(Taken from an e-mail)
At a fund-raising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.
Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.
Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning..'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt.. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.
As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all the team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!
Run to first!'
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!
Shay, run to third!'
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here.
Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church 45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501 (
870) 793-9124
View Larger Map
May 14, 2010
May 12, 2010
We Need a National Revival
By Tony V. Hammack
These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.
The Problem
The Problem with the Church in the United States
The Kingdom of God is an ever increasing kingdom. If it’s not increasing around us that doesn’t mean that the gospel is being hindered in other parts of the world.
Parts of Africa are on fire with the Gospel. People are hungry and miracles are prevalent.
China has a huge underground church movement.
The 9 Point Evangelical Questions
If you answer in the affirmative to these 9 questions then you would be considered a 9 point evangelical.
Watch this sobering video
Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964) - 34 % Evangelical
Generation X (Born 1965-1984) -16 % Evangelical
Generation Y (Born 1985 - 2005) - 8 % Evangelical
The Next Generation (Born 2006 - 2025) - ?% Evangelical
If things don't change it looks like the next generation will be 4% evangelical.
Exodus 10:10,11
10 Pharaoh said, "The LORD be with you—if I let you go, along with your women and children! Clearly you are bent on evil. [a] 11 No! Have only the men go; and worship the LORD, since that's what you have been asking for." Then Moses and Aaron were driven out of Pharaoh's presence.
Pharaoh is a type of Satan, notice he doesn’t mind sending the men out to worship but leave the children behind. No children means no future. He’ll just wait them out and then he’ll have his agenda accomplished.
Destruction of the redeeming message of Christ!
The Individual Solution
Disciple the Nations
2 Corinthians 5:17,18
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
Every believer has been given the ministry of reconciliation.
Reconciliation – to restore to friendship or harmony.
Such a simple plan – Jesus did it. He was very good at discipling so he had 12 disciples. We may not be able to impart the spirit of God as good as he did so I encourage you to start with one person. Reach out to them, love them, tell them the truth, live the truth in front of them and be available to show them how to live the Christian life. If each one can influence one person this year like this, a chain reaction of Holy Spirit influence will be unleashed upon our region and will ripple out to the uttermost parts of the earth.
How did Andrea and I end up with 5 children? Well we got them one at a time. And what if each one of them has 5 children? We’ll have 25 grandchildren! How many great grand children will we have. 125!
So in only 3 generations we went from 2 to 5 to 25 to 125 people.
Such a powerful result
The difference between addition and multiplication.
Realistic Expectations
I don’t expect you to go out and lead 10 people to Christ this year and effectively disciple them to become fruit bearing believers.
I do expect you to go out and lead 1 person to Christ this year and effectively disciple them to become a fruit bearing believer. If you continue to do this and your new friend continues to do this you have now reached 3 people. Do this again and you now have reached 6 people. This can continue into perpetuity just like it is with Jesus.
Would you rather have a million dollars or have a penny doubled daily for a 31 day month? If you doubled a penny every day for a month it would come to $21,474,836.48.
The illustration shows the power of multiplication over addition. The church’s focus has been on adding new believers instead of multiplying new believers. Always looking to the big crusades for conversions and not giving much attention to the simple believer who faithfully is pouring his or her life out for people around them in an effort to raise someone up for Christ.
2 Timothy 2:2
2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
I. Paul
A. Timothy
1. Faithful Men
b. Teach Others
Each one of us should have a Paul and a Timothy. You can have more than one but you should have at least one of each. If you don’t have a Timothy you should be looking for him/her.
Just like if you don’t have a job your job is to look for a job.
Follow Me
1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
The fruitful people are the Evidence of the Ministry of effective Discipleship
2 Corinthians 3:1-3
1Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Another Solution
We Need a True Revival
Revive
To make alive again.
: renewed attention to or interest in something b : a new presentation or publication of something old c (1) : a period of renewed religious interest
True revival puts Christ and the things of God on the forefront of everyone’s mind.
