Abundant Life Today

The Giving Church - A Short Story

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 20:43:00 +0000

Hey, cool Church!

In the heart of Batesville AR, there stood a humble Church named "Jubilee Family Church,". The pastor, like all maturing believers, had a tendency to put the needs of others before his own. The church, too, loved her pastor and was a beacon of love, support and truth for the surrounding area, fostering a close-knit community where everyone felt like family.

One day, as the church faced financial challenges, the pastor felt a heavy burden on his heart. He knew that the church needed repairs and improvements to continue serving its members effectively. Yet, the funds were limited, and he didn't want to burden the congregation with more expenses.

Simultaneously, the church members recognized their pastor's dedication and wanted to show their appreciation for his unwavering leadership. They knew that he often dedicated untold hours, pouring his time and resources into the church and its activities.

Cool Guitar!

As the days passed, the pastor resolved to sell his old but treasured guitar, the one he used to lead worship and inspire the congregation. He hoped the proceeds would go towards the church's renovations. Little did he know that the church members had secretly decided to pool their resources to buy him a new guitar..

Wow, I'm so grateful!

On the day Pastor put his guitar up for sale, he received a surprise envelope containing enough money to cover the church repairs. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he realized that his congregation had sacrificed for him, just as he had sacrificed for them.

Love is the most excellent way!

In the end, the pastor and the Church discovered the beauty of sacrificial love that flowed freely from God and among the members of the body of Christ. Their sacrifices for each other illustrated the true spirit of selflessness and the bond that united them. Their actions not only strengthened their community but also served as a shining example of how faith, love, and shared sacrifice could create an unbreakable foundation for a church family that truly cared for one another.

Worship with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:30 AM

(Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM CDT. If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Our YouTube Channel

If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Listen to the Holy Spirit to Live a "Balanced" Life

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 17:33:00 +0000

People say all kinds of interesting things these days on social media. One thing that you see often when a person is in some kind of distress is people responding with, “Sending good vibes your way.” You also see other statements about the universe taking care of people etc. These kind of statements have a very strong scent of atheism or agnosticism in them. Not everyone who says these things is an atheist but why not just say, “I had a conversation with my heavenly father about you and I’m asking him to help you.” or “I’m praying for you” I’m not trying to split hairs here but we have a very good opportunity to bring Jesus into the middle of someone’s world and some people choose to send good vibes instead of asking God to send the Holy Spirit to their aid.

Another thing we’re seemingly trying to do all the time is to live a life of balance. On this father’s day I’m specifically speaking to the men and I, as a father, understand how sometimes it’s a challenge to be a nurturing father, husband and simultaneously providing and protecting. There does seem to be a bit of a balancing act that I don’t really know how to manage to be frank. However I think there is a better way to live our lives. Let's just follow the wind of the Spirit instead of trying to follow all the advice of so called experts.

Here are some wrong ways to govern our lives.

Led by the Flesh

To be 100% governed by what we like sounds a lot like hedonism. The Bible several times refers to this kind of internal government by saying, “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.” (Is 22:13; Lk 12:19; 1 Co 15:32) I understand people want to have fun but it’s clear from the research on human happiness and the teachings of the Bible, true joy and thus happiness comes from living a life of meaning centered around sacrificially loving one another.

Led by Trauma

Sometimes we’re driven by trauma. We have seen trauma or experienced trauma and this drives us to perform. I know my own father saw his parents fight over money as a child and vowed to never be poor so it drove him to work very hard and with a lot of strategy. I know many men like this and I celebrate their drive and accomplishments but would love to see them healed of that trauma so they can live a life that is healthier.

Led by Others

There are men who are very submissive to others and live their lives being told what to do. For an apprenticeship season this is very appropriate because we need the training but after a while we should be able to move into greater leadership potentials. Most men don’t want to stay in the same place year after year.

Led by our own Intellect

This is for all the slick guys out there who are sharp. They figure things out and learn how to move through the hierarchies around them and get closer and closer to the top. They see what happens when they do certain things and do what seems to get rewarded.

Led by Principles

Often this life leads to the best outcomes because many of the principles people teach are also taught in the Bible and they originate from God. The principle of doing good to get good results is a very solid one. I believe in living a life of principle however I believe there is a better way to live our lives.

The Best Way is to be Led by the Holy Spirit, Like Jesus

Jesus Christ is perfect theology

John 12:49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.

John 5:19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.

John 10:30 I and the Father are one.

Jesus Prays for Unity John 17:21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Can we move with God the way Jesus moved with God?

The Holy Spirit on the Inside of Us

Romans 8:11 the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you

1 John 4:4 the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Is it possible to live in the moment with the Holy spirit moving when he says to move and staying when he says to stay? John 3 would seem to state that it is not only possible but it is a huge part of being born again. People who are born again are called to move with the Wind of the Spirit!

John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Can we recognize the leading of God’s Holy Spirit today?

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Cor. 2:16 we have the mind of Christ.

Romans 8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

So in conclusion I want to encourage you to make it a priority to be governed by God’s Holy Spirit which is always in agreement with the principles and sometimes even the specific details of the Bible. The Word of God, Jesus said in John 17:17 is true and the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth. (John 16:13) The Holy Spirit and the Word of God will always be in agreement! So if you want to know how the Holy Spirit communicates you can read the Bible to get yourself attuned to the concepts and frequency that God speaks on.

Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:30 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video.

Jubilee Family Church

45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Thank you for your generosity!

When You Were Lost, God Was Loving You

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 22:21:00 +0000

Today, I want to remind you of something truly remarkable and awe-inspiring: God loves you deeply. It's easy to forget or overlook this profound truth, especially when we face challenges or doubt our worthiness. But let me assure you, my friend, that you are cherished by a loving and compassionate God.

In the book of Romans, chapter 5, verse 8, it beautifully states, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." These words hold immense power and serve as a constant reminder of God's unconditional love. You see, God didn't wait for us to become perfect or righteous before extending His love to us. He loved us in our brokenness, in the midst of our shortcomings and failures. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the ultimate proof of this extraordinary love.

Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 2:9, we find an incredible promise: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." This verse reminds us that the depth of God's love and the blessings He has in store for us are beyond our imagination. We may experience trials and tribulations in this world, but God's plans for us are far greater than we can comprehend. He has an eternal and abundant future prepared for those who place their trust in Him.

So, my dear friend, I encourage you to meditate on these verses and let them resonate in your heart. Allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the incomprehensible love of God, which surpasses all understanding. Embrace the truth that you are cherished, valued, and deeply loved by the Creator of the universe.

Remember, in times of doubt or struggle, you are not alone. God's love is a constant presence in your life, offering comfort, guidance, and unending grace. Seek His presence through prayer, immerse yourself in His Word, and surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and uplift you.

May you find solace and strength in the knowledge of God's love for you. You are a precious child of the Most High, and He has extraordinary plans for your life. Embrace His love, and let it transform you from within.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday (Father's Day) at 10:30 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Abundant Life

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 20:03:00 +0000

June 4th and June 11th, 2023
By Tony V. Hammack

John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 AMPC The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

Outline

1.) The contrast between the Thief and the good shepherd, Jesus.
2.) Who or what is the thief?
3.) What is Abundant Life?

1.) The Contrast in Outcomes

We see in John 10:10 the contrast in outcomes between following the thief and following the good shepherd, Jesus. At the core the difference seems to be in the interest of the thief and the interest of the shepherd.

Who You Follow Matters: If one finds themselves following a thief, they will find themselves stolen from, killed and destroyed. Those who follow Jesus can find themselves experiencing an abundant life.

There are many deceptive philosophies in the world that offer many things but Jesus said He was the way the truth and the life, no man could get to the father accept through him. (John 14:6)

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

The thief is focused on self interest while Jesus as the good shepherd is focused on the interests of the sheep.

The Hired Hand Compared to Good Shepherd

John 10:11-13 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

2.) Who or What is the Thief

It should be understood in light of the Old Testament as well as ancient Near Eastern thought that the “shepherd,” symbolizes a royal caretaker of God’s people. God himself was called the “Shepherd of Israel” in Psalm 18:1; Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 40:10-11; Ezekiel 34:11-6 as well as Zechariah 10:2. God as the over shepherd had given great responsibility to the leaders of Israel, which they over and over again failed to respect. God denounced the false shepherd's in Isaiah 56:9-12 and again in Ezekiel 34 and promised to provide the true Shepherd, the Messiah, to care for the sheep in Ezekiel 34:23. Jesus is saying that He is the fulfillment of this promise.

Often the thief in this passage is considered to be Satan in the minds of believers as they think about the Satanic agenda for humanity. However I believe that the thief in John 10:10 isn’t necessarily Satan himself but people who are not submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and have self interest elevated over God’s interest. In the context of the passage in John 10 Jesus is talking to the Pharisees See John 10:1.

3.) What is Abundant Life

One of the great concepts of the Gospel of John is the Greek word for “life”. It is found in John 36 times while no other New Testament book uses it more than 17 times. Life is Christ’s gift (Jn 10:28) and he himself is “the life” (John 14:6)

Life Ζωὴν zōēn life pronounced Zo-Ay can be defined as life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ.

