God's Dream

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 Redemptive Plan
From the very fall of mankind, God has been preparing a way to redeem him. From Genesis to Revelation we see the jealous, loving heart of God unfolding his redemptive plan. God desires to have a people that are His people and He is their God.

The Abrahamic Covenant
Genesis 17:8 The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.”

God’s Heart is Redemptive
God does not rejoice in the destruction of the wicked.
God’s Heart is Redemptive
While Judah is in Babylonian Captivity

Jeremiah 24:7
7 I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

Several reasons for the captivity but one was that the Israelis didn’t observe the sabbatical year for 490 years.
2 Chronicles 36:21 The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 31:33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Jer. 32:38)

They will be my people in Ezekiel
Ezekiel 11:20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 14:11 Then the people of Israel will no longer stray from me, nor will they defile themselves anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”

Ezekiel 37:23 They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 37:27 My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Zechariah 8:8 I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.”

A glimpse into the Redemptive Plan
Genesis 3:15 (The protovangelim – the first prophetic utterance in the Bible)
15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”


Isaiah 7:14
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

God throughout the Biblical record has desired to have a relationship with people!

God’s plan is to redeem whosoever will receive God’s son by faith (adhering to, clinging to, and trusting in) Jesus Christ for eternal life.

A sacrifice for sin had to be made. God desiring to buy back fallen man from the enemy unfolds his plan of redemption throughout the ages.

God made a covenant with himself in Christ, fulfilling the law and making a way for the Jew and Gentile alike to become reconciled to God. The righteous requirements of the law are met by Jesus. We are required to believe God which becomes credit for righteousness.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

What part of the redemption story can you take out and it still has it’s power to redeem?
Can you take out the virgin birth?
Can you take out the teachings of Jesus?
Can you take out the scourging?
Can you take out the death on the cross?
Can you take out the resurrection?

Would you rather live without your brain, your heart or your liver?

Jesus Christ said that there is only one way to the Father, he called this a narrow way. He said that he was the sheep gate.

Luke the Apostle said it this way in 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.”

Is it God’s will to be in a relationship with you?
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Yes.

Is now the right time?
2 Corinthians 6:2
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Yes

Are you the right type of person?
God is interested in saving sinners. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and have fallen short of God’s glory.
Yes

If you were to stand before a Holy God and he were to ask you, “Why should I let you into heaven what would you tell him?” Do you know, that you know, that you know, that you are in right standing with God?

2 Timothy 1:12
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

The Gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. We inherit Eternal life and a relationship with God by confessing with our mouths Jesus is Lord and by believing that Jesus was raised from the dead.

Revelation 21:3,7
v. 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.
v. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here.
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 "W" in Christmas

By Tony V. Hammack (copied from an e-mail)

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -- totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W." The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is.

Amazed in His presence...

Humbled by His love.

May each of you have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on His Amazing Love

for us...

Have a blessed day! Happy Birthday Jesus !!!!!!!!

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here and watch all 4 videos.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 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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Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

by Malcom

Dear Friends,

I wanted to share this video of my son Malcom singing his own version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I hope it blesses you!

Pastor Tony




Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

870.793.9124

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You were Redeemed to Overcome

Your Destiny is to Kill Giants and take Ground for God’s Kingdom

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.

Philippians 4:10-13
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.


Philippians 4:13 (Amplified)
13I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

This passage is about being infused with power from Christ to overcome any and every circumstance that the flesh, the world system or the enemy may throw at you. Specifically a lack of resources to fulfill your calling.

Don’t have a wait until things are a certain way attitude.  God is saying, “What’s that in your hand?” what can you do now with what you’ve got. Will you give it to me so I can use it.
God’s more concerned about your availability than your ability. He’s got enough ability for both of you.
We’re called to be faithful where we are.

Overcoming Inadequacy
What do you have now?
Often the Lord will use whatever we have to accomplish his purposes. God will ask you for what you have and then anoint it or make it effective and very useful for his purposes.

Consider Moses
Exodus 4:1-5,17
1 Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The LORD did not appear to you'?" 2 Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff," he replied. 3 The LORD said, "Throw it on the ground." Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. 4 Then the LORD said to him, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail." So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. 5 "This," said the LORD, "is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you."  17 But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it."