We’ve all experienced individual revival but what I’m believing for is national revival.
“Could a mariner sit idle if he heard the drowning cry? Could a doctor sit in comfort and let his patient die? Can the fireman sit idle letting men burn and give no hand? Can you sit at ease in Church with the world damned?”
~Leonard Ravenhill
National revival begins with individual revival which begins with prayer.
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here.
Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.
If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9124
View Larger Map
These notes are best when used in conjunction with the audio or video. To listen to the audio (podcast), click here. To watch the video, click here.
The Problem
The Problem with the Church in the United States
The Kingdom of God is an ever increasing kingdom. If it’s not increasing around us that doesn’t mean that the gospel is being hindered in other parts of the world.Parts of Africa are on fire with the Gospel. People are hungry and miracles are prevalent.
China has a huge underground church movement.
The 9 Point Evangelical Questions
If you answer in the affirmative to these 9 questions then you would be considered a 9 point evangelical.
- Is your faith very important to you today?
- Is there a literal devil?
- Is Salvation based on grace not works?
- Do you have a personal responsibility to share your religious beliefs?
- Is God the top priority of your life?
- Do you believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth?
- Do you believe the Bible is totally accurate in all of it’s teachings?
- Has your life been greatly transformed by your faith?
- Is God the all-knowing, all-powerful, perfect deity who created the universe and still rules it today?
Watch this sobering video
Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964) - 34 % Evangelical
Generation X (Born 1965-1984) -16 % Evangelical
Generation Y (Born 1985 - 2005) - 8 % Evangelical
The Next Generation (Born 2006 - 2025) - ?% Evangelical
If things don't change it looks like the next generation will be 4% evangelical.
Exodus 10:10,11
10 Pharaoh said, "The LORD be with you—if I let you go, along with your women and children! Clearly you are bent on evil. [a] 11 No! Have only the men go; and worship the LORD, since that's what you have been asking for." Then Moses and Aaron were driven out of Pharaoh's presence.
Pharaoh is a type of Satan, notice he doesn’t mind sending the men out to worship but leave the children behind. No children means no future. He’ll just wait them out and then he’ll have his agenda accomplished.
Destruction of the redeeming message of Christ!
Disciple the Nations
2 Corinthians 5:17,18
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
Every believer has been given the ministry of reconciliation.
Reconciliation – to restore to friendship or harmony.
Such a simple plan – Jesus did it. He was very good at discipling so he had 12 disciples. We may not be able to impart the spirit of God as good as he did so I encourage you to start with one person. Reach out to them, love them, tell them the truth, live the truth in front of them and be available to show them how to live the Christian life. If each one can influence one person this year like this, a chain reaction of Holy Spirit influence will be unleashed upon our region and will ripple out to the uttermost parts of the earth.
How did Andrea and I end up with 5 children? Well we got them one at a time. And what if each one of them has 5 children? We’ll have 25 grandchildren! How many great grand children will we have. 125!
So in only 3 generations we went from 2 to 5 to 25 to 125 people.
Such a powerful result
The difference between addition and multiplication.
Realistic Expectations
I don’t expect you to go out and lead 10 people to Christ this year and effectively disciple them to become fruit bearing believers.
I do expect you to go out and lead 1 person to Christ this year and effectively disciple them to become a fruit bearing believer. If you continue to do this and your new friend continues to do this you have now reached 3 people. Do this again and you now have reached 6 people. This can continue into perpetuity just like it is with Jesus.
Would you rather have a million dollars or have a penny doubled daily for a 31 day month? If you doubled a penny every day for a month it would come to $21,474,836.48.
2 Timothy 2:2
2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
I. Paul
A. Timothy
1. Faithful Men
b. Teach Others
Each one of us should have a Paul and a Timothy. You can have more than one but you should have at least one of each. If you don’t have a Timothy you should be looking for him/her.
Just like if you don’t have a job your job is to look for a job.