Abundant Περισσός Perissos - (an adjective, derived from the Greek, perí, "all-around, excess") – properly all-around, "more than" ("abundantly"); beyond what is anticipated, exceeding expectation; "more abundant," going past the expected limit ("more than enough . . . ").

What ever we surrender and give to Christ, Christ can cause to be abundant and blessed. Whatever we hold and keep for ourselves is still in the world system.

The Rich and the Kingdom of God

Mark 10:28-31 28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” 29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Whatever we have given up, it will be multiplied back to us 100 x’s. The life of discipleship is a combination of promise and persecution, blessing and suffering. God takes nothing from a Christian without making multiplied restoration in a new and glorious form. Beyond the conflicts of history, is the triumph assured to those who belong to God.

I believe we can stand on the idea that Jesus Christ has promised us abundant life. Where we surrender to Him, his hand touches it and multiplies it. Where we hold onto things, Jesus does not have it, so he can’t multiply it. The Blessing of Abraham...

Galatians 3:14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

The main blessing is that through faith we might receive the promise of the spirit and receive eternal life. There are some interesting characteristics about Abraham's life that we should also examine in closing. Abraham had an abundant life.

Genesis 13:2 Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold.

We can expect Jesus to keep his promises and provide us with an abundant life. Get ready! Come into agreement with God so you can receive what God desires to give you.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday for breakfast at 10:00 AM and Church at 10:30 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church

45 Thunderbird Dr.

Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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The Kingdom of God is Within You

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 12:25:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.

The Rule and Reign of Jesus Christ

Luke 17:20,21
20 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.

What is the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God is expressed where Jesus Christ rules and reigns in the hearts, minds, and actions of His people. It can be further boiled down to: The Kingdom of God is the rule and reign of Jesus Christ in the Earth.

Lordship is the goal of our Christian activity

Christ’s Lordship
Professions, positive confession, participating in spiritual disciplines and a relational pursuit of Jesus are all appropriate, however, if these pursuits don’t lead to the lordship of Jesus, there will be no kingdom expressions.

Jesus wants to be our Lord in every area of our lives.

To Love is to Obey to Obey is Lordship

John 14:23
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Luke 10:27 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Emotional Surrender

Christ wants to Rule our hearts and souls, our emotional make up.

Jesus wants to be the perfect ruler of your feelings. He never wants you to feel something he wouldn’t feel. He never wants you to let your emotions and thoughts run wild with worry, anger, lust, anxiety, stress, hatred, or bitterness. Where sin rules our emotions, Christ does not.

Surrender of Strength

Christ wants us to submit our strength or abilities to his Lordship because of our love. What are you good at? Where are your strengths? Christ wants us to Love him with our strength. Exercise our strengths for his glory. Stop and think for a minute, how can you love God with your strengths? Sometimes God will take our strengths and transform them for his purposes.

Surrender of anything to Jesus allows him to use it. When we surrender to his Lordship he can turn a walking stick into a serpent; Take a fearful man and make him a mighty general; take 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and feed 5000 men. If we will surrender and trust the Lord with our lives he will anoint the things he want’s us to do and cause amazing things to happen.

Surrender of our Ways of Thinking

Christ wants us to love him with our minds, surrendering our thoughts to his kingship. Loving Christ with our minds causes us to focus our thoughts on Christ. When this focus is “dialed in” through prayer, Jesus gives us directives and information. When acted upon this will extend the Kingdom of God.

We need to Experience Christ

Isaiah 29:13
The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.

A man with an argument is always at the mercy of a man with an experience. Our experiences if they are in agreement with scripture are to be trusted. If they are not in agreement with scripture they are to be considered human / sociological / psychological or demonic.

The Jesus Revolution

The Revolution that Jesus is still the leader of is a peaceful revolution to rule the hearts and minds of people. He’s empowered us with the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to conquer the wills of people everywhere causing people to come into the Kingdom of King Jesus.

People will Bow Now or Bow Later

Philippians 2:10
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Some Kingdom Manifestations

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Causing us to live rightly and affecting our internal character with peace and joy.

Where the Kingdom of God is manifested the kingdoms of this world come down.

Luke 11:20
But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

In the New Testament strange behavior, mental illness and physical illness are linked in with demonic activity in the lives of people.

The Devil is the one who causes sickness. Sickness is subject to the kingship of Jesus Christ and must submit to his Lordship.

Mental Illness can be subjugated to the Kingdom of God or put under the control of Jesus Christ.

Any organized group of people who try to accomplish anything, if they are individually surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus the organization, will move in the direction of King Jesus. Where there is sin, greed, etc. in the camp it will move toward selfish agendas and goals. Jesus said, “If you’re not for me you’re against me.” The default setting for humanity is evil.

Jesus wants your whole heart. Any part of you not surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus leaves that part of you vulnerable to the enemy.

1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Today, is there something that the Holy Spirit is telling you to surrender? Is he calling you to a greater level of love?

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9124
View Larger Map

The Family - Husbands and Fathers

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:04:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.

It has been widely accepted for generations that the family is the basic building block of society. It’s also been understood that to destroy a society, all one has to do, is destroy the family.

The Basic Unit of Society

The family, centered on marriage, is the basic unit of society. Healthy marriages and families are the foundation of thriving communities. When marriages break down, communities suffer and the role of government tends to expand. Sound public policy places marriage and the family at the center, respecting and guarding the role of this permanent institution.

The family is under attack from many different places. Let’s take a look at one that came out in the media this week. Here’s a video by Melissa Harris Perry talking about the states responsibility to own your children.

Based on these facts I’d say Melissa’s ideology is getting in the way of the truth. More spending is clearly not the solution. If it were, it would be obvious that our nation would be the best in every academic category. There must be another solution.

I believe the solution to our social and educational woes is found in our Churches and homes. Strong, Biblically based families, centered on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will raise a generation of strong, safe, and secure young people who have extra financial and emotional support serving as an effective spring board into successful young adulthood.

Roles

There is an erroneous idea out there that men and women are capable of doing the exact same things in the exact same way. Any sensible person knows that men are better at some things than women in general and women are better than men at some things in general.

A big key to success in life and in family is to find what roles we play, specialization of labor if you will, and get into those roles where we can bring the best good to our families. Sometimes we have to develop into these roles over time. The Bible lays out a basic framework for the relationship between husbands/dads, wives/moms and children.

I realize that not everyone may “agree” with God but I’d encourage you to re-consider your stance. Whenever I’ve tried to do things apart from God’s ways, I’ve been met with problems.

The Role of the Husband and Father

Ephesians 5:25-33
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[c] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

The Godly husband has to sacrificially love his wife in the same way Christ loved the Church. Giving himself up for her. This love is a “no strings attached” kind of love and is really only possible if the husband is connected to the Love of his heavenly father.

The husbands relationship to God is where the source of love has to begin from. Most men I know are intrinsically lustful. They want what they want but God has called Christian men to love unconditionally. This is impossible without God being actively involved in the life of the husband.

I heard a marriage counselor say one time at a conference that, “Most marriages are like two ticks and no dog!”

Washing with water through the word

Husbands, I challenge you to talk about the Bible and the prophetic insights you may have with your wives. Share and teach what God’s been dealing with you about.

Most women really want to be led by a spiritually strong husband. They don’t want to be the “spiritual head” but sometimes when we abdicate our role the women take up the sword.

This sacrificial love clothed in kindness will have a powerful effect on your wife’s personality. She, eventually should respond to this kind of treatment, reciprocating love back to the husband.

Self Image

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Men, a good self image rooted in God’s opinion of you, will go a long way to help you love yourself and thus your wife.

Ephesians 5:28
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

The Leave and Cleave principle

A well intentioned mother-in-law or father-in-law can really botch up a marriage. Parents, give your newly married children some space. Your wisdom is indispensable but if it’s pushed and not asked for it can be a curse. It’s wise to start your own life together without certain interferences. It’s comical on “Everybody Loves Raymond” but I don’t think most people would want that kind of life.

Colossians 3:19
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Harsh- unduly exacting : severe Exacting – A Constant making of demands

Severe - maintaining a scrupulously exacting standard of behavior or self-discipline

Colossians 3:21
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

I think men, we can push our children too hard sometimes and it will have to opposite effect we desire. Learn how to motivate each child in your family. Also realize that sometimes we want to live precariously through our children. I believe this puts too much pressure on our children as well.

If you really think about it, were you that great at, say, baseball? Well if you weren’t then consider that before you take your son’s strike out so personally. He’s stuck with your crummy baseball genetics and probably won’t be that great either. Help your children find what they are most gifted at and enjoy. Help them find their highest way to serve God and their fellow man.

I’m for encouraging children to achieve their dreams. If their dreams are grandiose then good. Go for it. Always consider a “back up plan”, however. For example. Little Jimmy want’s to be a pro ball player. You say, “that’s great Jimmy, what do you think you’d like to do when you retire from professional athletics?”

