Select Your Language

October 25, 2011

The Antichrists Agenda

By Tony V. Hammack
Abundant Life Today Audio File
Podcast: Play in New Window | Download

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

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

The Role of the Pastor
Shepherd / Teacher

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Spirit of the Anti-Christ

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

What does the Spirit of the Anti-Christ do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.
If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM or click now to listen to contemporary worship music.

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124


View Larger Map



October 24, 2011

Reasons People Don't Come to Church

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ordinances of the Church.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124


View Larger Map

October 19, 2011

The Object of Our Faith

By Tony V. Hammack

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


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

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

Sometimes people erroneously have faith in their faith.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


1. Faith in God causes a supernatural sign to manifest

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


2. Faith in Jesus Name Causes Healing to Manifest

Acts 3:16

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

3. Jews and Greeks must put their faith in Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 3:26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. When our Faith is in Christ we can approach God with Freedom and Confidence
Ephesians 3:12
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

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

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
  • Mercy - Not getting the justice from God we do deserve
  • Grace - Getting the power from God we don’t deserve


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

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

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

Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124


View Larger Map

October 14, 2011

If Jesus were a Pastor...

By Tony V. Hammack

… what would his Church look like?

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

Should we Copy Jesus?

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

* Should we conform to the Jesus culture?

Jesus Christ built men! This was his focus.

He Called out Twelve

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

Jesus had a focus on a few with a vision for world evangelization. His ministry mission statement would contain this concept.
  • Love everyone, commit everything to a few radically committed people with the emphasis on them committing everything to a few radically committed people. The network of people that forms is the fruit bearing Church.
Was Jesus trying to build a big church. YES!
How?
Through multiplication based discipleship ministry expressing the kingdom of God in power and character.
Things Jesus didn’t need or have
    Multi-Media
    Buildings
By not appealing to the flesh of people, Jesus at times was very “offensive”.
Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood
Many Disciples Desert Jesus
John 6:60-69
60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

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

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

Here in this Church I’d like to see a few radically committed people catch the spirit of Christ in the leadership of this ministry. Then pour out the life of Christ to their group of radically committed people.
The clearest administrative vehicle I see that supports this in our culture is the cell Church.

Was the Church Jesus birthed staffed with professionals?
Yes, they were professionals but not professionals in the eyes of the existing religious establishment.
What qualified them to be ministers?
Acts 4:13
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Ephesians 4:11-13
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

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

What is the best way to equip you?

William Glasser once said,
“We Learn . . .
  • 10% of what we read
  • 20% of what we hear
  • 30% of what we see
  • 50% of what we see and hear
  • 70% of what we discuss
  • 80% of what we experience
  • 95% of what we teach others.”
Reflect on Jesus calling his disciples again. “Come follow me”.
Jesus had a classroom and it was everywhere he was.
How about Paul?

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

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

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

Hebrew vs. Greek Educational Model
  1. Hebrew education focused on relationship
  2. Hebrew teachers tried to shape students' hearts
  3. Hebrew students were to become what their teacher was
  4. Greek education focused on content
  5. Greek teachers tried to shape students' minds
  6. Greek students were to learn what their teacher knew
Our Vision
  • Win
  • Consolidate
  • Disciple
  • Send
I see a network of small groups across the region with anointed equipped and trained leaders. These leaders have my heart in them and the Spirit of Christ working through them. They love Jesus & me and I love them. They trust me and I trust them. These leaders are loyal to me and I am loyal to them. The main vision of these small groups is to raise up and train leaders to lead more small groups.

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

(870) 793-9124

View Larger Map