Follow Me
1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
The fruitful people are the Evidence of the Ministry of effective Discipleship
2 Corinthians 3:1-3
1Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Another Solution
We Need a True Revival
Revive
To make alive again.
: renewed attention to or interest in something b : a new presentation or publication of something old c (1) : a period of renewed religious interest
True revival puts Christ and the things of God on the forefront of everyone’s mind.
We’ve all experienced individual revival but what I’m believing for is national revival.
“Could a mariner sit idle if he heard the drowning cry? Could a doctor sit in comfort and let his patient die? Can the fireman sit idle letting men burn and give no hand? Can you sit at ease in Church with the world damned?”
~Leonard Ravenhill
National revival begins with individual revival which begins with prayer.
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here.
Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V.
If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9124
View Larger Map
May 5, 2010
Empowering the Body of Christ
By Tony V. Hammack
Feed a man a fish and you feed him for a day but if you teach him how to fish you’ll feed him for a lifetime.
Some people aren’t interested in fishing but it’s really a better way of life than receiving handouts all the time.
When it comes to ministry there is a place of maturity or critical mass when a Christian moves from a place of only receiving, to receiving and then giving out. Getting Christians to this place is one of my goals as a five fold minister.
They eventually move to where the majority of their receiving is coming directly from God and their load on the rest of the Body of Christ is very minimal. This frees up time and resources for others who are not as mature as well as amplifying ministry through the one who's stepped up to a higher level of maturity.
Things that build up the Body of Christ
I. Five Fold Ministers Equip
II. The Scriptures Equip
III. The God of Peace Equips
I. Five Fold Ministers Equip
Ephesians 4:11-13
11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until 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.
The Greek word in the New Testament for the concept of being built up is oikodome which denotes (a) "the act of building" (oikos, "a home," and demo, "to build"); this is used only figuratively in the NT, in the sense of edification, the promotion of spiritual growth.
Things that indicate maturity
A. Unity
B. Growing in the knowledge of God
C. We attain to the fullness of Christ
D. We teach others by word and deed
A. Unity
The Prayer for Jesus' Disciples
John 17:11
11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.
Jesus Prays for All Believers
John 17:20,21
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
When we're not unified it grieved the Apostle Paul and it grieves the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 12:21
20For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.
B. We are growing in the knowledge of the son of God
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.
2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
C. We Attain to the fullness of Christ
1. Christ’s Character
2. Christ’s Power
D. We teach others by word and deed
Kingdom Greatness
Matthew 5:19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
I. Paul
A. Timothy - Witnesses
1. Reliable Men
a. Others
2. The Scriptures Equip
2 Timothy 3:16,17
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
A. The Scriptures empower against sin
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
B. The Scriptures should cause our hearts to burn.
Luke 24:32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
C. The Scripture points to Jesus
John 5:39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me,
III. The God of Peace equips
Hebrews 13:20
20May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here.
Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9124
View Larger Map
Some people aren’t interested in fishing but it’s really a better way of life than receiving handouts all the time.
When it comes to ministry there is a place of maturity or critical mass when a Christian moves from a place of only receiving, to receiving and then giving out. Getting Christians to this place is one of my goals as a five fold minister.
They eventually move to where the majority of their receiving is coming directly from God and their load on the rest of the Body of Christ is very minimal. This frees up time and resources for others who are not as mature as well as amplifying ministry through the one who's stepped up to a higher level of maturity.
Things that build up the Body of Christ
I. Five Fold Ministers Equip
II. The Scriptures Equip
III. The God of Peace Equips
I. Five Fold Ministers Equip
Ephesians 4:11-13
11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until 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.
The Greek word in the New Testament for the concept of being built up is oikodome which denotes (a) "the act of building" (oikos, "a home," and demo, "to build"); this is used only figuratively in the NT, in the sense of edification, the promotion of spiritual growth.
