THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW?

DOCTRINE

Greek (Western) 

Church membership is based upon agreement with the theological precepts of the particular church. This process started early on in the history of the church with the 'Apostles Creed' (AD200-900), the 'Nicene Creed' (AD381), developed under Emperor Constantine, and the 'Athanasian Creed' (AD500), being early, widely accepted, examples. Today, each denomination (and non-denomination!) has its theological statement upon which the particular grouping or church operates. Theological differences and disputes cause division and distrust between the multitudes of Christian groups. These differences assume greater importance than what should unite, that is, the person of Jesus Christ.

Eastern (Hebrew) 

Synagogue membership required people adhere to a certain way of living. Divergent views abounded, but all those who lived a godly lifestyle were accepted. Until the Middle Ages, there was no overall Jewish doctrinal statement or creed. At that time one was developed by Rambam, in order to counter arguments of Christian apologists. This creed concept however, was foreign to the Judaism of Jesus' time.

When Jesus was asked how His true followers would be identified, he answered....

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

(Matthew 7:15-20)      

Furthermore, He proceeded to reinforce His point about behaviour versus mere mental assent..... 

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-3)     

Amongst others, the parable of 'The Sheep and the Goats'(disciples v intellectual believers) makes this point forcefully. On Judgment  Day.....   

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

(Matthew 25:31-3)        

Why? .....  

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ (Matthew 25:34-6)    

This was followed by an intellectual defence for the Pharisees lack of action.....

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ (Matthew 25:37-9)        

To which Jesus replied.....    

40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ (Matthew 25:40-45)      

Followed by His words of reward and judgment.....  

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46)      

Indeed, actions speak louder than words!       

SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY   

Now for something different here! A 'joke', which I trust will challenge you too!   

What is Your Faith?  

I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. So I ran over and said, "Stop! Don't do it!"       

"Why shouldn't I?" he said.  

I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!"       

He said, "Like what?"  

I said, "Well...are you religious or atheist?"     

He said, "Religious."    

I said, "Me too! Are you Christian or Buddhist?"       

He said, "Christian."    

I said, "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?"     

He said, "Protestant."  

I said, "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?"    

He said, "Baptist!"       

I said, "Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?"

He said, "Baptist Church of God!"  

I said, "Me too! Are you original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?" 

He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God!"    

I said, "Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?"    

He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!"      

I said, "Die, heretic scum!" and pushed him off.      

Jesus generated 'Deeds', not 'Creeds', are the true measure of faith.         

 

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FROM THE WORD

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

 

Changing Water into Wine (John 2:1-11)

As requested by His mother at the wedding. 

“Mother, why should you involve me? My time hasn’t come yet,”

“Fill the jars with water,”

“Pour some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.”

 

Jesus Clearing the Temple (John 2:12-25)

Overturning the tables and driving people out with a whip. Talking to the dove sellers. 

“Take these things out of here! Don’t turn my Father’s house into a market!” 

Then when His authority was questioned by the leaders and a miracle asked for. 

“Destroy this Temple, and in three days I’ll raise it up!”

 

Jesus Meets Nicodemus at Night (John 3:1-21)         

The Jewish teacher. 

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “Unless you are reborn, you can’t experience God’s kingdom.” 

Nicodemus asked how? 

“I tell you the truth, you can’t enter God’s kingdom unless you are born of water and the Spirit,” “What’s born of the flesh is flesh, and what’s born of the Spirit is Spirit. Don’t be surprised at my telling you, ‘You must be reborn.’ The wind blows wherever it wants, and just as you hear the sound it makes, but know where it’s coming from or where it’s going, that’s how it is for everyone who is born of the spirit.”

“You’re a famous teacher in Israel, and yet you don’t understand such things?” “I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know and give evidence regarding what we have seen, but you refuse to accept our testimony. If you don’t trust what I say when I tell you about earthly things, how would you ever trust what I say if I were to tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven, but the Son of man came down from heaven. Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so the Son of man must be lifted up, that everyone who trusts in him will have eternal life.

“For God loved the world, and this is how: he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who trusts in him shouldn’t die, but have eternal life. God didn’t send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Those who trust in him are not condemned, while those who don’t trust in him are condemned already because they didn’t trust in the one and only Son of God. This is how the decision is made: the light came to the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light, for their actions were evil. All those who do evil hate the light and don’t come into the light, because they don’t want their actions to be exposed. But those who do good come into the light, so that what God accomplishes in them can be revealed.”

(Continued next week)   

 

Download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.

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CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

On behalf of Kathy and myself, I wish you a very happy God and family filled Christmas. 

To those who are grieving at this time, and there are many, Jesus is there to comfort you. 

Merry Christmas

David and Kathy

A MUZUNGU’S (White Man’s) THOUGHT – Issue 17

Here in Western Kenya, where commercialism has not yet reared its ugly head, Christmas is primarily a family celebration. Many will also go to church on Christmas morning.

Our area is Luhya, the second largest racial grouping in Kenya at 16% of the population. The tribe in our area is Bukusu. 

To our people, family is very important, and everyone who lives outside the area will try their hardest, to come home for Christmas to spend time with their family and eat, and eat, and eat, and maybe, drink a lot as well! Some things are the same worldwide!