You just be Natural let God be Super

Moses feelings of inadequacy drive him to say, what if they say, “The Lord did not appear to you”. Here God chooses to use something that’s already present in the life of the man of God, his staff, to perform miraculous signs.

God can and wants to use something that’s already present in your life to demonstrate Himself to this generation.

The Widows Oil
2 Kings 4:1-7
1 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves."  2 Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?" "Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a little oil." 3 Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. 4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side." 5 She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one."       But he replied, "There is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left."

What do you have in your house?

1. Sometimes a bad attitude will disqualify us from a blessing. She corrects herself and says, just a little oil after saying she had nothing at all.
2. The only limitation is the number of jars that they got. Elisha told her to get more than just a few implying he knew what was going to happen and what was going to cause the flow to stop.
3. Elisha had her shut the door for privacy.
4. When the oil is flowing the statement, bring me another one, is a good statement. In the midst of a move of God the widow has more faith.
5. When the widow ran out of jars the oil stopped flowing.
6. I bet she wished she’d had more jars!
7. There was more than enough to pay the debt.

Matthew 9:29b
"According to your faith will it be done to you";

The 5 Loaves and 2 Fish
Mark 6:35-44
35By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late. 36Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat." 37But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?" 38"How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see."       When they found out, they said, "Five—and two fish." 39Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied, 43and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

You give them something to eat. Again God puts the demand on the person to act.
The disciples see the solution to the problem in a normal and natural way.
When they give all they have to the Lord He brings the increase.

God is the Source of Life
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.


1 Corinthians 4:7
For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

We must be faithful with what we have.
Matthew 25:21a
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.

He sometimes chooses to use us in an area that's not necessarily our strength so He gets the Glory.
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.

Giant Killer Attitude
1 Samuel 17

1. David obeys his Earthly father
2. David gets the compensation package clear
1. Great Wealth (1 Samuel 17:25)
2. Marry the King’s daughter
3. Exempt family from taxes
3. David stands on the covenant he has with God
4. He gets the compensation package clear again v. 27
5. David has to overcome family objections
6. He gets the compensation package spelled out to him again in v.30
7. David resolves to go fight. Saul objects saying, you are only a boy or in other terms you are inadequate. V. 32 and v. 33
8. David is going to use “what’s in his hand”. A sling and a staff that he’s used to kill lions and bears. v. 34-37
9. David declares out of his mouth what is going to happen and why in v.’s 45-47
10. David runs to the battle. v. 48

How do we kill giants and take ground for God’s kingdom?
We have to allow God to take “our Kingdom”. The kingdom of our heart. He wants all our heart.
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.’

When Jesus is taking Lordship of our hearts and lives we then move ourselves into a position to reach and help others.  Helping others become children of God through evangelism and discipleship.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 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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Danger in Dallas, Nov. 2010

Dallas Cowboys football practice was delayed 2 hours after a player found an unknown white powdery substance on the field. Coach Garrett immediately suspended practice and called the police. After...analysis, FBI experts determined that the white substance unknown to players was the GOAL LINE. Practice resumed after the FBI agents said the team was unlikely to encounter the substance again.

I had to share this :)

Jeff Markin: Back from the Dead

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here to watch some videos.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 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 Baptism in the Holy Spirit

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.

Outline
     I.    The Origin of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
     II.   The Fulfillment of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
     III.  The Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
     IV.  The Purpose for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
     V.   What Modern Science has to Say
     VI.  The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is available for all believers.

I. The origin of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Luke 3:16 John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Acts 1:5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

II. The Fulfillment of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 11:16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'

III. The Evidence for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Tongues
In the New Testament when people are filled with the spirit or baptized with the Holy Spirit they speak in tongues.

Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

Acts 10:44-46
44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
How did Peter know and conclude that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out? (See verse 46)
46For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Acts 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Acts 19:1-7
1While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."  3So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. 4Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7There were about twelve men in all.

IV. The Purpose for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

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.“
Power and Empowerment to witness

It builds you up
Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
Exercise your spirit’s dominance over your soul.

V. What science has to say about Glossolalia

1 Corinthians 14:14,15
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered decreased activity in the frontal lobes, an area of the brain associated with being in control of one's self. This pioneering study, involving functional imaging of the brain while subjects were speaking in tongues, is in the November issue of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, the official publication of the International Society for Neuroimaging in Psychiatry.

