October 12, 2008
Iron Sharpens Iron
Above is a video from one of our Wednesday evening services where we discuss the points from the Sunday sermon. Sometimes God will bring you face to face with yourself to help you develop your character.
Jubilee Family Church
Be an Encourager
1 Thessalonians 2:19,20
19For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
Background:
The Thessalonian church was a church that Paul shared the gospel with and they received the message and were moving forward with it. This was very encouraging to Paul in light of some other places that hadn't grown or moved ahead with Christ. There's almost a sense of fearful hope in the heart of the Apostle Paul. Sending Timothy to the Thessalonian church to find out that they are doing great! I believe he's very excited about the way God was blessing the Thessalonian church.
The Words for encouragement appear 59 times in the Bible and we see a very high concentration of the word here in 1st and 2nd Thessalonians.
Proverbs 11:25
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Get the focus off of you and refresh someone else and see what happens to you.
Points about encouragement
1 Thessalonians 3:2
We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
2. Other people's faith. Especially of those who you've shared the gospel with. It is very encouraging for a teacher to share a message with the students and the students assimilate the information with understanding and practical application.
1 Thessalonians 4:18
Therefore encourage each other with these words.
3. Our Words -
Life and death is in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21
Ephesians 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
4. Anyone can encourage anyone else and their should be a atmosphere of encouragement around you.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Warn - Lazy People
5. Encourage - Timid People
Should you encourage a brash and bold person who's going in a direction that you don't agree with? Encourage those who need it, the timid
Help - Weak People
Be Patient - With All People
Different People need different things. Everyone needs patience.
2 Thessalonians 2:16
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,
6. We can receive encouragement directly from Christ and God the Father.
2 Thessalonians 2:17
encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
7. Our hearts can be encouraged and strengthened so we move into good deeds and words.
Jubilee Family Church
October 4, 2008
Motivation from Heaven; Faith, Love and Hope
There are several times in scripture where faith, love and hope appear together.
• 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
• Colossians 1:5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel
• 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
Our Main Verse
• 1 Thessalonians 1:3
– We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Faith Produces Work
2. Love Prompts Labor
3. Hope Inspires Endurance
What is Faith?
• Hebrews 11:1
– Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
I hope the Lords definition for Faith hasn’t become cliché in our lives.
Faith is believing in what you do not see.
Part of the definition for faith is the concept of visionary leadership.
– Many people have sight but they don’t have vision. They can’t see a better, brighter future and take the necessary daily steps to make it a reality.
1. Faith Produces Work
• 2 Corinthians 10:15b Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand,
Paul knows what every minister knows who’s leading people. He only has as much influence in the lives of the people he’s leading as they will allow. Faith in the hearts of the people in Paul’s ministry gives him more influence as God’s man to work and perform in the ministry.
• Even Jesus could be limited by peoples lack of faith.
– Matthew 13:58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
• As faith Grows, ministry activity or ministry works also greatly expand.
– This applies on a personal level and together it applies on a corporate level.
– More hands come on board to shoulder the work of the ministry. More gets accomplished when we’re all walking in an increasing faith.
• James 2:22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
• Completed works are the fruit or expression of faith!
2. Love Prompts Labor
• 2 Corinthians 5:14a 14For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, (sunecho)
• Controls - to exercise restraining or directing influence over
• Urge - to undertake the accomplishment of with energy, swiftness, or enthusiasm
• Impels - to urge or drive forward or on by or as if by the exertion of strong, internal moral motivation.
A fuller understanding of 2 Co. 5:14
• For the Love of Christ exercises a restraining or directing influence over me, His love causes me to undertake the accomplishment of his Will with energy, swiftness, and enthusiasm. Christ’s love urges and drives me forward and drives me on by the exertion of strong, internal moral motivation.
• Constrain - sunecho"to hold together, confine, secure, to hold fast" (echo, "to have or hold"), "to constrain,"
• Luke uses the word 9 times out of it’s 12 occurrences in the New Testament
Constrain
• Acts 18:5
– 5When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively (sunecho) to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
Constrain
• Luke 19:43
– 43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. (sunecho)
Constrain
• Luke 22:63
– Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody (sunecho) were mocking Him and beating Him,
Hope
• Hope – a favorable and confident expectation, hope has to do with the unseen and the future, hope is the happy anticipation of good.
3. Hope Inspires Endurance
• This makes sense because if you have an anticipation of something brighter and better going through challenges can kill your hope if you don’t have a strong determination to see it fulfilled.
• Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Endurance + Scripture = Inspired Hope
• Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
• Maybe you’re not seeing what you want to see in your life, in your family, in your job or in your ministry. Hope will carry you through the difficult times so you can endure them until your vision comes to pass.
• How many fights does a fighter have to fight and win before he gets noticed by big fight promoters?
• How many fights does he have to fight and win before he becomes a contender?
• How about before he gets a shot at the champ.
• How many hours does he spend in the gym? How many punches does he receive to his face and abdomen?
• He does all this because he hopes he can be the champion!
• God has made you to be successful in your God ordained endeavors! God has called you to be a champion for Him!
• Deuteronomy 28:13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.
• The “secret” is getting into the Lord’s presence.
– The Word
– Worship
– Prayer
Let's take some time today to pray and seek the Lord to infuse into us His faith, love and hope.
September 30, 2008
Eye Opening Prophecy
Dr. Sharon Stone:"September Will Convince You that You Must Connect to His Economic System"
The following is a prophecy given by Dr. Sharon Stone in Glasgow, Scotland in the summer of 2008. The notations in red italics are fulfillment of the word, but are not part of the word given.
September is a Turning Point
"September is a turning point and a sign of the times. It is all about those who have made Godly alignments in this season being blessed with revelation and information in the midst of world crisis.
"I see more banks will suffer: a USA world bank's shares are in trouble (Lehman Brothers files bankruptcy, September 15, 2008). I see government in the USA bailing out mortgage giants (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - Federal takeover, September 7, 2008) and the government in England cutting house purchase taxes for the sagging housing crisis (Stamp Duty Tax change announced, September 2, 2008) to no avail.
"I see a European airline failing with no notice (XL files bankruptcy, September 12, 2008). I see the eyes of the world looking to see, 'Who is this coming out of Alaska?' (Sarah Palin announced as McCain's running mate, August 29, 2008). And I see smoke coming from the Chunnel (Fire in the Chunnel, September 11, 2008).
"As I see these things, I hear the encouragement of God to His Isaacs in the earth who sow in the times of famine and reap 100 fold in the year. I'm not a prosperity preacher, I'm a prophet. And God is saying that September will convince you that you must connect to His economic system. There are always the few that are greatly blessed when the majority are shaken, threatened and fearful."
God says, "Have you positioned yourself for THE NEW? Your storehouse is not an earthly bank. Hold on and I will bail you out of your mortgage issues. Am I not better to you than any government? I will not leave you stranded on foreign soil, and I will carry you above the circumstances better than any plane or jet. And your hope is not an Alaskan saviour, but Me." I know that sounds strange, it does to me also.
"England, the smoke I saw coming out of the Chunnel is a warning for your intercessors to arise and cut off the enemy's plan to sabotage and siege England's favour in trade. Let him who has ears hear....
"God, I release an Isaac anointing upon us now!"
