Jubilee Family Church
What is Water Baptism? The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word “baptizo” which means to immerse or dip. To baptize something, then, means to completely submerge it in a liquid. In a biblical sense, to baptize a person in water means to completely submerge in water, then immediately raise that person up again.
Water baptism is simply an outward sign of God’s cleansing work in a person’s heart, and is meaningless without a spiritual baptism into Christ. Water baptism is an important first step of obedience for a new believer. To do so, helps new believers understand the spiritual truth that according to their faith, their old nature is dead in Christ and their new nature is alive in Christ.
Romans 6:6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-7because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (Salvation is simply the act of being spiritually baptized in Christ. As a result, we become freed from sin.)
Water baptism symbolically identifies us as new creations in Christ. By going down in the water, we illustrate that our old man is dead to sin and buried by faith in Christ. By being raised up out of the water, we show that our new man is raised by the Spirit, alive by faith in Christ. Jesus becomes Lord of our lives. We then commit to walk in righteousness, not through our old ways and fleshy habits but through our new life in Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling us.
Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
August 27, 2008
August 17, 2008
The Forgotten Harvest
by Johnny Howard
I can’t believe it’s almost September. Where has 2008 gone? I love the autumn season – the vibrant colors and the smell of change in the air. For the farmers, it’s a time to harvest the crops that they have labored for over the prior months and maybe even years.
It reminds me of one of my favorite stories in the Bible – the book of Ruth. I know we’ve all looked at the traditional story of Ruth being rescued by the Kinsman Redeemer Boaz - a type and shadow of Jesus coming and rescuing his bride. While that’s true, there’s another story in this book and another type and shadow of Jesus that I feel has been overlooked. That’s Naomi’s story. I believe in this story, Ruth is the type and shadow of Jesus.
It’s interesting, if you do a word study on the names, Naomi means “delightful.” The name Ruth means “friendship.” Naomi started out as a very delightful person. Then, things started going downhill. Her husband died, then both of her sons died and there she was left with two daughters-in-law that she probably didn’t even like. Orpah, one of the daughters-in-law left and went back to her family, but Ruth took a stand and stayed with Naomi. Why?
Proverbs 18:24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Remember t hat Ruth’s name means “Friendship.” She wasn’t placed in Naomi’s path by accident? She wasn’t just sticking with Naomi out of her selfish desire for a new life. She was a genuine friend who made a commitment to stick by Naomi no matter what.
Naomi changed her name to Mara, which means bitter. Naomi had allowed the weight of her circumstances change her into an angry, bitter person. (I know that I can relate.) Yet, here is the most interesting part of this story to me. Naomi chose wallow in her self-pity. She stayed in the house and closed the blinds and hid from the world. Meanwhile, Ruth, the friend that sticks close, was out gleaning in the fields on Naomi’s behalf.
Deuteronomy 31:8The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Why is this so exciting to me? Because God saw a world that had become caught up in its own circumstances, bitter and angry that he sent a friend that would stick closer than a brother, would never leave nor forsake us – that even now is on His knees interceding on our behalf.
Which brings me to what you need to know from this story. Naomi had sown good seeds into good ground throughout her life – but just like the rest of us, she fell short and lost her way. Yet even though she walked away from the fields, God sent someone before her to work in the fields on her behalf – to prepare for her restoration. When the kinsman redeemer came, he did not just take Ruth. He restored Naomi as well. Just like when God rolled the stone away from the tomb. It was not just His only Son that He redeemed. It was so that we all could be saved.
Naomi still received her harvest.
I believe that there are people reading this who have sown good seeds into good ground and due to the trials of life have walked away. You need to realize, that God sent a friend that sticks closer than a brother. His name is Jesus. Just because you have forsaken your harvest, doesn’t mean that He has. Just because we have stumbled and fallen in our lives, doesn’t mean that God has forgotten the good things we have done, nor does it mean that He is finished using us for His glory. It’s time to get back up and receive all that is ours!
Jubilee Family Church
I can’t believe it’s almost September. Where has 2008 gone? I love the autumn season – the vibrant colors and the smell of change in the air. For the farmers, it’s a time to harvest the crops that they have labored for over the prior months and maybe even years.
It reminds me of one of my favorite stories in the Bible – the book of Ruth. I know we’ve all looked at the traditional story of Ruth being rescued by the Kinsman Redeemer Boaz - a type and shadow of Jesus coming and rescuing his bride. While that’s true, there’s another story in this book and another type and shadow of Jesus that I feel has been overlooked. That’s Naomi’s story. I believe in this story, Ruth is the type and shadow of Jesus.
It’s interesting, if you do a word study on the names, Naomi means “delightful.” The name Ruth means “friendship.” Naomi started out as a very delightful person. Then, things started going downhill. Her husband died, then both of her sons died and there she was left with two daughters-in-law that she probably didn’t even like. Orpah, one of the daughters-in-law left and went back to her family, but Ruth took a stand and stayed with Naomi. Why?