"Our finding of decreased activity in the frontal lobes during the practice of speaking in tongues is fascinating because these subjects truly believe that the spirit of God is moving through them and controlling their language. Our brain imaging research shows us that these subjects are not in control of the usual language centers during this activity, which is consistent with their description of a lack of intentional control while speaking in tongues.“

To learn more, go on-line to: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/radiology/CSM/index.html%20

VI. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is available for all believers.

All believers are entitled to, and should expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the endowment of power for life and service (specifically being a witness), the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry.

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

Acts 1:8
8But 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."

A Cucumber and a Pickle
The effect of the juice on the cucumber changes it so much it gets a new name: the pickle. It has a new taste, a new texture, even a new feel. This happens because the juice changes the characteristics of the cucumber. Like the pickling juices work from the outside in, the Holy Spirit works from the inside out.

How Do you Receive?
The same way you receive anything from God.
Ask (Luke 11:11-13) 11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If 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!"
Believe you are going to receive
Speak in faith

Laying on of Hands
Acts 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Receive the Filling of the Holy Spirit Today.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 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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Be Encouraged Jesus is Coming for You

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.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Introduction:

The point of my message today won’t be to convince you of a particular end times doctrine such as the pre, mid or post tribulational rapture doctrine but I will focus on the scriptural truths found in 1 Thes. 4:13-18 that bring encouragement.

End times dogma can be dangerous. Dogma is defined as : a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church.

The dogmatic authorities missed the first advent of Jesus Christ. Matthew 2

A word on the concept of uniformitarianism as it relates to eschatology.
Uniformitarianism is: a geological doctrine that processes acting in the same manner as at present and over long spans of time are sufficient to account for all current geological features and all past geological changes
This type of thinking applies to a lot of people as they try to understand the past (The Bible), however it’s an error. It also applies to people’s thinking as it relates to the future.

Luke 17:26-30
26"Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. 28"It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. 29But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. 30"It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.


The point of this passage (2 Thessalonians 4:13-18) is to give encouragement and hope. Hope to the living about those who have fallen asleep in Christ and hope for the living regarding the return of Christ.

The Message:

Our Outline

1. Physical Death is Not the End
2. God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him
3. The Dead in Christ will Rise First
4. The Lord Will Return Gloriously
5. The Living will meet the Lord in the Air

I. Physical Death is Not the End
v. 13 13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.

For the Christian, sleep is an appropriate metaphor for death because death’s finality and the fear associated with death are removed by the assurance of the resurrection.


Inscriptions on tombs and references in literature show that first-century pagans viewed death with horror, as the end of everything. The Christian attitude was in strong contrast.

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

Philippians 1:21-23
21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;

Sleep as a Metaphor for Death
Matthew 9:23,24
When Jesus entered the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.”


1 Corinthians 15:20
20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Firstfruit – Aparche
Firstfruit means the chief or principal part, the earliest ripe portion of the crop or of the tree

II. God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Revelation 19:11-16
11I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter."[a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:        KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

III. The Dead in Christ will Rise First
1 Thessalonians 4:15
15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

IV. The Lord Will Return Gloriously
1 Thessalonians 4:16
16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

Acts 1:11
11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.

Matthew 16:27
27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

Matthew 24:27,30,31
27For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 30"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. 31And 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 1:7
7Look, he is coming with the clouds,       and every eye will see him,    even those who pierced him;       and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.

Revelation 11:15
15The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:    "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,       and he will reign for ever and ever."

V. The Living will Meet the Lord in the Air
v. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Jesus wants us to be with us
John 14:3
3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Colossians 3:4
4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

1 Corinthians 15:52
52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (Rev 11:15)

In Review

1. Physical Death is Not the End
2. God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him
3. The Dead in Christ will Rise First
4. The Lord Will Return Gloriously
5. The Living will meet the Lord in the Air

Conclusion:
For the Unbeliever
The White Throne Judgment
Revelations 20:12-15
12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

For the Believer
Matthew 24:45-47
45"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

The believer in Jesus Christ should minister properly and faithfully.
It will be good if God catches you doing something good when he returns. Faithfully ministering to his people.
He will give you more responsibility and authority, specifically during the time when Christ returns to set up his Kingdom on the Earth.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here to watch some informative videos.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 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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You Can do the Will of God

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.