Dr. Sharon Stone
Christian International Europe
Email: cieurope@aol.com
About Sharon Stone: Sharon is the founder and senior minister of Christian International Europe. She is widely recognized as an Apostolic Prophet to the nations and has traveled to over thirty nations. By the age of nineteen, Sharon was an Intern Pastor and within twelve years she had pioneered and planted two churches and was the president of a Bible college. In 1996, Sharon and her family relocated to England to pioneer Christian International Europe with the intention of developing and mobilizing prophets and apostles to unlock harvest in the nations. Sharon has three grown children and is married to Greg Black.
Content taken from the Elijah List e-mail.
September 27, 2008
Overcoming Fear in Times of Uncertainty
Part 1 of Sunday's video on Overcoming Fear
Part 2 of Sunday's video on Overcoming Fear in Times of Uncertainty
If both videos start simultaneously you'll have to press (pause) on the bottom video until the top one finished. Then play the second video.
Notes from Sunday Sermon 9-28-2008
There are many things to be afraid of in today's world.
Terrorism
Nuclear
Biological
Chemical
Conventional Weapons
Instability in the Middle East
August 2008
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
"We will witness dismantling of the corrupt regime (Israel) in a very near future," said Mamoud during World Mosque Week. He went on to say that Israel is "the main cause of all corruption and wickedness in the contemporary era." He has likewise described Israel as "a dirty microbe," "a wild animal," and "the West’s scarecrow."
A Quote from Adolf Hitler
"The struggle for world domination will be fought entirely between us, between Germans and Jews. All else is facade and illusion. Behind England stands Israel, and behind France, and behind the United States. Even when we have driven the Jew out of Germany, he remains our world enemy.
A resurging Military presence from Russia
August 17th 2007 Russia continues to reassert itself on the world stage, announcing today that it has resumed the Cold War practice of sending strategic bombers on long-range patrols beyond its borders.
"We have decided to restore flights by Russian strategic aviation on a permanent basis," President Vladimir Putin.
Natural Disasters
Floods
Tornados
Earthquakes
Hurricanes
Asteroid Strikes
Tsunamis
Super Volcanoes
Accidents
Automobile
Falling
Trains
Airplanes
Economic Collapse
National debt of 10.5 Trillion dollars = $37,000 for every man woman and child in the USA.
I owe $185,000 for all the members of my family.
The good news is that half of the National debt is money the government has taken from itself. From organizations like social security.
Crime
Robbery
Violent Crimes
Sickness
Many different ways to get sick.
Controlling Fear
If you don’t get a grip on fear it will dominate your personality and keep you from apprehending the promises of God. Some fear is healthy but other fear is downright demonic and designed to control and manipulate you, keeping you in your box.
What to do to overcome fear
Pray
Ask God to speak to you what you are to do about your fears.
Use Wisdom
Read up on the situation
Know the possibilities
Have a plan prepared in advance for various scenarios.
For example, decide if you are going to stay or go and where are you going to go if you go?
Understanding God’s Nature
Exodus 8:22" 'But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the LORD, am in this land. 23 I will make a distinction between my people and your people.
The Reason Noah was spared.
1 The LORD then said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.
Noah was considered Righteous in his generation
Righteousness is right standing with God and is established by faith
Romans 3:21(Amplified) But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets,
22Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe.
Most translations translate the underlined section with one word, FAITH!
Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Conditional safety recognized in part by rest
dwelling in the shelter of the most high will bring rest regardless of your circumstances.
Not dwelling in the shelter of the most high will not bring rest.
No Rest=A person who’s not Dwelling in the Lord
Jesus perfectly illustrates rest in the midst of difficult circumstances
Matthew 8:24
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
Emotional stress means you’re not dwelling in the shelter of the Almighty God.
How do we dwell in the shelter of the Most High?
Taking Communion Properly is one ways we dwell in the shelter of the Lord
John 6:56
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.
Do this in remembrance of me
Recognize the body of Christ
Forgive offenses and make things right with people
1 Cor. 11:28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
The results of dwelling in the Lord
John 15:4
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
- The Fruits of the Spirit
The fruit of converted maturing people
Fruit production takes time
Abiding in the Lord gives us powerful prayers
John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
We know we’re abiding when…
We declare because we believe "he is my refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust."
When fear controls you, you don’t say or believe the above.
Refuge- shelter or protection from danger or distress; a place that provides shelter or protection
Fortress- a fortified place : stronghold ; especially : a large and permanent fortification sometimes including a town
Trust- assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; one in which confidence is placed
Love and acknowledgement are the conditions to the promise
Ps. 91:14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
Love=Rescue
Acknowledgement=Protection
Do you Love the Lord?
Love = Obedience
John 14:21,23-24 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.
23Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
Do you acknowledge the Lord?
Luke 9:26If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
God will deliver us from…
The Fowlers Snare- The Devil’s schemes
Deadly Pestilence- 1: a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating ; like the bubonic plague
God will Deliver us From…
3. Fear of gun fire, terror and fear of the unknown.
Ps. 91:5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
God will Deliver us From…
4. Mass death due to pestilence and plague mentioned in v.6
V7&8 You will stand while those around you who aren’t dwelling in the Lord die by the thousands.
God will deliver us from…
5. V 10-12 harm and disaster, you will not even strike your foot against a stone.
He will order the angels to protect you!
God will deliver us from…
6. V. 13 Animal attacks
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
His protection is like a large angel that gives shelter under His wings. HIS faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
What’s a Rampart?
1 : a protective barrier; a broad embankment raised as a fortification; a wall-like ridge (as of rock fragments, earth, or debris)
Free Pass?
Sometimes we don’t get a free pass.
Hebrews 11 talks about a great group of righteous individuals who died in faith without seeing the manifestation of the fullness of their faith in this life.
Difficulty from ungodly people
John 15:18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
Matthew 24:9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
Prepare the Best you Can
Most times trusting the Lord means listening to his word and taking action. Had the Israelites not put the blood over the door post when the death angel came their firstborn would’ve died also.
Had Noah not built and entered the Ark he would’ve perished in the flood with the rest of the world.
Use what you think God’s telling you with wisdom to prepare for the future.
Then ABSOLUTELY move on the information you have.
Remember
Romans 8:15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Love and acknowledge the Lord and the promises of Psalm 91 are yours!
September 23, 2008
Creative Solutions
A pastor concluded that his church was getting into very serious
financial troubles. While checking the church storeroom, he discovered
several cartons of new bibles that had never been opened and distributed.
So at his Sunday sermon, he asked for three volunteers from the
congregation who would be willing to sell the bibles door-to-door for
$10 each to raise the desperately needed money for the church.
Jack, Paul and Louie all raised their hands to volunteer for the task.
The minister knew that Jack and Paul earned their living as salesmen and were likely capable of selling some bibles. But he had serious
doubts about Louie-who was a local farmer, who had always kept to
himself because he was embarrassed by his speech impediment. Poor
Louis stuttered badly. But, not wanting to discourage Louis, the
minister decided to let him try anyway.
He sent the three of them away with the back seat of their cars stacked with Bibles. He asked them to meet with him and report the results of their door-to-door selling efforts the following Sunday.
Anxious to find out how successful they were, the minister immediately
asked Jack, "Well, Jack, how did you make out selling our Bibles last
week?"
Proudly handing the reverend an envelope, Jack replied, "Using my sales prowess, I was able to sell 20 bibles, and here's the $200 I collected on behalf of the church."
"Fine job, Jack!" the minister said, vigorously shaking his hand. " You
are indeed a fine salesman and the Church is indebted to you."
Turning to Paul, "And Paul, how many Bibles did you sell for the Church last week?"
Paul, smiling and sticking out his chest, confidently replied, "I am a
professional salesman. I sold 28 bibles on behalf of the church, and
here's the $280 I collected."
The minister responded, "That's absolutely splendid, Paul. You are
truly a professional salesman and the church is indebted to you."
Apprehensively, the minister turned to Louie and said, "And Louie, did
you manage to sell any bibles last week?" Louie silently offered the
minister a large envelope.
The minister opened it and counted the contents. "What is this?"
the minister exclaimed. "Louie, there's $3200 in here! Are you
suggesting that you sold 320 Bibles for the church, door to door, in
just one week?!"
Louie just nodded. "That's impossible!" both Jack and Paul said in
unison. "We are professional salesmen, yet you claim to have sold 10
times as many bibles as we could."
"Yes, this does seem unlikely," the minister agreed. "I think you'd
better explain how you managed to accomplish this, Louie."
Louie shrugged. "I-I-I re-re-really do-do-don't kn-kn-know f-f-f-for
sh-sh-sh-sure," he stammered.
Impatiently, Peter interrupted. "For crying out loud, Louie, just tell
us what you said to them when they answered the door!"
"A-a-a-all I-I-I s-s-said wa-wa-was," Louis replied, "W-w-w-w-would
y-y-y-you l-l-l-l-l-like t-t-to b-b-b-buy th-th-th-this b-b-b-b-bible
f-f-for t-t-ten b-b-b-bucks---o-o-o-or---wo-wo-would yo-you
j-j-j-just l-like m-m-me t-t-to st-st-stand h-h-here and
r-r-r-r-r-read it t-to y-y-you??"
Jubilee Family Church
financial troubles. While checking the church storeroom, he discovered
several cartons of new bibles that had never been opened and distributed.
So at his Sunday sermon, he asked for three volunteers from the
congregation who would be willing to sell the bibles door-to-door for
$10 each to raise the desperately needed money for the church.
Jack, Paul and Louie all raised their hands to volunteer for the task.
The minister knew that Jack and Paul earned their living as salesmen and were likely capable of selling some bibles. But he had serious
doubts about Louie-who was a local farmer, who had always kept to
himself because he was embarrassed by his speech impediment. Poor
Louis stuttered badly. But, not wanting to discourage Louis, the
minister decided to let him try anyway.
He sent the three of them away with the back seat of their cars stacked with Bibles. He asked them to meet with him and report the results of their door-to-door selling efforts the following Sunday.
Anxious to find out how successful they were, the minister immediately
asked Jack, "Well, Jack, how did you make out selling our Bibles last
week?"
Proudly handing the reverend an envelope, Jack replied, "Using my sales prowess, I was able to sell 20 bibles, and here's the $200 I collected on behalf of the church."
"Fine job, Jack!" the minister said, vigorously shaking his hand. " You
are indeed a fine salesman and the Church is indebted to you."
Turning to Paul, "And Paul, how many Bibles did you sell for the Church last week?"
Paul, smiling and sticking out his chest, confidently replied, "I am a
professional salesman. I sold 28 bibles on behalf of the church, and
here's the $280 I collected."
The minister responded, "That's absolutely splendid, Paul. You are
truly a professional salesman and the church is indebted to you."
Apprehensively, the minister turned to Louie and said, "And Louie, did
you manage to sell any bibles last week?" Louie silently offered the
minister a large envelope.
The minister opened it and counted the contents. "What is this?"
the minister exclaimed. "Louie, there's $3200 in here! Are you
suggesting that you sold 320 Bibles for the church, door to door, in
just one week?!"
Louie just nodded. "That's impossible!" both Jack and Paul said in
unison. "We are professional salesmen, yet you claim to have sold 10
times as many bibles as we could."
"Yes, this does seem unlikely," the minister agreed. "I think you'd
better explain how you managed to accomplish this, Louie."
Louie shrugged. "I-I-I re-re-really do-do-don't kn-kn-know f-f-f-for
sh-sh-sh-sure," he stammered.
Impatiently, Peter interrupted. "For crying out loud, Louie, just tell
us what you said to them when they answered the door!"
"A-a-a-all I-I-I s-s-said wa-wa-was," Louis replied, "W-w-w-w-would
y-y-y-you l-l-l-l-l-like t-t-to b-b-b-buy th-th-th-this b-b-b-b-bible
f-f-for t-t-ten b-b-b-bucks---o-o-o-or---wo-wo-would yo-you
j-j-j-just l-like m-m-me t-t-to st-st-stand h-h-here and
r-r-r-r-r-read it t-to y-y-you??"
Jubilee Family Church
September 20, 2008
The Cross
1. The Devil wanted Jesus to Avoid the Cross
The crowd cried for Jesus to come down from the cross.
Matthew 27:40
Matthew 27:42
Mark 15:30
Mark 15:32 "Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!" Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.
The Devil and thus the world and world system didn’t want Jesus to go to the cross.
They wanted him to come down.
I believe the human side of Jesus wanted to come down also.
Listen to the heart of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane in Luke 22
Why would the Devil Want Jesus to avoid the Cross?
Colossians 2:13-15
13 And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions,
14Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.
15[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].
2. Pilate made an Announcement on the Cross
Pilate has a sign made for the cross.
John 19:19-22 19Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
Why did Pilate stick to his Guns?
•Pilate had revelation knowledge that Jesus was the King of the Jews!
•He didn’t have the courage to release him but he did have a knowing that this man was the King of the Jews.
•Matthew 16:18 Revelation knowledge is the rock that the church is built upon.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
3. Who's at Fault for the Cross?
•Who’s Responsible for Putting Jesus on the Cross?
–Is the Romans leadership to blame?
–Is the Jewish religious leadership at fault?
–Are the people at fault?
–Is Judas to blame?
All these are natural components that were used to carry out the crucifixion event but the real reason Jesus went to the cross was because he wanted to pay for your sin debt so he could have a relationship with you.
His love desires a relationship and his justice demands payment for sin. The solution is the cross!
He went to the cross because of love.
4. Jesus' Adoration of the Cross
•Jesus Adored the cross because that meant he could have you!
–John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
–Romans 5:7,8 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
5. Jesus went to the Cross on his own Accord
•John 10:17-18 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."
•Matthew 26:52-54 52"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"
A suffering Messiah
•The most vivid and detailed prediction about the sufferings of the Messiah is the prophecy of Isaiah, which occupies one and a half chapters of his book (the end of the 52nd and all of the 53rd). This prophecy contains such details of the sufferings of Christ, that the reader gets the impression that the prophet Isaiah wrote it at the foot of Golgotha, even though, as we know, the prophet Isaiah lived over seven centuries BC.
The “military might” of One Angel
•2 Kings 19:35 That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies!
How many people could 12 legions of Angels handle?