Proverbs 18:24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Remember t hat Ruth’s name means “Friendship.” She wasn’t placed in Naomi’s path by accident? She wasn’t just sticking with Naomi out of her selfish desire for a new life. She was a genuine friend who made a commitment to stick by Naomi no matter what.
Naomi changed her name to Mara, which means bitter. Naomi had allowed the weight of her circumstances change her into an angry, bitter person. (I know that I can relate.) Yet, here is the most interesting part of this story to me. Naomi chose wallow in her self-pity. She stayed in the house and closed the blinds and hid from the world. Meanwhile, Ruth, the friend that sticks close, was out gleaning in the fields on Naomi’s behalf.
Deuteronomy 31:8The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Why is this so exciting to me? Because God saw a world that had become caught up in its own circumstances, bitter and angry that he sent a friend that would stick closer than a brother, would never leave nor forsake us – that even now is on His knees interceding on our behalf.
Which brings me to what you need to know from this story. Naomi had sown good seeds into good ground throughout her life – but just like the rest of us, she fell short and lost her way. Yet even though she walked away from the fields, God sent someone before her to work in the fields on her behalf – to prepare for her restoration. When the kinsman redeemer came, he did not just take Ruth. He restored Naomi as well. Just like when God rolled the stone away from the tomb. It was not just His only Son that He redeemed. It was so that we all could be saved.
Naomi still received her harvest.
I believe that there are people reading this who have sown good seeds into good ground and due to the trials of life have walked away. You need to realize, that God sent a friend that sticks closer than a brother. His name is Jesus. Just because you have forsaken your harvest, doesn’t mean that He has. Just because we have stumbled and fallen in our lives, doesn’t mean that God has forgotten the good things we have done, nor does it mean that He is finished using us for His glory. It’s time to get back up and receive all that is ours!
July 21, 2008
Jubilee Family Church Soul Winners
I think what I'm most excited about as it relates to the outreach are the people in Jubilee Family Church who have been activated into soul winning. I've decided that every day I'm going to ask at least one person the big question. I'd like to issue a challenge to all our new soul winners to ask the big question to at least one person a day. I believe this will start an avalanche of souls coming into the kingdom of God. Let me know if you are going to take the challenge. One question a day. Seven questions a week. Have you asked anyone today?
Jubilee Family Church
Jubilee Family Church
Invasion Batesville
Here's a recap of the week. We had Jack Priest, Phil Miller, and John Knight come down to help spark us in the area of soul winning. They arrived on Wednesday and stayed in the parsonage. They were very humble and helpful, not asking for anything. They ran to the hardware store and did some minor repairs at the parsonage also. That was really nice. Wednesday night, after a little intro by me the three men shared what they believed about winning souls from their years of experience. Phil told me one night at the fair that he believes he's prayed with about 3000 people himself this year alone to receive Christ! The things they shared Wednesday night were very simple theologically but take a lot of courage to execute. I really caught a heart for Jack as he wept sharing how he wants to see the Lord's face smiling at him and hearing the words well done good and faithful servant. Well we had already been doing some soul winning at the fair on Tuesday so I was eager to get back to the fair again on Wednesday evening. We left church and headed over there for more evangelism. Over the course of the fair outreach it seemed like about 80 to 85% of the people we talked to said they were saved, went to church etc. I was very happy to find that so many people in our region are connected with a church. The numbers were higher than I've ever seen before. I also noticed that of the 80 - 85% only about 3% would mention Jesus Christ in their answer. It began to bother me a little bit that people would use the terms God, He, Him etc. So I had some fun with asking people if they were talking about Mohammad saving them or Buddha saving them. They looked at me, some astonished, and said, "No Jesus Christ saved me." I'd reply with something like, "Well you didn't say so I was just wondering." I had a lot of fun with this! But there was a purpose to me pressing this with people.
Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
You know Jesus is a name we should be proud to say and there's something in the world that doesn't want us to say his name. Don't let the world keep you from saying the name that is above every name!
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Sorry Oprah, you differ from Jesus, Apostle Luke and the Holy Spirit on this subject.
On Thursday around 2:30 PM the youth from the Rock of Cape showed up and we got unpacked and started a training session with them. The training went well and the youth, when asked what they expected to receive from this trip, the resounding answer was more boldness. I'd have to say that each youth that came in this week won more souls to the Lord than they had cumulatively won to the Lord in their lives. Friday morning we went out door to door and collected non perishable food items for Help and Hope, a local food and clothing distribution ministry located here in Batesville. After collecting a can or two we'd offer to pray with the people about anything. Many people opened, not only their pantries but also their hearts sharing different things going on in their lives. I went out with John Paul, Bethany and Austin. We had a lot of fun because Bethany was getting the most cans. We were teasing one another about how awesome Bethany was at it. It was a lot of fun! On Friday we collected about 200 lbs of food and prayed with several about needs and also to receive the Lord. My 8 year old daughter prayed with a lady to receive the Lord on Friday! We went out to the Fair on Friday and had a great time. It was hot but we all pressed through and began to share our faith. Again several prayed by asking Jesus into their hearts and testifying about it to a friend. We had a very effective time of outreach but the true measure of what happened won't be fully known until we step into eternity. However we've already seen some immediate fruit from our efforts. I believe the results will keep pouring in over time. God gave us a unique strategy and I'm excited about doing something like this again in the future. I pray that you were blessed if someone from our teams spoke with you!