When we do the will of God we allow Jesus to be “The Lord” of our

• Time
• Thinking
• Attitude
• Goals
• Behavior

Information, with the know how to act, is wisdom.
Information, with power to act, is revelation.

When God gives information very often it is accompanied with the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit equipping the saint to act on the information.

Empowerment is different than self discipline however the results are similar. Holy Spirit empowerment is supernatural where self discipline is the result of a trained life. There is a form of discipline that comes from God. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Ephesians 1:17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

2 Chronicles 32:7,8
7 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

Doing a word search on strong and courageous yielded 11 verses in the Old Testament. 8 of the 11 have to do with the Israelites receiving encouragement from the Lord to take the promised land.

It has been said that The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed. The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. There are many types and shadows in the Old Testament that see their fulfillment in the New Testament. I believe that the Christian is to take the promised land in their life, fighting giants internal and external.

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

1. Fear
2. Pride/Arrogance/Self Reliance
3. False Priorities / Buying the lie
4. Lack of Endurance

1.  Fear

Fear and intimidation along with a poor Christ image keeps many Christian people out of the promised land of God’s will for their lives.

   A.  Fear of God
   B.  Fear of the Devil
   C.  Fear of Man

A.  Fear of God

Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

B.  Fear of the Devil

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.

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

C.  Fear of Man

Psalm 56:11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

(Review from last week)
Trusting in the Lord begins with rightly discerning the word of the Lord for your situation. There is not a one size fits all response for every circumstance of life. There is never a time in the scriptures where trusting in the Lord means doing nothing. There is always some kind of action the Lord will have you to take.

2.  Pride / arrogance / self reliance

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

All the promises of God are apprehended by faith!  Faith in God is the opposite of self-reliance.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mt. 21:22)

Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

3.  False Priorities / Buying the Lie

The Birth Right or a Pot of Beans
Genesis 25:29-34
29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, "Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!" (That is why he was also called Edom. [g] ) 31 Jacob replied, "First sell me your birthright." 32 "Look, I am about to die," Esau said. "What good is the birthright to me?" 33 But Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.  So Esau despised his birthright.

Worries and deceitfulness of Wealth
Matthew 13:22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

Prioritize Jesus First
Mark 10:28-30
28Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" 29"I tell you the truth," 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 30will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.

Matthew 6:33,34
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Faith is trust and reliance on Jesus

Matthew 9:29 (Ampl.) Then He touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith and trust and reliance [on the power invested in Me] be it done to you;


Romans 3:22 Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction,

4.  Endurance

Romans 15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

Galatians 6:9
9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Matthew 10:22
22All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here.

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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Trusting in the Lord

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.

There’s a very spiritual man who has been notified that his house is going to be flooded and he needs to get out of the house. He says “no I don’t have to, I’m trusting in the Lord, God is going to take care of me.” Then the flood starts to rise and a sheriff comes along and tells him to get out. The man says no, God is going to save me. So, the floods continue to rise, and he climbs on top of the house. A boat comes along and he’s told to climb into the boat. He says, “no, no , God is going to save me.” Finally, a helicopter comes along and they lower the net to rescue him. The man says, “no, no, God is going to save me!” Well, the man drowns and goes to heaven. When he gets to heaven he says to God, "why didn’t you save me?" God says, "I sent the sheriff, I sent a boat, I sent a helicopter, what more did you want me to do?"

Proverbs 3:5,6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Trusting in the Lord begins with rightly discerning the word of the Lord for your situation. There is not a one size fits all response for every circumstance of life. There is never a time in the scriptures where trusting in the Lord means doing nothing. There is always some kind of action the Lord will have you to take.

James 2:20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

What is God saying? Rightly discern the word of the Lord then obey.

1. Sometimes he says stand
2. Sometimes he says fight
3. Sometimes he says prepare
4. Sometimes he says flee

1. Sometimes He says Stand
Trust in the Lord
The Red Sea
   A. Exodus 14:13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

The command to stand included:
Trusting in God’s way
For Moses, he had to obey, raise his staff and stretch out his hand over the sea to divide the water. (Ex. 14:14)
Waiting all night with the Egyptian army massed against them. (Ex. 14:20)
Walking through the sea with walls of water on both sides. (Ex. 14:22)

The Battle for Jericho
Deuteronomy 1:30
30 The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes,

What does it look like when the Lord fights for you?
You hear the word of the Lord and obey it
Get the fighting men 7 rams horns and the ark of the covenant to march around the city once a day for 7 days blowing the trumpets
On the 7th day march around the city 7 times and on the 7th time give a long trumpet blast and synchronize that with a war cry from the people

The walls supernaturally fall
Joshua 6:21, 24
They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys. Then they burned the whole city and everything in it, but they put the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the LORD's house.