Things that indicate maturity
A. Unity
B. Growing in the knowledge of God
C. We attain to the fullness of Christ
D. We teach others by word and deed
A. Unity
The Prayer for Jesus' Disciples
John 17:11
11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.
Jesus Prays for All Believers
John 17:20,21
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
When we're not unified it grieved the Apostle Paul and it grieves the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 12:21
20For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.
B. We are growing in the knowledge of the son of God
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.
2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
C. We Attain to the fullness of Christ
1. Christ’s Character
2. Christ’s Power
D. We teach others by word and deed
Kingdom Greatness
Matthew 5:19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
I. Paul
A. Timothy - Witnesses
1. Reliable Men
a. Others
2. The Scriptures Equip
2 Timothy 3:16,17
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
A. The Scriptures empower against sin
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
B. The Scriptures should cause our hearts to burn.
Luke 24:32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
C. The Scripture points to Jesus
John 5:39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me,
III. The God of Peace equips
Hebrews 13:20
20May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here.
Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9124
View Larger Map
May 1, 2010
Has God Called You to Do Something?
By Donna Santini
Has God called you to do something? He will never call you to do something He hasn’t equipped you for. All He asks for is obedience and a willing heart. Only then can God accomplish through you the things He put in you to operate in so you can be the vessel He’s intended you to be and touch the people He sends your way.
He never said it would be easy. He just asks that you have faith and take that first step. Sometimes we just have to step through the fear that grips us and just do what God’s told us to do. Sometimes it’s not easy and it takes us out of our comfort zones.
I love music & God has given me specific prophecies regarding what I’m to do in that area but it takes me out of “my” comfort zone. Most people don’t know that before I do a special or lead a song, I get so nervous that I get sick to my stomach and want to frantically back out but God has reminded me that I need to push through that fear to accomplish His goals for my life.
That same fear has kept many of you from walking in the anointing and purpose that God has for your lives. I made a statement to myself once that I was never going to sing a special again and God quickly responded “that’s what the devil wants.” Wow! How easy it is for us to give up.
The devil tells us we’re not good enough and we compare ourselves with others gifts and talents and start believing that if we don’t sound as good as Celione Dion than we’re not good enough or preach as good as Billy Graham then we can’t be used to touch anyone.
I’ve struggled for many years with fear and feelings of inferiority that have held me hostage and kept me from having the freedom to function in the gifts God’s given me. God told me what to do and instead of blatantly stating that I wouldn’t do it, I decided I’d do it eventually, and I was sincere in that. But how many of you know that fear, life, etc have a tendency to push that aside and before you know it, you’ve forgotten all about that promise. You’re intentions were good initially but because you didn’t act on it, you became like the child who when told to clean his room stated he’d get to it but never did. Eventually he got a whoopin' for being disobedient and not doing what was asked of him.
When God calls you to do something and you don’t, no matter what excuse you give, you’re being disobedient and God can’t use you like He wants to. We can become spiritually stagnant. Like a pond where nothing flows in or out.
God is not looking for perfection. He used a downs syndrome boy at a prior church who had no vocal gifts at all, just a heart overflowing with the love of God, to pour out His anointing on the whole congregation. God just wants a willing and obedient heart that He can use, to mold into the vessel of honor that He can use in the capacity He wants.
What is it that God’s called you to do? What has kept you from operating in that gift/calling? Fear? Fear of failure, of man, of being rejected, ridiculed? We are all going to fail and stumble at some point but it’s important to get up and keep pushing forward. A baby doesn’t go from laying on it’s back to running overnight. I’ve done some songs that turned out horrible and I was embarrassed but God dusts us off and says “great job my precious child”, let’s take another step. He’s ecstatic that we stepped out in faith to do it regardless of whether we considered it a success or failure. If we do what He’s called us to do, it’s always a success in His eyes.
We place our confidence in ourselves and our abilities. When we do that, we are like toasters that haven’t been plugged in. We might be polished and shiny and look great but unless we’re plugged in to the power source, we’re not operating in our intended function and purpose.