1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Husbands, we’re called to be considerate and respectful toward our wives. In general, women are weaker in physical ways. In some ways women seem weaker emotionally but I also see this as a strength. It brings a different perspective to men's lives that has a lot of potential to enrich us. Women’s emotions can be like the canary in the coal mine. They are more sensitive to where things are going. We should listen.

Being inconsiderate and disrespecting your wife can hinder your prayers. Because it’s sin.

Psalm 66:18
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;

Conclusion:

Husbands- Love your wives sacrificially, be patient, considerate and respectful to them. Don’t push your children too hard but learn what motivates them keeping their best good in mind.

It all Goes Back into the Box

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 20:56:00 +0000

My grandmother is a wonderful person; she taught me how to play the game Monopoly. She understood the name of the game was to acquire. She would accumulate everything she could and eventually she became master of the board, and in every game she would take my last dollar and I would quit in utter defeat. And then she would always say the same thing to me... She would look at me and she would say, "One day you will learn to play the game."

One summer I played monopoly with a neighbor. We played almost every day, all day long; we would play monopoly for hours. And that summer I learned to play the game... I understood the only way to win was to make a complete commitment to acquisition, I came to understand that money and possessions were the way that you keep score. And by the end of that summer I was more ruthless than my grandmother. I was ready to bend the rules if I had to, to win that game. I sat down with her to play that winter. I took everything she had, I destroyed her financially, psychologically, and watched her give her last pound and quit in utter defeat.

And then she had one more thing to teach me... Then she said, "Now it all goes back in the box..." "All those houses and hotels, all the railroads and utility companies, all that property and all that wonderful money...and now it all goes back in the box" I didn't want it to go back in the box. She said none of it was really yours. You got yourself all heated up for a while, but it was around a long time before you sat down at the board and it will be here after you have gone.

Players come and players go, but it all goes back in the box; houses and cars, titles and clothes, even your body. Because the fact is everything I clutch and consume and hold is going to go back in the box and I'm going to lose it all.... You have to ask yourself when you get that ultimate promotion, make the ultimate purchase, when you buy the ultimate home, when you have stored up financial security, when you have climbed the ladder to the highest point of success...and the thrill wears off ...and it will wear off... Then what?

How long do you have to walk down that road before you see where it leads? Surely you understand it will never be enough, so ask yourself the question-What matters...?

John Ortberg

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9124
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Major on the Majors and Minor on the Minors

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:53:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Romans 14 is talking about Christian people who make a big deal out of days of the week and dietary issues. The thesis of the Chapter is to do everything unto the Lord and be true to these personal convictions without pressing these convictions on others in regard to special days and diet. This chapter could further be boiled down to “Major on the majors and minor on the minors.”

The Majors are:

Righteousness
Peace
Joy
The Holy Spirit

1. Righteousness

Positional and Practical Positional Righteousness is the gracious gift of God to men whereby all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ are brought into right relationship with God. This righteousness is unattainable by obedience to any law, or by any merit of man's own, or any other condition than that of faith in Christ.

As we trust in Christ, 2 Cor. 5:21. says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Because Abraham believed God, it was credited to him as righteousness. Rom. 4:3.

Practical Righteousness – This faith thus exercised brings the soul into vital union with God in Christ, and inevitably produces righteousness of life, that is, conformity to the will of God.

The righteousness God reckons to us causes us to become in Christ all that God requires a man to be, all that he could never be in himself.

2. Peace

That tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is.

Peace with God

Romans 5:1

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Peace with God opens the way of love and true spiritual growth.

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

God’s kindness leads to repentance

Romans 2:4

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Peace with this life

1 Timothy 6:6-10

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Peace Comes through Prayer

Philippians 4:6,7 (Amplified)

6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Peace

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

3. Joy

to experience great pleasure or delight, a state of happiness, the emotion evoked by well-being.

I am very small, but I can change your life. I can make you immune to worry and strife. When you have me you leap like a little boy. But I never come from getting the latest toy. I can cure your heart when you’re
feeling blue. No one can destroy me, except for you. What am I?

Joy

Joy is different from happiness in that the word "happy" comes from the same root word as "happen": "hap." "Hap" includes the ideas of chance or fate. The feeling of happiness comes from what happens to a person by chance, but joy is a source of delight, it is what lies underneath all emotions, no matter what happens to a person. If Joy is there it’s separate from circumstances.

Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. When our root’s are connected to the Holy Spirit we will bear His fruit.

Apple trees don’t have to try to bear apples, they just do. In the same way when we’re rooted in him we’ll bear his fruit.

4. The Holy Spirit

The third person of the God head, co-equal and co-eternal, one in essence, nature, power, action, and will with God the Father and Jesus the son.

The Holy Spirit in the Beginning

Genesis 1:2

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Luke 24:49

I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Pentecost

Acts 2:1-4

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 10:44-46

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Acts 19:6

6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

Let’s check our priorities this morning. Let’s be sure to major on the majors and minor on the minors.

Let’s also seek God for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Maybe today you’d like to be filled for the first time. Maybe you want a fresh touch from Heaven or a refilling.

A Chronological Look from the Cross to the Resurrection

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 19:02:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.
Matthew:45-50 45
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” 50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

It’s commonly taught that at this point in the life of Jesus God the father has turned his head from Jesus, severing his relationship with Jesus temporarily, due to the reality that all the sins of the world for all time from those who look to the messiah in faith from eternity past to those who look back in time, in faith to the cross from eternity future, we’re upon Jesus.

This would be an especially acute spiritual pain for Jesus Considering Hebrews 5:7.

Hebrews 5:7 (Amplified)
In the days of His flesh [Jesus] offered up definite, special petitions [for that which He not only wanted but needed] and supplications with strong crying and tears to Him Who was [always] able to save Him [out] from death, and He was heard because of His reverence toward God [His godly fear, His piety, in that He shrank from the horrors of separation from the bright presence of the Father].

Let’s look at another possibility. Jesus in making this cry from the cross is actually quoting Psalm 22:1 and it’s a common Rabbinical custom to start speaking a passage of scripture before one would begin teaching on it due to the fact that they didn’t have what we today call “chapter and verse”. The Rabbi would speak the first part of the passage to get the listeners to focus there.

It’s also possible that Jesus is teaching from the cross with his dying breath illustrating the fulfillment of prophecy to those who have ears to hear and a knowledge of Psalm 22.

This one Psalm has approximately 12 prophetic fulfillments.

Professor Peter Stoner (1888-1980)- Stoner was Chairman of the Departments of Mathematics and Astronomy at Pasadena City College until 1953, and Chairman of the Science Division of Westmont College from 1953 to 1957. Stoner calculated the probability of one man fulfilling only a handful of the over 300 Messianic prophecies. In 1944, he published his research results in Science Speaks: Scientific Proof of the Accuracy of Prophecy and the Bible.

Stoner concluded that the probability of one person fulfilling just eight of the specific prophecies was one chance in 1017 (one followed by 17 zeros). How about one person fulfilling just 48 of the over 300 prophecies? Stoner calculated these odds at one chance in 10157 -- way beyond statistical impossibility!

We take 1017 silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly… Blindfold a man and tell him…he must pick up one silver dollar… What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have of writing…eight prophecies and having them come true in any one man.

Peter Stoner
Science Speaks, Moody Press, 1963, p. 100-107.

John 19:30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

I personally believe that Jesus paid for all the sins of mankind on the cross because of this statement and my understanding of it, however, Jesus’s physical body was dead for three days. Let’s watch a short video to segue into the next portion of the message.

Colossians 2:15
15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Ephesians 4
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[a] says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”[b] 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

We know Jesus descended before he ascended. I believe he led the righteous saints from the Old Testament who looked forward to the messiah in faith into the presence of God.

Matthew 27:51-53
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

Revelation 1:17b-18
I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Where did Jesus get these keys?

Hebrews 2:14-15
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

By conquering death Jesus frees people from being controlled by their fear of death. We realize that we will live forever in eternity with Jesus so we’re not under the same compulsions and controls as someone who thinks that when this life is over they cease to have consciousness.

John 20:17,18
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

After Jesus died, we know he descended to the lower earthly region we know he has the keys of death and hades. And we know he instructed Mary to not hold onto him because he hadn’t returned to the father yet.

Christ is the First fruits of the Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:42 42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:51-54
51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

1 Corinthians 15:58
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

We know when Jesus ascended he gave gifts to men. These gifts are our five fold ministers.

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

The goal of these ministry gifts is to get the body of Christ equipped for service and built up so we may reach the unity of the faith and be formed into the functioning image of Jesus himself fully.

Let’s prioritize the work of God in and through our lives, realizing that we are sowing seeds for eternal life and an eternal resurrection. Let’s pray that we receive the spirit of revelation knowledge to know how fragile and short this life truly is and how glorious and eternal our life with Christ is going to be when the trumpet sounds!

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
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Watchman on the Wall

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 03:20:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.

Keeping an Eye on Things

The Sons of Issachar

1 Chronicles 12:32a
from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do

In the military campaign to turn Saul’s kingdom over to David, it seems that the sons of Issachar were the advisors or wise men in the ranks. The majority of the others are warriors.