2. Sometimes he says fight
Trust in the Lord
The Amalekites Defeated
Fight -
Moses instructed Joshua to attack the Amalekites. (Ex. 17:9)
While Moses held his hands up the Israelites were winning. When Moses let his hands down the Amalekites were winning.  This adds a spiritual component to the battle.
God wants to completely blot out the memory of Amalek (Ex. 17:14)


The Sun Stands Still
Joshua 10:1-15
Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem realizes that Israel has a treaty with Gibeon. This scares the king because Gibeon has great fighters and is a large key city in the region.
So Adoni-Zedek forms a coalition of armies to attack Gibeon.
The Gibeonites who used a ruse to get Israel to ally with them cry out for Israeli help against the 6-7 army coalition.
Joshua marches all night with his army unleashing a surprise attack on the invaders.
The Lord throws the enemy armies into confusion v. 10
Israel pursues the enemy army cutting them down when the Lord begins to throw large hailstones from the sky at them killing more with the hailstones than what died by the sword. v. 11
So Joshua could continue the battle in daylight Joshua prayed for an extension of daylight. God answered his prayer and he received about an extra day to continue the battle.

3. Sometimes he says prepare
Trust in the Lord
Noah and the Ark
Rightly discerning the word of the Lord and obeying.
Genesis 6:13
God tells Noah he’s going to end all life on Earth due to the violence!
He then tells Noah in great detail how to construct an ark.
Gen. 6:22  Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
Gen 7:1 God tells Noah and his family along with the animals to get into the ark.
Noah obeys and saves terrestrial life on the Earth.

Joseph and the Famine
Rightly discerning the word of the Lord and obeying.
Genesis 41:1-40
Pharaoh has a dream about 7 large healthy heads of grain and 7 shriveled up heads of grain. Then he has a dream about 7 fat and sleek cows and 7 gaunt cows that ate the fat cows.
No one can interpret the dream but the chief cupbearer remembered Joseph had interpreted his dream in prison.  Joseph gets summoned to Pharaoah’s courts after a change of clothes and a shave.
Joseph correctly interprets the dream as a matter firmly established by God because of the two dreams having the same meaning. v. 32
7 years of plenty and 7 years of famine that will be so severe the 7 years of plenty will be forgotten.
Pharaoh promotes Joseph and allows Joseph to act on the information and interpretation of the dream, representing Pharaoh’s wishes.
Actionable Intelligence
Not only does Egypt survive the famine but they sold the grain they had stored to foreigners for profit. (Gen. 41:57)

4. Sometimes He says Flee
Trust in the Lord
Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed
Genesis 19
v. 15 The angels urge lot to leave the city, he hesitates and they grab him. He does leave however and is spared.
He flees to Zoar and lives. His wife turns into a pillar of salt and his daughters have been corrupted by Sodom.

Signs of the End of the Age
Matthew 24:15,16
"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
An ability to understand the times predicates fleeing.

Flee from Babylon
In Revelation 18 we see the destruction of the City of Babylon and God saying, in v. 4 "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues;

If you’re not sure what the Lord is saying sometimes it’s appropriate do to the last thing He told you to do.

Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.


I Corinthians 14:32
32The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.

What is God saying? Rightly discern the word of the Lord then obey.

1. Sometimes he says stand
2. Sometimes he says fight
3. Sometimes he says prepare
4. Sometimes he says flee

What is God saying to you regarding the current circumstance you're in?  There isn't a cookie cutter Christian response to everything.  Never in scripture do you see an individual or a people trust in the Lord by sitting back and doing nothing (accept saying they are "trusting in the Lord") .  There is always a direction from God that needs to be taken and heeded to avoid calamity. 

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here.
Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 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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Your Duck is Dead

By Tony V. Hammack

A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird's chest.

After a moment or two, the vet shook his head and sadly said, "I'm sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed away."

The distressed woman wailed, "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am sure. Your duck is dead," replied the
vet..

