to face up to their own.

*** Our human desire is 'to do', but God wants us 'to be'.

*** You may know how to get there but you first have to know where to go!

Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now 700 David sayings for you to view at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php

MY CUP RUNNETH OVER (INTO THE SAUCER) AND OTHER THINGS

We Americans have no traditions in regards to "High Tea". Some would argue that Americans have NO traditions at all, but that's another argument alltogether. We Americans tend to drink coffee for breakfast and be in a hurry. So we eat our Sugar Frosted Corn Flakes quickly but discover that the coffee in the large mug (forget cups and saucers!) is still too hot. So we pour it into the now empty cereal bow which is still cool from the cold milk. Within moments we are on our way (with a second mug of coffee in a topple proof mug on the dashboard of our car). Any other American's out there who can confirm this "American Tradition"?

David Boyd
The Netherlands

I missed one week of your delightful newsletter somehow; just didn't receive in my e-mail. I am very happy that your encouraging words are back at my address.

I read the comments by others about drinking tea from a saucer and thought of my father. Being an American child in the 1940s, I didn't see family and friends drinking tea but rather coffee. I remember watching my Dad drink coffee from his saucer. I never knew why but now I am going to guess that it was too hot to drink from a cup. As an adult, in antique stores I found cups with deep saucers and was told that people regularly drank from these.

Yours in Him,
Joyce H.

Coffee is now making an entrance to the discussion! Inevitable perhaps! (David)

Dear David,
Of course, if the tea was really hot, you fanned it with your cap before drinking...

Regards,
Jim Gould

Hi David,
I did not read the comments about drinking out of the saucer but there is a singer in America , Michael Combs, who sings "Drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed"
Christian Song.
Jodi

Hello David from summer in the US........
I couldn't agree more with this week's "editorial".
The Lord has been showing me (and encouraging me) to tell people that the "entrance" to the Kingdom of God is not as easy as many may think. The reason is that many Churches, Pastors, Ministers and even Christian TV...(and I operate one) make it sound so easy to be "born again" or "saved" and therefore guaranteed an everlasting Kingdom life. Of course that is how we DO find the Kingdom life but if only ......exactly as you say....... Churches would only make it harder to belong to a Church......to be involved in Church Unfortunately this easy approach to belonging (going) to Church, breeds a whole generation of people who believe the same about an easy approach to Heaven........i.e. once supposedly saved, they can then more or less lead a life close to where they were, if not exactly the same. The USA has many Churches, many Churches who are building on, many Churches who are increasing in numbers, many Churches who are full on Sundays and even have 2 or 3 services to accomodate the crowds, but sadly I do not see many with the "fruits" of this expansion. Your Church sounds just like a Kingdom Church should be....... I envy you..........(no I cannot do that....the Bible says not too !!)
Regards, Roy L McGreevy
I think "This Day's Thought" (today June 30 03) also says it ......

The world's greatest need is not more Christians but more Christians who practice their Christianity.
Unknown

LAST WEEK'S CHALLENGE
If you have 3 apples and you take 2 away, how many do you have?

Dear David,
Actually, if I had three apples and then I took two away, I'd have ... three. In two different places. Moving 'em doesn't change who owns 'em.

Grace, peace - Phil Anthony.

Hafa Adai from Saipan,
My name is Narcy Walter and I'm with Youth With A Mission Saipan and Micronesia. I've been reading and enjoying the encouraging word of God from your ministry. Thank you very much. The encouragement for me today is to speak to my many mountains about my big and wonderful God! and also the word about Gideon marching to war with the 300 hundredth instead if too plenty. Oh, and the humors great to I really like them, I like to print out to the others, but we are all islanders here and they don't get the funny stories, but anyway I do. God bless you and your wife.
In His Service,
Narcy Walter

Your comments to me or fellow readers are always welcomed at... david@wwj.org.nz

FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK

In conjunction with Inspirational Tapes
inspirational.org.nz we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to download the following message in MP3 format, free of charge. Inspirational Tapes offers a range of over 4,000 Audio Cassette Tapes, CD's and Videos to members worldwide, for hire, download or purchase.