On Boxing Day, we will see the results of where this has gone wrong, in hospital visits!

Having come from the West, where the Christmas consumerism culture is in full swing, to Webuye, is a real culture shock. Go downtown in Webuye and you will not see any indication that Christmas is near. No shop displays, no Christmas specials. No presents to buy. Life continues pretty much as normal. 

In the church, a Christmas service acknowledging the birth of Jesus, will be held and perhaps, a meal served afterwards. 

Which is the best way?

For us, we will miss being with our family, naturally. We will try our best to find some special food to eat. But for me, the hype and pressure on the credit card is not missed. Nor the fact that the world has taken over, what was a Christian celebration. To the extent now, that Jesus is being removed from the equation altogether, for fear of offending those who are not believers. 

Overall, other than missing family, for me, this is the better way.

Shukrani

(Thank You)

OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

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LAST WEEK MAMA WAS BLIND, NOW MAMA CAN SEE!!!

I just had to share this good news story as soon as it happened!

 Mama was completely blind and had to be led everywhere. Last week we operated on her.

Today Mama came on the boda boda. We went out to greet her and she welcomed us with a big smile, recognizing us individually!

Now Mama walked into the hospital unaided as she could see the way!

Rosemary, our Eye Nurse, told us our sprightly 90 year old Mama couldn't believe it! She has a new life! She will pray all the time for the expansion of the hospital so that others may receive the same miracle as she he has!

What a wonderful experience, after 2 1/2 years to see so vividly, the fruit of God's provision and work of so many people, displayed in technicolor before our eyes!

The best Christmas present one could have!

 

 

CHRISTMAS MAY BE COMING BUT WE ARE STILL WORKING HARD

In an ideal world we wish to get the Eye Hospital finished before Christmas. Will be close!

Final coats of paint are going on the walls.

***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.....

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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.....

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

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

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

CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER

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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

The Holy Spirit is the first key to transforming the church. Let's find out why and how.

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! 

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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. ***     

354. The Consultant

There once was a consultant who lived her whole life without ever taking advantage of any of the people she worked for. In fact, she made sure that every job she did resulted in a win-win situation. One day, while walking down the street, she was tragically hit by a bus and she died. 

Her soul arrived up in heaven where she was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter himself. "Welcome to Heaven," said St. Peter. "Before you get settled in though it seems we have a problem. You see, strangely enough, we've never once had a consultant make it this far and we're not really sure what to do with you." 

"No problem, just let me in," said the consultant. 

"Well, I'd like to, but I have higher orders. What we're going to do is let you have a day in Hell and a day in Heaven and then you can choose whichever one you want to spend an eternity in." "Actually, I think I've made up my mind...I prefer to stay in Heaven" "Sorry, we have rules..." And with that St. Peter put the consultant in an elevator and it went down-down-down to hell. 

The doors opened and the consultant found herself stepping out onto the putting green of a beautiful golf course. In the distance was a country club and standing in front of her were all her friends - fellow consultants that she had worked with and they were all dressed in evening gowns and cheering for her. They ran up and kissed her on both cheeks and they talked about old times. They played an excellent round of golf and at night went to the country club where she enjoyed an excellent steak and lobster dinner. She met the Devil who was actually a really nice guy (kinda cute) and she had a great time telling jokes and dancing. The consultant was having such a good time that before she knew it, it was time to leave. Everybody shook her hand and waved good-bye as she got on the elevator. 

The elevator went up-up-up and opened back up at the Pearly Gates and found St. Peter waiting for her. "Now it's time to spend a day in heaven." So the consultant spent the next 24 hours lounging around on clouds and playing the harp and singing. She had a great time and before she knew it her 24 hours were up and St. Peter came and got her. "So, you've spent a day in hell and you've spent a day in heaven. Now you must choose your eternity." The consultant paused for a second and then replied, "Well, I never thought I'd say this, I mean, Heaven has been really great and all, but I think I had a better time in Hell." So St. Peter escorted her to the elevator and again the consultant went down-down-down back to Hell. 

When the doors of the elevator opened she found herself standing in a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and filth. She saw her friends were dressed in rags and were picking up the garbage and putting it in sacks. The Devil came up to her and put his arm around her. "I don't understand," stammered the consultant, "yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a country club and we ate lobster and we danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland of garbage and all my friends look miserable." 

The Devil looked at her and smiled, "That's because yesterday we were recruiting you, but today you're staff."

 

QWIK QWIP: “Isn’t it funny how big an hour serving God looks and how small 60 minutes are when spent playing golf, fishing or playing bridge.”

 

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

As mentioned above,  we are now seeing the culmination of the past 2 1/2 years of work in starting cataract surgery. In fact, the vision came a couple of years before that. 

So it has been near 5 year process to get to this stage. How beautiful it was this morning to see the fulfilment of the dream! The blind can see!

Like a good wine, it nearly always takes time for God's vision for us to mature. 

We need to meet the challenges, to overcome the necessary trials and testings that will be put in our way. 

We have a saying, "Easy come, easy go"!  God knows the truth in this and He doesn't make things easy for us. We need time to develop and prove our faith, our trust in Him.

In this world of instant gratification, it is difficult to accept God's way, for it is the opposite of the world's.

May we learn not to lose heart walk in the understanding of God's pattern 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 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!

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