•12 Legions X’s 6000 angels per legion = 72,000 + angels.
•72,000 x 185,000 deaths per Angel = 13,320,000,000 or 13.3 Billion
6. Jesus went to the cross because he had authority from above
•John 19:8-12 8When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" 11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." 12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."
•Pilate in an effort to save his own skin passes the buck of responsibility over to the Jewish leaders for the crucifixion of Jesus. But as we just read the authority behind the crucifixion was “from above”.
7. The Cross has a dual meaning depending on your spiritual life.
1 Corinthians 1:17,18 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
•Something empties the cross of Christ of Power, it’s human wisdom or worldly wisdom.
1 Corinthians 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
2 Corinthians 1:12
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.
James 3
•Two Kinds of Wisdom
–13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Humility characterizes Godly wisdom.
Same Message
•Different Interpretation
–To the perishing the cross is foolishness
–To the saved the cross is the power of God
Watch the Video Below
Now offer your life to Jesus as a living sacrifice!
Jubilee Family Church
The God of all Time
This beautiful story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa.
One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator). We also had no special feeding facilities.
Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). 'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed.
As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.
'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm.'
The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.
During prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children.
'Please, God' she prayed, 'Send us a hot water bottle today. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.'
While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'
As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say 'Amen?' I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!
Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the verandah was a large 22-pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes.
I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box.
From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend.
Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the....could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.
Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!' Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted! Looking up at me, she asked, 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?'
'Of course,' I replied.
That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon.'
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24)
Jubilee Family Church
One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator). We also had no special feeding facilities.
Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). 'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed.
As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.
'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm.'
The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.
During prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children.
'Please, God' she prayed, 'Send us a hot water bottle today. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.'
While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'
As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say 'Amen?' I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!
Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the verandah was a large 22-pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes.
I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box.
From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend.
Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the....could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.
Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!' Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted! Looking up at me, she asked, 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?'
'Of course,' I replied.
That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon.'
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24)
Jubilee Family Church
September 16, 2008
What's Been Going on?
I think I missed my 20 year high school reunion at Lafayette High School in St. Louis MO. I wanted to go but it would be hard for me to get away with all that's been going on. Those of you who are new subscribers to my blog I want to welcome you and encourage you to click around on the page to look at previous posts. Everything gets archived monthly so if things are a month old they will be somewhat hidden. Hurricane Ike brought with it widespread power outages across Arkansas. I believe the news last night said 172,000 customers were without power at the height of Ike's fury. Our home lost power on Saturday night with a loud popping sound outside. All the "experts" said, "That's a transformer that blew." I don't know what it was but they finally got the power turned back on about 2 hours after I'd safely stored all the contents of my freezer into a cooler and then took it to the deep freeze at church. Better safe than sorry.
Well, enough about my freezer (boring). I launched an online newspaper called the voice of Batesville on Saturday and I wanted you all to check it out. It's a local electronic paper with an international reach. I've contacted several expert contributors to write various editorials on a myriad of subjects. We also have a classified section that Brenda Holm is running for me. So if you live in Batesville and have something you want to buy or sell check out our e-paper.
Church has been going great. God's been good and sent us several visitors this Sunday. Even though power was out to most of Batesville, we had a good crowd here this Sunday. I'm so blessed to oversee a church as loving and caring as Jubilee Family Church.
I'm diligently working, mostly thinking, (which is a type of work) about the best way to launch our two Christian Radio Stations as well. We have a 450 W station on the 88.1 FM frequency and a 50 W station on 106.9 FM. I can go big with it or I can go small. Whatever God leads me to do (probably big) I will make sure that God is glorified in everything. I believe, us having a couple stations will give us a new measure of influence in the region for Christ. Please continue to pray until the vision becomes a reality. This is a relatively large project and I'm believing that we'll have something on the air within six months.
I've run out of creative juices for now. God bless you real big!
Jubilee Family Church
Well, enough about my freezer (boring). I launched an online newspaper called the voice of Batesville on Saturday and I wanted you all to check it out. It's a local electronic paper with an international reach. I've contacted several expert contributors to write various editorials on a myriad of subjects. We also have a classified section that Brenda Holm is running for me. So if you live in Batesville and have something you want to buy or sell check out our e-paper.
Church has been going great. God's been good and sent us several visitors this Sunday. Even though power was out to most of Batesville, we had a good crowd here this Sunday. I'm so blessed to oversee a church as loving and caring as Jubilee Family Church.
I'm diligently working, mostly thinking, (which is a type of work) about the best way to launch our two Christian Radio Stations as well. We have a 450 W station on the 88.1 FM frequency and a 50 W station on 106.9 FM. I can go big with it or I can go small. Whatever God leads me to do (probably big) I will make sure that God is glorified in everything. I believe, us having a couple stations will give us a new measure of influence in the region for Christ. Please continue to pray until the vision becomes a reality. This is a relatively large project and I'm believing that we'll have something on the air within six months.
I've run out of creative juices for now. God bless you real big!
Jubilee Family Church
September 11, 2008
A Baptist Dog
A Baptist preacher and his wife decided to get a new dog. Ever mindful of the congregation, they knew the dog must also be a Baptist. They visited kennel after kennel and explained their needs. Finally, they found a kennel whose owner assured them he had just the dog they wanted.
The owner brought the dog to meet the pastor and his wife. "Fetch the Bible," he commanded. The dog bounded to the bookshelf, scrutinized the books, located the Bible, and brought it to the owner.
"Now find Psalm 23," he commanded. The dog dropped the Bible to the floor, and showing marvelous dexterity with his paws, leafed through and finding the correct passage, pointed to it with his paw.
The pastor and his wife were very impressed and purchased the dog. That evening, a group of church members came to visit. The pastor and his wife began to show off the dog, having him locate several Bible verses. The visitors were very impressed. One man asked, "Can he do regular dog tricks, too?"
"I haven't tried yet," the pastor replied.
He pointed his finger at the dog. "HEEL!" the pastor commanded. The dog immediately jumped on a chair, placed one paw on the pastor's forehead and began to howl. The pastor looked at his wife in shock and said, "Good Lord, He's Pentecostal! "
Proverbs 17:22A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Jubilee Family Church
September 10, 2008
God Hasn't Given us a Spirit of Fear
by Tony Hammack
We went ahead and recorded tonight's video discussion with my web cam. My other camera has been giving me some audio problems so I didn't use it. Butch who normally runs the video didn't make it to church tonight so the camera doesn't move. Any how I hope you can see and hear our discussion that took several rabbit trails on Wednesday night.
Click HERE to watch the video.
Below are the notes from our discussion. I hope this blesses you.
2 Timothy 1:7
–For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (NIV)
2 Timothy 1:7
–For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)
•2 Timothy 1:7
–For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (NASB)
•2 Timothy 1:7
–For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. (AMPL)
Why is it a good idea when trying to understand the Bible to look at the verse in different English translations?
On Acronym for Fear
• F – False
• E – Evidence
• A – Appearing
• R – Real
When is fear a good thing?
