WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY? Part 57

THE CHALLENGE OF..... LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE 

                          THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS     

The Parable of the Weeds    
24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28 ”‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 ”‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”  

The Parable of the Weeds Explained     
36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)  

This parable is viewed on two levels. 

Firstly, a picture of the church and the world. In the world we have both believers and non-believers, which can be viewed as wheat and tares. The problem with this interpretation however, is that many in the world have no pretence of godliness, in fact, they are obvious weeds!    

The more relevant interpretation though, relates to the church itself, described here as the kingdom of heaven, in which are found both wheat and tares.Tares are not like the normal weeds which we pull out of the garden with great frustration, for they always seem to grow faster than the plants we have planted!

In Wikipedia we have a botanical explanation of tares… 

The words translated "weeds" ("tares" in the King James Version) is ζιζάνια (zizania), plural of ζιζάνιον (zizanion). This word is thought to mean darnel (Lolium temulentum),[2][3] a ryegrass which looks much like wheat in its early stages of growth.[4] Roman law prohibited sowing darnel among the wheat of an enemy,[4][5] suggesting that the scenario presented here is realistic.[6]       

What interests me is that the Romans forbade the planting of darnel amongst wheat, which both Jesus and his audience would have known and understood the reason why, thus giving a real and relevant understanding to what Jesus was saying.

This parable, this teaching of Jesus, is particularly relevant to the church today where we promote 'Father Christmas Christianity' - a bag of blessings without any mention of sacrifice. I am so sad to have to say it, but our churches are filled with tares who have come to church, not because they are repentant sinners who have understood the need for and requested God's forgiveness, but through being promised a 'better life'. That is, one of more money and less problems. This is not what the Bible teaches. Look at the 'trouble - free life' Paul had! 

How many preach this sort of Christian lifestyle? 

God is, of course, here to comfort us in our troubles, but not to remove them from us 

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)        

Walking with Jesus does bring problems, for the world does not like it! Yet with Jesus walking by our side we have comfort, for He has overcome the world!  

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  

Are we prepared to make the 'wheat sacrifice' of being 'overcomers' or are we simply satisfied to be 'tare' 'pew warmers' on a Sunday?   

Remember, as the parable says, and confirmed in Corinthians, we will all be called to judgment on the final day. 

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)      

Am I ready? Are you ready?

(Continued next week) 

Find out more about us here.....

https://www.wwj.org.nz/about

FROM THE WORD

THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us..... 

Men’s Traditions Rebuked.(Matthew 15:1-11, Mark 17:1-16)

Jesus asked why the disciples didn’t wash their hands before they ate.  

“Why do you break God’s commandment because of your tradition?” “For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother should be put to death.’ But you say that if someone tells their father or mother, ‘Whatever you might have expected to get from me is now a gift to God,’ then they don’t have to honor their father. In this way you’ve annulled God’s word for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! How well Isaiah described you when he prophesied: ‘These people say they honor me but in their minds they don’t care about me. Their worship of me is pointless. What they teach are just man-made requirements.’”

“Listen, and understand this: it’s not what goes into you through your mouth that defiles you. It’s what comes out of your mouth that defiles you.” 

Parable and Explanation of Man’s Traditions to Disciples  (Matthew 15:12-20,

Mark 17:17-23 )

When the disciples commented that the Pharisees were offended by this teaching, Jesus gave this parable. 

“Every plant my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted,” Jesus replied. “Forget about them—they are blind guides. If a blind man leads another blind man, then they’ll both fall into a ditch.” 

An explanation asked for. 

“Haven’t you understood this yet?” “Don’t you see that whatever goes in through the mouth then passes through the stomach, and then leaves the body as wasted? 18But what comes out through the mouth comes from the mind, and that’s what defiles you. 19For what comes from the mind are evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and blasphemy 20and those are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands doesn’t defile you.” 

Canaanite Woman’s Faith  (Matthew 15:21-8, Mark 7:24-30)

When requesting healing for her demon-possessed daughter. 

“I was only sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” 

As she persisted. 

“First let the children eat until they’re full,” “It’s not right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 

Agreeing with Jesus. 

“For such an answer you may go—the demon has left your daughter.”

(Continued next week)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here. 

https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj46p39.pdf

OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

 

FOR MORE DETAILED AND REGULAR UPDATES, VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE 

AN EYE 4 Africa -  https://www.facebook.com/aneye4africa/

EXCERPTS FROM OUR EMAIL REPORT

REPORT FROM THE ‘KINGDOM’ HOSPITALS

No. 9: July - September 2018
Dear Supporters and Friends
It has been a long time since we last communicated!
Basically for 2 reasons…..
1. There has not been a lot to report, as the Clinic has simply been functioning without many changes.
2. The past 3 months have been one of the most challenging periods of our lives - and we have had some challenging times in the past, for sure! The initial building and opening periods have been replaced by facing the realities of adjusting to life in a completely different culture. For Kathy particularly, who likes to understand the ‘un’understandable (to us) way things work here, this has been a real battle. For us both, setbacks, delays (‘Tomorrow’ and ‘Have patience’ are the favourite words) and sadly, even thefts by staff, have led to a time of great discouragement and questioning. Put in perspective though, the thefts are only 1% of our – your – total investment, but obviously they are still upsetting. Security has been tightened greatly and that challenge has been overcome, and we are becoming better adjusted to life here.

THE BIG THREE!
We have 3 primary non-financial challenges to overcome in order to make the Clinic run effectively.

