Abundant Life Today

Taking the Promised Land

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

Thesis: You can apprehend the promises of God for your life if you rightly discern the will and voice of God and courageously silence the voices of doubt and inferiority.

The best way to start rightly discerning the voice of God is by meditating in the Bible. In the Bible we get the heartbeat of God and he clearly lays out his promises for us.

It has often been said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.

That saying has some truth in it so let’s identify our promised land and then see what facilitates us walking into the promises of God and what hinders us. We’ll be looking at some illustrations from the Old Testament to help us understand our approach to the better promises (Heb. 8:6) of the New Testament.

Old Testament

The Old Testament promised land was a “land flowing with milk and honey”.
zavat halav u'dvash, (flowing with milk and honey) as "milk flows from the goats' (udders), and honey flows from the dates and the figs (Ketubot 111b)."

This expression speaks of prosperity and provision. God would take care of his people and cause them to prosper.

The 10 Spies

Numbers 13:27-28, 33
They gave Moses this account, "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are very powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”

The truth, the good, the but.
Projecting our own opinions of ourselves onto what others think of us is VERY common. It will assist the enemy in causing us to not take our promised land.

The enemy within
The issue isn’t primarily what do you see, the glass half empty or the glass half full. Or, in this example, do you see the land that is plentiful or the giants. The issue is what did God say? Is the opinion and voice of the Lord “louder” than the opinion and voice of circumstance, “facts”, and opposition? Do you believe you’ve heard God to such a degree that you’re willing to stick your neck out to do things God’s way?

Feed the Spirit, starve the flesh

Galatians 5:16-17
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

The People Fail the Test
Numbers 14:4
4 And they (the Israelite people) said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”

Caleb passes the test
Numbers 14:24
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.

Numbers 13:30
"Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.'"

The Children will receive the Inheritance
Numbers 14:31
31 As for your children that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected.

Some people would make this story about positive thinking and believing in yourself. These thoughts have some merit relative to the story, however the primary issue is WHAT DID GOD SAY?

It’s About the Word of the Lord not Positive Thinking Only
Numbers 14:40, 45
40 Early the next morning they set out for the highest point in the hill country, saying, “Now we are ready to go up to the land the LORD promised. Surely we have sinned!”
45 Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked them and beat them down all the way to Hormah.

You may believe in yourself until you’re blue in the face but if God stands apposed to the direction you are trying to go you won’t have success.

This is the foundational issue for you and I apprehending the promises of God. Are we willing to stick our necks out there when every fiber of our being may be drawing our attention to the “giants” in the situation?

New testament

Precious Promises
2 Peter 1:3-4
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 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.

Participating in the divine nature is my understanding of apprehending the New Testament promised land!

Worldly corruption fueled by evil desires is an enemy to participating in the divine nature.

Participating in the divine nature is simply put, acting like Jesus.

Romans 8:28-29
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Ephesians 4:13

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.

1 John 4:17,18
17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 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.

What are Your Giants?
What is your Anak? Who are your Cananites? Who are your Amalakites?

Maybe an unfavorable medical diagnosis
Maybe a hand to mouth lifestyle without any abundance or even lack
Maybe it’s a family member who’s away from God
Maybe it’s an overwhelming disposition of inferiority

Let’s, like David, develop a strategy that works for us to attack the giant, run to the battle with courage and kill the giants in our lives.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Overcoming Rejection

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:12:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

Rejection could be one of the biggest problems facing mankind. I believe it does more damage to the soulish realm of people than anything else.

I believe it can take the form of normal hurts and it can also open the way for a host of unclean spirits. Either way we must overcome the hurt that comes from rejection in our lives.

Hurt people hurt people, healed people heal people.

Rejection occurs when someone in authority in your life neglects, or abuses you.

The higher up in authority the person is to you and the younger you are amplifies the level of rejection.

Denial will allow the rejection to keep it’s hold in your life.

The main companion problem with rejection is rebellion

Rebellion against authority is a very understandable reaction to rejection
This rebellion can be pervasive and encompass all forms of authority. It can also be specific to certain things that the victim of rejection associates with the rejecter.

If we don’t receive healing, the rejection pattern can be transmitted to everyone around us.

The most susceptible people to our rejection issues are those under our authority. Parents to children, husbands to wives, bosses to employees.

Rejection, in order to keep it’s place in our hearts and minds, uses denial and rebellion to keep it’s hold on people.
There are other companion issues that can come alongside in a supporting role also.

Religion or religious spirits – never being good enough, never measuring up; this also plays well with rejection. Religious leaders who have rejection issues will cast this off on the people under their authority also.
Witchcraft or divination

1 Samuel 15:23
For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”

The Greek word “pharmakia” has as one of it’s root meanings the word "drugs", and appears five times in the New Testament: in Gal 5:20, Rev 9:21, 18:23, 21:8, and 22:15.

“Pharmakia” is translated into our English Bible as either “witchcraft”, “sorceries” or “magic arts”. We also get our English word “pharmacy” from the Greek word “pharmakia”.

“pharmakia”, or recreational “drugs” is listed as a work of the flesh of man as opposed to the Spirit of God working in us.

Even the world understands
Galatians 5:20
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions

Revelation 9:21
21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Revelation 18:23
23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world’s important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.

Revelation 21:8
8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

Revelation 22:15
15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

So here is how the process could dominate a person’s life.

There is perceived rejection by one or both of the parents.
The rejection can take the form of abuse
1) verbal
2) sexual
3) physical; or the rejection can take the form of neglect.
They never really get over the feeling of not being wanted or loved.
When they get into their teen years they become incredibly rebellious to teachers, parents, anyone in authority.
They may even dress in strange clothes trying to cause people to reject them while deep in their hearts they are wanting to be accepted.
They start to experiment with drugs and may even become addicted.
They end up in prison where they are surrounded by other inmates who perpetuate the rejection problem.

Do you know anyone like this? Or, maybe not exactly like this but pretty close. Hopefully they got off the track before they went to prison.

Today I believe there may be people in a prison of rejection and it’s had some level of control over you for years.

The meditation of your heart is, “I can’t do that” or “I’m not good enough”.
You disqualify yourself from doing things on a pretty regular basis.

You say you hate rejection but you find yourself constantly doing things to get rejected. Outwardly you hate it, but inwardly you don’t know anything else so you feel very comfortable with rejection you actually seek it out on a deep, subconscious level.

Rejection is a very wicked thing especially if it’s not dealt with.

My Teen Challenge student who had a rejection problem learned of a scripture that says you can commit the unforgivable sin.
Mark 3:29
but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.

The solution to the rejection problem is obvious enough, acceptance.
However the person doing the accepting has to have a higher level of honor from your heart than the one that rejected you and the one accepting you has to have a higher level of authority than the one that rejected you. I believe this is the only way to undo what has been done to you.

Are you beginning to see how rebellion sabotages a person’s ability to get healed from rejection? The very ones who can come in and bring healing are rebelled against.

Have you ever asked someone their opinion about something and they gave you a very favorable answer like, “Oh those shoes look great on you” and you thought “She’s just saying that”?
You don’t have enough honor for that person you asked the question to and they don’t have much authority in your life. Therefore their acceptance of your shoes (in this example) doesn’t convince you that the shoes are good.

However, say you asked your favorite celebrity designer about your shoes with much fear in your heart and they said, “Wow, those shoes look great on you!” Now do you believe it?
Yes, now you believe it because you honor this person and they are at a high level of authority.

What God says about you
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

OK, now this is what God says about you. Do you believe it? I know you can believe it with your head but does it penetrate to your identity. Will you let it shape your opinion of yourself, your very personality? If you haven’t already or you can’t, you are dealing with either scriptural ignorance or a stronghold.

Apposed to the Knowledge of God
2 Corinthians 10:4,5
4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Think God’s Ways
Romans 12:2
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.

God’s Love is the Perfector
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.

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?

What or who has the highest level of authority in the world? The president of the United States? The Queen of England? The head of the United Nations?

Christ’s Authority
Ephesians 1:20b-23
seated him (Jesus) at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Philippians 2:9
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

Romans 5:6-8
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The humbling death on the cross! This, when understood by revelation knowledge will defeat any and all rejection issues in the life of the believer!

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

If you can honestly honor and worship the Lord Jesus, realizing his love, and position of authority, you can begin to break free from the sin of rejection, being a victim, and begin to walk in God’s will.

Abundant life and the promises of God can be yours.
2 Timothy 2:13
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Hebrews 13:5b
God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Let the love of God, the acceptance of God, the authority of God begin to chip away at the feelings of rejection you have. Allow Jesus to love you and undo rejection.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.
If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

View Larger Map

The Goal of the Christian

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:53:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here.

The Goal of The Christian
* God’s Will
* God’s Power
* Your Life

The individual vision God has for every person is to be like his son Jesus. Who are we to go a different direction when God feels this way about us?

Colossians 1:9b
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,

Proverbs 29:18a
Where there is no vision the people perish

Habakkuk 2:2
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Ezekiel 37:3

He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign LORD, you alone know.” Can we do the will of God? Lord you know! However when it’s God’s will, it will come to pass, and we will be used by God if we can simply get into the flow of what God is doing to prepare his people for service in his Kingdom.

1 John 5:14,15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

God’s Will
God’s Power
Your Life

God’s Will
God’s objective for us as believers is to have us conformed to Jesus’ image.

Romans 8:28-29
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Ephesians 4:13
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.

1 John 4:17,18
17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 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 Power
Acts 4:33
With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.

Your Life
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

There are two big areas that set Jesus Christ apart from the lost in his day.
1. Character
2. Power/Authority

1. Character
Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

2. Power / Authority
Luke 4:36
All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!”

The Acid Test
An Acid Test in Chemistry - The traditional acid test for gold consists of placing a small drop of a strong acid, such as nitric acid, onto the metal's surface. Most metals fizz or bubble, while precious metals are unaffected. The acid test is thus decisive, immediate, cheap and simple.

The acid test for reaching God’s goal for our lives.

The inner witness of the Holy Spirit
The testimony of Others
Some very measurable tangible things
*Am I doing what Jesus did?
*Persecuted for Righteousness sake

Inner Witness
Romans 8:16
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

1 John 5:13
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.

Testimony of Others
The Exception
Luke 6:26
Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

Character / Power and Authority for the Believer
Sin - 1 John 3:9
No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.

Power - 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.

Persecution - 2 Timothy 3:12
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Romans 8:17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

2 Timothy 2:3
Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

The Persecution Curve

Imagine 50 people who act exactly like Jesus Christ in one town.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

View Larger Map

The Anointing Breaks the Yoke

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:07:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

Isaiah 10:27b and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

The Anointing is the manifest power of the Holy Spirit.

The Messianic Anointing
Luke 4:18
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”[f]

Can the Christian walk in the anointing of Jesus Christ? Or
Can the Christian be a conduit for the manifest power of the Holy Spirit?

I believe the Word of God should be the final rule for faith and practice.

Your Potential

John 14:12

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.

Mark 16:17-18
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Ephesians 1:18
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 2:6
6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

Luke 10:19

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

We are equipped to
1. Proclaim Good News to the poor
2. Proclaim Freedom to the Prisoners
3. Grant Recovery of Sight to the Blind
4. To Set the Oppressed Free
5. To Proclaim the Year of the Lord’s Favor

1. Good News to the Poor
A. Natural resource poor

B. Spiritually poor

A. Natural Resource Poor
Poverty is a mindset that manifests itself in our finances.
The ones who break out of poverty and really succeed are those who use what they do have, are grateful, aren't jealous of what others have, and are eagerly and practically pursuing personal growth. Basically, it's an attitude of trusting God and making room for His empowerment rather than one of self-pity and jealousy that fuels the destructive poverty mentality.

We have to have a workable plan and an attitude that brings money our way rather than repels it and keeps others from wanting to help us. The first step in overcoming a poverty mentality is becoming aware of it.

2 Corinthians 8:9

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

B. Spiritually Poor
Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Being poor can cause a person to ask questions? These questions can open their hearts to Christ and eventually eternal life. This can happen before a wealthy person who has the illusion of “having it all together”. This lack of perceived need will hinder the wealthy from coming to the banqueting table.

The Parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14:15-24 describes this.

2. Proclaim Freedom to the Prisoners
Those in a prison of sin.
Sin enslaves it’s victims

John 8:34

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

Sin will take you further than you want to go. It will keep you longer than you want to stay, and it will cost you more than you want to pay.

Romans 6:6

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—

Romans 6:15-18
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! 16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

3. Grant Recovery of Sight to the Blind
A. Physically blind
B. Spiritually blind

A. Physically Blind
Luke 18:40-43
40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. 42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

B. Spiritually Blind
John 9:39-41
39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” 40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” 41 Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

4. To Set the Oppressed Free
People can have different levels of demonic influence in their soulish realm.
People can have different levels of wrong thinking in their soulish realm.

A demon,' signified, among pagan Greeks, an inferior deity, whether good or bad.
In the NT it denotes 'an evil spirit.' It is used in Matt. 8:31, and is mistranslated 'devils.' Some would derive the word from a root da---, meaning 'to distribute.' More probably it is from a similar root da---, meaning 'to know,' and hence means 'a knowing one.'

“The Noun, daimonion pertaining to a demon, is also mistranslated 'devil,' 'devils.' In Acts 17:18, it denotes an inferior pagan deity….

They disseminate errors among men, and seek to seduce believers, 1 Tim. 4:1

'Demons' tremble before God, Jas. 2:19;

they recognized Christ as Lord and as their future Judge, Matt. 8:29; Luke 4:41.

Christ cast them out of human beings by His own power. His disciples did so in His name, and by exercising faith, e.g., Matt. 17:20. Acting under Satan (cp. Rev. 16:13,14), 'demons' are permitted to afflict with bodily disease, Luke 13:16.

Being unclean they tempt human beings with unclean thoughts, Matt. 10:1; Mark 5:2; 7:25; Luke 8:27-29; Rev. 16:13; 18:2, e.g. They differ in degrees of wickedness, Matt. 12:45. They will instigate the rulers of the nations at the end of this age to make war against God and His Christ, Rev. 16:14.

B. Wrong Thinking
Romans 12:2
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.

Strong Holds are wrong thoughts
2 Corinthians 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

5. To Proclaim the Year of the Lord’s Favor
This passage is plainly alluding to the year of jubilee, when all, both debtors and servants, were set free in the fiftieth year. The trumpet was blown, and through the whole land proclamation was made of the liberty of Hebrew slaves, of the remission of debts, and of the restoration of possessions to their original families, Leviticus 25:8-13.

The Messianic Anointing
Luke 7:18-23
18 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Which Yoke to do You Choose?
Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Whose fool are you going to be?
1 Corinthians 4:10

We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!

Revelation 2:4
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Righteousness is coming to the house of the Lord. The righteous will live by faith. When faith is in the house the yoke’s get broken because there is a flow of Holy Spirit.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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We Need a Revival

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:06:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Steps to Revival
1. God’s people are in control
2. Humility
3. Pray
4. Seek the face of God
5. Repentance

I. The People of God
if my people, who are called by my name,

This passage is incredibly indicting and also very empowering. The passage basically states the people of God got us into this mess and the people of God can get us out of it.

The passage is indicting because it puts the responsibility for change onto the people of God. We can’t point any fingers and blame someone else. The reason there is a problem is because the people of God have sinned against God.

The passage is empowering because it gives us all the power to bring the correct changes to our culture.

II. Humility
will humble themselves

Humility is acknowledging your dependence upon God. It is not thinking you can’t do anything or you’re not good enough to do certain things. Simply recognizing God’s greatness.

Numbers 12:3
(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)

God used Moses in amazing ways to lead a nation out of bondage into the promised land.

Humility before man
Philippians 2:3
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

James 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Grace is the substance God gives to humble people. When grace is given it makes practical and powerful changes in the lives of the people who are given it.

Humility leads to grace which leads to

The favor of God and man
Power to resist sin
Sufficiency to handle any situation

Grace by definition is unmerited favor. This favor comes from God and can also come from men.
Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Titus 2:11,12
11 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,

Weakness can = Grace
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

III. Pray

Mark 14:37,38
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Abiding with God in Prayer
Spending time with God in prayer is one way we get our spiritual batteries charged.

Galatians 5:16,17
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

It’s not a performance thing, it’s a relational thing. You can’t pray enough to earn God’s favor. That’s not what prayer is about. It’s about spending time in the loving presence of your heavenly father.

IV. Seek the Face of God
What does this mean?
This is different than seeking the hand of God.
God wants a relationship with us, we can be intimate with our heavenly father or be the kind of spiritual children that just want the keys to the car, figuratively speaking.

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

Matthew 7:7,8 (Amplified)
7Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. 8For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.

V. Repentance
Turning from our wicked ways. National Repentance is in order. There are other places in the world that are doing worse things than we are, however I don’t live there, I live here. I want God’s best for our nation and people.

Moses - Moses identified himself with sins he did not commit in regard to worshiping the golden calf: “Pardon our iniquity and sin, and take us as your inheritance.” Exodus 34:9

Moses - After Israel’s rebellious refusal to enter the Promised Land, after the bad report of the 10 spies, Moses interceded for Israel: “Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.” Numbers 14:19

Ezra - Ezra 9 records a Prayer of National Repentance. Although Ezra had not personally committed most of the sins he was repenting of, on behalf of the land, he fully identified with the sins of his people. He tore his garment and his robe, plucked out some of his hair, fasted and fell on his knees, spreading out his hands to the Lord (Ezra 9:3-5). Ezra prayed: “O my God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You my God; for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt is grown up to the heavens…We have forsaken Your commandments…” Ezra 9:6-10

Nememiah – Nehemiah while in captivity prays a prayer for national repentance Nehemiah 1:5-7

Jeremiah Repented on Behalf of his Nation
Jeremiah 3:25
Jeremiah 14:7
Jeremiah 14:20

The prophet Daniel also prayed a prayer of national repentance on behalf of his people, confessing sins which he was not personally guilty of. - Daniel 9:4-19

God is looking for intercessors. “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land that I should not destroy it…” Ezekiel 22:30

What are the sins of our nation?

Greed
Abortion
Selfishness/Lust
A nation of laws and people looking for loop holes. Laws w/o ethics.
We went from the largest lending to the largest borrowing nation in world history.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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The Antichrists Agenda

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:45:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

Uncovering the plans of the enemy so we, the people of God, can take proper action.

The Role of the Pastor
Shepherd / Teacher

Equip the saints for works of service (Ephesians 4:12; John 21:15)
Protect the sheep (Explicitly understood in the job description of a good shepherd is protection of the sheep, John 10:12,13)
Sound a watchman’s alarm (Ezekiel 33:6,7)

I really struggled with preaching the message on the national debt back in July 31, 2011 but believed God wanted me to talk about it. After watching this video by David Barton about the Black Robe Regiment I have been encouraged.

The Johnson Amendment
“Churches were completely free to preach about candidates from the day that the Constitution was ratified in 1788 until 1954. That’s when the unconstitutional rule known as the ‘Johnson Amendment’ was enacted,” said Alliance Defense Fund Senior Legal Counsel Erik Stanley. “Churches are exempt from taxation under the principle that there is no surer way to destroy religion than to begin taxing it. As the U.S. Supreme Court has noted, the power to tax involves the power to destroy. The real effect of the Johnson Amendment is that pastors are muzzled for fear of investigation by the IRS.”

When it comes to politics I’ve not purposely avoided talking about it, I just find it an inferior subject to discuss compared to the Kingdom Jesus Christ is building through his Church.

I believe that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Mt. 12:34) I’ve been hearing some things that I want to bring to your attention as a word of caution and warning. I’m picking up on something from some people who have influence at some of the highest levels in our country and I feel compelled to share them with you today.

In the World but not of the World
It’s obvious that we’re in the world, but according to Jesus we’re not of this world. (John 17:14) I find the subjects revolving around the affairs of men to be somewhat inferior to the subject of Christ’s supremacy.

I do believe we should vote according to our Biblical convictions.

One of my biggest Biblical convictions regarding the government is found in Romans 13.

Governing Authorities need to be submitted to. However, in a monarchy, the King needs to be submitted to. In a fascist state it’d be the dictator. In the USA, every political official swears to defend the Constitution of the United States. This document represents the highest form of governing authority in our society.

Romans 13 for an American Citizen
Romans 13:1-7, to a U.S. Citizen. 1 Let everyone be subject to the [Constitution of the United States], for there is no authority except that which God has established. The [Constitution of the United States] has been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the [Constitution of the United States] is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For the [Constitution of the United States] holds no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the [Constitution of the United States]? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the [Constitution of the United States] is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for the [Constitution of the United States] does not bear the sword for no reason. It is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the[Constitution of the United States] not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for those authorities that serve the [Constitution of the United States] are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Who to vote for? Well I’m not going to tell you who to vote for but I will tell you what I look for in a leader.

Are they Principled?
They used to believe one thing and now they believe something else.

I’m tired of the label “Christianity” being used by every President in our history. Unfortunately, it doesn’t mean very much to me if a candidate says they are a Christian, because they all say they are Christians.

I’m looking for officials who agree with the original intent of the U.S. constitution and don’t see it as an organic evolving document.

I believe this may be the key battle in our society. A global government can’t move forward while one of the strongest nations on the earth upholds a document that is not global in it’s approach to government.

When president Obama was sworn into office and he made his pledge to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, Chief Justice Roberts made a mistake and mis-quoted the oath, in order but not substance, which it looks like the president picked up on. He went with it but the interesting thing was they had to do the swearing in again. When a photo was taken of this event President Obama did not have his hand on the Bible.

This very well could’ve been an oversight or it could represent where some of our officials place the “Word of God” on their priority list.

Luke 6:45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Why waste a perfectly good crisis?
Rahm Emanuel, former chief of staff for President Obama, said “you never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” He further explained, “it’s an opportunity to do important things that you would otherwise avoid.”

Hillary Clinton echoed Rahm’s statement on March 6th 2009 in Brussels before the European Parliament. She said the financial crisis was going to be used to make a positive change in the area of “climate change and energy security.”

For someone to have the mindset that a Crisis is a good thing because it allows you to push through an agenda that you wouldn’t normally be able to get through, makes a person wonder, “Would anyone engineer a crisis in order to do the same thing?”

James Madison, the fourth President of the United States said, “Crisis is the rallying cry of the tyrant.”

I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. ~James Madison

North Carolina Governor Bev. Perdue , a Democrat elected in 2008, caused a stir Tuesday when she told a Rotary Club audience that congressional elections should be suspended for two years so lawmakers can focus on solving the nation's vexing economic problems. "I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for two years and just tell them we won't hold it against them, whatever decisions they make, to just let them help this country recover. I really hope that someone can agree with me on that," Perdue is quoted as saying. "You want people who don't worry about the next election.“ Sept 28, 2011

Timothy Geithner
"The two other clouds still over us are the European crisis and the deep concern that you can see across the world and around the country about whether the political system in the United States is up to the challenges we face," Geithner said before weekend meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington. Sept. 22, 2011

"The longer we put this stuff off, (dealing with the budget) the greater risk that we take as a country that people will decide that our political system is not up to the challenge of living in a global economy," Geithner said during a CNBC interview last week.

Why a Global Economy is Significant.
Revelation 13:15-17
15 The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. [or is humanities number] That number is 666.

Mark 8:33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Who’s behind all this? Every conspiracy has to have a conspirator or conspirators. In our world today there are people in power who have not surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. They respond to the voice of another.

The Spirit of the Anti-Christ

1 John 4:3 And every spirit which does not acknowledge and confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh [but would annul, destroy, sever, disunite Him] is not of God [does not proceed from Him]. This [ nonconfession] is the [spirit] of the antichrist, [of] which you heard that it was coming, and now it is already in the world.

What does the Spirit of the Anti-Christ do?

It has the same agenda as the literal anti-Christ and it influences people to accept this agenda.
It sits at Satan’s left hand (Acts 2:32,33)
It trumpets it’s Lordship or it’s ability to rule the hearts of men.
It wants to be worshipped
It claims to be more powerful than Christ.

Revelation 13:14 describes the Antichrist making some kind of image which all are forced to worship. Turning the temple of the living God into a place of worship for the Antichrist is truly an “abomination.”

Conclusion:
What I’m hearing and sensing leads me to believe we could be heading for some kind of disaster in our country, possibly economic that could even be secretly engineered. This event will cause the American people to accept things they wouldn’t normally accept, allowing for sweeping political changes to occur. These changes will be global in nature and are in agreement with the agenda of the Antichrist.

Watch, Pray and Obey
Living in the midst of these times, it’s very important that we watch, pray and obey.

I think it’s important that we pay attention to what people are saying. Their words will tell you what’s in their hearts.
I believe we need to take our concerns before God according to (Philippians 4:6,7)
I also believe trusting in God to help us through any difficulty requires implementing the plan He gives you, simply saying you are trusting God doesn’t mean you really are. Obedience is key.

The Wrong Response
"Oh well, we know the Bible talks about these things, they have to happen so let’s just pray and duck, and try to avoid getting injured by flying debris".
I’m very glad our grandparents didn’t feel this way when Adolf Hitler came to power and started conquering Europe.

1 John 4:4 Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

America needs another great awakening. Let’s pray and agree that God is going to start a revival right here in NE Arkansas that will sweep across the country affecting hearts and lives and turning the hearts of people back to their loving Heavenly Father.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.
If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

View Larger Map

Reasons People Don't Come to Church

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:35:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

* I can’t until I get my life together
* Church is filled with Hypocrites
* All they care about is your money
* Dress Code?
* Church makes me nervous
* I’m not sure I believe everything that you believe (but you can still belong)
* Church is for wimpy girly men
* If you knew me and what I’d done you wouldn’t want me
* You can come no matter what your religious background.
* It's not about religion. It's about relationship

Can we allow people to be in our fellowship who don’t believe the way we believe?

I say yes. I’d also say our Church won’t grow as long as we can’t. As a matter of fact, if I asked enough doctrinal questions, going deep enough theologically on a particular subject, I could easily divide people.

I believe not every doctrine is as vitally important as every other doctrine. There comes a point when we should release our grip on a doctrine in order to embrace a person.

What we believe is vitally important because it determines our thought life. If you accept a belief, you reap a thought. If you sow a thought, you reap an attitude. If you sow an attitude, you reap your words. If you sow your words, you reap an action. If you sow an action, you reap a habit. If you sow a habit, you reap a character. If you sow your character, you reap your destiny.

Is there a doctrine that we believe here that would cause us to prohibit someone from coming in the building and attending a service with us? Or a year’s worth of worship services? Hopefully everyone’s heart is open to newcomers.

If there is, we must not have very much confidence in what we believe. When I believe something, and really believe it, I’m at peace with the subject. I don’t feel a need to defend the position simply because someone else has a different opinion. I may be very passionate about the subject but it’s not for self interests.

If I have to respond, I may have a pride problem.

It’s encouraged to be passionate about what we believe. This passion is what God is looking for in his Church. Even if it’s wrong, God has a way of focusing wrong passion in the right direction.

Consider Saul
Saul at Stephen’s Stoning
Acts 7:57,58
57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Acts 9:1
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest

God took Saul’s passion and through an encounter with the Lord re-directed it to glorifying the Lord Jesus.

Let’s always make sure we have Bible to back up what we believe. Just because a famous person believes it doesn’t mean we have to believe it also.

1 Corinthians 1:12
What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas ”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

Our Goal
I Corinthians 1:10
10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Another thing to consider is how vital is the belief. For example, let’s talk about the subject of the rapture of the Church.

No Rapture Position
Rapture of the Wicked
Pre-Tribulational Rapture
Mid-Tribulational Rapture
Post Tribulational Rapture

The Rapture of the Church is an important subject. However, what a person believes about it doesn’t change what happens in regard to it.

A person’s rapture belief system will change the way they respond to the world we are living in. But it doesn’t have a direct affect on their salvation.

The disposition of people
It also depends on the person. Are they seeking to understand and be teachable or are they dogmatic and entrenched in a certain system of understanding; trying to “convert” people to their way of believing on a certain subject.

Where believing the same way becomes increasingly important is when a person wants to be involved in leadership; having influence over the local congregation.

Amos 3:3
Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?

Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

The opposite is also true.
How bad and miserable it is when God’s people live together in disunity!

Proverbs 17:1
Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

What can be present when there is strife?
Proverbs 13:10
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 20:3
It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

1 Corinthians 8:1
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

The Scriptures Inspired - The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to man, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to God's reason (II Timothy 3:15-17; I Peter 1:23-35; Hebrews 4:12).

The One True Godhead - The triune Godhead is comprised of three separate and distinct personalities, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are eternally self-existent, self-revealed and function as one entity. Jesus Christ, who is God manifested in the flesh, is the second member of the Godhead, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ - The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9; 2:33; Phil 2:9-11; Heb. 1:3)

The Fall Of Man - Man was created good and upright; for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death, but spiritual death, which is separation from God (Gen. 1:26,27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).

The Salvation of Man - Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus Christ became sin and sickness providing both salvation and divine healing for all mankind, (Psalm 103:3) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. For by grace we are saved through faith. "The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation" (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:8-10).

The Evidence of Salvation - The inward evidence, to the believer of his salvation, is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness. "And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us" (I John 3:23).

Faith and Works - Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and not by human works; however, our works will determine the rewards in eternity (Acts 16:3; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7; Romans 14:12-20; and 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The Ordinances of the Church.

1. Baptism in Water. The ordinance of baptism by a burial with Christ should be observed as commanded in the Scriptures by all who have really repented and in their hearts have truly believed on Christ as Savior and Lord. In so doing, they declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and that they have also been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47,48; Romans 6:4).

2. The Lord's Supper (Holy Communion). "And when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also the cup, after supper saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (I Corinthians 11:24, 25, 28).

3. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit - All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of the believers in the early Christian Church. This experience is accompanied by, but not limited to, the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues (glossolalia) as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance (Matt. 3:11; John 14:16-17; Acts. 1:8; Acts 2:38-39; Acts 19:1-7; Acts 2:4). With it, comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; I Cor. 12:1-31). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9). With the baptism in the Holy Spirit come such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8), a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43; Heb. 12:28), an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42), and a more active love for Christ, for His Word, and for the lost (Mark 16:20). We recognize the operation of the Gifts of the Spirit in the Believers' lives according to 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

4. Sanctification - Sanctification is a progressive act of separation from that which is evil and of dedication unto God (Romans 12:1,2; I Thess. 5:23; Heb. 13:12). The Scriptures teach a life of holiness "without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14). By the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to obey the command: "Be ye holy for I am holy" (I Peter 1:15-16).

5. The Blessed Hope - The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church (I Thess. 4:16,17; Rom. 8:23; Titus 2:13; I Cor. 15:51, 52).

6. The Church - The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through
the Spirit with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great
commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general
assembly and Church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven (Eph.
1:22,23; 2:22; Heb. 12:23).

7. The Ministry - A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been
provided by our Lord for a two-fold purpose: (1) The evangelization of the
world and (2) The edifying of the body of Christ through the maturing and
training of believers for ministry (Mark 16:15-20; Eph. 4:11-12).

8. Divine Healing - Divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel. Healing from
sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers
(Isa. 53:4,5; Matt. 8:16, 17; James 5:14-16).

9. The Millennial Reign of Christ - The second coming of Christ includes the
rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible
return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years
(Zech. 14:5; Matt. 24:27,30; Rev. 1:7; Rev. 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial
reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezek. 37:21-22; Zeph.
3:19-20; Rom. 11:26,27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isa. 11:6-9;
Psa. 72:3-8; Micah 4:3,4).

10. The Final Judgment - There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead
will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found
written in the Book of Life, together with the Devil and his angels, the beast
and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake
of fire which is the second death (Matt. 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Rev. 19:20;
20:10-15; 21:8).

11. The New Heavens and the New Earth - We, according to His promise, look for new
heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness (II Peter 3:13; Rev.
21:22).

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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The Object of Our Faith

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:17:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

It’s been said jokingly, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”

In the Christian Life the main thing is our relationship with God.

Sometimes people erroneously have faith in their faith.

People who are optimistic can believe in the power of positive thinking.

I actually believe there is power in positive thinking. However if a lost person can activate this then it doesn’t come personally from the Lord, it’s an innate Earthly principle.

Sometimes People can erroneously place Faith in their Prayers.
Is your faith in your prayers or is your faith in the God who answers the prayers? If you faith is in your prayers you are really praying to yourself and could be practicing a form of witchcraft.

Matthew 6:7
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

Sometimes we can put our faith erroneously into things Jesus/God did.
We don’t deny he did these things however our faith is in Him, not necessarily what he did.

Who Will Take the Son?
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just before Christmas there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.

He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out his package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.' The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?' There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.' But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'

Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!' But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?' Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting.' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. We have $10, who will bid $20?' 'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.' The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!' A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!' The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.' What about the paintings?' 'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!'

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?' Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

The Scriptural exception
Colossians 2:12
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Through faith in God’s resurrection power we have eternal life.

Romans 10:9,10
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Sometimes we can put our faith into things Jesus has. In a few instances this may be acceptable but the object of our faith according to the twenty-nine “faith in” scriptures in the Bible, is in the person of God the Son or the person of God the Father.

Thesis: Our faith is mis-directed if it’s in anything other than the person of Jesus Christ.

Outline

Faith in God causes supernatural signs to manifest
Faith in Jesus name causes healing to manifest
Jews and Greeks must put their faith in Jesus to be saved
Faith in the Lord Jesus causes righteousness to be imputed to the person in faith
Faith in the Lord Jesus causes justification to be imputed to the person in faith
We die to ourselves and put our faith in the Son of God
When our Faith is in Christ we can approach God with freedom and confidence

1. Faith in God causes a supernatural sign to manifest

Mark 11:21-23
21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” 22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.

2. Faith in Jesus Name Causes Healing to Manifest

Acts 3:16

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

3. Jews and Greeks must put their faith in Jesus

Acts 20:21
I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

John 14:6
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

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.”

4. Faith in the Lord Jesus causes Righteousness to be Imputed to the person in faith

Romans 3:22
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,

Philippians 3:9
and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

5. Faith in the Lord Jesus causes Justification to be Imputed to the person in Faith

Romans 3:26

he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Galatians 2:16
know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

6. We die to ourselves and put our faith in the Son of God

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

2 Corinthians 5:15
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

1 Peter 2:24a
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness;

7. When our Faith is in Christ we can approach God with Freedom and Confidence

Ephesians 3:12
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Mark 15:38
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Mercy - Not getting the justice from God we do deserve
Grace - Getting the power from God we don’t deserve

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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If Jesus were a Pastor...

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:46:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

… what would his Church look like?

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here.

Should we Copy Jesus?

* Is Jesus culturally relevant or should we omit some of his methodologies because they just don’t fit in America today?

* Should we conform to the Jesus culture?

Jesus Christ built men! This was his focus.

He Called out Twelve

John 6:70
70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

Jesus had a focus on a few with a vision for world evangelization. His ministry mission statement would contain this concept.

Love everyone, commit everything to a few radically committed people with the emphasis on them committing everything to a few radically committed people. The network of people that forms is the fruit bearing Church.

Was Jesus trying to build a big church. YES!

How?

Through multiplication based discipleship ministry expressing the kingdom of God in power and character.

Things Jesus didn’t need or have

Multi-Media

BuildingsBy not appealing to the flesh of people, Jesus at times was very “offensive”.

Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood
Many Disciples Desert Jesus

John 6:60-69
60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Not every numerically large group of people validates the means by which they became numerically large.

There is nothing wrong with large Churches. I think they are great, however, how were they built? Why are they large? These are questions I don’t have to answer for any other pastor. I simply have to answer them for myself and this ministry.

Here in this Church I’d like to see a few radically committed people catch the spirit of Christ in the leadership of this ministry. Then pour out the life of Christ to their group of radically committed people.

The clearest administrative vehicle I see that supports this in our culture is the cell Church.

Was the Church Jesus birthed staffed with professionals?

Yes, they were professionals but not professionals in the eyes of the existing religious establishment.

What qualified them to be ministers?

Acts 4:13
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Ephesians 4:11-13
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.

So my job as a 5 fold man of God is not to necessarily do everything, but it’s to equip you all to do works of service.

What is the best way to equip you?

William Glasser once said,
“We Learn . . .

10% of what we read
20% of what we hear
30% of what we see
50% of what we see and hear
70% of what we discuss
80% of what we experience
95% of what we teach others.”

Reflect on Jesus calling his disciples again. “Come follow me”.

Jesus had a classroom and it was everywhere he was.

How about Paul?

1 Cor. 11:1
1PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).

I find the Hebraic ministry model very rare in the American Church. So much of what the average Church does is based on the Greek educational model. This model is in our public schools.

The Greek model of education shapes our modern American educational theories.
Our philosophy will dictate our methodology. Our methodology will affect our outcome. We need to develop a culture and educational methodology that distinctively reflects the ministry model of Jesus Christ.

Hebrew vs. Greek Educational Model

Hebrew education focused on relationship
Hebrew teachers tried to shape students' hearts
Hebrew students were to become what their teacher was
Greek education focused on content
Greek teachers tried to shape students' minds
Greek students were to learn what their teacher knew

Our Vision

Win
Consolidate
Disciple
Send

I see a network of small groups across the region with anointed equipped and trained leaders. These leaders have my heart in them and the Spirit of Christ working through them. They love Jesus & me and I love them. They trust me and I trust them. These leaders are loyal to me and I am loyal to them. The main vision of these small groups is to raise up and train leaders to lead more small groups.

My emphasis as a pastor is on training you to do the work of the ministry. There is no better trainer than “doing the work of the ministry”. I realize fear, lack of revelation and lack of training can hinder a person from getting involved. However I am available to work with you and train you if the Lord is drawing you into this type of fruit bearing ministry. Let’s walk together for a while.

For this reason I’m trying to “decentralize” ministry. I would be happier with 10 groups with 10 people in them than with a single group with 100 people in it.
Nothing will grow without leaders willing to lay down their lives for the gospel.
When Jesus left the Earth in bodily form the Church grew. His ministry and leadership model is the proper way to do things.

We have to shake off the bands of culture and embrace what Jesus did as a very practical reality for our lives.
Who wants to lay down their life for another? Who wants to pray and cry and teach someone else? We must move beyond the bless me club mentality and begin to show our maturity as we make sacrifices for Christ’s body, the Church.

2 Timothy 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.

In considering all that Jesus gave to us, looking to the cross, isn’t it reasonable that out of love for him we could commit to help a small group of people grow in their relationship with Christ? Maybe out of this group there would come another like minded person willing to lay down some of their personal agenda who would also help others.

I can see these groups filling every area in our region taking the gospel into people’s homes. Instead of having one man declare healing over the sick we have 15. Instead of one teacher we have 20. If persecution were to strike the Church we wouldn’t skip a beat. Going underground would be very easy with this culture. Even if you kill the head the body lives with this culture established.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.
Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

View Larger Map

Our Ability Comes from God

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:53:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

God’s kingdom can be expressed to and through your life.

No matter what enemy you are facing today

- Sin
- Fear
- Apathy
- Feelings of inferiority
- Ignorance
- God’s kingdom can be expressed to and through your life.

The Kingdom of God is a conquering kingdom and can easily conquer all the kingdoms of our hearts. Walking in obedience to God’s kingdom is more rewarding, powerful and desirable than any other activity on the planet.

Ephesians 1:18-21
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked,

Ephesians 2:6
God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

We need our eyes enlightened in order to know what we’ve been called to

The hope, that we’ve been called to
The riches of His glorious inheritance
His incomparably great power

The Hope That We' ve Been Called To

Romans 8:24
hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?
The Riches of His Glorious Inheritance
a. Eternal Life
b. Victorious Life
c. Kingdom Life

A. Inherit Eternal Life

Matthew 25:31-36
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

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

B. Inherit Victorious Life

Titus 2:11,12
11 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,

Grace is power to do the will of God and it’s freely available to the humble follower of Christ.
James 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

C. Inherit Kingdom Life

Luke 12:32
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

At the center of any kingdom is a King. The kingdom life we’re promised causes the kingdoms of this life to come down and the kingdom of God to be established in newly conquered hearts.

His Incomparably Great Power
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.”

Luke 11:9-13
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

John 3:34
God gives the Holy Spirit without limit.

The Holy Spirit is an active agent of the God head moving through the body of Christ today. The Holy Spirit moves through obedient people.

2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Gamalial’s address to the Sanhedrin
Acts 5:38,39
38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Romans 8:31,32
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

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

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

View Larger Map

The Anatomy of an Encourager

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:10:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here.

Lessons from the life of Barnabas

Son of Encouragement

Encourage - to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.

Thesis - The Body of Christ needs encouragers.

Acts 4:36-37
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 9:26-27
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

Acts 11:23,24
23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Acts 11:29,30
29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 12:25
When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned to Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.

Acts 13:1
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas,

Outline

Barnabas was an extravagant giver (Acts 4:36-37)
Barnabas believed in people, he trusted them, networking Paul successfully in with the other apostles and later with the new Grecian believers at Antioch (Acts 9:26,27)(Acts 11:25,26)
Barnabas was an encourager (Acts 11:23,24)

He rejoiced with the will of God being accomplished
He was wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord
He was considered a good man full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
He played a role in successful outreach
Barnabas was a conduit for financial blessing (Acts 11:29,30)

4. Enter John Mark (Acts 12:25)
5. Barnabas is Considered a Prophet and Teacher (Acts 13:1)
6. Barnabas’ belief in people causes a rift between he and Paul in regard to John Mark (Acts 15:37,38)

Body

1. Barnabas was an extravagant giver (Acts 4:36-37)
Barnabas sold some land and laid it at the Apostles feet. Barnabas had land and possibly some wealth. Perhaps he gave out of his abundance. Maybe that was his primary land?

2. Barnabas believed in people, he trusted them, networking Paul successfully in with the other apostles. (Acts 9:26,27)
When all the apostles were afraid of Paul because of his reputation Barnabas took a chance on him. Believing his story to be true. He then confirmed the truth for himself before introducing him to the other Apostles.

3. Barnabas was an encourager (Acts 11:23,24)
a. He rejoiced with the will of God being accomplished

Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

Barnabas rejoiced with God’s will being accomplished

Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

b. Barnabas was wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord.

Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

c. He was considered a good man full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
1. Good
2. Filled with the Holy Spirit
3. Filled with Faith

d. He played a role in successful outreach

I believe when it comes to outreach…

Proverbs 11:30 (KJV)
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
We’re called to be faithful

Isaiah 55:11
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

e. Barnabas was a conduit for financial blessing (Acts 11:29,30)

Barnabas was used in this way to bring relief to part of the body of Christ sent from another part. Here again he’s networking resources to a need.

4. Enter John Mark (Acts 12:25)
Was John Mark the rich young ruler who fled Naked?

A rich young ruler questioned Christ about what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Mark's Gospel includes a detail that Matthew and Luke failed to mention: "And Jesus looking upon him loved him..." This hints at the possibility that young John Mark himself may have been that rich young man. An early church tradition also suggests that it was this same Mark who was "the certain young man" who followed Christ right up to His entry into the house of the high priest and then, when the guards tried to lay hold of him, left the linen cloth that he was clothed with in their hands and fled naked! (Mark 14:52; was the only one who included this incident.)

5. Barnabas is Considered a Prophet and Teacher (Acts 13:1)
Often when thinking about Barnabas I don’t really give him much credit for anything. He however was a very foundational pillar in the early Church.

6. Barnabas’ belief in people causes a rift between he and Paul in regard to John Mark (Acts 15:37,38)

Paul being more principled in his approach to the ministry brought him into conflict with Barnabas who seems to have a mercy gifting.

Fortunately, Paul and Mark later reconciled when Paul was in prison in Rome. Mark served as his aide and then as a delegate on an important mission to Asia Minor. Later Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark back with him to Rome because he was useful in service. (2 Tim 4:11) When Peter was writing 1st Peter, he affectionately called Mark "his son.“ (1 Peter 5:13)

Conclusion: We need encouragers in the body of Christ. Encouragers are used by God to breathe life into us when we’re feeling flat.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Where is Your Hope?

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:51:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

Titus 2:13b the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Thesis: We ought to live holy and godly lives as we look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

Introduction: Many theologians disagree on how things will unfold in regard to the end of days. The activities aren't as contested as the time line or sequence of events. I therefore have what some may consider a "different" end times escatological position. I've simply decided not to take a dogmatic stance in regard to the sequence of events in the end times. I feel like I have a decent grip on the various positions and supporting scriptural support. I am not sure how much tribulation (whether it's the great tribulation or not) the believer will have to endure. I encourage people to be ready to endure difficulties based on the scriptural and historic fact that the Church has over the last centuries been at times severely persecuted. This doesn't mean I've ruled out a pre-tribulational rapture possibility I've simply chosen to consider other options and take sensible steps to prepare for possible trouble. The pre-tribulational rapture position has some scriptural support and obvious appeal to the heart of man. I however am not entrenched into believing this due to other scripture and history. Why history? Well, I've decided that if I'm going through some tribulation that includes things like (getting eaten by lions in the coliseum) and someone comes up to me and says, as the lion is getting ready to strike, "Hey brother, don't worry, this isn't the GREAT tribulation." it won't matter very much to me if it's the great tribulation or just my personal tribulation. So how much tribulation will we have to go through? I don't know but to sensibly prepare is a logical conclusion. What I believe about the rapture doesn't change if I get raptured or not so I've placed my faith in Jesus Christ to save me. My faith is not in my escatological position on end time events. If Jesus is going to catch us up before the tribulation, as a great man of God once said, "I have my 'ticket'".

2 Peter 3:10-13
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

Outline
I.   The day of the Lord will come like a thief
II. Everything will change
III.These changes, if they are real to us, will prioritize how we live, prompting holiness, godliness and effective outreach.
IV. We should be looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells.

I. The day of the Lord will come like a thief

A thief comes without being noticed and announced. A thief is trying to catch his victim by surprise. Most robberies happen when the victim is not at home.

Matthew 24:42-44
42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-4
1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

We must stay prophetically sharp if we’re to be on guard for the return of the Lord.

John 16:13
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.

Amos 3:7
7 Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing    without revealing his plan    to his servants the prophets.

Mark 13:32,33
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

II. Everything will change
     A. Heavens will disappear with a roar
     B. Elements will be destroyed by fire
     C. The earth and everything done in it will be laid bare

A. The heavens disappear
1. The stars stop shining on the earth
2. The stars literally disappear leaving the earth alone in the universe

This will most likely be the first scenario. Cloud cover that will prohibit an earthly perception of heavenly bodies. Clouds? Dust? Something supernatural?

Elements destroyed by fire.
In nature, new elements are created by adding protons and neutrons to hydrogen atoms within the nuclear reactor of a star, producing increasingly heavier elements, up to iron (atomic number 26). This process is called nucleosynthesis.

The possible scenarios that cause this kind of elemental shift are nuclear. There may also be other ways (particle accelerators, nuclear reactors) to change elements however in a roaring destructive scenario including fire, nuclear seems like a likely option.

We can also consider a hit from a cosmic object.

Matthew 24:29
29 “Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

All this is before… v. 30-31 they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Revelation 8 gives 3 different events that happen from the heavens to the earth.

Rev. 8:7 1st Trumpet; Hail and fire mixed with blood. 1/3 of the earth, 1/3 of all the trees and all the grass is burned up.

Rev. 8:7-9 2nd Trumpet; something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, 9 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

Rev. 8:10,11 Third Trumpet; a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.

A collision with an asteroid large enough to make the Yucatán crater would have sent so much dust and gas into the atmosphere that sunlight would have been blocked for months or years, killing much of Earth’s vegetation and interrupting the food chain many animals depended on.

The asteroid that created the Chicxulub Crater
was approximately 2.7-6.8 miles in diameter.

The earth and everything done in it will be laid bare
This passage 2 Peter 3:10 seems to indicate that human activity is brought very low by this intense destructive fire. This renovates the earth and prepares it to become the new earth.

III. These changes being real will prioritize how we live, prompting holiness, godliness and effective outreach.

When we know these to be true realities why would we want to invest the majority of our time energy and effort into building temporal things. I think it’s important that we give some attention to temporal things however these end times realities should cause us to live holy and godly lives as we look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

Holy – Set apart unto God and set apart from sin.
Godly- Being imitators of our heavenly father.

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

If the good news of the kingdom is not preached to all nations will the end come?

The preaching serves as a testimony giving them a chance to make a decision for Christ.
Can we speed up or slow down the return of the Lord?

The gospel of the kingdom is all about surrendering to the King of the kingdom, and taking on his life and direction of service. With this surrender comes all the privileges, rights and persecution of a kingdom citizen.
Kingdom citizens are empowered by God’s grace to disposes the kingdoms of darkness leading people to Christ.

The Ministry of Reconciliation
2 Cor. 5:17,18
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:

IV. We should be looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells.

God’s Dream Ultimately Fulfilled
Revelation 21:1-4
1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Conclusion: We ought to live holy and godly lives as we look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

The Nature of Jesus

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:05:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here.

Understanding Jesus – Understanding the Father

John 14:9b-10
Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?

Jesus Christ is the fundamental doctrine of true theology ~Dr. S.M. Lockridge

To understand the personality of Jesus is to understand the personality of God.

Everything Jesus does is Christ like and he perfectly represents the personality of God the Father.
However sometimes our opinions of him may not be accurate and they may be based on popular ideas or sources other than the Word of God.

Times When Jesus Behaves in an “Un-Christ Like Manner”

Matthew 15:21-28
21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” 23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” 25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. 26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” 27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” 28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Introduction
A casual reading of this passage could cause the reader to feel like Jesus is brushing this woman off and even being rude. Let’s take a deeper look at the dynamics of Christ as he responds to this Canaanite woman.

There is a need v. 22
The woman knows something about Jesus v. 22
Jesus doesn’t initially respond to the need v. 23
Jesus responds with the word of the Lord v. 24
The woman pleads for her daughter v. 25
Jesus repeats the word of the Lord in a way that could be construed as offensive to the woman. v. 26
The woman’s response to Jesus v. 27
Jesus performs a miracle as a result of the woman’s faith v. 28

I. There are needs
A. Mark 14:7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.
B. Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Needs for salvation
Needs for healing
Needs for deliverance
Needs for emotional healing
Financial needs

Is Jesus initially moved by the need in this situation?

Mark 6:47-50
47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified.

It's clear from the passage above that Jesus does not respond to needs. However he does respond to the faith of the disciples as they cry out to him.

II. The woman knows something about Jesus v. 22
She addresses Jesus as “Lord, Son of David”

Son of David is a popular Jewish title for the coming Messiah and is used several times in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:5-16)

III. Jesus doesn’t initially respond to the need v. 23
Not only does Jesus not respond to the need but he ignores her.
He could’ve said a lot of things other than just ignoring her.
What are some possible responses you would want to hear if you were this woman?
Is this a deliberate strategy of Jesus to offend this woman causing her to either walk away or press in for her miracle?
Does God offend the mind to reveal the heart?
How easily offended are we? Are our loved ones easily offended? How do we respond when we don’t see the manifestation we’re believing for?

Jesus closest followers have a problem with the woman “she keeps crying out after us.” v. 23

This is another great opportunity for the woman to become offended and give up petitioning Jesus for her daughter.

In New Testament times there was no country known as Canaan. Some think this was the Semitic manner of referring to the people of Phonecia at this time. Mark says the woman was “a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia”. In Mark 7:26 Mark possibly used the term to distinguish this woman from the Libyan Phoenicians of North Africa.

What are some possible reasons why she’s so persistent in her pleading?

Do we have the same character qualities that the woman has?

IV. Jesus responds with the word of the Lord v. 24
As we’ve already discussed Jesus is not moved by the woman’s need he’s moved by God’s word. The word is. “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel
Matthew 10:5-8
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Jesus’ point was that the gospel was to be given first to Jews.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

V. The woman pleads for her daughter v. 25
The woman is not pushed away by the word’s she’s heard. She continues to plead for her daughter’s life, kneeling before Jesus saying, “Lord, help me!”

VI. Jesus repeats the word of the Lord in a way that could be construed as offensive to the woman. v. 26
The children are the jews and the dogs are the gentiles.
In some senses of the word Jesus calls the woman a dog.

VII. The woman’s response to Jesus v. 27
How would you respond to a minister in a prayer line who didn’t pray for you and then said, “I’m not going to pray for you, you dog”?

The woman’s reply revealed not only her wit but also her faith and humility.

v. 26 And He answered, It is not right (proper, becoming, or fair) to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs. v. 27 She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the little pups (little whelps) eat the crumbs that fall from their [young] masters’ table.

VIII. Jesus performs a miracle as a result of the woman’s faith v. 28
Jesus moves outside of the mandate of God’s plan for his life as a result of the faith of the woman. The woman’s faith makes her daughter’s healing the will of God for this “dog” gentile woman.

Conclusion:
The Great Faith Club – Two gentile members
Matthew 8:5-13 The Centurion – Revelation of Authority
Matthew 15:21-28 The Canaanite Woman – Persistence in the face of adversity

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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The Glory

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:01:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

The glory of the Lord is the manifestation of his presence. God shows himself strong and moves among mankind displaying a portion of his character out of his glory.

I. God received Glory through destruction of the enemies of God
Exodus 14:4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So the Israelites did this. (Exodus 14:17,18)

Romans 9:17
17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
(Exodus 9:16)

Romans 9:22,23
22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory—

II. God tangibly takes care of his people out of his glory
Exodus 16:6-10
6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt, 7 and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?” 8 Moses also said, “You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD.” 9 Then Moses told Aaron, “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling.’” 10 While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud.

Jesus feeds the 5000
Matthew 14:13-21

III. God’s glory appears as a cloud or fire
Exodus 24:16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud.
Exodus 24:17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.

Exodus 40:34,35 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

God appearing to Moses in the “burning” bush in Exodus chapter 3.

Cloud by day and a fire by night
Exodus 13:21,22; Exodus 40:38; Numbers 14:14; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalm 78:14

The Priests Begin Their Ministry
IV. God’s glory appears to confirm the priestly ministry; inaugurating a new beginning
Leviticus 9:6,23
Then Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.” Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people.

God consumed the sacrifice of Solomon at the consecration of the temple serving to inaugurate a new beginning
2 Chronicles 6 and 7

The day of Pentecost, God’s glory comes in the form of fire and tongues helping to inaugurate the birthing of the Church.
Acts 2:3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

Numbers 14:10 – Numbers 14:22
V. The glory of the Lord appeared to stop the stoning of God’s human authority
VI. Seeing God’s glory prompts God to hold his people accountable for behaving at a higher level of Godliness

VII. The glory of God caused a plague to move out and kill the rebellious
Numbers 16:42-46
42 But when the assembly gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron and turned toward the tent of meeting, suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. 43 Then Moses and Aaron went to the front of the tent of meeting, 44 and the LORD said to Moses, 45 “Get away from this assembly so I can put an end to them at once.” And they fell facedown. 46 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has started.”

VIII. The Glory of God gives supernatural wisdom and insight (re: getting water from a rock)
Numbers 20:6 Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the tent of meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them.

IX. God’s voice and his glory can appear together.
Deuteronomy 5:24
24 And you said, “The LORD our God has shown us his glory and his majesty, and we have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a person can live even if God speaks with them.

Conclusion:
We need God’s glory, his manifest presence, to make God real and relevant to a lost generation and to energize the Church.

Please pray and agree with us that God's glory will manifest in our midst as you listen to this song from Chris Tomlin.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

Please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Subject to Government

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:20:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

Romans 13:1-7
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

1 Peter 2:13-17
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Introduction
Does this mean we shouldn’t appose any political leader? Do we really believe that government officials have unlimited authority to do anything they want without opposition?

For example, what if our leaders decided to resurrect the old custom of sacrificing your children to the Cananite sun god Molech worshiped throughout the ancient Near East. Would you think God would want you to submit to this?

Adolf Hitler
Hitler wisely embraced Romans 13 to give him unquestioned power by the majority of German Christians.

Sing a Little Louder by Penny Lea
"Week after week that train whistle would blow. We would dread to hear the sound of those old wheels because we knew that the Jews would begin to cry to us as they passed our church. It was so terribly disturbing! We could do nothing to help these poor miserable people, yet their screams tormented us. We knew exactly at what time that whistle would blow, and we decided the only way to keep from being so disturbed by the cries was to start singing our hymns. By the time the train came rumbling past the church yard, we were singing at the top of our voices. If some of the screams reached our ears, we'd just sing a little louder until we could hear them no more. Years passed and no one talks about it much anymore, but I still hear that train whistle in my sleep. I can still hear them crying out for help. God forgive all of us who called ourselves Christians, yet did nothing to intervene."

So, there are limits to human authority. A father has authority in his home, but does this give him power to abuse his wife and children? An employer has authority on the job, but does this give him power to control the private lives of his employees? A pastor has overseer authority in the church, but does this give him power to tell employers in his church how to run their businesses? The answer to all three questions is obviously NO! All human authority is limited in nature. No man is to have unlimited authority over the lives of other men. (Lordship belongs to Christ)

Obedience to the government must never be in violation of the law of God.
Acts 4:19
But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!

Acts 5:29
Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!”

The Government referred to in the Bible punishes the wrongdoer and commends the one who does right. (Romans 13:3; 1 Peter 2:14)
What is a Christian to do when the government punishes the innocent and Godly while commending the evil?

Romans 13:5 means we must think and reason for ourselves regarding the justness and rightness of our government's laws. Obedience is not automatic or robotic. It is a result of both rational deliberation and moral understanding.

The essence of God’s creation accounts for the liberty built into the conscience of mankind. He has a duty to act when he knows what is right.

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (James 4:17)

We know from scripture that there is coming a world leader referred to as the Anti-Christ. The abomination that causes desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel. (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14)

Antichrist’s Rule Reaches Globally using Finance
It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. [Revelation 13:16-17]

As a Christian should you submit to the Anti-Christ’s government and receive the mark? In this environment the responsibility falls on the individuals in this system to object to the law being carried out.

Revelation 14:9-11
9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, 10 they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”

The constant theme throughout the scriptures is the higher powers of government are to promote good and punish evil. Governments that do the opposite are not to be honored.

In order for their to be a world government there must be an agenda to dissolve national sovereignty. In order to have a new world order patriotism and national sovereignty in every nation must come under attack and eventually be dissolved.

The nations with the most resources and power should be the least likely to hand over their sovereignty. Why would they want to? The playing field must be leveled for this agenda to fly in the minds of the worlds richest nations.

This list is based on 2008 GDP figures
1. USA 14.265 Trillion up 2.65%
2. Japan 4.924 Trillion up 12.3%
3. China 4.402 Trillion up 30.1%
4. Germany 3.668 Trillion up 10.4%
5. France 2.866 Trillion up 10.5%

The United States Constitution is under attack by the spirit of the Anti-Christ in order to usher in a world government.

There are enemies outside of our nation but also enemies within our nation trying to dissolve the authority of the Constitution.

"A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and he carries his banners openly. But the traitor moves among those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not (as a) traitor, he speaks in the accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their garments, and he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of a city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to be feared." - Cicero, 42 B.C.

New World Order is a term used to describe the uniting of the world's superpowers to secure and maintain global peace, safety, and security.

The New World Order agenda is detailed in documents from the Council of Foreign Relations, Trilateral Commission, Bilderberg Group, Club of Rome, United Nations, World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.

Peace and Safety
The Day of the Lord
1 Thessalonians 5:3
While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

There will always be a clash between citizens who try to follow God’s laws and tyrants who try and go against God’s laws.

U.S. National sovereignty is going to come under attack. Do we take the position that well, it’s going to happen and there’s nothing we can do about it? The Antichrist is going to rule the world. Or do we stand up for our Nations sovereignty defending the Constitution of the United States?

What if it’s Hitler knocking at the door and not the Anti-Christ?

All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. ~Edmund Burke

Since our form of government is a representative republic the real authority in our government is delegated to our elected officials by the people. Their responsibilities are overseen by the Constitution of the United States.

In America, the U.S. Constitution is the "supreme Law of the Land." Under our laws, every governing official, civil servant and soldier, publicly promises to submit to and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Romans 13:1-7 to a U.S. Citizen
1 Let everyone be subject to the [Constitution of the United States], for there is no authority except that which God has established. The [Constitution of the United States] has been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the [Constitution of the United States] is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For the [Constitution of the United States] holds no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the [Constitution of the United States]? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the [Constitution of the United States] is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for the [Constitution of the United States] does not bear the sword for no reason. It is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the[Constitution of the United States] not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for those authorities that serve the [Constitution of the United States] are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Furthermore, Christians, above all people, should desire that their elected representatives submit to the Constitution, because it is constitutional government that has done more to protect Christian liberty than any governing document ever devised by man.

http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2007/cbarchive_20070810.html

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

Tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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What Jesus Did

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:58:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack
These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

Jesus paid the penalty for sin, redeeming mankind
He opened the way to the gentiles
He defeated the devil
He opened the kingdom of God to mankind
He made a way for people to inherit eternal life

1. Jesus paid the penalty for sin, redeeming mankind.
Romans 3:24
and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 1:30
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

Colossians 1:13,14
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”

2. He opened the way to the gentiles
Acts 11:18
18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Romans 11:11,12,25
because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. 12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in,

A. Salvation is opened to the gentiles because of the sins of Israel
B. It’s opened up to make Israel envious
C. Israel has been hardened until the full # of gentiles has come in
D. Israel will be saved by grace through faith in Jesus

3. He defeated the devil
Colossians 2:13-15
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Luke 10:18,19
18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Smith Wigglesworth
"We were sleeping one night, when the manifestation of evil filled the room and the spirit of fear gripped both of us. Polly was so frightened she could not open her eyes. I suddenly sat up, in the bed, and saw the devil. I rubbed my eyes to be sure, it was him. I said, ‘Oh! It's only you.' I then turned to Polly and told her to go back to sleep, it was nothing of consequence, and I laid my head back down. Suddenly an overwhelming sense of peace and love filled the room and we had the most blessed sleep ever."

4. He opened the kingdom of God to mankind.
Luke 17:21
the kingdom of God is within you.”

John 10:10
10 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 14:12
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.

Matthew 6:10
10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

5. He made a way for people to inherit eternal life
Romans 3:23
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

John 3:16
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.

Romans 10:9,10
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Romans 10:13
13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

Tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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My Son went to Israel

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:14:00 +0000

A Jewish businessman in Chicago sent his son to Israel for a year to absorb the culture. When the son returned, he said, "Papa, I had a great time in Israel. By the way, I converted to Christianity."

"Oy vey," said the father. "What have I done?"

He took his problem to his best friend. "Ike," he said, "I sent my son to Israel, and he came home a Christian. What can I do?"

Funny you should ask," said Ike. "I too, sent my son to Israel, and he also came home a Christian. Perhaps we should go see the rabbi."

So they did, and they explained their problem to the rabbi. "Funny you should ask," said the rabbi. "I, too, sent my son to Israel, and he also came home a Christian. What is happening to our young people?"

And so they all prayed, telling the Lord about their sons. As they finished their prayer, a voice came from the heavens:

"Funny you should ask," said the voice. "I, too, sent my son to Israel..."

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page. Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church 45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9124

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The Importance of Bearing Fruit (Part 3)

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:56:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here.

Abiding in Christ
Introduction
Fruit is the part of a plant that produces food and seed.
1. Food symbolizing the sweet flavor of a changed personality, conformed into Christ’s image. (Galatians 5:22,23)
2. Seed symbolizing an effort to share God’s message and life to a lost and hopeless world. (Matthew 13:1-23)

Food
Galatians 5:22,23
The Fruits of the Spirit, which show a changed personality are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
These fruits, when being expressed in the life of a believer, give us what we need to be able to scatter seed. It also makes us resemble Christ’s character and is good for us and others.

Seed
Matthew 13:1-23
The success of the sower in this parable is based completely on the condition of the hearer’s heart.
Path – Lack Understanding
Rocky Soil – People receive the Word with joy but when testing comes they fall away.
Thorns – Worries and anxieties of life, deceitfulness of wealth, choke out the Word
Good Soil – This person hears and understands producing a crop 30 60 or 100 x’s what was sown.
Here success is attributed to the wise
Proverbs 11:30 (Amplified)
The fruit of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men--he gathers and receives them for eternity].

Outline
I. Fruit production is very important to God
II. Fruit production for the believer begins with personal holiness.
III. Abiding in Christ is a key to fruit production

III. Abiding in Christ is a Key to Fruit Production

John 15:1-8
A. There are false vines, Jesus is the True Vine.
B. God the Father is the Gardener
C. We are to stay in Jesus just like he stays in us.
D. In the same way a branch cannot bear fruit by itself we can’t bear fruit unless we remain in the vine (Jesus)
E. Abiding in Christ is a key to seeing our prayers answered.
F. Being fruitful is one way we show ourselves to be his disciples.
G. Our fruit is to last and we are to love each other.

A. There are false vines, Jesus is the true vine.
People have a decision to make where they are going to receive a flow of life.

Worldly possessions
False Prophets
Affirmation of people
Various accomplishments
The Lord Himself

A word about the emotionally needy.

B. God the Father is the Gardener
He cuts off the fruitless
He prunes / cleans the fruitful so they are even more fruitful.

The Greek for he prunes also means he cleans. Jesus declared the disciples clean because of the word he had spoken to them. v. 3

The Word of God has a component to it that cleans hearts.
Psalm 119:11
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Ephesians 5:25-27
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing 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.

C. We are to stay in Jesus just like he stays in us
Our commitment to Jesus should be like his commitment to us.
Our love for Jesus should be like his love for us.
It’s pictured by a marriage. Not breakable until death. Jesus would never divorce you therefore you shouldn’t divorce him.

D. In the same way a branch cannot bear fruit by itself we can’t bear fruit unless we remain in the vine.
1. This illustrates how we must abide and remain in Christ.

E. Abiding in Christ is a key to seeing our prayers answered.

When we abide in Him we’ll pray his will.
1 John 5:14,15 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
This truth should be a faith builder, giving the person of prayer tremendous confidence and persistence.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Persistence – The Parable of the Persistent widow. Luke 18:1-8

F. Being fruitful is one way we show ourselves to be his disciples.
A disciple is a student who follows. If Jesus was fruitful and raised up disciples his disciples should be like him and do the same thing.
Loving is another way we show ourselves to be his disciples.