What God doesn’t Give us
• Timidity - 1 : lacking in courage or confidence 2 : lacking in boldness or determination
What God Doesn’t Give Us
• Cowardice - lack of courage or resolution
What God Doesn’t Give Us
• Craven - lacking the least bit of courage : contemptibly fainthearted
What God Doesn’t Give Us
• Cringing - 1 : to draw in or contract one's muscles involuntarily (as from cold or pain) 2 : to shrink in fear or servility 3 : to behave in an excessively humble or servile way.
Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between being a son or daughter of God with being a slave of God. Use scripture in your analysis. Consider
Luke 17:10
So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "
Romans 8:14
because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
John 15:14
You are my friends if you do what I command.
Also consider Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-41
Note: It’s always a good idea to look at scripture in the context in which it appears in the Bible before trying to understand its application for your own life.
Don’t Be Afraid
• John 14:27
– 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Romans 8:12-25
This section of scripture mentions sonship many times. Read over this as a group and discuss how to become a son of God? (Answer: be led by the Spirit v. 14) How you can know you are God’s child? (Answer: the Spirit bears witness with our spirit v. 16) What it means to be a child? (Answer: we are heirs to share in his suffering and thus his glory) Who’s waiting for the Sons of God to be revealed? (Answer: The Creation v. 19) Why does the Spirit within us groan? (Answer: we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons v.22)
The Fear Not Book 7x’s God says to "Fear Not in the Book of Isaiah
Why do you think Isaiah prophecies the word of the Lord, Do not Fear so many times?
(Answer: In the first 39 chapters, Isaiah prophesies doom for a sinful Judah and for all the nations of the world that oppose God. The last 27 chapters prophesy the restoration of the nation under a divine king.) What insight does this give you into the heart of God? (Answer: He's ultimately redemptive.)
• Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
• Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
What God Does Give Us
• Power – Dunamis -
1. "power to work, to carry something into effect,"
2. "power, inherent ability," is used of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means. It is translated "miracles“.
3. of that which manifests God's "power:"
What God DOES Give Us
• Love – Agape the "love" that values and esteems. It is an unselfish "love," ready to serve.
• A Calm, well balanced mind – sophronismos From the Greek word sophron, which literally means "saving the mind," primarily, "an admonishing or calling to soundness of mind, or to self-control," sophron, "of sound mind."
• Self Discipline - correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement
The above material is from our Wednesday evening discussion. I hope you check us out at Jubilee T.V.
Jubilee Family Churchevery Wednesday night 6:30 PM and Sunday Morning 10:00 AM.
We went ahead and recorded tonight's video discussion with my web cam. My other camera has been giving me some audio problems so I didn't use it. Butch who normally runs the video didn't make it to church tonight so the camera doesn't move. Any how I hope you can see and hear our discussion that took several rabbit trails on Wednesday night.
Click HERE to watch the video.
Below are the notes from our discussion. I hope this blesses you.
2 Timothy 1:7
–For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (NIV)
2 Timothy 1:7
–For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)
•2 Timothy 1:7
–For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (NASB)
•2 Timothy 1:7
–For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. (AMPL)
Why is it a good idea when trying to understand the Bible to look at the verse in different English translations?
On Acronym for Fear
• F – False
• E – Evidence
• A – Appearing
• R – Real
When is fear a good thing?
What God doesn’t Give us
• Timidity - 1 : lacking in courage or confidence 2 : lacking in boldness or determination
What God Doesn’t Give Us
• Cowardice - lack of courage or resolution
What God Doesn’t Give Us
• Craven - lacking the least bit of courage : contemptibly fainthearted
What God Doesn’t Give Us
• Cringing - 1 : to draw in or contract one's muscles involuntarily (as from cold or pain) 2 : to shrink in fear or servility 3 : to behave in an excessively humble or servile way.
Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between being a son or daughter of God with being a slave of God. Use scripture in your analysis. Consider
Luke 17:10
So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "
Romans 8:14
because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
John 15:14
You are my friends if you do what I command.
Also consider Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-41
Note: It’s always a good idea to look at scripture in the context in which it appears in the Bible before trying to understand its application for your own life.
Don’t Be Afraid
• John 14:27
– 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Romans 8:12-25
This section of scripture mentions sonship many times. Read over this as a group and discuss how to become a son of God? (Answer: be led by the Spirit v. 14) How you can know you are God’s child? (Answer: the Spirit bears witness with our spirit v. 16) What it means to be a child? (Answer: we are heirs to share in his suffering and thus his glory) Who’s waiting for the Sons of God to be revealed? (Answer: The Creation v. 19) Why does the Spirit within us groan? (Answer: we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons v.22)
The Fear Not Book 7x’s God says to "Fear Not in the Book of Isaiah
Why do you think Isaiah prophecies the word of the Lord, Do not Fear so many times?
(Answer: In the first 39 chapters, Isaiah prophesies doom for a sinful Judah and for all the nations of the world that oppose God. The last 27 chapters prophesy the restoration of the nation under a divine king.) What insight does this give you into the heart of God? (Answer: He's ultimately redemptive.)
• Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
• Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
What God Does Give Us
• Power – Dunamis -
1. "power to work, to carry something into effect,"
2. "power, inherent ability," is used of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means. It is translated "miracles“.
3. of that which manifests God's "power:"
What God DOES Give Us
• Love – Agape the "love" that values and esteems. It is an unselfish "love," ready to serve.
• A Calm, well balanced mind – sophronismos From the Greek word sophron, which literally means "saving the mind," primarily, "an admonishing or calling to soundness of mind, or to self-control," sophron, "of sound mind."
• Self Discipline - correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement
The above material is from our Wednesday evening discussion. I hope you check us out at Jubilee T.V.
Jubilee Family Churchevery Wednesday night 6:30 PM and Sunday Morning 10:00 AM.
September 8, 2008
Thank You
Dear Church Family:
Andrea and I want to thank everyone for being so supportive of us during the delivery of Joshua. The prayers, financial gifts, food gifts, kind words, and empathy are so appreciated. We are truly blessed to have a church family that is so thoughtful and considerate.
Thank you for your kindness.
Pastors Tony and Andrea
Jubilee Family Church
September 5, 2008
September 4, 2008
Joshua is Born!
Joshua was born at 7:32 PM on Sept 4th 2008. He weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz's and was 20 and 1/2 inches long.
Jubilee Family Church
Jubilee Family Church
4:15 PM Thursday September 4th, 2008
Andrea is now at 7 cm. Her contractions are intensifying and she's ready for the epidural.
It's now 6:20 PM and Andrea's at 8 cm and is +2 whatever that means. I think the baby has dropped down the birth canal.
It's now 6:20 PM and Andrea's at 8 cm and is +2 whatever that means. I think the baby has dropped down the birth canal.
Andrea is in Labor!
Just a quick update. Andrea called me today after her doctor's appointment to let me know she's in labor. She called around 9:00 AM and now it's 12:00 Noon on September 4th 2008. She's been having contractions and they have a heart rate monitor on the baby. His heart rate is around 145 BPM. We're going to have baby #5!
It's 3:45 PM. The doctor was in about 45 minutes ago and Andrea was at 6 cm. Things are moving along.
Jubilee Family Church
It's 3:45 PM. The doctor was in about 45 minutes ago and Andrea was at 6 cm. Things are moving along.
Jubilee Family Church
September 2, 2008
Video of Water Baptisms
What a great service on Sunday. I wanted to share with you the video of all the water baptisms! Click the link below to watch.
