Major on the Majors and Minor on the Minors

By Tony V. Hammack

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

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

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

The Majors are:

• Righteousness 
• Peace 
• Joy 
• The Holy Spirit 

1. Righteousness

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

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

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

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

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

2. Peace 

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

Peace with God 

Romans 5:1 

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

1 John 4:18 

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

God’s kindness leads to repentance 

Romans 2:4 

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

Peace with this life 

1 Timothy 6:6-10 

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

Peace Comes through Prayer 

Philippians 4:6,7 (Amplified) 

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

Peace 

Colossians 3:15 

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

3. Joy 

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

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

Joy 

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

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

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

4. The Holy Spirit 

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

The Holy Spirit in the Beginning 

Genesis 1:2 

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

Luke 24:49 

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

Acts 1:8 

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

Acts 2:1-4 

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

Acts 10:44-46 

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

Acts 19:6 

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

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

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

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

By Tony V. Hammack

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

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.
The obvious purpose of being filled up is to be poured out.

We tend to focus a lot on the being filled part but not so much on the being poured out part. Today we’re going to look at both ideas with an emphasis on being obediently and joyfully poured out for Jesus.

Poured out like a drink offering.

Philippians 2:17 & 2 Timothy 4:6

A Drink offering is an offering that pre-dates the law and is to be accompanied by other offerings. It was to be strong wine (pure drink) and represents a type of joy at the finished work of Christ. I believe Paul is saying, in reference to being poured out like a drink offering, that his life is being poured out in obedience to God and it’s bringing God, Paul, and the people joy.

I just want to remind everyone, there are no hearses with trailer hitches. We have one life to live and it soon will pass. Only what’s done for Christ will last.

He is no fool who gives up what he can never keep to gain what he’ll never loose.

James 4:14 (Amplified)
Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air].

Being poured out includes the idea of willing sacrifice. We see in 2 Timothy 4 that Paul has willingly laid down his life and the joy this gives God is now imparted to Paul. Willful and obedient sacrifice brings great joy to the individual carrying out this mission when God’s revealed the outcome of the sacrifice to the individual.

Hebrews 12:2
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Bible tells us to be filled five times in the New Testament. Ephesians 3:19 is the passage we’re going to focus in on. This filling just isn’t for our benefit, it’s for the benefit of others.

In the context of Paul praying for the Ephesian Church, we see this verse as part of his prayer. He prays that they would know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. All the fullness of God is pretty full!!

There is also a relational positioning before God that could be described as “getting under the spout where the glory comes out”. Staying in that place until God touches you and does a work in you. This work in you is vital. It’s been my observation that hurt people hurt people, healed people heal people. We must receive what we need from the Lord in order to be effective for Him in the long term.

To get filled we must ask for the Holy Spirit to fill us. Implied in any infilling is also a pouring out. As we pray to be filled we should also pray for God to direct us as to where we are to pour out.

God is able to refill the poured out vessel but sin separates.

Isaiah 59:1,2
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened at all, that it cannot save, nor His ear dull with deafness, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.

Luke 11:9-13
9 So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone; or if he asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good gifts [gifts that are to their advantage] to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!

Another way to understand this concept is, “you can’t give what you don’t have”.

Acts 3:6-10
6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

I want you to know that the messages I share on Sunday morning with you are generally the messages the Holy Spirit shares with me in my quiet time. So the Lord is calling me to a higher level of joyful sacrifice.  I want to challenge you to pray about how and where the Lord can pour you out. We must first be filled but then it’s time to pour out!

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

You know, if you are weary in well doing, today is a great day to get filled. Get your spiritual battery recharged.

Other people today may be like the red sea. A flow coming in but nothing going out (except through evaporation) raising the salinity level in your soul so high that nothing can grow. You’re critical, grouchy, and very unhappy.

Other people may have a creek flowing out of their lives but they want a river. Others may praise you but you know God is calling you higher so you’re not satisfied.

Today is a day of increase. God will increase what he’s doing in and through you if you’ll ask Him to.
   

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

Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
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What is the Prayer of Faith?

By Tony V. Hammack

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

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

Thesis: We’ve always been taught that prayer is “Talking with God” and it is.  However, the prayer of faith takes on a different component. We will see that a prayer of faith is rightly recognizing God’s word and declaring it over a situation. This prophetic utterance of faith, based on God’s spoken word, causes supernatural manifestations.