Ezekiel’s Call to be a Watchman

Ezekiel 33:1-7
The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, 3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, 4 then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. 5 Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’ 7 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.

The ministry of the watchman is not very rewarding because you want to be wrong and you are not very popular because your message is “negative”. However, sounding the alarm is your responsibility and if you fail in that responsibility you will be held liable before God for not raising your voice. It’s not a ministry for those who want to be popular.

Instructions from Jesus

Matthew 16:2,3
2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.

In some ways I believe interpreting the signs of the times is very spiritual because it would seem that very few people are doing it but in other ways this activity is rooted in a form of wisdom that I believe is readily available to anyone that desires to have it.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

This word from Jesus in the context of the Pharisees demanding a sign, is clearly an indictment against being unable to interpret the signs of the times. Being unable to know what the future holds based on basic facts is something that Jesus expects us to be able to do. In order to do this, our heads must be removed from the proverbial sand.

It’s important to understand that not everyone thinks like you do. Some do have wicked agendas they are attempting to accomplish. It’s important to listen to the words of people and especially watch what they do.

What you are doing speaks so loudly I can hardly hear what you are saying.

"Bread and Circuses" (or bread and games) is a metaphor for a superficial means of appeasement.

In the case of politics, the phrase is used to describe the creation of public approval, not through exemplary or excellent public service or public policy, but through diversion; distraction; or the mere satisfaction of the immediate, shallow requirements of a populace, as an offered "palliative." Juvenal said it was a simplistic motivation of common people. The phrase also implies the erosion or ignorance of civic duty amongst the concerns of the common man.

Roman politicians devised a plan in 140 B.C. to win the votes of these new citizens: giving out cheap food and entertainment, "bread and circuses", would be the most effective way to rise to power.

I agree I’d rather watch the final 4 for 2 hours than c-span for 2 hours but you and I as American Christians have a responsibility to ourselves, children, and fellow man to keep an eye on things in our world. Jesus said so.

Media – Most media outlets are heavily funded. One has to remember that it’s unwise to bite the hand that feeds you so understanding the funding sources is something any good watchman should consider before jumping on any idea as fact. The motive of the “trumpet blower” should be factored into any information one receives.

It’s been my experience that people who’ve been abused or neglected by authority figures during formative years of life tend to see authority figures in a different light than those who have not been through these experiences. Not to say they are right or wrong due to these experiences but it should be factored in when trying to understand the signs of the times.

Chicken Little called for calamity with the phrase, “The sky is falling” and at times we may run into people who are “Chicken Little's”. Sorting through information in this information age while removing personal pre-dispositions can be difficult. Sometimes if we look hard enough we can find what we’re looking for. Even if it’s really not there or only there in a very small way.

One question a watchman has to ask themselves is, “Who do I trust?” and why.

One thing to consider is a “watchman” who is simply capitalizing on the fears of people. There will be a story on radiation falling on America from a nuclear attack by the North Koreans and then followed up by the sale of overly priced iodine tablets that reduce your chances of getting radiation sickness should the attack actually happen.

Is the attack possible? Sure. Is it likely? I don’t know. What’s the cost of Iodine tablets off the crony watchman’s website? Is it fair market price? Is the cost worth the protection it potentially could give you?

The Denver Post, on February 15th, ran an Associated Press article entitled Homeland Security aims to buy 1.6b rounds of ammo, so far to little notice. It confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security has issued an open purchase order for 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition. As reported elsewhere, some of this purchase order is for hollow-point rounds, forbidden by international law for use in war, along with a frightening amount specialized for snipers. Also reported elsewhere, at the height of the Iraq War the Army was expending less than 6 million rounds a month. Therefore 1.6 billion rounds would be enough to sustain a hot war for 20+ years. In America.

Eye Black Restriction Can't Stop God's Message

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 23:46:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Tim Tebow

I'm showing up a little late to this party but when I found this out I thought I'd share it with you in case you, like me, were unaware of this "coincidence". The story goes that Tim Tebow was required by someone over him in authority to remove the John 3:16 eye black from his eyes that he traditionally wears during a game. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This directive came to Tebow before the January 8th, 2012 playoff game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers. In prophetic fashion Tebow threw that night for an amazing 316 yards leading the Broncos to a victory over the Steelers with an 80 yard throw in overtime. He also threw the ball 10x's giving him a playoff record 31.6 yard per throw average on the night.

I still haven't figured out how Tebow, a Heisman trophy winner, who led the Florida Gators to not one but two national championships isn't good enough to play in the NFL. I suppose I better leave that for the coaches and analysts but nevertheless I thought it interesting that perhaps God got his message through to the world even though some didn't want Tebow to proclaim the love of God for man.

In sovereignly orchestrated fashion, after the game, 70 million people (probably not Christians) Googled, John 3:16. What a mighty God we serve!

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124
View Larger Map

The Blessed Life is the Obedient Life

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 05:19:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.

If you asked people if they wanted to be blessed or cursed the majority I’m sure would choose to be blessed; yet the “blessed life” seems elusive to many. The key is found in God’s Word.

It doesn’t matter how much scripture you can quote, how loud you can sing, how high you can jump, or how many meetings you can attend. If all this doesn’t translate into obedience to God’s Word the blessings of God will evade you.

Deuteronomy 28:1-2
If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:

Spiritual blessings
Relational Blessings
Financial Blessings
Health
A Disciplined Life

Spiritual Blessings – Having peace with God and an assurance you are right with him and in good standing with the King of Kings.

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Timothy 1:12
I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

1 John 5:13
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

1 Timothy 3:13
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Relational Blessings -- Having great relationships with people who genuinely love you and care for you. No strings attached. Agape love! Knowing your family is right with the Lord

Acts 16:34
The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Financial Blessings – I believe our God is the God of more than enough. Consider the 5 loaves and 2 fishes. The disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. (Mark 6:43)

Galatians 3:14
He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Genesis 24:35
The Lord has blessed my master (Abraham) abundantly, and he has become wealthy. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys.

Health – I believe sickness is not a blessing. I do believe God can “make lemons into lemonade” but I don’t believe he has to start with lemons!

I also believe we can learn things through sickness but I never believe God puts sickness on anyone! Sickness comes on mankind because of the sinful world we live in.

3 John 1:2
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

A Disciplined Life – A disciplined life is being able to do what’s right even if you have a desire somewhere to do what’s more immediately gratifying but detrimental to your long term good.

2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Grace

Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

The Law

Galatians 2:21 (KJV)
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Romans 7:8-11
But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death.

Love Relationship is Key

John 14:21
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

"Dad, You're Not Going to Die Today!"

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 19:11:00 +0000

Anthony Yahle

By Tony V. Hammack

What an amazing testimony of God's resurrection power still at work in the Earth today. The son of this man, Anthony Yahle, spoke the Word of God over his dad and his dad's body had to respond. Watch the amazing video testimony of a man who'd been dead for 45 minutes before his son decreed him alive.

http://foxnewsinsider.com/2013/08/22/anthony-yahle-comes-back-life-after-inspiring-words-son

Anthony and Wife Melissa Yahle after Anthony is raised from the Dead

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

View Larger Map

The Spirit of A Conqueror

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 04:06:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.

Spirit in Caleb

Numbers 14:24
But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.

God rewards wholehearted devotion.

Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Hebrews 11:6
God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Caleb, being the only spy who concluded, “We can take the land”, he comes into agreement with God and God’s plan.

Having courage based on God’s word.

Circumstances didn’t intimidate Caleb. God’s word had supremacy over the issues around him. Caleb saw the same giants everyone else saw but had a different understanding of what God can do.

So we are more than Conquerors today as well. However, we don’t fight with literal swords, we fight for hearts and minds (starting with our own) wielding the gospel of the Kingdom facilitating the influence of the Holy Spirit by passionate, loving obedience to God and thus his commands.

Romans 8:35-37

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:37 (Amplified)
37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.

There are giants that will try and separate us from connecting with God’s love. This separation will cause us to stop being Godly culture changers and succumb to the world system.

God’s called us to be thermostats, setting the spiritual temperature; but many of us have become thermometers, responding to the environment instead of shaping or changing it.

More than conquerors in…

Trouble
Hardship
Persecution
Famine
Nakedness
Danger
Sword

More than conquerors in…
Trouble - To be agitated mentally or spiritually.

More than Conquerors In… Hardship - something that causes or entails suffering.

More than Conquerors In… Persecution – the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook; being harassed or annoyed.

More than Conquerors In… Famine - an extreme scarcity of food

More than Conquerors In… Nakedness (destitution) - devoid of customary or natural covering : bare: lacking.

More than Conquerors In… Danger - exposure or liability to injury, pain, harm, or loss

More than Conquerors in… Sword – The malicious attack of others intended to kill.

The New Testament Promised Land

2 Peter 1:4
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Apprehending the New Testament promises equates to participating in the divine nature.

So in essence, much like with Caleb, we today have promises of a divine nature. We have a promise from God to think differently, have a different attitude, and thus live differently in this New Testament promised land. We must have vision to live in the divine nature.