1. RESIDENTS PERMITS: A personal one! We applied for Residents Permits some 18 months ago, well before we arrived here. There have been interminable delays, many caused by the prolonged twin Presidential elections, which every 5 years turn the country into turmoil, and Visa issuing ceased for a lengthy period. However, today we have our received our 3 year Residents/Work Permit in our hands! Huge thanks to our Chairman and friend David Walukhu, for all his work and pulling strings to make it happen.

So this is a huge day for us! We can now come and go for 3 years, buy a car and get a Driving License among other things. And of course, we now feel more a part of, and appreciated by, the society in which God has brought us to live. 

2. POWER: A huge challenge for us as we have been operating on a generator over the 6 months we have been open. This is obviously expensive. However, after 12 months of frustration and promises, we now have an agreement with the Kenyan Government to install a 100KVA transformer here, in round 6 weeks’ time. 

This will be a community transformer, paid for by the Government, which both saves us a lot of money and gives certainty to us for 24/7 opening hours, adding a major new dimension to our services. So now, we will operate with lanterns for light in the meantime, with the generator as an emergency backup if required. (Starting tonight, with 2 patients!) Another breakthrough!

3. NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE FUND (NHIF): The biggest step we can take to ensure financial viability is to qualify as a provider for NHIF. This national health provider is a subsidized, low cost form of insurance for the Kenyan people for a small fee. Currently, around 25% of the population take advantage of this. Service Provider registration is not easy to obtain, but will bring in many more patients with a higher average spend too. The official word is, “Just be patient”. 
While our patience has worn expensively thin, it seems that again, we are nearly there. Our patient numbers and income will increase 20-50 fold, so this is obviously a huge step for us.

IRRESISTIBLE!

And I simply could not leave out this irresistible photo taken immediately afterwards. A 2 month old baby reminding her perhaps of what we have in store in December – a new granddaughter to our Savi and Nigel in London…..

***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.

Your support would be appreciated and they could well change your life!

They are all found at this link.....

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=david+tait+books/

***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today

Receive one of David's sayings in your mailbox each day to inspire, challenge or maybe, amuse. To register today, go down to the bottom of the page link below, click on the subscribe  link dd-on@wwj.org.nz (or paste the address in an email yourself and send) Then it's done! If you have an Irish heritage, you will love the background coloring! 

Subscription and back issue link is.....

https://www.wwj.org.nz/davids-daily-doodling

'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.....

https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj46p39.pdf

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

https://www.wwj.org.nz/davids-doodlings

CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER

Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com

Check it out at...

https://www.wwj.org.nz/newsletter

TUESDAY TEACHINGS

NEXT WEEK:  A REVELATION OF... THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID  - Part 2

https://www.wwj.org.nz/tuesday-teachings

*** 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! 

https://www.wwj.org.nz/laughing-at-ourselves-ezine

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: “Life is like an onion; you peel off one layer at a time and sometimes you weep.”

 

190. The Timid Witness

After being appointed to the church's evangelism and outreach committee, one particular member was quite nervous at having to make evangelistic visits. His Pastor comforted him by suggesting that he pray. "If you spend a few minutes talking with God prior to visiting someone, it should help."

When the committee met again, the nervous parishioner approached the Pastor and said, "Thank-you so much for suggesting prayer. I tried it before I went on my visit and it really worked!"

"I'm so pleased to hear that," the Pastor answered. "Why don't you share your experience with the rest of the committee so others may know of the power of prayer?"

"Well," he replied, "I prayed that the people wouldn't be home, and they weren't." 

 

191. The Best Lie

A pastor was walking down the street when he came upon a group of about a dozen boys, all of them between 10 and 12 years of age. The group surrounded a dog. Concerned lest the boys were hurting the dog, he went over and asked, "What are you boys doing with that dog?"

One of the boys replied, "This dog is just an old neighbourhood stray. We all want him, but only one of us can take him home. So we've decided that whichever one of us can tell the biggest lie will get to keep the dog."

Of course the pastor was scandalised. "You boys shouldn't be having a contest telling lies!" he exclaimed. He then launched into a ten-minute sermon against lying, beginning, "Don't you boys know it's a sin to lie," and ending with, "Why, when I was your age, I never told a lie."

There was dead silence for about a minute. Just as the pastor began to think he'd really gotten through to them, the smallest boy gave a deep sigh and said, "All right, give him the dog."

 

192. 'Hushers'

Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother Joel were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough.

"You're not supposed to talk out loud in church."

"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.

Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're 'hushers'." 

 

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

Or read them all online at..... 

https://www.wwj.org.nz/laughing-at-ourselves

A DAVID MUSING

GOD LOVES YOU TOO

Some are short, some are tall,

But our God loves us all.

You are surely different to me,

Makes no difference you see.

 

So if you feel the odd one out,

One God knows nothing about,

It simply is not true,

God loves you too.

 

Take your worries to God today

He will help you no the way.

The challenges of life to face,

Through His loving grace.

 

So come to Him my friend,

A message to God do send,

He will surely help you through,

For He loves, both me and you.

.             

Until next week.....                                                                                             

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD

His servant and yours 

David Tait

Visit us here..... 

https://www.wwj.org.nz/about

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 utilize this material. Freely received, freely given. We would ask though, that the source be acknowledged as an encouragement to others to subscribe to this newsletter also.

CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING?

Each week we can lose up to 2% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. Or sometimes, by your server acting strangely and just cutting us off! 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.

Please also keep our address in your address book, as sometimes servers will automatically delete your address if there is even a one off problem in delivery. If your newsletter doesn't arrive, please let us know and we will reinstate you.

LINKS

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

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 website
wwj.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!

For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz