The Giving Church - A Short Story

By Tony V. Hammack

Hey, cool Church!

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

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

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

Cool Guitar!

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

Wow, I'm so grateful!

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

Love is the most excellent way!

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

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

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

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

Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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

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

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

Here are some wrong ways to govern our lives.

• Led by the Flesh 

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

• Led by Trauma

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

• Led by Others 

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

• Led by our own Intellect 

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

• Led by Principles 

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

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

Jesus Christ is perfect theology 

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

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

John 10:30 I and the Father are one. 

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

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

The Holy Spirit on the Inside of Us 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jubilee Family Church 

45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Thank you for your generosity!

When You Were Lost, God Was Loving You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

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Abundant Life

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

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

Outline 

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

1.) The Contrast in Outcomes 

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

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

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

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

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

The Hired Hand Compared to Good Shepherd

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

2.) Who or What is the Thief 

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

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

3.) What is Abundant Life 

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

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

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

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

The Rich and the Kingdom of God 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jubilee Family Church 

45 Thunderbird Dr. 

Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124

 

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The Kingdom of God is Within You

By Tony V. Hammack

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

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

The Rule and Reign of Jesus Christ

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

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

Lordship is the goal of our Christian activity 

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

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

To Love is to Obey to Obey is Lordship 

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

Emotional Surrender 

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

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

Surrender of Strength

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

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

Surrender of our Ways of Thinking

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

We need to Experience Christ 

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

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

The Jesus Revolution

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

People will Bow Now or Bow Later 

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

Some Kingdom Manifestations 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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