This week's free download is...

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY USE THE LAW

By: Ray Comfort

The very well known author and speaker presents his thoughts on an interesting subject, in light of today's leading article.

Download your free MP3 now at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/tape.php

FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What's the difference between a fiddle and a violin?

ANSWER: Some claim there's a slight difference between a fiddle and a violin in the bridge of the instrument (fiddle has a flatter bridge because fiddlers like playing double notes). Most experts, however, say the two are the same instrument, but are simply played differently. ("A violin and a fiddle are the same thing. You carry one in a case, and the other in a pillow sack.")

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What do these words have in common: age, blame, curb, dance, evidence, fence, gleam, harm, interest, jam, kiss, latch, motion, nest, order, part, quiz, rest, signal, trust, use, view, win, x-ray, yield, zone?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

AN EXTRA CUP AND SAUCER FACT!
President Calvin Coolidge once invited friends from his hometown to dine at the White House. Worried about their table manners, the guests decided to do everything that Coolidge did. This strategy succeeded, until coffee was served. The president poured his coffee into the saucer. The guests did the same. Coolidge added sugar and cream. His guests did, too. Then Coolidge bent over and put his saucer on the floor for the cat.

930. 'ROLL OUT THE BARREL'
Annie Taylor, a 63-year-old schoolteacher, was the first daredevil brave enough to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel and lucky enough to survive. (She claimed to be 43 at the time, but genealogical records say she was older). On emerging from her barrel after plunging over Niagara Falls, Annie said, "No one ought ever do that again." (Many a wise word is said after a barrel experience. Wisdom suddenly develops!)

931. NOSEPRINT
The nose pad of a cat is ridged in a unique pattern, just like the fingerprint of a human. (Cat burglars are identified by noseprints on windowpanes.)

932. CAN ANIMALS CARRY LEPROSY?
The armadillo can carry leprosy, but the chances of one infecting you are extremely slim. The only cases of transmission from armadillos to humans have occurred when humans ate undercooked armadillo meat. (Make my armadillo steak well done please, waiter.)

A CHALLENGE FOR YOU

Take any three-figure number in which the first digit is the larger than the last...like 846. Now reverse it...648, and subtract the smaller from the larger making it 198. Now add that number to the same number reversed, 891. What is the answer?

Answer at the end of A David Musing.

You can download a 250 item sample Trivia Book at Truly Trifling Trivia

Or view all 1200 online at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/facts.php

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." ***

180. CHURCH MARQUEE SIGNS
"The best vitamin for a Christian is B1"
"Under same management for over 2000 years"
"Soul food served here"
"Tithe if you love Jesus! Anyone can honk!"
"The wages of sin is death. Repent before payday"
"Never give the devil a ride. He will always want to drive"
"Beat the Christmas rush, come to church this Sunday!"
"Don't wait for the hearse to take you to church"

179. YOU CAN'T WIN
The local post office received a letter addressed "To God." Not knowing where to deliver it, they forwarded it to one of the nearby churches.

The pastor read it at the next charity committee meeting. "Dear God," began the writer. "I hate to bother you, but my family is having it tough right now. The rent is two month's due, my wife is expecting, and my car is broke down. Plus I just lost my job as a nightwatchman due to sleeping on the job. Please send us $1,000 and I won't bother you again."

The pastor read the name and one of the committee members recognized it. "He lives right down the street from the church," she said. "This might be a good way to witness to him and show him we care."

The others agreed but the church fund was only to help members. Finally, after much discussion, they decided to pool their resources and give from their own pockets. They came up with $500, then wrote out a check from the church and sent it to him.

Months passed with no word of thanks or even acknowledgement. Some time later they received another letter forwarded to them addressed to God. It was from the same fellow. "Dear God," it read. "I hate to bother you again, but I lost my new job at the shoe store, my car was wrecked, and my wife is in the hospital again. Please send me $1,000 to get these creditors off our backs. Thanks again. P.S. Please send it to me directly this time. Last time you sent it through the church next door and those dirty crooks kept half of it."