"How can you be so sure?" she protested. "I mean you haven't done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something."

The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador Retriever. As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head.

The vet patted the dog on the head and took it out of the room. A few minutes later he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room.

The vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck."

The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman.

The duck's owner, still in shock, took the bill. "$150!" she cried, "$150 just to tell me my duck is dead!" The vet shrugged, "I'm sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it's now $150."

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here.

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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Be of Good Cheer

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 has Overcome the World


John 16:33 (Amplified) I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

The heart of God is that you would be at perfect peace and have confidence.
A.  Peace
B.  Confidence

A. Peace – peace can be elusive for people even believers in Jesus Christ.
1. God’s perfect peace becomes a practical reality when we have a word from God about a situation and we believe it.

Jesus is telling his disciples in John 16 what is going to happen to him and them. This information can be very helpful to give a person peace as these difficulties start unfolding.

Remember Paul on the ship that was going to Italy? He knew that the ship and cargo were going to get destroyed but there was going to be no loss of life. They’d fought a hurricane force storm called a northeaster for 14 days straight.
The ship and cargo were destroyed but all 200 + passengers survived.(Acts 27:34)

The same thing can happen for you personally. As you are in prayer God can speak to you about what you are to do or what is getting ready to transpire in your future. This information can smooth out rough bumps and cause us to respond properly to circumstances as they happen, even troubling events.

2. Trusting in the Lord and not being double minded (James 1:8) gives a person peace.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

What is the word of the Lord about your situation? Stick to it!

If we hear the word of God and obey it then this promise is for us. Hearing it only is not enough. We have to hear, believe and thus obey.

3. One of the fruits of walking in the Spirit is Peace (Galatians 5:22)
Fruit takes time to develop and comes as a result of placing the roots of your life into Christ. Drawing life from Him and not the world system. (John 15)

When we’ve lost our peace joy goes with it.
The peace Jesus gives is called perfect peace. What are some imperfect sources of peace?

Communing with the Father will also bring peace.
Philippians 4:6,7 (Amplified)
6Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Knowing Jesus is going to meet all of our needs gives us peace.

Philippians 4:19
19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

B. Jesus gives confidence

1. Understanding your life source and your enemy’s life source will give you confidence if you know the Lord is in what you’re doing.

2 Chronicles 32:8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

1a. This is the current reality for the enemy in our lives.

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

2. Add to that experience, past success. More confidence comes

1 Samuel 17:36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.

3. The blood of Jesus gives us confidence to go into the Most Holy Place with God

Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,

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

Having confidence to approach God is important because if we’re afraid of God we obviously can’t approach him. Without being in his presence we sever the flow of life from God to us thus starting the ticking clock of our own failure.

The world gives

• Tribulation
• Trials
• Distress
• Frustration

Tribulation - distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution

Trials - a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation; broadly : a source of vexation or annoyance

Distress - pain or suffering affecting the body, a bodily part, or the mind : trouble, a painful situation : misfortune

Frustration - a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs

Jesus Gives

• Cheer
• Courage
• Confidence
• Certainty
• An undaunted state of mind

Courage

Courage – Courage comes from knowing God knows and is going to be there with you

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.“ (Deut 31:6)

Certainty – Certainty comes when there’s been an investigation, the evidence lines up with our natural mind, the voice of God speaks to our hearts and we believe it.

Luke 1:3,4
3Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Undaunted - courageously resolute especially in the face of danger or difficulty : not discouraged .
Think about Joshua, David and others who were undaunted.

Conclusion
Jesus has overcome the world meaning he’s deprived it of power to harm you and has conquered it. Nothing can take away that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ.

The peace that God gives here in John 16:33 depends on hearing the voice of the Lord and believing it. Hearing God’s voice is not something reserved for the elect of God. It’s every Christians privilege.

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

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

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 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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Jesus was a Small Group Leader

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 Church’s Passion
The Passion of the Church should be love for God and people.

Luke 10:27
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.' "

The Church’s Mission
The Mission of the church should be to raise up followers who are following Christ in you. A.K.A. disciples

1 Corinthians 11:1 (Amplified)
PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).
Matthew 28:19 The Great Commission

Matthew 27:8-11
8"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. 11The greatest among you will be your servant.

The Holy Spirit as our Guide
John 16:13
13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all 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.

