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: 879 Published: 27 Aug 2018
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY? Part 56
THE CHALLENGE OF..... LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE
We now look at two parables saying much the same thing. Two for the price of one!
THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP
Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (Luke 15:1-7)
THE PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN
8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:1-10)
These 2 parables reinforce each other, although with different emphases, revealing the heart of Father God towards His children, that is, us.
Firstly, Jesus is again criticising the supposedly righteous religious people who do not see themselves as sinners. We have dealt with this previously.
Secondly though, these parables illustrate that God's nature is centred upon a desire to build a personal relationship with those He has created in His likeness…..
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)
He put us in charge of the earth.
28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:28)
While God could have made us like robots, robots cannot form true relationships, as they are programmed, not having a choice (or no more than a pre-programmed one) about what they do. Real relationship can only come when two people choose to relate to each other, in free will. God set up a freewill test for Adam and Eve which, as we know, they failed.
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." (Genesis 2:15-17)
And what was true of Adam and Eve was true in Jesus' time, and is still reality today. Many people, whether through choice, or a lack of knowledge, not having heard, do not have a personal relationship with the Father which, from New Testament times, must come through Jesus.
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7)
I am sure God cries (not theologically correct, I know!) when He sees His 'sheep' or His 'coins' lost to Him! For that is the heart message of these parables. He will go to great effort to restore the relationship, whether it be someone who has never known Him, or to one who has walked away, for whatever reason.
As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe]..... But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children's children(Psalm 103:13,17 Amplified Version)
In order to come to Him, we must first, as both the parables conclude, repent of our sins.
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. (Luke 13:1-3)
On the first Day of Pentecost after the ascension of Jesus, the Holy Spirit came in power upon the church, as Jesus had promised He would. Peter confirmed the need for repentance as he told the people there…..
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:36-39)
May we come back to Jesus today.
(Continued next week)
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
Parables by the Lake(Matthew 13:1-35, Mark 4:1-34, Luke 8:4-18)
Told from a boat anchored away from the shore, out there because of the size of the crowd.
Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast(Matthew 13:31-5)
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a farmer sowed in his field. Even though it’s the tiniest of seeds it grows much bigger than other plants. In fact it grows into a tree big enough for birds to roost in its branches.”
“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman mixed with a large quantity of flour, until all the dough was raised.”
Parable of the Weeds Explained(Matthew 13:36-43)
In private, as requested by the Disciples.
“The one who sows the good seed is the Son of man,” Jesus explained. “The field is the world. The good seeds are the children of the kingdom. The weed seeds are the children of the evil one. The enemy that sowed the weed seeds is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world. The reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are harvested and burned so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of man will send out his angels, and they will gather up every sinful thing and everyone who does evil, and will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. Then those who live rightly will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their father. Anybody with ears should be listening!
Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl(Matthew 13:44-6)
Followed by more parables.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. A man found it, reburied it, and then full of joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
The kingdom of heaven is also like a trader looking for good pearls. When he found the most expensive pearl ever he went and sold all he had and bought it.
(Continued next week)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
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THE BIBLE SCHOOL GRADUATION
The Bible School, School For Harvest, on the compound next to the hospital, and on which we live, had their annual Graduation ceremony last Friday.
It was a joyous occasion, for both the 32 graduates and their families.
The Dutch pastors who set up the School, Bert and Dick, are presenting the certificates.
David, the Rector, our Chairman and friend (in the red) with whom we live, giving his address.
There is a head, caught in the shadows!
Garlands and gifts are given and a great celebration had by all.
This church group where the men wear hats all the time and the women veils to church, celebrating with great gusto one of their number who graduated.
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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
1076. A dose of adversity is the best treatment for a swollen ego.
1272. Practice makes 'less imperfect'.
1275. We can make a world of difference by being different to the world.
1276. For Christ, the world is won one by one!
1312. Theology is based on knowledge while understanding is grounded in relationship.
1313. Our best sermon is our life.
1314. Sadly, many Christians are more concerned about the Bible version you read than the Bible you live!
1316. It is great to LOVE the Word, but it is God's desire for us to LIVE the Word. What a difference a letter makes!
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
NEXT WEEK: 'POTTED' HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 2
Plus a glimpse of the church yet to come!
*** 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 all think alike, no-one is thinking much.”
175. Cash and Carry...
A miserly rich man was nearing the end and he called three of his closest friends to his bedside: a doctor, a minister and a lawyer.
“They always say that you can’t take it with you,” he wheezed. “But I’m going to prove them wrong.” He handed each of them an envelope. “Inside each envelope is fifty thousand dollars, evenly divided from my estate. I want each of you to throw your envelope in the grave with me just before they cover me up. You are the only ones I could trust to carry out my last wishes.” And so saying, he expired.
Several days later at graveside services, they did as he asked. The three friends walked away in silence. Presently the clergyman spoke. “I have a confession to make,” he started. “The church has desperately needed some major repairs, so I kept back $10,000 of the money to do it.”
This prompted the doctor. “I, too, friends must confess: the hospital needed a new wing, so I only threw in $10,000 and have already given the rest to the building fund.”
The lawyer stared at the two chagrined men. “Gentlemen! I am shocked, and ashamed of you for keeping back part of the money.” He turned to leave, with a grim smile. “I’ll have you know, friends, that I threw in a personal check for the entire amount!”
176. A Real Prayer
A couple was touring the Capitol in Washington D.C., and the guide pointed out a tall, benevolent gentleman as the congressional chaplain.
The lady asked, "What does the chaplain do? Does he pray for the Senate or House?"
The guide answered, "No, he gets up, looks at the Congress, then prays for the country!"
177. A Real Stayer
The sermon had gone on a long time. A visitor leaned over to the person next to him and asked, “How long has he been preaching?”
Came the reply, “Almost thirty years.”
“Oh,” said the stranger. “Guess I’ll stay. He ought to be through soon.”
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES One of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 800 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ..... https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj18p47.pdf
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A DAVID MUSING
This week has expensively been a 'thieving' week for us in the Hospital, with both large and smaller items stolen.
"Oh Lord', what is happening?"
"Just trust, rest and have peace in me", says the Lord, "For I am preparing you for the time ahead, when there will be even more challenges."
Not encouraging in one way, but positive in another as He prepares me for the things He still has for me to do.
The fully committed, walk with Jesus is not a 'bed of roses', but the rewards are eternal.
People tell me they would like to have what I have in Jesus. My response always is, "Are you prepared to pay the price?" Nearly all quietly depart.
How about you?
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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