 

James 5:13-16

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

 

v. 13 and 14 Let your prayer life be authentic with your situation. Happy? Praise. Trouble? Pray. Sick? Call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.  The Lord will raise them up.  If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

• The sick person initiates the prayer request to the elders of the church.
• The elders are to anoint with oil and pray in the name of Jesus.
• The prayer of faith will make the sick person well

Praying in the name of Jesus is not simply saying, “In the name of Jesus”.   Praying in the name of Jesus also includes the one ministering healing, being like Jesus.  In the name can be synonymously tied to the idea of the nature of Jesus. Jesus is in me and I’m in him so when I pray it’s not me it’s Jesus in me releasing the virtue of the Kingdom of God into this situation. Saying “in the name of Jesus” is not a magic spell or magic sentence. It’s got to be backed by the substance of Jesus in the one ministering. A person where sin dominates their life cannot pray in the name of Jesus with any substantive results. Jesus I know, and Paul I’m getting to know, but who are you? Acts 19:15

 

It’s more important that you are in Jesus than you say the words, “In the name of Jesus”.  The demons, sickness, or whatever, knows if you’re in Jesus or not. The proof will be in the results of your prayers/declarations of God’s will.

 

It’s also interesting that physical healing and forgiveness of sins go hand in hand in this passage. I strongly encourage people of all denominations to study the concept of the Greek word Sōzō and then fearlessly share it with people you have influence with. The modern concept of salvation has been fragmented into component parts however many are being awakened to the idea that salvation includes healing and deliverance from unclean spirits.

 

If you want to keep someone sick and you’re the devil and you know that Jesus has already paid the price for their healing, the only strategy you have that will work will be to keep the people ignorant to the promise of God and then convince them healing is not for them or it’s not God’s will. This is the only way to keep God’s people sick from the Devil’s perspective. Don’t buy the lie!

 

The example from James 5 for the person who prays the prayer of faith is Elijah.  James 5:17,18 references his prayers of faith to start and stop the rain.

 

Some may Think Elijah has special privileges but…

 

Hebrews 8:6

But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

 

Prayer to Stop the Rain

 

Elijah’s prayer of faith was a declaration that it wouldn’t rain.

 

1 Kings 17:17 

Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”

 

Prayer to Start the Rain

 

1 Kings 18:1-2

After a long time, in the third year, the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.” 2 So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab.

 

1 Kings 18:41-43

41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” 42 So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. 43 “Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. “There is nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”

 

Mark 11:22-25

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. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

 

In Mark 11:22-25 we see Jesus teaching on the prayer of faith. Have faith in God and If you speak to the Mountain and believe and don’t doubt it will be done for you.

 

1 John 5:14,15

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

 

Therefore… whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.

 

When you stand praying, forgive anyone who has sinned against you. What you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. If you don’t want your prayers hindered, release people from your heart judgments.

 

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

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

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Healing

By Tony V. Hammack

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

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.   God often will deposit a passion or intense compassion for a situation before He uses a person in that area. People who are indifferent about something usually don’t move toward it.

I believe that each one of us individually should pray and receive from God the passion He wants to deposit into our hearts. When He fills us with that passion we should plan a way to release the kingdom of God to others and then ultimately, simply, get to work.


Faith
Faith is a huge factor in deciding to move forward. I’ve come to understand that there’s nothing God can’t do through a man or woman who’s in faith. I believe this because of what I read in the Bible.

I don’t think faith that Jesus CAN heal is such a problem for most of us. I think where we may disconnect from the manifestation of the healing is believing that he WILL heal for you because you’re standing in faith.

We have to decide, do we really, deep inside, believe what the Bible teaches the Christian about healing. I know some of the things there will stretch your natural thinking but, never the less, those scriptural realities exist.

1 Cor. 2:14
The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

When I was praying this week I saw a young man, around 10 years old battling Cancer. I again, began to feel what it must feel like to be the boys parents and compassion mixed with anger came over me. This should not be happening.

If we’re to make a change in situations like this one, we will have to believe for a miracle when others may not have the revelation that God heals.

Mark 5:22-34
22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

The woman with the issue of blood, by natural, understood the situation was hopeless  She was broke and suffering.  The doctors couldn’t help her. Her thoughts conceived faith which led to action.