Now one of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 550 sermon fillers (50 NEW ONES THIS WEEK) for your entertainment and use at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/laugh.php

MILESTONE DATES IN THE GROWTH OF TRUE CHRISTIANITY

At the dates indicated, a comparison of
1) the number of Bible–believing Christians and
2) the total number of people in the world:

It took 1430 years for Bible-believing Christians to become just one percent of world population
By AD 1430, (1%) were Bible believing Christians. (One to 99 after 1430 years)
By AD 1790, (2%) were Bible believing Christians. (One to 49 after 360 years)
By AD 1940, (3%) were Bible believing Christians. (One to 32 after 150 years)
By AD 1960, (4%) were Bible believing Christians. (One to 24 after 20 years)
By AD 1970, (5%) were Bible believing Christians. (One to 19 after 10 years)
By AD 1980, (6%) were Bible believing Christians. (One to 16 after 10 years)
By AD 1983, (7%) were Bible believing Christians. (One to 13 after 3 years)
By AD 1986, (8%) were Bible believing Christians. (One to 11 after 3 years)
By AD 1989, (9%) were Bible believing Christians. (One to 10 after 3 years)
By AD 1993, (10%) were Bible believing Christians. (One to 9 after 4 years)
By AD 1997, (11%) were Bible believing Christians. (One to 8 after 4 years)

THE LATEST PICTURE
Today, 645 million or (11%) of the world population are Evangelicals or Bible believing Christians.
Of the world’s 24,000 “Unimax” People Groups, 10,000 (having 2.1 billion persons) are still considered Unreached---though Christian work is being done among most. A unimax people is the maximum sized group sufficiently unified to be reached by a single, indigenous church planting movement.

Many more interesting Bible, Church and Evangelism facts to be gleaned at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/gfacts.php

LIFE'S A LAUGH

The truth is not only often stranger than fiction, but generaaly funnier too! We can choose to laugh or cry at life's 'interesting' situations!

FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE
I received a call from one of those annoying telephone marketers the other day. This lady asked me if I'd be willing to participate in a survey. I agreed to do so. She began the questions, but I interrupted her. "Wait a second," I said. "Who is this and what organization do you represent?"

She answered my question and continued asking questions. I interrupted her again. "What's the purpose of this survey?" I asked.

"Sir," she replied irritably, "I don't have time to answer your questions." She then hung up on me.

ANYTHING WRONG?
Before I could start my first job right out of college, I had to present evidence that I was a U.S. citizen. I showed up with my driver's license and birth certificate.

The clerk looked at my driver's license and copied down some information. She then picked up my birth certificate and gave it a long look. "Is anything wrong?" I asked.

"Yes," she said. I can't find the expiration date."

Over 150 (50+ ADDED THIS WEEK) real life stories to be enjoyed at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/lifelaugh.php

EAGLES FLY HIGH!

PART WON
THE INNER MAN
A unique, no holds barred look at the life and faith of David Tait. Told in story, verse and in testimony of ‘David’s Musings’. An honest look at both the upside and cost of seeking a deeper relationship with God.

WE OVERCOME SATAN THROUGH BELIEF IN JESUS, who is "THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB" (From Revelation 12:11)

"Words are cheap, dreams are free,
’Tis our heart that God does see." (DT)

FAR FROM PERFECT – BUT ALLOWING GOD TO WORK ON IT! (DT)

PART TOO
THE FIRST AND LAST WORD

A journey of discovery through God’s Word, where He reveals His past, present and future plans for both individuals and His Church. On Mount Sinai, God the Father gave Moses detailed design specifications for His first church, Moses Tabernacle. This was accompanied by principles for Godly living as set out in the ‘Feasts of the Lord.’ These patterns were again confirmed 1500 years later in the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who died as the final Passover Lamb. The modern church was birthed in Holy Spirit power on the Day of Pentecost. Now the final stage of God’s eternal plan is about to be fulfilled by the ‘Tabernacle (or Apostolic) Church’, before Jesus returns as the Fathers representative to rule and reign upon the earth.