Video of Water Baptisms
Jubilee Family Church
Video of Water Baptisms
Jubilee Family Church
Who Should you Vote For?
Who Should you Vote for?
I'd like all of you to make an informed decision on who you vote for, for this presidential election. I think the debate that Rick Warren sponsored at his church should help us all understand where John McCain and Barak Obama stand on the issues that are important to us as Christians. I'd encourage you, if you can make the time, to watch the debate by clicking the link above and watching each candidate's response to various questions like...Does Evil Exist?...Define Marriage...What is your Stance on Abortion?...What does being a Christian Mean to you?
Allowing each candidate to answer these questions in their own words should give you a clear and picture perfect understanding of each perspective candidates position on these issues.
Jubilee Family Church
I'd like all of you to make an informed decision on who you vote for, for this presidential election. I think the debate that Rick Warren sponsored at his church should help us all understand where John McCain and Barak Obama stand on the issues that are important to us as Christians. I'd encourage you, if you can make the time, to watch the debate by clicking the link above and watching each candidate's response to various questions like...Does Evil Exist?...Define Marriage...What is your Stance on Abortion?...What does being a Christian Mean to you?
Allowing each candidate to answer these questions in their own words should give you a clear and picture perfect understanding of each perspective candidates position on these issues.
Jubilee Family Church
August 27, 2008
What is Water Baptism
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.
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 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
June 10, 2008
Finding Your Place
Jubilee Family Church
This is Johnny making a quick post today. I hope Pastor Tony doesn’t mind, but he did allow me to be a contributor to his blog…
I felt compelled to spread a word of encouragement today – partly because I need to hear it myself, and partly because I believe there’s someone else out there that needs to hear it right now.
I want to talk about finding your place in the Kingdom. This is something I have spent most of my life struggling with – and I still haven’t gotten all of the answers yet.
I’ve grown up in church and I’ve heard all the sermons about divine authority and the offices and callings and ministry categories that are available in the church today. Not to be rude, but there are times where I do believe that Christian culture has put God in a box by developing too many labels and categories that we are to fit into if we are to be successful in ministry.
This has been especially hard for me at times because when I was 13 years old, I had a prophecy pronounced over me. In that prophecy I found that my ministry gift was creativity. Part of that prophecy stated that I would be known everywhere I went as creative. It was odd to me at the time because I’m not a singer or musician, and I don’t draw or paint well. How could this be?
Well, along the way, I found out that I have a gift for words and telling stories and that has become my art. I am also creative in a number of different ways. But where does that fit into the ministry of the church? I spent a long time feeling inferior because I didn’t have a specific place. While I can flow in different gifts of the spirit, offices, and callings, I never really fit into any position. I spent years feeling like I was falling through the spiritual cracks. Yet, somehow, I am now known everywhere I go as being creative.
About a year and half ago, we were going through a lot of changes with our church. Transitions tend to stir up old feelings that have sat dormant. Yet again, I wondered where my place was going to be and how I would be able to fit in. I started feeling like I was slipping through the cracks again. I even used to call myself the “gap filler” because I was always “filling in” until someone better came along. As much as I wanted a place to belong, I was always the temporary solution.
Yet, at this time God reminded me of something. Gap fillers are necessary. Without the mortar a brick wall would not be able to stand the test of time. There is a purpose for the things that have fallen into the cracks. They secure the foundation. They hold things together.
I can’t tell you how many times people used to come up to me and tell me that others may not see what I do, but God does. He remembers. There are times when that’s not at all comforting. But in hindsight, I understand now. Not everyone sees the beauty in the goopy gray goo that gets plopped in between each layer of bricks.
But for today, from one pile of goo to another, I want you to know that you are necessary. You are valued. You are important. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You have a purpose. You just might be the glue that holds things together.
Now, let me clarify something. Am I so important that things couldn’t go on without me? Absolutely not. God can always raise someone else up to take my place and your place. But would it be the same? Never.
I’ve now learned to be happy with my role as “gap filler.” It has given me the opportunity to help others succeed. That, in and of itself, is strategic seed toward my own destiny.
Have a great rest of the week.
johnny
P.S. If you haven't been reading the stories over on my Family Fiction blog page, you really should.
This is Johnny making a quick post today. I hope Pastor Tony doesn’t mind, but he did allow me to be a contributor to his blog…
I felt compelled to spread a word of encouragement today – partly because I need to hear it myself, and partly because I believe there’s someone else out there that needs to hear it right now.
I want to talk about finding your place in the Kingdom. This is something I have spent most of my life struggling with – and I still haven’t gotten all of the answers yet.
I’ve grown up in church and I’ve heard all the sermons about divine authority and the offices and callings and ministry categories that are available in the church today. Not to be rude, but there are times where I do believe that Christian culture has put God in a box by developing too many labels and categories that we are to fit into if we are to be successful in ministry.
This has been especially hard for me at times because when I was 13 years old, I had a prophecy pronounced over me. In that prophecy I found that my ministry gift was creativity. Part of that prophecy stated that I would be known everywhere I went as creative. It was odd to me at the time because I’m not a singer or musician, and I don’t draw or paint well. How could this be?
Well, along the way, I found out that I have a gift for words and telling stories and that has become my art. I am also creative in a number of different ways. But where does that fit into the ministry of the church? I spent a long time feeling inferior because I didn’t have a specific place. While I can flow in different gifts of the spirit, offices, and callings, I never really fit into any position. I spent years feeling like I was falling through the spiritual cracks. Yet, somehow, I am now known everywhere I go as being creative.
About a year and half ago, we were going through a lot of changes with our church. Transitions tend to stir up old feelings that have sat dormant. Yet again, I wondered where my place was going to be and how I would be able to fit in. I started feeling like I was slipping through the cracks again. I even used to call myself the “gap filler” because I was always “filling in” until someone better came along. As much as I wanted a place to belong, I was always the temporary solution.
Yet, at this time God reminded me of something. Gap fillers are necessary. Without the mortar a brick wall would not be able to stand the test of time. There is a purpose for the things that have fallen into the cracks. They secure the foundation. They hold things together.
I can’t tell you how many times people used to come up to me and tell me that others may not see what I do, but God does. He remembers. There are times when that’s not at all comforting. But in hindsight, I understand now. Not everyone sees the beauty in the goopy gray goo that gets plopped in between each layer of bricks.
But for today, from one pile of goo to another, I want you to know that you are necessary. You are valued. You are important. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You have a purpose. You just might be the glue that holds things together.
Now, let me clarify something. Am I so important that things couldn’t go on without me? Absolutely not. God can always raise someone else up to take my place and your place. But would it be the same? Never.
I’ve now learned to be happy with my role as “gap filler.” It has given me the opportunity to help others succeed. That, in and of itself, is strategic seed toward my own destiny.
Have a great rest of the week.
johnny
P.S. If you haven't been reading the stories over on my Family Fiction blog page, you really should.
June 5, 2008
Allow me to Ramble
Well I'm up late tonight. Thanks to swigging down some cold coffee after church and stopping for some additional caffeine at the gas station with Rick on the way home. I just wanted to thank everyone for loving Andrea, the kids and I. We feel so welcome here at Jubilee Family Church and in Batesville. We've only been here a year and a half but are extremely honored to be part of the community.