Lev. 15:25 25 “‘When a woman has a discharge of blood for many days at a time other than her monthly period or has a discharge that continues beyond her period, she will be unclean as long as she has the discharge, just as in the days of her period.

Immediately she felt a change in her body and concluded that the bleeding had stopped and she was healed.

In v. 30 Jesus also felt power going out from him and asked, “Who touched my clothes” In v. 31 The large crowd pressing against Jesus causes the disciples to question Jesus when he says, “Who touched me?”

The woman had been discovered and here we see her desire to be hidden due to the uncleanness she’s had for 12 years. Now she’s “Trembling with fear”. And she spills it, telling the whole truth. In v. 34 Jesus tells her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

When we’ve come to the end of our rope, when we’ve exhausted all options we tend to turn to God. Unfortunately for the woman with the issue of Blood, she perhaps could’ve done this sooner and preserved her estate. Even though she’s received a great miracle, her stubborn refusal or inability to turn to God early on in the situation has cost her everything.

Ideas or thoughts that conceive faith which lead to action cause God to move. This pattern is played out over and over again in the ministry of Jesus and the ministry of the disciples.

James 2:26b
faith without deeds is dead.

When there has been a move of God in our midst, often times, people can feel it. Now I realize this can be intangible, however, in this story the feeling occurred simultaneously with the healing. Sometimes we can be a little “hyper” spiritual feeling things here and there but in this story a feeling is consistent with a natural fact. The bleeding stopped! Jesus also feels something and mentions it to His disciples who are amazed at His question.

Here we catch a glimpse into the inner thought life of the woman in v. 33 She had to press through her own fears before she could begin to press through the crowd.

I’m sure she had bumped into people in the past by mistake and made them unclean. I’m sure they gave it to her verbally and maybe even physically for putting them through the process to become ceremonially clean again.

She trembles with fear signifying she does not want to be discovered. She openly and honestly tells the whole truth about the situation and Jesus declares over her, after the healing had already taken place, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

What are we afraid of? What will people think? What if God doesn’t heal me? I don’t want to be embarrassed?

Fear must be dealt with if you and I are to operate in healing. Would the woman have been healed if she would’ve concluded that “I don’t want to touch anyone.”?

No! Action must accompany thoughts that conceive faith. Action can be as small as talking about what God is saying or it could be as assertive as reaching out and grabbing someone.

Conclusion: There are many people around us suffering with sickness and disease. We need to receive compassion and passion from God. God wants to use us to help bring them healing.

 

 

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

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

Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
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The Fight of Faith

By Tony V. Hammack

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

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.
1 Timothy 6:12

I. Grace not law
II. 1 Timothy 6:12
III. Faith to manifest God’s kingdom

John 6:29
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.”

We mustn’t trust in our own abilities to create spiritual realities but our trust must be in Jesus Christ, operating through us.

Matthew 11:30
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Fighting the good fight of faith in the context of 1 Timothy 6 is avoiding:
1.) an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and
2.)the love of money pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

Thesis: 
I’ve noticed many in the body of Christ don’t have any fight in them. They are bobbing in the water but aren’t fighting for anything. It’s time we picked up the fight of faith.

Fighting for what we cannot see.

Hebrews 11: 1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. “

Faith begins where the will of God is revealed. What has God told you? What are you fighting for?

Why is there a “fight” of faith? Well, we have to fight against the inclination to just allow circumstances to determine our reality. When God speaks through His word or into our hearts and we believe it, now we have to fight for it because nothing in the kingdoms of this world or the demonic world wants to see the kingdom of God expressed!

We also have to fight ourselves!

Often the Word of God can be contrary to paradigms of thinking that we’ve grown accustomed to.

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

When God spoke to Moses and told him what to do, go into Egypt and liberate the Israelites he began to “sputter” a bit in Exodus 3. He tried to hide behind his inability to put his thoughts together quickly.

Acts 7:22
Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

If anything is created in the world, it starts with a thought that is believed in. I would call this faith. If you don’t believe you can do something, chances are you will never try it while this remains your mindset. However, if you believe you can do something you will persist until you see it accomplished.

Much of the church has divorced itself from faith because of the fight. It’s much easier to say, “God works in mysterious ways”. Than it is to say, “I’m very sorry, I didn’t have enough faith for this situation.”