WE OVERCOME SATAN THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT who is "THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY" (From Revelation 12:11)

"Wise men’s words illuminate the moment,
But God’s Word is an eternal flame." (DT)

THE HIGHEST CALL – TO BE THE LIVING WORD (DT)

PART FREE
THE ETERNAL VISION

One man’s vision for the Church and the Christian of the future. Firmly based upon scripture, this vision in prose, allegory and poetry will challenge you to seek out God’s plan for you as an individual and for the Tabernacle (Apostolic) Church Movement in these exciting times. Truly inspirational, for those hungry for more of God.

WE OVERCOME SATAN BY OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF THE FATHER as we "LOVE NOT OUR LIVES SO MUCH AS TO SHRINK FROM DEATH" (From Revelation 12:11)

"Reach for a light bulb and God provides the ladder.
Reach for the stars and He designs you a spaceship." (DT)

DEPENDENT UPON GOD,
INTERDEPENDENT AMONGST EACH OTHER,
INDEPENDENT OF THE OLD NATURE. (DT)

Freely download all 3 parts at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/eagle.php

A DAVID MUSING

This week, there are hundreds of new jokes and sayings posted on the Walking With Jesus website. Plenty to keep you occupied on a cold wet day! I would expect many New Zealanders would qualify, as we are currently having one of our coldest snaps of weather for many years!

However, that is not really the point. This new material didn't suddenly just 'appear', but has been gradually collected over the past few months, one piece at a time, and has now finally been transferred in bulk to the web site.

A lot like life in God really. For our faith builds slowly, step by step, changes are made in our lives, one at a time, almost without us being aware of them. We seem to be getting nowhere, we get frustrated and even disappointed. Then one day, when the Lord is ready, He releases us into a new level of anointing and ministry, seemingly overnight. And it is wonderful! Something we have hoped for, been waiting for, for a long time!

Yet this big step cannot happen unless we are diligent in meeting all the frustrating challenges, the tests, the small steps of faith, and the life style changes the Lord daily desires of us. For as we are proved faithful in the small things, so the big follow, as night follows day.

In the New Zealand Winter the nights are very long and cold, but we know that the day will dawn, even if the weak Winter sun is obscured by the clouds. However each day lived, means the life giving promise of Spring is coming ever nearer.

So let's be faithful in the small things this week, this month, this year, confident in the knowledge that the Lord's promises will be fulfilled to those who love and obey Him.

Oh, and have a look at the new material on the web site for some light relief or thoughtful pondering, in the meantime!

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's Challenge Answer: The answer is 1,089, and I didn't even have to use a calculator. The answer will always be 1,089 even if the result of the subtraction is two figures, you just add a zero to the front before reversing.

REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT

Most weeks we get enquiries about reproducing, in electronic or print form, articles contained in 'PGIM!' We welcome and encourage you to utilise this material. Freely received, freely given. We would ask though, that the scource be acknowledged as an encouragement to others to subscribe to this newsletter also.

Subscription opportunities are available at the bottom of each newsletter or at...

https://www.macnet.co.nz/wwjesus/pay.html

CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS?

Each week we can lose up to 1% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. If you are about to change your address, please advise us of both your old and new addresses here at
enquiries@wwj.org.nz and we will happily change our records to ensure ongoing delivery. Thanks.

LINKS

If you would like to link your web site to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us on
links@wwj.org.nz

DID THIS EMAIL HAVE A BLUE BACKGROUND AND RED HEADINGS?

YES - Great!
NO - Your web browser needs to be set to 'Rich Text'. If you have an older 'Text Only' browser, this email may also be viewed on our web site at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/wwword.php

ABOUT US

WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Mount Maunganui, 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
P O Box 5160
Mount Maunganui
New Zealand

Phone: (06) 878-9330 International (0064) 6878-9330
Fax: (06) 878-9330 International (0064) 6878-9330
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