I'm very excited about some positive things that have happened with the Literacy Council of Independence county today. Chuck received a phone call from the IRS approving our 501 (c) 3 status. Things are moving forward nicely with the Literacy Council. I believe the Literacy council is a much needed service in our area to give people a hand up as apposed to a hand out. I love the concept of empowering people to take care of their own business. I also love the way teaching and education help defeat poverty in the lives of people. Our mission is to train tutors and help connect them to students who need basic literacy training as well as students who speak English as a second language. If you're interested in becoming a tutor or know of a potential student have them call the literacy council office at 870.793.5912.
Our web streaming is also moving along nicely. We web cast live, every Sunday morning at 10:00 AM and have an interactive online discussion every Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM CST. Participate with us if you're from out of town or even out of the country!
We were talking tonight about bearing fruit at church. I can't get off the page of using my life to glorify the Lord in the area of duplication. Duplicating myself into others, raising them up to be fruit bearing disciples of the Lord. That reminds me... I'll keep you all posted on our fair outreach. I haven't heard anything from the powers that be regarding a booth but have a guarantee that well be on the call list for a booth when they start organizing things. I'm excited to see Ron Brown in action winning souls. I've heard him mention evangelism explosion and the success that one of his previous churches had with it in the area of raising up new believers. I really enjoy getting around the zealous new believers. Don't you? They are so excited and full of life.
We'll be traveling up to Cape Girardeau this weekend for the Mellies Carbaugh wedding. That will be good and I'm excited for Andrew and Rachel.
Please keep praying for the successful launch of our two radio stations. I've got many hoops to jump through to turn the vision into reality. Thanks for praying with us for the fulfillment of the vision. I solicit your assistance in securing a location. I've been looking around and praying and have some thoughts. I need to press on some doors to see if one opens. Have a great week and feel free to make some comments.
Jubilee Family Church
I'm very excited about some positive things that have happened with the Literacy Council of Independence county today. Chuck received a phone call from the IRS approving our 501 (c) 3 status. Things are moving forward nicely with the Literacy Council. I believe the Literacy council is a much needed service in our area to give people a hand up as apposed to a hand out. I love the concept of empowering people to take care of their own business. I also love the way teaching and education help defeat poverty in the lives of people. Our mission is to train tutors and help connect them to students who need basic literacy training as well as students who speak English as a second language. If you're interested in becoming a tutor or know of a potential student have them call the literacy council office at 870.793.5912.
Our web streaming is also moving along nicely. We web cast live, every Sunday morning at 10:00 AM and have an interactive online discussion every Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM CST. Participate with us if you're from out of town or even out of the country!
We were talking tonight about bearing fruit at church. I can't get off the page of using my life to glorify the Lord in the area of duplication. Duplicating myself into others, raising them up to be fruit bearing disciples of the Lord. That reminds me... I'll keep you all posted on our fair outreach. I haven't heard anything from the powers that be regarding a booth but have a guarantee that well be on the call list for a booth when they start organizing things. I'm excited to see Ron Brown in action winning souls. I've heard him mention evangelism explosion and the success that one of his previous churches had with it in the area of raising up new believers. I really enjoy getting around the zealous new believers. Don't you? They are so excited and full of life.
We'll be traveling up to Cape Girardeau this weekend for the Mellies Carbaugh wedding. That will be good and I'm excited for Andrew and Rachel.
Please keep praying for the successful launch of our two radio stations. I've got many hoops to jump through to turn the vision into reality. Thanks for praying with us for the fulfillment of the vision. I solicit your assistance in securing a location. I've been looking around and praying and have some thoughts. I need to press on some doors to see if one opens. Have a great week and feel free to make some comments.
Jubilee Family Church
May 15, 2008
Jubilee TV
Saints of God,
I've been praying and thinking about a way we as a church can reach out. About 10 months ago I believe the Lord directed me to develop an Internet congregation of people who relate to the church through the Internet. This didn't seem very feasible to me without the use of video, especially live video. Well today I finally got all the bugs worked out of our live video stream and now, anyone anywhere in the world can watch our services, live via the Internet. I'm very excited about the potential that lies before us as a church.
The limitations of geography are now non existent and the potential to reach thousands of people is now well within the realm of possibility. Please pray with me that this new ministry is fruitful and God blesses his word and our efforts.
There are some bandwidth limitations the way things are currently set up but with God's help we can expand our capabilities as the Lord directs us.
Excited about the ever increasing Kingdom of God,
Pastor Tony
Jubilee Family Church
I've been praying and thinking about a way we as a church can reach out. About 10 months ago I believe the Lord directed me to develop an Internet congregation of people who relate to the church through the Internet. This didn't seem very feasible to me without the use of video, especially live video. Well today I finally got all the bugs worked out of our live video stream and now, anyone anywhere in the world can watch our services, live via the Internet. I'm very excited about the potential that lies before us as a church.
The limitations of geography are now non existent and the potential to reach thousands of people is now well within the realm of possibility. Please pray with me that this new ministry is fruitful and God blesses his word and our efforts.
There are some bandwidth limitations the way things are currently set up but with God's help we can expand our capabilities as the Lord directs us.
Excited about the ever increasing Kingdom of God,
Pastor Tony
Jubilee Family Church
May 9, 2008
The Manifest Sons of God
I believe that Almighty God wants everyone on the Earth to know him personally. Because I believe this I also believe that there's a plan in the heart of God to get this vision of His to unfold. I believe his plan is to use people who have his heart, character and spirit in them to impart the essence of Heaven into the realm of the Earth. Jesus did teach his disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven." So we know that Jesus Christ wanted us to come into agreement with the will of His Father that there would be a divine collision between the stuff of Heaven and the stuff of Earth. When this happens the hearts of people become open and receptive to the redeeming message of Jesus. Outreach and evangelism in the presence of the miraculous is much more effective, fun and easy than when our gospel message is a "sales pitch". I would like you to pray with me that you and I would begin to be divine channels of blessing to a lost and fallen world desperately in need of a savior. God has given us the City we just have to step into the revealed strategy he's given us and walk it out in obedience. I'm so excited about the potential that we have within us to influence a region for God. Thank you for being obedient to the heavenly vision and playing your role to establish the rule and reign of Christ in our area of influence. I believe that the events in the book of Acts are really just the beginning of the acts of the Holy Spirit. There are more acts to this play and you and I have a part to play in expressing the Kingdom of God.
Romans 8:19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.
Jubilee Family Church
Romans 8:19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.
Jubilee Family Church
May 7, 2008
Johnny's Family Fiction
Jubilee Family Church
Hey, it's Johnny. For those of you who remember the stories I used to write for the church, you will now have an outlet to read them and new ones. Pastor Tony has allowed me some space to share stories that I write. I have a blog page called Johnny's Family Fiction. Please feel free to check it out. It is my hope that these stories can open up new times of devotion with the whole family. Some of the stories will be geared to younger readers, and some toward the older ones and any in-between.