Matthew 17:14-20
14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” 17 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Why were the disciples unable to expel the demon that was causing the manifestation of epilepsy? Was it because God was trying to teach the parents and the boy something important? Was it because God had a greater plan for the boy that included this disease? Was it because he would reach people with the disease he had that otherwise he couldn’t reach?

All these reasons come out of the mouths of Christian leaders on a fairly regular basis but let’s take a look at where Jesus squarely places the responsibility for the solution to this difficult situation.

Reason #1 or Rebuke #1
v. 17 Unbelief

Reason #2 or Rebuke #2
perverse generation

Perverse - turned away from what is right or good : corrupt Generation - a group of individuals born and living at the same time

Reason #3
little faith v. 20

Now in Mark 9:14-29 we see another similar story where Jesus mentions prayer and fasting as the reason the disciples could not drive out a spirit. I believe the prayer and fasting increases the faith of the believer. I don’t believe there is a prayer or fasting threshold that is reached and then spirits come out. It’s not like saving up enough money to buy a car or some other object.

So, you’ve heard the message, and you’re thinking, “I want to fight!”. The fight of faith begins with the work of Jesus on the Cross and is followed up with prayer, fasting and victory over sin. When this starts the fight will begin to be won.
   

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

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

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

By Tony V. Hammack

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

These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video.       Thesis:
We need God’s heart in us if we’re going to be effective for God in our region of influence.

When I talk about having God’s heart I’m talking about God’s feelings and thoughts becoming our feelings and thoughts; hating what God hates and loving what God loves.
1. Can we have God’s heart?
2. How do we get God’s heart?
3. How and why do we protect our hearts?
4. What happens when we get God’s heart?

1. Can we have God’s heart?

Ezekiel 11:19-21
19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 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. 21 But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their vile images and detestable idols, I will bring down on their own heads what they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD.”

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

1 Corinthians 2:16
for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

2. How do we get God’s heart?

It’s a supernatural work of God’s grace but there are some things we can do in order to position ourselves “under the spout where the glory comes out.”

James 4:8
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Hebrews 11:6
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

We must seek God Relationally
*Bible meditation/memorization/confession
*P.U.S.H. Pray Until Something Happens
*Avoid “unnecessary” Ungodliness/Be Holy

Bible Meditation

Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Psalm 119:11
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

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

Prayer

In the book Successful Leadership through the Government of 12
“The growth of our church and the growth of Christianity throughout the nation of South Korea did not come by accident. It came through fervent, violent and prevailing prayer, of which the foundation of the foundation of the vision is made. As Jesus said in Matthew 11:12 “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force.” Until recently, it took great sacrifice to be a Christian in South Korea. But now at least one-fourth of our nation are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The church in Columbia is experiencing a similar impact. Our Lord is truly moving all over the world.” ~Dr. David Younggi Cho

We must spend quality time in God’s presence through prayer if we expect to catch his heart.

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

James 5:16b
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (for healing)

Hebrews 5:7
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

3. Why and how do we Protect our Hearts?

The Why…

Matthew 15:18-20
18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what make a man ‘unclean’; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him ‘unclean.’”

Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

The How…
Prayer protects the heart God has given us.

Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Thought Control

2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I believe we also need to control our mouth’s. I believe God’s given you creative power in your mouth and that when you speak things out into the realm of the earth they begin to take shape.

4. What Happens When we Get God’s Heart?

How you can know if you have or are developing a heart for God, is that your language will change. (Luke 6:45)  You will begin to say things from your heart, that reflect the mind, feelings, and will of God.

Jeremiah 20:9
But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

Matthew 12:33-37
33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

A person that has God’s heart will have a heart for prayer, holiness, souls, the Word etc. These things naturally flow from God’s heart to the hearts of those who are seeking him.

People with God’s heart will love what he loves and hate what he hates.

Conclusion:
We need God’s heart in us if we’re going to be effective for God in our region of influence.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124



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From Pew Warmer to Prophet

By Tony V. Hammack 

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

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

Thesis:

God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him in faith. We cannot come to God unless he draws us. When he draws us and reveals himself we will be changed forever.