The subjectivity of hearing from the Holy Spirit has led some people into error. Sometimes people hear their own hearts, what they want to hear.

Jeremiah 17:9
9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Jesus referring to human teachers
Luke 6:40
40A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
The Early Church met in Homes
Acts 5:42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 8:3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Acts 20:20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

A small group is a great place to expose people to the Christ in you.

Another place where lots of discipleship happens is working together on something.

Why didn’t Jesus try and build what we would consider a modern day mega church?

Multiple Choice
A. It wasn’t God’s plan for his life.
B. It’s a faulty strategy.
C. It wouldn’t produce the correct results
D. All the above

He was making a spiritual deposit into the lives of men who he was entrusting to duplicate his ministry.

We know the early disciples were not sinless but we also know according to eyewitness accounts they were effective …
Acts 17:6
6But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here,
Several translations say “turned the world upside down.”

Jesus was successful at transmitting his Spirit into the lives of the early disciples creating a multiplication effect. This is one way we bear fruit as believers today. Who is following Christ in you and who has followed and is now leading others to Christ.

Does anyone have spiritual grand children? If you do you possibly have captured the essence of Jesus’ small group ministry.

12 people wide 10 people deep will allow the church to reach 5 billion souls!

The population of
the entire Earth last night at 10:30 PM was
6,836,229,366

I. Small groups are, well small
That promotes conversation
   1. Questions
   2. Answers
   3. Social Intimacy
You get to know people, you get a chance to develop the Christian community.
Small groups keep the church personal and relevant.

     A. Small Groups Promote Conversation
Jesus disciples talked to Him and He talked to them. He spoke to them plainly
Matthew 13:10,11
10The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?" 11He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.


        1. The Disciples asked Jesus questions
Mark 9:28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?“
Luke 9:54
"Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?“
Luke 22:49 When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?"

        2. Jesus answered their questions
Mark 9:29
29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.“
Luke 9:55
55But Jesus turned and rebuked them, And he said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of, for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.“
Matthew 26:52
"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
       
        3. Social Intimacy
Koinonia –
Koinonia means to have in common partnership, to share, fellowship and contribute.

Koinonia translated Share
Hebrews 13:16
16And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

1 Timothy 6:18 (KJV)
18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
Koinonia translated Fellowship
1 Corinthians 1:9
9God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.


Acts 2:42
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Galatians 2:9
9James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.
Koinonia translated Contribution
Romans 15:26
26For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 9:13 (NASB)
13Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all,

You get to know people.
In small groups you, by listening to the leader and the other members of the group, get to know one another.

In Christian community you have an opportunity to share lives, needs, struggles, hopes, dreams, really every facet of life is on the table.

In Conclusion
We want to be as close to the New Testament pattern as we can.
Patterns are just that unless there are anointed people of character leading and a hunger for the Holy Spirit to minister to people.

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here. Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 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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Theology of Faith Class; Loyola University, Chicago

Posted By Tony V. Hammack

written by Reverend John Powell
Reverend John Powell, a professor at Loyola University in Chicago, writes about a student in his Theology of Faith class named Tommy:

Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my university students file into the classroom for our first session in the Theology of Faith.

That was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind both blinked. He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung six inches below his shoulders. It was the first time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long.. I guess it was just coming into fashion then. I know in my mind that it isn't what's on your head but what's in it that counts; but on that day I was unprepared and my emotions flipped. I immediately filed Tommy under "S" for strange... Very strange.

Tommy turned out to be the "atheist in residence" in my Theology of Faith course. He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about the possibility of an unconditionally loving Father/God. We lived with each other in relative peace for one semester, although I admit he was for me at times a serious pain in the back pew.

When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, he asked in a cynical tone, "Do you think I'll ever find God?"

I decided instantly on a little shock therapy. "No!" I said very emphatically.

"Why not," he responded, "I thought that was the product you were pushing."

I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then I called out, "Tommy! I don't think you'll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that He will find you! "He shrugged a little and left my class and my life.

I felt slightly disappointed at the thought that he had missed my clever line -- He will find you! At least I thought it was clever.

Later I heard that Tommy had graduated, and I was duly grateful.

Then a sad report came. I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he came to see me. When he walked into my office, his body was very badly wasted and the long hair had all fallen out as a result of chemotherapy.
But his eyes were bright and his voice was firm, for the first time, I believe. "Tommy, I've thought about you so often; I hear you are sick," I blurted out.