One of the biggest strategies of the enemy to facilitate spiritual blindness, causing the Church to not see, and thus settle for less than what God has prepared for us.

Lovers of Truth

2 Thessalonians 2:9,10
9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

Many in the body of Christ today accept a reality far below living in “the Divine nature”. They live in a state of sin consciousness stating that they are sinners saved by grace. I would agree that they WERE sinners saved by grace but the New Testament clearly calls Christians, Saints of God, righteous, and holy. I’m not advocating perfectionism in every area however I’m calling for victorious living in every way!

The Divine nature? What is that? In a very concise statement, it’s living the way Jesus lived, doing the things Jesus did.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
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The Key To Victory

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 00:03:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.
Holy Spirit Empowered Discipline

Self Discipline – doing something you don’t like in order to get or achieve something that you place a higher value upon; correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement.

Thesis: Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you today with the self discipline you need to govern your life in a way that causes maximum impact for God, maximum destruction to the kingdoms of darkness, and maximum blessings for you and your family.

2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Timidity
Power
Love
Self-Discipline

Timidity

Fearfulness: "cowardice and timidity“ lacking in boldness or determination

Power - dunamis, refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way power, might, strength, ability, capability, the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature.

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Why Have the Holy Spirit?

Luke 24:49
“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

John 16:7
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

The only way John 16:7 is true is if you and I carry on the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus was doing a great job so for him to go, and it be good, it must mean that you and I will be endued with power to perpetuate the ministry of Jesus in the Earth as his chosen vessels.

Jesus died so we could receive the Holy Spirit. Don’t treat the Holy Sprit like he’s not important or a 3rd class citizen of the trinity. He’s God and He empowers you and I to be the kind of people that are pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

If we don’t know what to do it creates timidity or indecision but when we have a clear word of instruction, it becomes actionable intelligence. This is when we, as God’s people, must seize the kairos moment God is presenting before us.

Agape Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

The Greek word for soundness of mind or self-discipline is sophronismos. Sophronismos is derived from the Greek word sophron which literally means, “to save the mind”.

If you and I are to do what God’s called us to do we must have a certain level of mastery over our own minds.

Sometimes our own worst enemy is ourselves and how we see ourselves. We have meditations about ourselves that others don’t know about and we end up fulfilling these secret meditations.

We must allow the Cross of Jesus Christ to penetrate and permeate every part of our personalities and allow Christ’s Word by His authority to re-program our minds allowing us to see ourselves the way God sees us.

It’s one thing to pick yourself up by your boot straps and do the right thing for a season hating every minute of it, only to find yourself after a month, six months or a year going right back to whatever destructive behavior we were partaking of. It’s another thing to allow the living God to reprogram your wants and desires changing us on the inside.

I heard a man say one time, “If we could do what we knew to do, we’d all be rich, happy and skinny.” I thought that word was perhaps a bit harsh but there was truth in it.

The key is to have mastery over our thinking and our thought lives. The Holy Spirit gives us sophronismos (self-discipline) as a promise. None of us has to be a victim of our own thought lives anymore. There is power available from heaven to prompt and direct us to choose what is best and then the power to act on the choice.

Train and Run to Win!

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Law arouses sinful passions

Romans 7:4-6
4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

What is the law of the Spirit of life found in Romans 8:2? The law of the Spirit of Life is the guidance of the Holy Spirit as He gives us the desire to live a holy life, wisdom concerning how to overcome the world, bodily passions and self-will, and the power to choose holiness in place of spiritual uncleanness.

Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you today with the self discipline you need to govern your life in a way that causes maximum impact for God, maximum destruction to the kingdoms of darkness, and maximum blessings for you and your family.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
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The Spiritual Birth

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 04:48:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.

John 3:34
For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

Eternal Life

John 3:14-21
14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

We Must Believe

Believe - who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him Cleave - to adhere firmly, closely, loyally and unwaveringly

Trust - assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something one in which confidence is placed

Rely - to be dependent, to have confidence based on knowledge

Love Gives Sacrificially

Because God loved he gave his very best.

He didn’t come to condemn the world but to save the world.

If you don’t believe you “stand condemned already”.

Come into the Light

Followers of Jesus will come into the light, exposing their weakness, sin, humanity, and failings. Jesus loves us exactly the way we are but loves us too much to leave us this way! His desire for us is for us to manifest or express his kingdom through our lives.

1 John 1:6
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.

Seeing and Entering the Kingdom of God

John 3:3-8
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Signs equated to the Kingdom of God

John 3:2,3
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Born of Water

Water Baptism is a symbol of the death burial and resurrection of Jesus and when we get water baptized we are saying we are dying to our old man and going to live for Christ. Gal 2:20. It’s a covenant ceremony.

Born of the Spirit

Like the Wind

John 3:8
8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Elijah is our Old Testament example of a man led by the spirit.

1 Kings 18:11-15
11 But now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’ 12 I don’t know where the Spirit of the Lord may carry you when I leave you. If I go and tell Ahab and he doesn’t find you, he will kill me. Yet I your servant have worshiped the Lord since my youth. 13 Haven’t you heard, my lord, what I did while Jezebel was killing the prophets of the Lord? I hid a hundred of the Lord’s prophets in two caves, fifty in each, and supplied them with food and water. 14 And now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’ He will kill me!” 15 Elijah said, “As the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.”

Sixty eight times the phrase “Kingdom of God” appears in the New Testament. Fifty six times or approximately 80% of the time, the phrase refers to the establishment of a Kingdom in the present that’s near or a kingdom in the heart, right here right now. Approximately 20% of the time, the phrase refers to a Heavenly Kingdom or the Millennial reign of Christ, a future kingdom.

Luke 17:20,21
20 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”

Matthew 12:28
But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Jesus cast out spirits because his Kingdom is superior to the kingdoms of this world. Demons are of this world and are subject to the superior kingdom in the same way a corporal will take orders from a General, unclean spirits had to submit to the authority of the king of the kingdom of God.

That same King, if ruling and reigning in our hearts will deputize us with authority to do the very work he did.

John 14:12
12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Romans 14:17
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, The Kingdom of God is expressed wherever Jesus Christ rules the hearts and minds of his subjects. When the believer exhibits self rule they will not express the kingdom.

The challenge today is to come up to the level of being a kingdom man or a kingdom woman. If you believe in Jesus you are saved according to the Word of God. However, there is a lot of work to do until we meet him face to face. Let’s fight the good fight of faith, believing to become kingdom manifesters, kingdom expressers. Let’s allow the king of the kingdom to touch lives through us.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church 45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
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Idolatry

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 04:20:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.
I. You shall have no other gods before me.

Many people read the story about the plagues that struck Egypt in amazement, and rightly so. What God did to Egypt due to his redemptive plan and the hardness of Pharos heart was amazing. Let’s take a look at the nature of God as we take a closer look at the Exodus from Egypt.

Malachi 3:6a
I the Lord do not change.

The idea of progressive revelation: We understand that God doesn’t change however I personally believe in looking at the Word of God over time we see God revealing different parts of his personality to man over time. For example, the “You have heard that it was said” scriptures relating to the Old Testament Law. (Matthew 5:21-43)

God is Love (1 John 4:8) and true love is intolerant of adultery or other lovers.

Deuteronomy 4:24
For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Idol Worship is Demon Worship

1 Corinthians 10:18-22
18 Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? 19 Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. 22 Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

1 Samuel 4:7-9
According to 1 Samuel, the Philistines also knew of the plagues and feared the God of the Hebrews.

The first three plagues seemed to affect "all the land of Egypt," while the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th did not affect the children of Israel.

We’re getting ready to see a repetitive series of events with subtle changes. Moses and Aaron declare, “Let my people Go!” and Pharaoh says, “no” but tries to negotiate terms giving up more power in each negotiation. The terms are unconditional surrender so the plagues continue to fall on the land.

We will also see subtle changes in the heart of Pharaoh. Between the plague of Boils and the plague of Hail we see a change which we will talk about later.

Because of a lot of mixing, absorbing, and overlapping roles of many Egyptian gods, there is often more than one god who could easily be mocked by one or more of God's plagues in Exodus.

1. Nile water into blood
    a. Hapi: god of the Nile
2. Frogs
    a. Heket, Hekhet, or Heqt: Egyptian goddess of Fertility, Water, Renewal; frog-headed
3. Gnats or Lice from dust
    a. Geb: Egyptian god of the Earth; also
    b. Khepri: Egyptian god of creation, movement of the Sun, rebirth; beetle-headed
    c. Thoth: one time considered god of magic, failed along with magicians (or priests) to duplicate
        conjuring of gnats or lice.
4. Flies (gadflies)
    a. Khepri: Egyptian god of resurrection, creation, movement of the Sun, rebirth; beetle-headed
5. Cattle/livestock disease
    a. Hathor: goddess of love and protection; possibly absorbed Bat, the cow-headed goddess.
    b. bull cult gods Apis, Buchis, and Mneuis
    c. bulls sometimes considered embodiment of Ptah and Ra
6. Boils
    a. Isis: goddess of medicine and peace
    b. Im-Hotep: real person turned deity, patron of wisdom and medicine
    c. Sekhmet: lion-headed deity of plagues, believed to bring about or prevent epidemics or
        pestilence

Give me one more night with the frogs - To prove that the plague was actually a divine punishment, Moses let Pharaoh choose the time that it would end. Pharaoh chose the following day, and all the frogs died the next day. Nevertheless, Pharaoh rescinded his permission, and the Israelites stayed in Egypt.