 

Outline:

1. Seek God

2. See the Holiness of God

3. See yourself as in need

4. Receive atonement forgiveness and value

5. Enter obedient service

 

 

 

 

Isaiah’s sin Atoned for

 

Isaiah 6:3-8

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

 

1. Seek God

 

2 Chronicles 16:9a

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

 

Hebrews 11:6

6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

 

Acts 17:27

27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

 

2. We Must See God in His Holiness

• Isaiah saw God in a heavenly vision. (Isaiah 6:1-4)
• Holiness means set apart or special and unique.  (Do you see God in his holiness or is he the “Man Upstairs?”; or maybe “The Big J.C.?)
• This is why worship in Spirit and in Truth (Jn. 4:24) is so very important. This will thrust us into God’s presence where we can be challenged and changed.
• No one can be saved unless the Spirit of God draws them. (John 6:44)
• No one can be saved unless Jesus is revealed to them.

No one can be saved unless Jesus is revealed to them.

*Centurion Soldier

• Mark 15:39  And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

 *Jesus Son of David Have Mercy on me

• Blind Bartimaeus
• Mark 10:52 your faith has healed (sozo’d) you.

*The Thief on the cross

• Luke 23:41 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

*Peter

• Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

3. See yourself as in need

Isaiah saw himself as guilty, insignificant and in need of a savior when he clearly saw the Lord.

Sin, aroused by the Law is designed to create hopelessness in an individual driving them to Christ. (Rom. 7:8)

If a person doesn’t see a need they will not look to find a solution to their problem.

Everyone has a different “rock bottom”.

The philosophy of humanism teaches that man is inherently good.   Humanism is the “religion” of many people in our country.

Many “good” people will not make it to heaven because they will stand before God with their sinful nature still intact before him.

4. Receive atonement forgiveness and God esteem.

When almighty God says your sins are forgiven it is tremendously empowering.

This forgiveness is a form of approval by God himself.  When God is for us who can be against us. Again very empowering. (Rom 8:31)

Romans 2:4

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

5. Enter Service

After Isaiah saw a glimpse of God’s holiness, was forgiven for his sin and empowered he was immediately motivated to be sent into service for the Lord.  God commissioned him as a prophet.

They can’t hear unless there’s a preacher (Romans 10:14)

Romans 12:1,2 also shows a similar pattern we see in Isaiah 6

Romans 12:1-2

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

We see the holiness, our sinfulness, the atoning sacrifice of the Lord here. What follows this?

Offering our bodies as a living sacrifice. Here am I, send me!

God’s not mad at you!

If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ God is not mad at you. His justice has been satisfied toward you in the suffering of Jesus.

1 John 4:18

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

Conclusion:

We need a good look at God’s Holiness, mercy and kindness. When immersed in God we will be changed from the inside out.

This Change is nothing short of God himself working to will and to accomplish his good purposes through us.

Prayer Focus

1. We would Seek God
2. Then God would show us himself in holiness.
3. We would comparatively see ourselves in the light of God’s holiness recognizing our own need.
4. God would extend us mercy because it’s in his heart to be kind and merciful.
5. We filled with gratitude would enter service, lovingly building God’s kingdom faithfully obeying the voice of the one we have come to love.

Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V.

If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501

(870) 793-9124



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We Need a Revival

By Tony V. Hammack

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.


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

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



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

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

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

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

II. Humility
will humble themselves

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

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

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

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

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

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

Humility leads to grace which leads to

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

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

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

Weakness can = Grace
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
III. Pray
Mark 14:37,38
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Abiding with God in Prayer
Spending time with God in prayer is one way we get our spiritual batteries charged.
Galatians 5:16,17
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

It’s not a performance thing, it’s a relational thing. You can’t pray enough to earn God’s favor. That’s not what prayer is about. It’s about spending time in the loving presence of your heavenly father.
IV. Seek the Face of GodWhat does this mean?
This is different than seeking the hand of God.
God wants a relationship with us, we can be intimate with our heavenly father or be the kind of spiritual children that just want the keys to the car, figuratively speaking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeremiah Repented on Behalf of his Nation
Jeremiah 3:25
Jeremiah 14:7
Jeremiah 14:20
The prophet Daniel also prayed a prayer of national repentance on behalf of his people, confessing sins which he was not personally guilty of. - Daniel 9:4-19

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

What are the sins of our nation?

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

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 here to listen to contemporary worship music.

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


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