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TO THOSE IN MINISTRY
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Issue No: 883 Published: 24 Sep 2018
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY? Part 57
THE CHALLENGE OF..... LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE
OLD AND NEW WINESKINS
36 He told them this parable: “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. 37 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, ‘The old is better.’” (Luke 5:36-9)
After being asked why His disciples did not fast, as was the religious pattern of the time, Jesus told these two brief parables to give a most necessary warning about 'mixture'. This was a warning both to the Pharisees and to us today.
Mixing the old 'religion' with the new 'revelation' courts disaster. Firstly, in the case of the Pharisees, it was mixing the old way of the 'law', as given to Moses, with the new revelation of 'grace' as taught by Jesus. You can't patch the old garment of the law with the new of grace, for to do so, you must destroy the new garment in order to get the material for the patch.
Secondly, and for us today, we cannot pour the 'new wine' of revelation into the old wineskin of church tradition, theology that owes more to the mind of man than the heart of God. This is a hard word for us to accept, for as Jesus says here, we naturally prefer the old wine to the new. We all too easily get comfortable, doing things the way they have always been done, and so miss out on the new revelation of the kingdom that our Lord is revealing to us today.
We are happy to believe in, and wait for, the kingdom up there in heaven when we die, living how we like now, rather than being prepared to allow our lives to be changed into the image of Jesus, in order to establish His kingdom upon the earth.
The logical question that arises is, "How do we get this revelation?"
According to God's Word, there is only one way. Importantly, we don't accept David's word for it! Rather each must seek out the truth for us through the revelation of our teacher and guide, the Holy Spirit.
9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: 16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:9-16)
Now, I understand that you may well be thinking that your church or denomination was set up by very godly men and has developed a tried and true theological structure that has withstood the test of time. And it teaches that heaven is only a post death experience. Perhaps also, a teaching that you will get zapped (raptured) out of an increasingly condemned and violent world, before it gets too bad to live in comfortably, and live happily ever after!
Teaching of a future, rather than a present, hope.
Yet the truth of the matter is that, unlike the Pharisees, we are to live holy and righteous lives now.
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:19-25)
If we accept the 'future heaven only' theology, the natural conclusion is that we can live our lives pretty much as we like, doing a few good things, but not having to live the kingdom lifestyle now. The writer of Hebrews sets us straight!
26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:26-31)
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
(Continued next week)
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
The Disciples Return (Matthew 14:13, Mark 6:30-2, Luke 9:10, John 6:1)
With their news. Jesus takes them away from the crowd.
“Come with me, just yourselves. We’ll go to a quiet place, and rest for a while,”
Jesus Feeds the 5000 (Matthew 14:15-21, Mark 6:35-44, Luke 9:12-17, John 6:3-14)
Near Bethsaida, where a crowd had gathered.
“Where can we buy enough bread to feed all these people?”
“Sit them down in groups of about fifty,”
“Collect what’s left over so nothing is wasted.”
Jesus (and Peter) Walking on Water (Matthew 14:24-33, Mark 6:48-52, John 6:16-21)
In the storm. The disciples see Jesus.
“Don’t worry, it’s me! Don’t be afraid!”
Peter walks - then sinks.
“Come on then,”
“You have such little trust in me. Why did you doubt?”
(Continued next week)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
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AN EYE 4 Africa - https://www.facebook.com/aneye4africa/
A BIG DAY - SOLD OUR FIRST PAIR OF GLASSES!
Yesterday we received our glasses frames and stands from Nairobi. Today, we finished erecting the stands and displaying the frames. And 'hey presto', we sold our first pair!
Businesswise, this is the most encouraging day we have had in the 6 months we have been open, for they are a high value item with a good profit margin, when compared to the other services we offer. While we are not here to make money but to serve the people, money is important in order to pay the wages and bills.
Hwere our well qualified specialist eye nurse Rosemary, fits the frame to the customer.
Kathy brought back a beautiful donated Refraction Set from a retired Ophthalmologist in the UK, for Rosemary to prescribe the correct lenses.
Kathy and our Consultant Optometrist Andrew, opening up the stands.Like Christmas!
Up they go! The mirror is obviously temporary - from our bedroom actually! Will be replaced on Monday.
An exciting moment to be able to help our first client to improve her sight!
***NOW***NINE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!!!
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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
390. Death is not a 'problem' but an 'opportunity' - if we have made the correct preparations beforehand.
391. Why do so many choose to make death the end, when it should be just the beginning?
392. On earth, there is life and death, in heaven, death and life.
393. Many people would like a second chance at life. We all get one actually - after death!
394. Isn't it amazing how our character improves, after we die!
395. If only people would say to us now, the things they say about us at our funeral, the world would be a happier place.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
NEXT WEEK: APPLICATION TO TODAY’S CHURCH
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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. ***
186. Stuck In A Rut...
An old gentleman at a small country church had given the same testimony at every meeting for the last twenty years. It was always, "I'm not making much progress, but Praise the Lord, I'm established."
One rainy afternoon his car slipped off the narrow dirt road and into the ditch. Try as he could, he couldn't budge, but simply spun his tires. Along came a deacon who could never quite accept the old fellow's testimony. Stopping to look the situation over he said with a smile, "Well, Brother, I see you're not making much progress, but you 're sure established!"
QWIK QWIP: “Lead your life so you won't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.”
187. Bet You Can't Tell Just One...
The pastor had come home tired after a full day of visitation and counselling, when there was a knock at the door. A peek through the curtain revealed the pinched features of the church's resident busybody. "Oh, no," whispered the worn-out minister to his wife. "It's Miss Brisby! Tell her I went to bed early!" And he hurried upstairs to nominally justify the story by lying down on the bed.
After nearly an hour of reading and relaxing, he ventured out of the bedroom and listened at the top of the stairs. Not hearing anything, he started down, calling out to his wife, "Well, honey, did that dreadfully nosy old bore finally leave?"
As he finished the sentence he rounded the stair corner and saw his wife standing next to the woman in question. Both wore a shocked expression as they stared at him.
But his fast-thinking wife saved the day and said, "Yes, dear, she did; but now Mrs. Brisby is here and would love to see you! "
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
One thing we have found in the time we have lived in Kenya - 14 months now - is how different it is to live in culture rather than simply visiting, that is coming and going after a short period of time.
Over the years I have spent a lot of time ministering in many different places in Africa, and Asia for that matter, but this is the first time I, indeed we, have live lived in such a different culture, where contact with Westerners is minimal. We are fully immersed, living the life, in a small way, of the people here. The words 'culture shock' are no longer a theory, but reality for us.
Many Christians go to meetings and conferences where it is claimed, 'You will never be the same again'! To be honest, there is rarely any change, in spite of the enthusiasm shown.
Discipleship then, is a lifestyle, which must be caught, not taught. As Jesus was with His disciples, so we are to be today. Sharing with one another, living life in a discipleship environment, is the best way to walk towards maturity in Jesus. Sharing with one another the highs and lows of our walk, and providing mutual support and encouragement, again is the way of discipleship.
Today Kathy has a rare day out, where she is travelling to another city to have lunch with a friend from Ireland who has been in Kenya for many years. They will enjoy each other's company and be of encouragement to one another also.
For walking with Jesus is all about relationship, not religion.
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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