A pastor preaching without the power of God in his life can be just a person who speaks well. A singer without the anointing of God is just someone who can sing a pretty song. The bible to someone who never opens it is just a book. In our own strength, these things are like the unplugged toaster. In God’s strength and power, they are like the power lines that carry electricity to everything attached to it and give us the power we need to run our appliances, our lives.
So today, God is asking all of us, what has He called you to do that you are not doing? And Why? He’s ready. His hand is stretched out waiting for us to take it, to be obedient. Has he called you to a specific ministry? Has He called you to write, sing, preach, work with kids, teach, evangelize? Has He called you to do something big, something small-behind the scenes?
Today is the day that you need to decide that God is bigger than your fears, bigger than your failures, and able to accomplish in you what He has for your life. If you will be obedient to what God has for you, your life will not be the only one transformed. You will be blessed and be a blessing to others.
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here. Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music. Jubilee Family Church 45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
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Has God called you to do something? He will never call you to do something He hasn’t equipped you for. All He asks for is obedience and a willing heart. Only then can God accomplish through you the things He put in you to operate in so you can be the vessel He’s intended you to be and touch the people He sends your way.
He never said it would be easy. He just asks that you have faith and take that first step. Sometimes we just have to step through the fear that grips us and just do what God’s told us to do. Sometimes it’s not easy and it takes us out of our comfort zones.
I love music & God has given me specific prophecies regarding what I’m to do in that area but it takes me out of “my” comfort zone. Most people don’t know that before I do a special or lead a song, I get so nervous that I get sick to my stomach and want to frantically back out but God has reminded me that I need to push through that fear to accomplish His goals for my life.
That same fear has kept many of you from walking in the anointing and purpose that God has for your lives. I made a statement to myself once that I was never going to sing a special again and God quickly responded “that’s what the devil wants.” Wow! How easy it is for us to give up.
The devil tells us we’re not good enough and we compare ourselves with others gifts and talents and start believing that if we don’t sound as good as Celione Dion than we’re not good enough or preach as good as Billy Graham then we can’t be used to touch anyone.
I’ve struggled for many years with fear and feelings of inferiority that have held me hostage and kept me from having the freedom to function in the gifts God’s given me. God told me what to do and instead of blatantly stating that I wouldn’t do it, I decided I’d do it eventually, and I was sincere in that. But how many of you know that fear, life, etc have a tendency to push that aside and before you know it, you’ve forgotten all about that promise. You’re intentions were good initially but because you didn’t act on it, you became like the child who when told to clean his room stated he’d get to it but never did. Eventually he got a whoopin' for being disobedient and not doing what was asked of him.
When God calls you to do something and you don’t, no matter what excuse you give, you’re being disobedient and God can’t use you like He wants to. We can become spiritually stagnant. Like a pond where nothing flows in or out.
God is not looking for perfection. He used a downs syndrome boy at a prior church who had no vocal gifts at all, just a heart overflowing with the love of God, to pour out His anointing on the whole congregation. God just wants a willing and obedient heart that He can use, to mold into the vessel of honor that He can use in the capacity He wants.
What is it that God’s called you to do? What has kept you from operating in that gift/calling? Fear? Fear of failure, of man, of being rejected, ridiculed? We are all going to fail and stumble at some point but it’s important to get up and keep pushing forward. A baby doesn’t go from laying on it’s back to running overnight. I’ve done some songs that turned out horrible and I was embarrassed but God dusts us off and says “great job my precious child”, let’s take another step. He’s ecstatic that we stepped out in faith to do it regardless of whether we considered it a success or failure. If we do what He’s called us to do, it’s always a success in His eyes.
We place our confidence in ourselves and our abilities. When we do that, we are like toasters that haven’t been plugged in. We might be polished and shiny and look great but unless we’re plugged in to the power source, we’re not operating in our intended function and purpose.