John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Being fruitful is a way to show love. Sacrificing our identity and life for another is a very high kind of sacrificial love. (The first time I was “Nate’s Dad”)
John 12:24
Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

G. Our fruit is to last and we are to love one another.
The way fruit lasts is that it also bears fruit. Your spiritual offspring raising up spiritual offspring. Having spiritual sons and daughters is great but what about spiritual grand children?
What makes this happen is dying to ourselves and loving someone else, sharing with them, equipping them, serving them until they are prepared to do the same.

It all starts with someone making a decision to follow Jesus.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page. Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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The Importance of Bearing Fruit (Part 2)

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:56:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

Introduction
Fruit is the part of a plant that produces food and seed.
1. Food symbolizing the sweet flavor of a changed personality, conformed into Christ’s image. (Galatians 5:22,23)
2. Seed symbolizing an effort to share God’s message and life to a lost and hopeless world. (Matthew 13:1-23)

Food
The Fruits of the Spirit, which show a changed personality are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
These fruits, when being expressed in the life of a believer, give us what we need to be able to scatter seed. It also makes us resemble Christ’s character and is good for us and others.

Seed
Matthew 13:1-23
The success of the sower in this parable is based completely on the condition of the hearer’s heart.
Path – Lack Understanding
Rocky Soil – People receive the Word with joy but when testing comes they fall away.
Thorns – Worries and anxieties of life, deceitfulness of wealth, choke out the Word
Good Soil – This person hears and understands producing a crop 30 60 or 100 x’s what was sown.
Here success is attributed to the wise

Proverbs 11:30 (Amplified)

The fruit of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men--he gathers and receives them for eternity].

Outline
I.     Fruit production is very important to God
II.    Fruit production for the believer begins with personal holiness.
III. Abiding in Christ is a key to fruit production
IV. Two ways you’ll know you are fruitful

II.   Fruit Production for the believer begins with personal holiness.
   A. What is holiness?
   B. Holiness, the fruit of the faith walk
   C. Self righteousness = No grace
   D. Grace is for the humble
   E. Repentance is the foundation for the Kingdom to be fruitful.
         1. Godly Sorrow
   F. Instruments for special purposes
   G. Walk in the Spirit

A. What is Holiness?
Holiness- Being set apart from the World, The Enemy, and the Flesh and being set apart to the Lord.

So when we’re talking about holiness we’re talking about being set apart from something and then being set toward something else.

B. Holiness, the Fruit of the Faith Walk
I believe it’s impossible for a Christian person to be set apart from sin w/o being set in faith to the Lord.

The Lord has available for the believer the grace and power to overcome the sinful nature.
Discipline can’t do it alone, determination can’t do it alone, devotion can’t do it alone. (Colossians 2:23) It requires surrender (humility) to the Lord allowing his grace to flow.

C. Self righteousness = No Grace
Amazing as it may sound sometimes our effort to be holy can frustrate God’s grace.
Galatians 2:21
I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (NIV)
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV)

Mercy forgives after the infraction and places the person back on track.
Grace empowers the believer to not sin in the first place keeping them on the right track.

Colossians 2:6
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,

The same faith that saves you is the same faith that sanctifies you.
We get into trouble as Christians when we in our hearts tell God, “I’ll take it from here.” the clock starts ticking on a moral failure when we take over our own sanctification. The decision to do this is rooted in pride.

D. Grace is for the Humble
James 4:6b-7
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”(Pr. 3:34)7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Titus 2:11,12
11 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,

E. Repentance is the foundation for the Kingdom to be fruitful.
Matthew 3:1-3
1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:   “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord,    make straight paths for him.’”

What prepares the way for the Lord is a repentant heart. A holy heart can receive the kingdom. This kingdom get’s established in the hearts of men. A heart filled with corruption will fight against the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

1. Godly Sorrow - The first step to receiving the kingdom of heaven is feeling sorry for sin. This Godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10) leads to repentance which ultimately provides a fertile place for the seed of God’s word to grow and develop in the heart of a Christian.

When we come to God we must not be confident in our own righteousness but admit that we are lost without his mercy and grace. (Luke 18:9-14) For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

F. Instruments for special purposes.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

The large house symbolizes the size of the human soul. Large with many compartments and rooms. The soulish realm of a human consists of his/her

Mind
Will
Emotions

The articles in the house have two different purposes.

Special Purposes
Common Use

This passage reminds me of my mother breaking out the sterling silver and the china for special occasions.

The passage says that if a man will cleanse himself of the latter. Meaning if a man will remove from his/her soulish realm the things that are common, earthly, and sinful, he’ll be ready for special purposes, special missions and special works.

This cleansing of the latter things, (wood and clay) will make a believer an instrument for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

You can’t read your Bible enough, pray enough or do enough good works to “stay holy”. These disciplines are great if there’s a flow of God in them. However if you are doing them under the law their will be little if any flow of God empowering you to live according to God's moral law.

G. Walk in the Spirit
Galatians 5:16-18
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

When we walk in the spirit, we’re walking in faith receiving a flow of power from heaven to think differently, have a heavenly attitude and behave differently. We must humbly receive God’s grace if we’re to walk in true holiness. Obeying God’s moral law but not coming under the yolk of trying to obey His law by the law. We obey by the spirit.

Conclusion:

Philippians 3:16
¹⁶ Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

Please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music. Jubilee Family Church's FM radio station.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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The Importance of Bearing Fruit

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:58:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

Introduction
Fruit is the part of a plant that produces food and seed.
1. Food symbolizing the sweet flavor of a changed personality, conformed into Christ’s image. (Galatians 5:22,23)
2. Seed symbolizing an effort to share God’s message and life to a lost and hopeless world. (Matthew 13:1-23)

Food
The Fruits of the Spirit, which show a changed personality are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
These fruits, when being expressed in the life of a believer, give us what we need to be able to scatter seed. It also makes us resemble Christ’s character and is good for us and others.

Seed
Matthew 13:1-23
The success of the sower in this parable is based completely on the condition of the hearer’s heart.

Path – Lack Understanding
Rocky Soil – People receive the Word with joy but when testing comes they fall away.
Thorns – Worries and anxieties of life, deceitfulness of wealth, choke out the Word
Good Soil – This person hears and understands producing a crop 30 60 or 100 x’s what was sown.

Here success is attributed to the wise.
Proverbs 11:30 (Amplified)
The fruit of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men--he gathers and receives them for eternity].

Outline
I.    Fruit production is very important to God
II. Fruit production for the believer begins with personal holiness.
III. Abiding in Christ is a key to fruit production
IV. Two ways you’ll know you are fruitful

I. Fruit Production is Very Important to God
   A. Dominion Mandate (Genesis 1:28)
   B. The Parable of the Fruitless Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46)
   C. Gentiles grafted in (Romans 11:17-21)
   D. A Fruitless Tree (Matthew 21:19)
   E. There’s Urgency to Produce (Luke 13:6-9)

A. Dominion Mandate
We’ve been given a mandate from God to be fruitful and multiply

Genesis 1:28
Genesis 9:1
Isaiah 54:1-3
Mathew 28:19

B. The Parable of the Fruitless Tenants
Matthew 21:33-46
33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. 35 “The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. 36 Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. 37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. 38 “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ 39 So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41 “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44 Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46 They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

1. God is the landowner who planted a “vineyard”. He rented it to men and expected them to work in his vineyard producing fruit. The story is silent as to whether or not the tenants did in fact do any farming. Come harvest time he sends his servants to collect his fruit. (v. 33-34)

2. However it’s very clear that when the owner sends “his servants” to get the fruit the tenants don’t cooperate.
     a. tenants seize, beat, kill and stone them.
     b. The tenants treat more servants who are sent the same way.
     c. Last of all the owner sent his son saying, “They will Respect my Son.” (v. 35-37)

3. The tenants reason in their minds that the son is the heir so if they kill him they will steal his inheritance. So they kill him. (v. 38-39)

4. Jesus gets the very perpetrators of the crime to pronounce their own judgment.
     a. The tenants lives will be ended.
     b. The vineyard will then be rented to other tenants who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time. (v. 40-41)

5. Jesus then refers the Chief priests and the elders of the people to reflect on (Psalm 118:22,23)

The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

Jesus is the stone that was rejected by the builders.

6. Because of the inability of the chief priests Pharisees and elders of the people (v. 23,45) to produce fruit, the kingdom of God is taken away from them and given to people who can produce fruit. (v. 43)

7. If we fall on this stone (in faith and humility) we will be broken to pieces, but if the stone falls on us (in judgment) we will be crushed. (v. 44)

Bow now or bow later

Philippians 2:9-11

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

8. The parables (The Parable of the Two Sons and The Parable of the Tenants) are directed to the chief priests and the Pharisees. They knew the parables were referring to them. Their anger led them to want to arrest Jesus but they didn’t because the people held that he was a prophet. They loved the praise of men.

C. Gentiles Grafted In
Romans 11:17-21
17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

   1. Unbelieving Jews are broken off from God.
   2. Because of the Jews unbelief the way has opened up for the gentiles to be grafted into the life flow of God through faith.
   3. Gentiles are to have a humble view of themselves realizing that if God broke of the natural branches he can also break them off. (v. 21)

D. A Fruitless Tree
Matthew 21:19
Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
John 15:6
If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

E. There’s Urgency to Produce
Luke 13:6-9
6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page. Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Cruizin' with Pastor Tony (Feb. 8th 2011)

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:06:00 +0000

Click Here to watch me talk about discipleship and the fullness of Christ

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.
Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.
If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Cruizin' with Pastor Tony - Forgiveness

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Enjoy this weeks "Cruizin' with PT" as I discuss the new world wide internet radio station www.kccjfm.org 106.9 LPFM as well as discussing the subject of forgiveness and bitterness.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page. Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church 45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9124

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Ashamed of Jesus and His Words?

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:57:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.

Our Key Scripture

Mark 8:31-38
31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Expository Introduction

I. The Suffering Messiah
v. 31,32 Jesus speaks plainly about the suffering and rejection he was to endure including death and his resurrection after 3 days. Peter decides he’s going to rebuke Jesus about this. The following scriptures have to do, I believe, with Jesus correcting what he sees in Peter's heart.

II. Peter’s Biggest Problem
v. 33 He has a Satanic agenda for Jesus’ life in his heart and declares it out of his mouth. This Satanic agenda is compared to the things of men.

III. Peter has Misdirected Ambition
v. 34 Peter is being challenged here for not denying himself. It’s relatively easy to see that Peter is seeing himself as Jesus’ right hand man. A suffering and dead messiah didn’t fit with his personal ambition to rule over the Roman empire with Jesus. Peter sees the messiah as fulfilling his complete mandate in Jesus. However we know that Jesus came as the Lamb of God, he will return as the conquering King at his second advent.

IV. The Paradox of Death to Self
v. 35 You save your (spiritual or eternal) life by losing your (natural) life. Submitting your human will to the will of God. Jesus then states the same thing using the opposite wording. Whoever loses his (natural) life for me and the gospel will save (his spiritual or eternal life) it.

V. Jesus Reasons with his Hearers
v. 36,37 Jesus now begins to reason with his audience. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his Soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Again, he’s most likely talking about Peter here. Peter, trying to “gain the world” was going about it in his own way. If we are to gain the world we must seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, his way.