The Hebrew noun could be translated as lice, gnats, or fleas. God instructed Moses to tell Aaron to take the staff and strike at the dust, which turned into a mass of lice that the Egyptians could not get rid of.

The Egyptian sorcerers declared that this act was "the finger of God" since they were unable to reproduce its effects with their magic. The Egyptian sorcerers were afflicted along with everyone else, and were unable to heal themselves, much less the rest of Egypt.

Following this plague there is a subtle change in the situation with Pharaoh that I believe is noteworthy. Instead of the Bible declaring that Pharaoh hardened his heart it now begins to say that the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart. We can see this for ourselves in Exodus 9:12

The fulfillment of
Exodus 4:21
The Lord said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.

These dynamics between pharaoh and God seem to be consistent with a person on their way to having a reprobate mind.

Reprobate / Depraved - marked by corruption; evil; perverted.

God giving them over to sinful desires, shameful lust and a depraved mind. (Romans 1:24-28) God gives way and allows a man to do his human will even if it’s to his own detriment. In the case of Pharaoh, he actually hardens Pharaoh’s heart but only after he’s given him 5 opportunities to let the Israelite people go.

It’s very important for us today to have a tender heart of flesh before God. We want to allow him to change our hearts bringing us to a place of repentance before he has to take more drastic measures to get our attention.

Hebrews 4:7b
Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Pharaoh's officials begged him to let the Israelites go rather than suffer the devastating effects of a locust-swarm, but he was still unwilling to give in. He proposed a compromise: the Israelite men would be allowed to go, while women, children and livestock would remain in Egypt. Moses repeated God's demand that every last person and animal should go, but Pharaoh refused.

God then had Moses stretch his staff over Egypt, and a wind picked up from the east. The wind continued until the following day, when it brought a locust swarm. The swarm covered the sky, casting a shadow over Egypt. It consumed all the remaining Egyptian crops, leaving no tree or plant standing. Pharaoh again asked Moses to remove this plague and promised to allow all the Israelites to worship God in the desert. As promised, God sent a wind that blew the locusts into the Red Sea. However, He also hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not allow the Israelites to leave.

The Israelites were exempt from 7 of the 10 plagues that came upon Egypt due to their covenant with God.

Allow the Holy Spirit to break your stubborn pride today before it’s too late. Allow him to soften your stony heart, giving you a heart of flesh.

Allow the Holy Spirit of God to apply the blood of Jesus to your heart. Protecting you from eternal torment.

Will God judge the United States of America? Well, I think He could, but I believe what’s more likely is the decisions of people in power, in some ways similar to Pharaoh, who’ve been led by lust (God of Mammon) and have thus sinned will cause many of us problems because of their position of influence. (Proverbs 22:7)

It would seem that Iran is determined to develop their nuclear program to the chagrin of the rest of the Western world. It would seem that President Ahmadinejad's brand of Islamic ideology causes him to think that he should start a great war to usher in the return of the last Imam, the Mahdi. It would also seem that Israel is very determined to not allow Iran to do this.

In some senses of the word we have an immovable force running into an unstoppable object. We’re going to have a collision and it’s going to be big. The U.S. petrodollar status is also at stake which would have a huge ripple effect in our country’s economic standing. Where is the land of Goshen for the U.S. citizen should these events transpire?

My belief is that a small community that pulls together now will do much better than a large urban area. My belief is also that we are headed for a currency crisis of sorts. My belief is that the fiscal cliff was simply a distraction from the real currency cliff that’s approaching. These warnings are for you to chew on. Make your own decision about this information but I am making some sensible preparations for my family based on these things I believe to be true.

If you remember about 8 months ago I mentioned for some who are having a hard time wrapping their mind around the idea of getting gold or silver to buy ammunition. Had people followed my “advice” they would have been able to double their investment in todays market. Try finding .22 LR rounds. They are very scarce. People are buying them from the Hebr Springs Walmart when they come in and in 1 hour they are gone. Some are stockpiling the ammo and others are selling it on Ebay/Gunbroker.com for 2 – 3x’s the purchase price.

Fear is the wrong feeling when dealing with these issues. A sound strategy from the Lord with preparation in mind is my approach. For every dollar that is lost it is simply transferred to someone else. (Isaiah 60:5, 60:11, 61:6, 66:12) The only time money is “destroyed” is when a loan is paid off. The Church’s greatest hour could be upon us if we prepare for the harvest that’s coming. I’m excited!

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
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Joseph, A Look at God's Sovereignty

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 04:45:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.

The Story of Josephs life is an interesting look into how God can use a very horrible tragedy, and turn it around for good.

Some people thank God for their testimonies, going through very difficult times due to unbridled sin, or other challenges. Now I’m not negating God’s ability to deliver and change a life but I will say God will work with whatever you give him. If you give him a “goody two-shoes” life He can work with that. If you give him a life that’s been ravaged by sin, He can also work with that.

I often tell people. If you give God lemons he can make lemonade. However, God can make a whole lot more than lemonade. Be encouraged. No matter where you are in life, what you’re going through or what you’ve done, a life submitted to Christ can bring God glory.

Joseph was a dreamer
The Persecution

The Jealousy
Genesis 37
When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

The Dream
Genesis 37:7
“We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.”

I found it interesting that all the brothers, Jacob his father, and his mother all know the interpretation to the dreams seemingly immediately.

Jacob sends Joseph to go check on his brothers to report back to him and when the brothers see Joseph from a distance near Dothan they begin to plot how they are going to kill him. Reuben intervenes and they decide to just throw him into a cistern and tear his coat, the symbol of his father’s favoritism.

Genesis 37:25-28
25 As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. 26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed. 28 So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.

Reuben puts up minor resistance as the first born son of his father to protect his fathers interests but allows the process to proceed as planned by Judah. He does manage to save his life.

Potiphar’s House
Genesis 39:2-6
2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

The Sexual Assault Accusation
Genesis 39:11,12
11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.

Resulting Imprisonment
Genesis 39:20b-23
But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

The Cup Bearer and the Baker’s Dreams

The Cry of Desperation “Remember Me”
Genesis 40:14,15
But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.”

We know that the interpretation of the dreams came true and that the cupbearer to the Pharaoh forgot about Joseph in the dungeon for approximately 2 more years.

Pharaoh had two dreams about abundance and famine. 7 cows sleek and fat came out of the Nile river were eaten by 7 gaunt cows. 7 heads of grain sprouted on one stalk were removed by 7 heads of grain that were scorched by an East wind.

Joseph concluded that a matter firmly established by God was coming. 7 years of abundance and 7 years of famine. Then he proceeded to tell Pharaoh a plan to administrate the grain saving and distribution during the famine.

The Promotion
39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”

Joseph’s plan is to store 20% of the grain during the famine in grain bins for re-distribution during the famine.

The Reunion
When the brothers returned for more grain he again speaks harshly to them but eventually reveals his true identity to his brothers.

The Revelation
Genesis 45:4-8
4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.

Ok, what about you? Where are you in life? Are you at home with Jacob, maybe you’re in despair. Some keys from Josephs life include

Keeping the vision God gave to him.
Practicing the presence of the Lord.
Walking in divine favor which included local promotions wherever he found himself.

I believe Josephs attitude was also very key in keeping him through the years of despair. Had he become jaded or embittered toward the Lord his destiny would’ve been aborted.

You and I must remain steadfast, holding onto the vision God has given us, practicing the presence of God in our daily lives and walking in divine favor no matter where we may find ourselves. We must guard our attitudes against bitterness while circumstances would lead a person without overflowing grace into despair.

Give It All You've Got

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 03:56:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. After you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then (Eph. 6:13, 14) Give it all You've Got!

Specifically the passage is talking about attacks from principalities, powers, and forces of darkness in the heavenly realms. When the day of evil comes, stand!

You know, this passage from Ephesians 6:13,14 reflects how I feel at times. When you've done everything you know to do, to the best of “your ability,” then all you can do is stand.

We rest in the finished work of Christ but the Lord is still calling us to obedience. If the Lord asks us to do something we want to do it with as much excellence, vigor and zeal we can muster based on the amount of grace we've received.

Enthusiasm – from Greek enthousiasmos "divine inspiration, be inspired or possessed by God. So when we do things under the direction of the Lord we should do them with fervor.

If nobody does anything, nothing will get done. ~Tony Hammack

This is a little story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done

Ecclesiastes 9:10a
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,

Might – bodily strength, the power, energy, or intensity of which one is capable.