A pastor preaching without the power of God in his life can be just a person who speaks well. A singer without the anointing of God is just someone who can sing a pretty song. The bible to someone who never opens it is just a book. In our own strength, these things are like the unplugged toaster. In God’s strength and power, they are like the power lines that carry electricity to everything attached to it and give us the power we need to run our appliances, our lives.
So today, God is asking all of us, what has He called you to do that you are not doing? And Why? He’s ready. His hand is stretched out waiting for us to take it, to be obedient. Has he called you to a specific ministry? Has He called you to write, sing, preach, work with kids, teach, evangelize? Has He called you to do something big, something small-behind the scenes?
Today is the day that you need to decide that God is bigger than your fears, bigger than your failures, and able to accomplish in you what He has for your life. If you will be obedient to what God has for you, your life will not be the only one transformed. You will be blessed and be a blessing to others.
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here. Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music. Jubilee Family Church 45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
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April 28, 2010
Spiritual Warfare (Part 2); Winning the Battle in the Spiritual Realm
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.
This week we're going to focus in on discussing how to win the battle in the spiritual realm, more specifically the second heaven.
A review from last week
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
I. How to win the Spiritual War over Self
A. View God’s Mercy
B. Crucify Self
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Consider the possibilities when we win the battle in the spiritual realm. Watch this 9 minute video where groups of people all over the globe are experiencing a mighty revival.
Winning the Battle In The Spiritual Realm
We know from scripture that there is a "Third Heaven" from the writings of Paul and he described what he saw as paradise.
The Third Heaven
2 Corinthians 12:2-4
2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4was caught up to paradise.
The Second Heaven
It’s generally accepted that the first heaven is the visible world or cosmos. It’s also generally accepted, considering first century Jewish thought, that the second heaven was a place of chaos. Some believe this is the realm between the dwelling place of God and the dwelling place of man. It’s possibly the place where the Prince of the Persian kingdoms resisted the heavenly messenger in Daniel chapter 10.
Daniel 10:12,13
12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.
Our Struggle
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Possibly referring to the second heaven.
A Peek into the Second Heaven
2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Keys to Overcoming The Devil
Revelation 12:11
They overcame him (The Accuser) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
A. The Blood of the Sinless Lamb of God
B. The Word of their Testimony
Have you ever noticed how people tend to only remember the first two ways to overcome listed in Revelation 12:11? Why do you think that is?
Understand the Devil’s Tactics
Tactic #1
Being Opportunistic
Luke 4:13
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
From the above passage what does it tell you about the tactics of the devil?
We know that Jesus eventually considered his disciples friends from the scripture below.
John 15:15
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Tactic #2
Using your closest friends
Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
John 13:27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.
What conclusions can you draw from Matthew 16 and John 13 as it relates to the tactics of the devil?
Tactic #3
Intimidation and opportunistic – Roaring Lion
1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
The only people the Devil devours from the Christian ranks are those who allow themselves to be devoured.
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Tactic #4
Doing Nothing
Lulling you to sleep before the attack
Matthew 26:41, 45
41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
45Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
Tactic #5
Play on the Sinful Nature
Devil’s Entry Points
Genesis 3:6
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was 1. good for food and 2. pleasing to the eye, and also 3. desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.
Satanic Attack against Jesus
Matthew 4:2 – A Craving is Present
2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
2. Matthew 4:8 – Something that appeals to the Eyes is Present
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
3. Matthew 4:5,6 – Trying to Get Jesus to Boast inappropriately to Prove he’s the Son of God.
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'[b]"
Jesus overcomes the Devil by understanding correctly the word of God and declaring it to the situations the enemy placed before him.
Jesus is a master swordsman wielding the Word of God!
Ephesians 6:17
The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
The devil will push the same buttons in your life. You must study to show your self approved a workman who rightly divides the word of truth if you want to overcome the attacks of the enemy. The devil will continue to use the same tactics against you.
Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.
1 John 2:16
For everything in the world—1. the cravings of sinful man, 2. the lust of his eyes and the 3. boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.