"Oh, yes, very sick. I have cancer in both lungs. It's a matter of weeks."

"Can you talk about it, Tom?" I asked.

"Sure, what would you like to know?" he replied.

"What's it like to be only twenty-four and dying?

"Well, it could be worse.

"Like what?
"Well, like being fifty and having no values or ideals, like being fifty and thinking that booze, seducing women, and making money are the real biggies in life..

I began to look through my mental file cabinet under "S" where I had filed Tommy as strange.(It seems as though everybody I try to reject by classification, God sends back into my life to educate me.)


"But what I really came to see you about," Tom said, "is something you said to me on the last day of class."(He remembered!) He continued, "I asked you if you thought I would ever find God and you said, 'No!' which surprised me Then you said, 'But He will find you.'I thought about that a lot, even though my search for God was hardly intense at that time.

(My clever line. He thought about that a lot!)

"But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was malignant, that's when I got serious about locating God.. And when the malignancy spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloody fists against the bronze doors of heaven. But God did not come out.

In fact, nothing happened. Did you ever try anything for a long time with great effort and with no success? You get psychologically glutted, fed up with trying. And then you quit.

"Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futile appeals over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit. I decided that I didn't really care about God, about an after life, or anything like that.

I decided to spend what time I had left doing something more profitable. I thought about you and your class and I remembered something else you had said: 'The essential sadness is to go through life without loving. But it would be almost equally sad to go through life and leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you had loved them.'"

"So, I began with the hardest one, my Dad. He was reading the newspaper when I approached him. "Dad."
Yes, what?" he asked without lowering the newspaper. "Dad, I would like to talk with you."
"Well, talk.

"I mean. It's really important."

The newspaper came down three slow inches. "What is it?"

"Dad, I love you, I just wanted you to know that. "Tom smiled at me and said it with obvious satisfaction, as though he felt a warm and secret joy flowing inside of him."The newspaper fluttered to the floor.
Then my father did two things I could never remember him ever doing before. He cried and he hugged me. We talked all night, even though he had to go to work the next morning. It felt so good to be close to my father, to see his tears, to feel his hug, to hear him say that he loved me."

"It was easier with my mother and little brother. They cried with me, too, and we hugged each other, and started saying real nice things to each other. We shared the things we had been keeping secret for so many years.
"I was only sorry about one thing --- that I had waited so long. Here I was, just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to.

"Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn't come to me when I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop, 'C'mon, jump through. C'mon, I'll give you three days, three weeks.'"

"Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But the important thing is that He was there. He found me! You were right. He found me even after I stopped looking for Him."

"Tommy," I practically gasped, "I think you are saying something very important and much more universal than you realize. To me, at least, you are saying that the surest way to find God is not to make Him a private possession, a problem solver, or an instant consolation in time of need, but rather by opening to love. You know, the Apostle John said that.
He said: 'God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him. 'Tom, could I ask you a favor? You know, when I had you in class you were a real pain. But (laughingly) you can make it all up to me now. Would you come into my present Theology of Faith course and tell them what you have just told me? If I told them the same thing it wouldn't be half as effective as if you were to tell it.

"Oooh.. I was ready for you, but I don't know if I'm ready for your class."

"Tom, think about it. If and when you are ready, give me a call."

In a few days Tom called, said he was ready for the class, that he wanted to do that for God and for me. So we scheduled a date.

However, he never made it. He had another appointment, far more important than the one with me and my class. Of course, his life was not really ended by his death, only changed. He made the great step from faith into vision.

He found a life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen or the ear of man has ever heard or the mind of man has ever imagined. Before he died, we talked one last time.

"I'm not going to make it to your class," he said.

"I know, Tom."

"Will you tell them for me? Will you ... tell the whole world for me?"

I will, Tom. I'll tell them. I'll do my best."

So, to all of you who have been kind enough to read this simple story about God's love, thank you for listening. And to you, Tommy, somewhere in the sunlit, verdant hills of heaven --- I told them, Tommy, as best I could.

If this story means anything to you, please pass it on to a friend or two.

It is a true story and is not enhanced for publicity purposes.

With thanks, Rev. John Powell, Professor, Loyola
University, Chicago

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here. Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 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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