This passage is cast in the light of “the fragility/brevity of life”. We only have so much time to work so why not give it all we've got!

Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Heart – the emotional or moral as distinguished from the intellectual nature. The seat of passion and emotion. One's innermost character, feelings, or inclinations.

This passage is cast in the light of “who are you working for?” We all can identify with working for someone you don't like, trying to do as little as possible to just draw a paycheck of some kind. However the paradigm in the kingdom is different. We're to work like we're working for the King of King's and Lord of Lord's!

Working very hard forces a result. Either you will have success from your hard work or you will realize “this isn't for me”. If we don't work with all our heart/might we may meander through years of our lives not fulfilling the plans and purposes of God.

Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

We don't need to spend our lives chasing our tails or working toward a goal of self gratification. Our efforts should be approved by Jesus. What we strive for should be under the umbrella of his will. When we do this I believe he will establish our plans. Why do we do what we do?

The motive of the heart is a very hidden issue however the Lord knows every motive of the heart. (1 Corinthians 4:5) He can reveal to us our motives and give us grace to change them if that is His will.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ~Theodore Roosevelt

1 Corinthians 10:31b
whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

The Love of God For His People

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 22:55:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.

The Character of God

I believe the best way I can comprehend the character of God is by describing him as multifaceted When you think of a jewel you think of cuts and imagine on each cut you see the same jewel but because the angle has changed you see a whole different arrangement of light. In the same way God has many different facets to his personality.

Isaiah 55:9
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

1 Corinthians 2:9,10
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him— 10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

I believe God reveals his nature through his word and he anoints this information to our emotions by revelation. Once God has our hearts, he has us.

This spoken voice of God to our hearts is what should cause us to be arranged in the body. Every person hearing from God, obeying, working in their place of calling. God is a great administrator. Sometimes we have a hard time discerning the voice of God and must make time for this.

Jesus Christ is PERFECT THEOLOGY. When you've seen the son you've seen the father.

The facet of God's Character that I sense the most when I'm in his presences is his great love for me.

He sings over me Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Isaiah 65:19
I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

If Christ would die for me when I was a sinner, how much more do you think he loves me now that I'm righteous because of his grace?

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

If you think God is waiting to wack you in the head with a hammer you will have a hard time being sanctified. God is loving and expecting you to rise above personl sin, rise above disobedience, conquer fear, and become the person of God he's called you to be. I believe he will believe in you until you die.

Romans 2:4
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

It is the kindness of God that leads to changes in thinking and changes in behavior. We must be able to experience his kindness or repentance will be elusive at best.

The T.V. Show touched by an Angel would always conclude with one or more angels manifesting themselves to the people with a message of God's great love for mankind.

John 3:16,17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. God is not wanting to condemn anyone! His will is that not one person would perish but all would come to repentance. His desire means he's extending kindness to humanity at this time because God made the human heart, he knows what causes it to change. It's the revelation of God's great kindness to us.

This parable is often called the parable of the prodigal son however It more appropriately could be called the parable of the loving father.

Luke 15:11-32

Longing
Looking
Running
Hugging
Kissing Father

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
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If God, through his prophets says, "Live!" you will Live!

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 17:23:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.

No Matter How Bad Things May Look, If God says, “Live”, you will live!

The Nation of Israel had forsaken God and was in exile. God, because of his namesake was planning on bringing Israel back to their covenant land. God instructed his prophet to speak to this exiled people symbolized by a valley of dead dry bones.

Today, in our nation, when we look out over the spiritual landscape things seem to be going the wrong direction. However, if we have the word of the Lord and declare it, I believe our nation will turn around.

Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

11 Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel.

13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’”

1. Even though obvious circumstances look bad, the Word of God trumps all “realities”.

The obvious answer to God's question in verse 3 is “NO!” but the prophet knows his God and answers based on the fact that “all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)

In our lives and in our time, I believe that God's word trumps all realities. Things can look bad, even dead, even very dead, and the Word of God when released will bring the reality that God has ordained for an individual, Church fellowship, or Nation.

In verses 4-6 we see God telling Ezekiel to prophecy breath into the dead, dry bones.

Sometimes God may ask you to do something that is irrational in your own mind. However, if you are sure that you are hearing the Lord you must obey the direction the Lord is leading you. Declaring life into dry bones is not the most rational thing for a person to do but if God says to do it you should obey.

Conversely, if God does not tell you to prophecy to dry bones it would be best not to. Presumption and our own human will is not what this passage is about. It's about a prophet hearing the voice of God and declaring a heavenly reality into the realm of the Earth.

Timing plays a critical role in how God is dealing with individuals and nations. When Israel was under judgment the word of the Lord was “you are going off into captivity”. Now after being in captivity, the word is “you are going to live again”. Prophetic people need to be just that. Not prophesying the will of their own heart. They must find the heart of God.

In Jeremiah 28 we see a prophetic show down of sorts where Jeremiah, the true prophetic man of God, prophecies what modern day people might call “doom and gloom”. Hananiah on the other hand prophecies a return to peace and prosperity.

Jeremiah simply “goes his way” after Hananiah prophecies his lies but hears a word from the Lord and returns saying, something like Hananiah's words would be great if they were from the Lord but because he's prophesied his own thoughts he will die within one year. The prophet is to be judged by the accuracy of his words.

Obedience predicates the manifestation

As Ezekiel prophecies in obedience to the word of the Lord, organization begins to replace chaos. It starts with a rattling sound. Admittedly not very impressive at first but it's the beginning of something very impressive.

After the bones become organized tendons and flesh appear on the bones. The bodies get covered with skin but there is not breath in the bodies.

In Genesis we see a similar process and in Acts Chapter 2 we see some similarities.

When God creates something he often starts with a spoken word.

You and I due to the nature of God in us have power in our words to bring life or bring death. Proverbs 18:21

One day a group of scientists got together and decided that man had come a long way and no longer needed God. So they picked one scientist to go and tell Him that they were done with Him. The scientist walked up to God and said, "God, we've decided that we no longer need you. We're to the point that we can clone people and do many miraculous things, so why don't you just go on and get lost." God listened very patiently and kindly to the man and after the scientist was done talking, God said, "Very well, how about this, let's say we have a man making contest." To which the scientist replied, "OK, great!" But God added, "Now, we're going to do this just like I did back in the old days with Adam." The scientist said, "Sure, no problem" and bent down and grabbed himself a handful of dirt. God just looked at him and said, "No, no, no. You go get your own dirt!"

In Ezekiel 37:9-10 Ezekiel is instructed to prophecy to the breath. So in obedience to the word he does it. When the breath comes into the people they stand to their feet like a vast army. An army speaks of organization, rank, file, and purpose.

In verse 11 we get a glimpse into the attitude of the Israelite people. They have a meditation of the heart and it goes something like this. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Gloom, despair and agony on me!

What the Israelites are saying is true but God want's to shift their reality by returning them to their land and giving them hope again. The change can't happen unless someone begins to declare the heavenly reality. Ezekiel is the Man of God who in faith declares the Word of the Lord.

In verse 13 we see God's motive in doing everything he's going to do. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord

We need to see the manifestations of God in our generation if people in our time are to come to know the Lord.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
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The Most Illogical Conclusion to the Question: Who is Jesus?

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Tue, 28 May 2013 12:49:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

As far as I can understand, the majority of non Christian world religions and some cults, conclude that Jesus Christ was a historic figure at least but some elevate Jesus to the status of "Good Person" or "Accurate Prophet" or "Good Teacher" or "Healer" or some other title you'd place upon a very gifted or kind hearted human being.

As I was reading my Bible today I came across a passage in John 10:33 where Jesus, was about to be stoned for blasphemy. John 10:33 says, "We are not stoning you for any good work," they replied, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."

My Bible tells me that the contemporary listeners of Jesus understood him to be making distinct claims to DEITY. If Jesus wanted to refute the accusation he easily could've said, "Hey wait a minute guys, I'm a man just like you, I never said or tried to imply I'm divine." However these words are not found in scripture. Amazingly enough Jesus is also worshiped by people who are on the receiving end of miracles but it's never recorded in scripture that he told the people to stop, like the apostles do and angels do in other places in scripture. Now this is critically important because Jesus makes claims to deity it dispels the idea that Jesus was just a good person or just a prophet or just a nice teacher or whatever other illogical conclusion a person would want to draw concerning his identity.

Let's explore the idea of someone making distinctive claims to deity in modern times. Suppose your neighbor walks over to you and says, "Hey come over here, I've got something to tell you." You walk over and he whispers in your ear, "God and I are one!", "When you've seen me you've seen the father". Now, you have a choice to make. Is your neighbor telling you the truth or is he not? If he is you should stop what you are doing and worship him on the spot but if he isn't you could not conclude any longer that your neighbor is a "good person". Let's explore what you must conclude if he's not telling the truth.

#1 He's a liar! So if your neighbor tells you he's equal with God and he knows in his own mind he's not, that makes him a liar. Now on the scale of lies this is one of the worst kind of lies a person could tell. So he knows he's not the way to salvation but knowingly leads others astray from the truth. This is the worst kind of lie because it's devilish in nature. Your neighbor could lead thousands or perhaps millions away from the truth by concocting this hoax on humanity. So your neighbor can't be considered a good person if he makes distinct claims to deity knowing he's not.