VI. Shame of Jesus Identifies us with Adultery and Sin
v. 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Peter was ashamed to identify himself with a suffering Messiah. He much rather wanted to identify himself with a “winner”.

Application

I. Sometimes God’s ways and Man’s ways are in direct opposition. Even when in the mind of man it convincingly seems good and right.

II. Sometimes this human agenda rooted in selfishness, logic and personal promotion is completely in line with the plans and agenda of Satan himself.

III. The Christian life is a life of self denial. When the Lord tells us to “take up our cross” he’s creating an image of a man, already condemned, required to carry the cross beam of his own cross to the place of execution. Cross-bearing is a willingness to suffer and die for the Lord’s sake.

IV. By dying to ourselves we get to take on the life of God that is truly life. With this dying comes eternal life and God’s purposes being expressed through our lives on the Earth. If we live unto ourselves we will show that we’re not kingdom people and our eternal destiny comes into question.

V. The highest priority in your life should be your soul. What is worth losing your soul over?

VI. We must not allow our own plans and agendas based on human wisdom to cause us to be ashamed of Jesus and his words.

Conclusion

Now because I’m a Trinitarian I believe that Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit are one. So when Jesus says, “ashamed of me and my words” (Mark 8:38), I believe he’s not just talking about the red type in the Bible but he’s speaking about the entire counsel of God’s word as well as the Godhead. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

A. How could a person be ashamed of Jesus?
B. How could a person be ashamed of the Holy Spirit?

A. Ashamed of Jesus
Our shame of Jesus today would be very similar to the feelings that Peter had. Which one of us wants to suffer and die? It’s not an easy pill to swallow.

So we may gravitate toward teaching that focuses more on (from a human perspective) good things. Subjects like

Positive thinking for blessings
Becoming the best you
Achieving your Dreams
How to Increase God’s Favor in your life to get what you want

Now I believe all these things are available to the believer but the overshadowing reality here is that we have to be willing to suffer for Christ. That message isn’t popular however it’s central to the life of Jesus and his Gospel. If we’re ashamed to identify ourselves with a suffering messiah we will find ourselves out of proper relationship with Jesus when he comes back.

When Jesus comes back I don’t want him to be ashamed of me. I want him to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” “You have been faithful with a few things, now become master over much.” “Come into my rest.”

However according to the Lord’s own words in Mark 8:34 there is no such thing as cross-less Christianity. Cross-less Christianity is a Satanic philosophy that will lead many astray. (2 Tim 4:3)

B. Ashamed of the Holy Spirit
Many churches today prefer to control what happens in services. They will use scriptures like
1 Cor. 14:40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
To say everything should be controlled.

In using that scripture they tend to forget the entire chapter proceeding it. Even the verse before it, v. 39 says, “39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”

Have you ever been in a meeting where you hoped no one gave a message in tongues and an interpretation or a prophetic utterance because someone might be there who would think this was weird and potentially be offended?

If you have then you were ashamed of the Holy Spirit.
God’s plan is to use these gifts to manifest himself. When we squelch these gifts we are saying, “Yes God I know you have a plan but I think I’m a little smarter than you. We’re going to do it my way.”

God help any ministry that doesn’t encourage the manifestations of Holy Spirit when the body of Christ is gathered together in his name. The Holy Spirit is God.

Tongues need to be interpreted. If you are going to pray out loud in a meeting in tongues where unbelievers are present you have a responsibility to interpret what you say. If you don’t have an interpretation pray in tongues in your mind or so quietly no one can hear you.

1 Corinthians 14:23,28 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

2 Timothy 1:8
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
Revelation 19:10b
For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Cruizin' with Pastor Tony (January 27th, 2011) - Can a Christian have a Demon?

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:49:00 +0000

By Tony V. Hammack

To watch this short video please click here.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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The Church will Rise

pastortony@jubilee-church.com (http://www.tonyvhammack.com) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:40:00 +0000

The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14)

By Tony V. Hammack

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio message "The Church will Rise" (podcast), Click Here. To visit the Abundant Life Today You Tube Chanel Click Here.

Ezekiel 37:1-14
1 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[a] 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.’”

Introduction

Ezekiel lived during a time of international upheaval. The Assyrian empire began to crumble under a resurgent Babylon. In 612 B.C. the great Assyrian city of Ninevah fell to a combined force of Babylonians and Medes. Ezekiel was among the Jews exiled to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 B.C. Ezekiel was of a priestly family. More than any other prophet he was directed to involve himself personally in the prophetic utterances.

For the first 7 years of his ministry 593 – 586 B.C. Ezekiel faithfully relayed to his fellow Jews the harsh, heart-rending, hope-crushing word of divine judgment: Jerusalem would fall (Chapters 1-24) Once news was received that Jerusalem had fallen, Ezekiel’s message turned to the Lord’s consoling word of hope for his people – they would experience revival, restoration and a glorious future as the redeemed and perfected kingdom of God in the world. (Chapters 33-48)

The Book of Ezekiel centers around the unfolding of God’s saving purposes in the history of the world –from the time in which he must withdraw from the defilement of his covenant people to the culmination of God’s grand design of redemption.

What did Ezekiel 37 mean to the original listeners?

I. v. 1 The Hand of the Lord. This phrase is repeated six times in the book of Ezekiel and indicates an overpowering experience of divine revelation. It’s probable that this is a vision the Lord is showing Ezekiel “by the Spirit of the Lord”.

A. Ezekiel has turned a corner in his ministry and has begun to deliver a message of hope, where he had previously heard God’s word of punitive judgment. The Dry Bones symbolizes Israel’s feeling of hopelessness and ultimately lifelessness due to them being in exile in Babylon.

II. v. 2 “A great many bones” would symbolize the whole community that was in exile. Ezekiel describes them as “very dry”. The drier the deader.

III. v. 3 The question from the Lord “can these bones live again?” and Ezekiel’s answer. “O sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Good answer!

IV. v. 4-6 Ezekiel had a history of prophesying to inanimate objects. (Mountains in 6:2; 36:1 forests, 20:47) Now he’s instructed to prophecy to the dry bones and he does by saying “I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” The conclusion the bones will draw after the life comes into them is, “you will know that I am the Lord.”

V. v. 7,8 Ezekiel is obedient to prophecy to the dry bones and in response God causes a rattling sound as the bones came together, bone to bone. This is followed up by tendons and flesh appearing on them and skin covering them, however there was no breath in them. This vision of God re-creating God’s people recalls the two-step creation of man in Genesis 2:7.
Formed from dust then the
breath of life.

VI. v. 9,10 Ezekiel is now instructed to prophesy to the breath. The Hebrew word interpreted breath can also be interpreted wind or spirit. Ezekiel calls the four winds to bring the spirit. The number four stands for completeness and is used over 40 times in the book of Ezekiel. This prophetic act is to make the once dry bones live. The bones are now alive and considered “a vast army.”

VII. v. 11 The bones are the whole house of Israel. The house of Israel has been saying something about itself.

Our bones are dried up
Our hope is gone
We are cut off

VIII. v. 12-14 The imagery shifts from a scattering of bones on a battlefield to a cemetery with sealed graves. The Lord will bring the people back to the land of Israel, and the people will then again know that “I am the Lord” because he’s opened up their grave like situation and given them their land back.

What Ezekiel 37 Means to us Today

I. When the hand of the Lord comes upon us we see reality the way God sees it, not merely based on circumstances.

A. There are generally two responses to life’s circumstances. We can amplify what we see with the words of our mouth or we can declare the Word of the Lord. How we respond determines the outcome.

Mark 11:23 - “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.

B. Peter saw who Jesus was and declared it out of his mouth in Matthew 16:18. Jesus turned to him and declared, “I will build my Church on this kind of knowing”.
C. This knowing is further explained as a way to “build up the church” in 1 Corinthians 14:12. Prophecy as well as tongues with interpretation are listed as gifts that build up the church.

Prophecy is forth telling and foretelling the will of God. Speaking the plans and purposes of God.
The Word of the Lord has the power to create life and hope in a place of death and hopelessness.

II. Nothing is too hard for God. (Is. 59:1, Mark 10:27)Even if everyone is going the wrong direction, or if everyone has lost hope, if everything is religious and dead, a prophetic voice raised in obedience to God will cause everyone to respond, finding their proper place in the Body of Christ.

According to recent surveys¹, 83 percent of Americans claim to belong to a religious denomination, 40 percent claim to attend services nearly every week or more, and 59 percent claim to pray at least weekly.

¹Robert D. Putnam and David E. Campbell; American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us. (2010) Ch. 1 at note 5

However…

When asked 9 questions

Is your faith very important to you today?
Is there a literal devil?
Is Salvation based on grace not works?
Do you have a personal responsibility to share your religious beliefs?
Is God the top priority of your life?
Do you believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth?
Do you believe the Bible is totally accurate in all of it’s teachings?
Has your life been greatly transformed by your faith?
Is God the all-knowing, all-powerful, perfect deity who created the universe and still rules it today?

Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964) – 34 % Evangelical
Generation X (Born 1965-1984) 16 % Evangelical
Generation Y (Born 1985 to 2005) 8 % Evangelical
The Next Generation (Born 2006 – 2025) ? % Evangelical

III. There is something powerful about prophesying Godly things. However it’s best to prophecy the spoken, specific word of the Lord. Ezekiel could’ve wanted the bones to live and thus began to speak to them. However when asked, “will the bones live?” Ezekiel responds with “you alone know the answer”.

Dr. Kenneth E. Hagin once said, "Faith begins where the will of God is known.“ In essence Ezekiel is saying, “tell me your will regarding these bones”.

What this shows is that we should declare the word of the Lord not the word of _____________ (insert your name).

Good can be the enemy of God. A religiously minded person will have a hard time with that statement.

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

1 John 5:14,15
14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

James 4:3
3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

IV. The Lord will have us declare prophetically and He will move accordingly so people will draw a conclusion about Him; That he is the Lord.

   A. Timothy 2:3b,4 God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

   B. 1 Corinthians 14:24,25 24 But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, 25 as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”

V. When we declare the word of the Lord, God will keep his word and do what he said he’d do. We are responsible to declare the Word, but God does the supernatural work. Sometimes it may happen in stages.

   A. Mark 8:22-25
22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” 24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” 25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

When Oral Roberts is used of God to heal this boy with Polio notice the healing is progressive. It takes a little time

VI. Our obedience to prophetically and with persistence declare the Word of God about situations has the potential through God’s power to turn the worst of random death like situations around to life and organized purpose.

A. The foolishly reinforced meditation of peoples circumstances can be completely undone by a prophetic word declared under the unction of the Holy Spirit. The people were saying…

We are lifeless
We are always going to be this way
There is no solution, no one can help us, it’s bad

VIII. The Lord will bring the people back to the promised land, God will again reform the Church and make her the glory of the Earth, the expression of his presence,(Acts 2:3) a place that people fear (Acts 5:11-13)and love again. This work of God will cause people to again know that “I am the Lord” because he’s opened up their grave like situation and given them their purpose and thus their destiny back.

The Lord wants to shift the Church in America from being people centered and visitor friendly to being Christ centered and Holy Spirit friendly.

When this happens the Church will stop being a club designed to attract people and start being a force for change in the country that will literally renovate every component of society.

Arts & Entertainment
Business
Education
Family
Government
Media
Religion

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all four videos on the page.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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