Make a comment especially if your name Brandy
Jubilee Family Church
Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
You know Jesus is a name we should be proud to say and there's something in the world that doesn't want us to say his name. Don't let the world keep you from saying the name that is above every name!
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Sorry Oprah, you differ from Jesus, Apostle Luke and the Holy Spirit on this subject.
On Thursday around 2:30 PM the youth from the Rock of Cape showed up and we got unpacked and started a training session with them. The training went well and the youth, when asked what they expected to receive from this trip, the resounding answer was more boldness. I'd have to say that each youth that came in this week won more souls to the Lord than they had cumulatively won to the Lord in their lives. Friday morning we went out door to door and collected non perishable food items for Help and Hope, a local food and clothing distribution ministry located here in Batesville. After collecting a can or two we'd offer to pray with the people about anything. Many people opened, not only their pantries but also their hearts sharing different things going on in their lives. I went out with John Paul, Bethany and Austin. We had a lot of fun because Bethany was getting the most cans. We were teasing one another about how awesome Bethany was at it. It was a lot of fun! On Friday we collected about 200 lbs of food and prayed with several about needs and also to receive the Lord. My 8 year old daughter prayed with a lady to receive the Lord on Friday! We went out to the Fair on Friday and had a great time. It was hot but we all pressed through and began to share our faith. Again several prayed by asking Jesus into their hearts and testifying about it to a friend. We had a very effective time of outreach but the true measure of what happened won't be fully known until we step into eternity. However we've already seen some immediate fruit from our efforts. I believe the results will keep pouring in over time. God gave us a unique strategy and I'm excited about doing something like this again in the future. I pray that you were blessed if someone from our teams spoke with you!
Make a comment especially if your name Brandy
Jubilee Family Church
June 28, 2008
A Holy Spirit Sensitive Church
Well I was up early for me this morning because I'm so excited about what I sense the Lord is doing in the world today. I'm especially excited because of what that means to us at Jubilee Family Church. God's given us amazing ideas to reach our community and world for Him. Now it's time to execute the plan and walk out the direction and vision he's given us. I'm very confident in the Lord and believe him to be faithful on every level. As I sit here watching my dog "Buddy" chewing on a stick while laying in the slow falling mist I want to re-iterate something that I said last Sunday at church.
There's a strong push in the body of Christ to make the emphasis of the church people. Not just any people but lost people. I understand this philosophy and see some very powerful benefits to embracing this seeker sensitive movement. I however also realize that our church needs to have a very strong dimension to it's makeup that's what I call, "Holy Spirit Sensitive". Sometimes in an effort to attract big crowds ministries can compromise certain aspects of what they are doing in order to not be offensive to people who won't understand the message of the cross. I believe the message we preach should be comprehended by the people who are listening but I also know that Jesus often spoke in veiled speech to the multitude. However when in the presence of his disciples his message was plain and explained. I suppose what I'm saying is there needs to be a balance in our church. Some of the things that some Christian people have heralded as "a move of the Spirit". May just be people acting weird. I understand that also.
When God shows up in power people will come, the numbers will be there. I've decided to pursue the Lord to move in power and majesty in our services as apposed to making things comfortable to visitors. We do have several home cell groups that a visitor can go to; to connect relationally and experience true community and friendship. However when we gather together as a large group my heart is set to experiencing the manifest presence of God.
Well a crying baby who needs a nap is going to end my blog for now. God has given us the city!
Jubilee Family Church
There's a strong push in the body of Christ to make the emphasis of the church people. Not just any people but lost people. I understand this philosophy and see some very powerful benefits to embracing this seeker sensitive movement. I however also realize that our church needs to have a very strong dimension to it's makeup that's what I call, "Holy Spirit Sensitive". Sometimes in an effort to attract big crowds ministries can compromise certain aspects of what they are doing in order to not be offensive to people who won't understand the message of the cross. I believe the message we preach should be comprehended by the people who are listening but I also know that Jesus often spoke in veiled speech to the multitude. However when in the presence of his disciples his message was plain and explained. I suppose what I'm saying is there needs to be a balance in our church. Some of the things that some Christian people have heralded as "a move of the Spirit". May just be people acting weird. I understand that also.
When God shows up in power people will come, the numbers will be there. I've decided to pursue the Lord to move in power and majesty in our services as apposed to making things comfortable to visitors. We do have several home cell groups that a visitor can go to; to connect relationally and experience true community and friendship. However when we gather together as a large group my heart is set to experiencing the manifest presence of God.
Well a crying baby who needs a nap is going to end my blog for now. God has given us the city!
Jubilee Family Church
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