Dealing with principalities in the second heaven.
Intercession
Ezekiel 22:30
"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.
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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Take some time and pray about your area in the world. Ask God to show you what principalities are affecting the thinking of people and pray for the Lord to move those principalities out so the Glory of God can pour into your sphere of influence.
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here. Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music. Jubilee Family Church 45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
View Larger Map
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.
A review from last week
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
I. How to win the Spiritual War over Self
A. View God’s Mercy
B. Crucify Self
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Consider the possibilities when we win the battle in the spiritual realm. Watch this 9 minute video where groups of people all over the globe are experiencing a mighty revival.
Winning the Battle In The Spiritual Realm
We know from scripture that there is a "Third Heaven" from the writings of Paul and he described what he saw as paradise.
The Third Heaven
2 Corinthians 12:2-4
2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4was caught up to paradise.
The Second Heaven
It’s generally accepted that the first heaven is the visible world or cosmos. It’s also generally accepted, considering first century Jewish thought, that the second heaven was a place of chaos. Some believe this is the realm between the dwelling place of God and the dwelling place of man. It’s possibly the place where the Prince of the Persian kingdoms resisted the heavenly messenger in Daniel chapter 10.
Daniel 10:12,13
12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.
Our Struggle
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Possibly referring to the second heaven.
A Peek into the Second Heaven
2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Keys to Overcoming The Devil
Revelation 12:11
They overcame him (The Accuser) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
A. The Blood of the Sinless Lamb of God
B. The Word of their Testimony
- Remembering
- Reminding
- Reinforcing
Have you ever noticed how people tend to only remember the first two ways to overcome listed in Revelation 12:11? Why do you think that is?
Understand the Devil’s Tactics
Tactic #1
Being Opportunistic
Luke 4:13
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
From the above passage what does it tell you about the tactics of the devil?
We know that Jesus eventually considered his disciples friends from the scripture below.
John 15:15
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Tactic #2
Using your closest friends
Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
John 13:27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.
What conclusions can you draw from Matthew 16 and John 13 as it relates to the tactics of the devil?
Tactic #3
Intimidation and opportunistic – Roaring Lion
1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
The only people the Devil devours from the Christian ranks are those who allow themselves to be devoured.
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Tactic #4
Doing Nothing
Lulling you to sleep before the attack
Matthew 26:41, 45
41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
45Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
Tactic #5
Play on the Sinful Nature
Devil’s Entry Points
- When a person yields to cravings
- When a person allows lust of the eyes
- When a person boasts of what he has and does - pride
Genesis 3:6
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was 1. good for food and 2. pleasing to the eye, and also 3. desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.
Satanic Attack against Jesus
Matthew 4:2 – A Craving is Present
2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
2. Matthew 4:8 – Something that appeals to the Eyes is Present
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
3. Matthew 4:5,6 – Trying to Get Jesus to Boast inappropriately to Prove he’s the Son of God.
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'[b]"
Jesus overcomes the Devil by understanding correctly the word of God and declaring it to the situations the enemy placed before him.
Jesus is a master swordsman wielding the Word of God!
Ephesians 6:17
The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
The devil will push the same buttons in your life. You must study to show your self approved a workman who rightly divides the word of truth if you want to overcome the attacks of the enemy. The devil will continue to use the same tactics against you.
Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.
1 John 2:16
For everything in the world—1. the cravings of sinful man, 2. the lust of his eyes and the 3. boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.
Dealing with principalities in the second heaven.
Intercession
Ezekiel 22:30
"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.
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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Take some time and pray about your area in the world. Ask God to show you what principalities are affecting the thinking of people and pray for the Lord to move those principalities out so the Glory of God can pour into your sphere of influence.
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Christian please click here. Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time U.S.A. or via internet video on Jubilee T.V. If you live in Batesville please tune into KCCJ - 106.9 FM to listen to contemporary worship music. Jubilee Family Church 45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124
View Larger Map
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