#2 He's a lunatic! So if you travel down to your local mental institution you may find people who are mentally ill who claim to be God. Now in their defense they are convinced in their own minds that they really are. Unfortunately one wouldn't consider a person with this level of mental illness a "good person". Perhaps they were a victim of some horrific crime that damaged their mental capacities to perceive reality or maybe they have a genetic predisposition for this kind of thinking. Perhaps they are suffering from a demonic presence. We don't really know but we know one thing. This person is not capable of leading in a good way nor is this person someone most of us would "follow", because there will be other components to their mental illness that make them hard to coexist with let alone die for.

So let's review our two choices for the person who decides to make claims to deity but isn't. #1 Liar: Not just a little white lie kind of liar but a hoax on humanity kind of liar, someone who should be put into the worst kind of liar category. #2 Lunatic: A person who really believes they are God (and isn't) is crazy. And not just a little crazy, very crazy.

#3 He's Lord and God! So looking at the manuscript authority of the New Testament, and the teaching, life, miracles, resurrection and ascension of Jesus; one, who's logical, must conclude that Jesus claims to deity are substantiated by his words, attitude and actions. The only logical conclusion for who Jesus is, is who he said he was. Jesus is who the Pharisees understood him to be claiming to be. If you can't draw this conclusion for yourself, for whatever reason (your eyes are closed or blinded by some other ideology) then please don't make the idiotic statement that "Jesus was JUST a good person". "Jesus was JUST a prophet". or "Jesus was JUST a good teacher".

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Peace on Earth - One Pastor's Response to the Sandy Hook Shooting

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:13:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. Scriptural Basis:
Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Genesis 6:13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.
Matthew 24:37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Mark 13:7 Says When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.

Introduction: We know we live in a volatile environment where wars can start in various places in the world. These things can be alarming especially if you are serving or have loved ones serving in our military. Today however I want to speak on the shooting in Connecticut and what I believe will happen and how we as God's people should respond. Our First response should be found in Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. As painful as it can be I believe the Lord has called us to be empathetic to other people's loss and suffering.

Empathy - the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another.

Once we move through this phase of understanding I believe the next logical step is to start to think, “How can we prevent something like this from happening again?” There are two basic ways to control someone's behavior.

Creating External Controls & Fostering Internal Controls

External Controls are modifying the environment of an individual or society limiting their choices by external restrictions. Putting someone in prison would be an example of applying an external control to a person who has trouble meeting societal standards for co-existing.

Internal Controls are modifying the environment of an individual or society giving them freedom but instilling in the individuals in that society an internal code of conduct that prevents them from engaging in anti-social behavior.

Let's explore the success or failure of external controls related to the shooting in Connecticut. The first thing folks seem to think about is gun control.

The Second Amendment: I want to touch briefly on the 2nd amendment and then we'll move right along. I would define gun control under the category of external controls. The Constitution of the United States of America is the highest legal document and has the highest authority in our country. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. A Militia is a body of citizens organized for military service From the checks and balances in our government and the founders leaving the tyranny of a monarchy it's clearly understood that they knew what Jeremiah knew (Jer. 17:9) The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? William Pitt said, "Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it" (Speech to the UK house of Lords 1770) A more familiar quote that sums up what I believe our founders felt is dated from 1887 and is from Lord Acton. "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." So when talking about the 2nd amendment we're not just talking about the right to hunt or defend our homes against burglars or our country against an invasion. The spirit of the 2nd amendment was to equip the citizenry with enough military might to fight against the governments military should that government turn tyrannical. So if we want to get real, right now in our country it would be next to impossible for our citizenry to stand a chance against our military in open combat because military weaponry and technology has developed to very effective levels. In 1791 a 1,000 man army with muskets vs. 1,000 guys with muskets was a relatively even fight. Today A guy out in the woods with a 30-06 against an AC-130 specter gunship wouldn't stand much of a chance. So when gun control folks start talking about restricting the size of the clips and the type of rifles we're allowed to own it's really an infringement on our 2nd amendment rights. To me a better approach in the gun control realm would be better training for people who buy guns and certain safety requirements for gun owners. It should be difficult for someone to steal your guns and people should have to exhibit a certain level of competency before being allowed to purchase a gun. We could take some time to compare the gun laws and rules as well as the gun related deaths in various countries like Japan as well as Switzerland but that would go beyond the scope of what I feel is appropriate for a Sunday morning.

Let's focus in on the internal controls. I believe when a person has a relationship with Christ the Holy Spirit begins to convict that person of their sin. This sin can be challenged by the Holy Spirit at the thought level. If you have your thought life in check, you will never have to commit an act of sin ever again. John 16:8 The Holy Spirit can prevent crime when a person has a relationship with Him. The Spirit of the Lord will speak to a person clarifying what's right and wrong coupled with the Word.

Human behavior is not a simple subject and there are obviously many factors that go into driving our decisions but one thing we can all do is introduce someone to Christ and open the door for the Holy Spirit to begin his work of revealing God's ways to a person.

One other thing we can do is sign a petition I've written. Unfortunately this petition did not reach the threshold requirements the Obama administration required to release a statement about it. This petition would've let our lawmakers know that we, as American citizens, as Christians, believe prayer is important and faculty initiated voluntary student prayer (like what we had before 1963) is a move in the right direction to begin to rebuild the damaged moral fabric of our country.

Let's continue to pray for national revival.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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The Christmas Story

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:39:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download To watch the video, click here.

Encourage the Next Generation

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:55:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Abundant Life Today Media
	Podcast: Play in New Window \| Download

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio.

We must lead the next generation by example if they are to catch the Spirit of Christ that is on us and transmit it to a time we will never experience.

Deuteronomy 3:28
But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.”

Noah went religious on the people striking the rock (Numbers 20:8-11) when he was supposed to speak to it. Therefore God raised up another man to take them into what God was going to do in their time.

You can’t pour new wine into old wineskins. (Luke 5:37) We must pray for new wineskins if we’re to receive what God is going to do in our time and in our generation. The message is timeless however some of our methods are subject to change with culture.

Martin Luther brought the pipe organ into the Church which had previously been associated with some of the less desirable elements of society. His intent wasn’t to be scandalous or controversial he simply wanted the common man to be able to not only read the Word of God but to also be able to worship.

There is some debate out there but some in the modern Lutheran Church state that, “Luther needed to find music that a congregation could sing, when they had no musical training and no resources for printing music. Some of the first music he chose was the music from taverns. Although the lyrics were sometimes scandalous and thus changed, the melodies were recognizable and reproducible. ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God’ is one of these such tunes, stolen from a tavern song. And today it is probably one of the most beloved and reverent songs in the Lutheran Church. ~Jenna Pederson

I heard a story about a tribe in Africa that lived in round huts. A group came in that built the tribe a Church and they made it rectangular. For 2 years no one would enter the church. The leadership had the building torn down and then built a round Church which is now flourishing today.

In order to raise up the next generation we will have to make some changes ourselves.

Have Vision to do it
Sacrifice Time, your most important asset
Believe that you have something good to impart
Relate with someone outside your normal circle
Have Vision to do it

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Jesus spent the most important part of his ministry raising up others to carry on the work he was doing.

In John Maxwell’s book, the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership the law of the legacy states, “A leader’s lasting value is measured by succession.”

How many amazing ministries, have ended with the death of the “head” minister. It’s unfortunate that more in leadership today aren’t more focused on raising up disciples, especially since it’s so central to the ministry of Jesus.

Timothy, Paul’s ‘Son’

1 Corinthians 4:16-17
16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

2 Timothy 2:2
2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Sacrifice Time, your most important asset

In order to encourage the next generation it’s going to take time. It would seem that many today in the modern Church want to do anything but fulfill the great commission.

Believe that you have something good to impart!

Many of us may feel like we are not equipped or we don’t have anything to offer but this is all a matter of perspective.

The person you are reaching out to on a one to ten scale when it comes to family modeling may be a 3 and you are an 8. You would therefore have a lot to offer this person. They may be able to solve complex algebraic equations but without your influence they will have a hard time holding their future marriage together.

In the previous example it will be next to impossible to measure the impact your influence had on this person but we don’t serve to be recognized. We serve to be faithful and obedient to God’s word.

Matthew 6:1-4
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Relate with someone outside your normal circle

Sometimes we’re creatures of habit and we have a routine that we get very uncomfortable changing. It would seem rather obvious however but to reach out to someone else, we’re going to have to make some subtle changes in our lives until we make the connection(s) with the people we want to encourage.

1 Corinthians 14:3
3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.

Romans 14:19
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

The neat thing about building these relationship is your intent is to give but very often there is some give and take that goes on and the person from the next generation that you are encouraging can have a way of enriching your life.

A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in. ~ Greek Proverb

Lord give us opportunities to encourage someone in the upcoming generation so we can leave a lasting legacy for your glory.