PS, if any of you have copies of stories that I did in the past, could you pass them along to me. Moving around has caused some things to get misplaced. :-)
johnny
Hey, it's Johnny. For those of you who remember the stories I used to write for the church, you will now have an outlet to read them and new ones. Pastor Tony has allowed me some space to share stories that I write. I have a blog page called Johnny's Family Fiction. Please feel free to check it out. It is my hope that these stories can open up new times of devotion with the whole family. Some of the stories will be geared to younger readers, and some toward the older ones and any in-between.
PS, if any of you have copies of stories that I did in the past, could you pass them along to me. Moving around has caused some things to get misplaced. :-)
johnny
Lessons from the Square Watermelon
I received an e-mail and thought I'd share it with you. I thought it was good.
Japanese grocery stores had a problem. They are much smaller than their US counterparts and therefore don't have room to waste. Watermelons, big and round, wasted a lot of space. Most people would simply tell the grocery stores that watermelons grow round and there is nothing that can be done about it. That is how I would assume the vast majority of people would respond. But some Japanese farmers took a different approach. If the supermarkets wanted a square watermelon, they asked themselves, "How can we provide one?" It wasn't long before they invented the square watermelon.
The solution to the problem of round watermelons wasn't nearly as difficult to solve for those who didn't assume the problem was impossible to begin with and simply asked how it could be done. It turns out that all you need to do is place them into a square box when they are growing and the watermelon will take on the shape of the box.
What does this have do with anything besides square watermelons? There are a few lessons that can you can take away from this story which help you in all parts of your life. Here are a few of them:
Don't Assume: The major problem was that most people had always seen round watermelons so they automatically assumed that square watermelons were impossible before even thinking about the question. Things that you have been doing a certain way your entire life have taken on the aura of the round watermelon and you likely don't even take the time to consider if there is another way to do it. Breaking yourself from assuming this way can greatly improve your overall life as you are constantly looking for new and better ways to do things. This was one of the most difficult things for me to do because most of the assumptions I make, I don't even realize that I'm making them. They seem perfectly logical on the surface, so I hav e to constantly make an effort to question them.
Question habits: The best way to tackle these assumptions is to question your habits. If you can make an effort to question the way you do things on a consistent basis, you will find that you can continually improve the way that you live your life. Forming habits when they have been well thought out is usually a positive thing, but most of us have adopted our habits from various people and places without even thinking about them. I have changed a large number of habits that I have had after taking the time to question them and continue to do so. Some of them I have know idea where they came from while others I can trace to certain people or instances in my life. It's a never ending process, but by doing this, you can cons istently strive toward making all aspects of your life more enjoyable instead of defaulting to what you have now.
Be creative: When faced with a problem, be creative in looking for a solution. This often requires thinking outside the box. Most people who viewed this question likely thought they were being asked how they could genetically alter water melons to grow square which would be a much more difficult process to accomplish. By looking at the question from an alternative perspective, however, the solution was quite simple. Being creative and looking at things in different ways in all portions of your live will help you find solutions to many problems where others can't see them. I am not a creative person, but I've found that the more that you look at things from different perspectives, the more creative I have become. It's a le arned art and builds upon itself.
Look for a better way: The square watermelon question was simply seeking a better and more convenient way to do something. The stores had flagged a problem they were having and asked if a solution was possible. It's impossible to find a better way if you are never asking the question in the first place. I try to ask if there is a better way of doing the things that I do and I constantly write down the things I wish I could do (but currently can't) since these are usually hints about steps I need to change. Get into the habit of asking yourself, "Is there a better way I could be doing this?" and you will find there often is.
Impossibilities often aren't: If you begin with the notion that something is impossible, then it obviously will be for you. If, on the other hand, you decide to see if something is possible or not, you will find out through trial and error. Take away the lessons from the square watermelons and apply them to all areas in your life (work, finances, relationships, etc) and you will find that by consistently applying them, you will constantly be improving all aspects of your life.
Don't Assume: The major problem was that most people had always seen round watermelons so they automatically assumed that square watermelons were impossible before even thinking about the question. Things that you have been doing a certain way your entire life have taken on the aura of the round watermelon and you likely don't even take the time to consider if there is another way to do it. Breaking yourself from assuming this way can greatly improve your overall life as you are constantly looking for new and better ways to do things. This was one of the most difficult things for me to do because most of the assumptions I make, I don't even realize that I'm making them. They seem perfectly logical on the surface, so I hav e to constantly make an effort to question them.
Question habits: The best way to tackle these assumptions is to question your habits. If you can make an effort to question the way you do things on a consistent basis, you will find that you can continually improve the way that you live your life. Forming habits when they have been well thought out is usually a positive thing, but most of us have adopted our habits from various people and places without even thinking about them. I have changed a large number of habits that I have had after taking the time to question them and continue to do so. Some of them I have know idea where they came from while others I can trace to certain people or instances in my life. It's a never ending process, but by doing this, you can cons istently strive toward making all aspects of your life more enjoyable instead of defaulting to what you have now.
Be creative: When faced with a problem, be creative in looking for a solution. This often requires thinking outside the box. Most people who viewed this question likely thought they were being asked how they could genetically alter water melons to grow square which would be a much more difficult process to accomplish. By looking at the question from an alternative perspective, however, the solution was quite simple. Being creative and looking at things in different ways in all portions of your live will help you find solutions to many problems where others can't see them. I am not a creative person, but I've found that the more that you look at things from different perspectives, the more creative I have become. It's a le arned art and builds upon itself.
Look for a better way: The square watermelon question was simply seeking a better and more convenient way to do something. The stores had flagged a problem they were having and asked if a solution was possible. It's impossible to find a better way if you are never asking the question in the first place. I try to ask if there is a better way of doing the things that I do and I constantly write down the things I wish I could do (but currently can't) since these are usually hints about steps I need to change. Get into the habit of asking yourself, "Is there a better way I could be doing this?" and you will find there often is.
Impossibilities often aren't: If you begin with the notion that something is impossible, then it obviously will be for you. If, on the other hand, you decide to see if something is possible or not, you will find out through trial and error. Take away the lessons from the square watermelons and apply them to all areas in your life (work, finances, relationships, etc) and you will find that by consistently applying them, you will constantly be improving all aspects of your life.
Nothing quite like out of the box thinking that puts a watermelon into a box.
May 3, 2008
Godly Prosperity
I believe God wants the believer to prosper in every way so that the Christian may have the ability to meet any need that comes up. This ability to meet needs creates thanksgiving toward God. God wants you to prosper spiritually, mentally, physically and financially. If you'd like to know more about how God wants you to do well, thrive and be healthy, come to Jubilee Family Church for the next 4 Sunday's May 4th, May 11th, May 18th, and May 25th at 10:00 AM. We discuss our Sunday messages each following Wednesday also. Each week I'm going to be covering the different ways God wants you to have an abundance. When we know God's heart and we choose to line up with God's ways we stand on a tremendous amount of authority to accomplish whatever it is God wants us to accomplish. You are blessed if you're walking in obedience to the Lord. Remember, you can't give what you don't have.
April 30, 2008
Today and Tonight
Well I had a very eventful day.
I got to the gym today at 7:00 AM and worked out with Jeff. We pushed it pretty hard but I got out of there relatively early.
I jumped in my green machine and headed over to the church where I watered our recently transplanted Barberry bush (Thanks Ray) and also noticed we had another bush that is absolutely beautifully in bloom. I don't know what the bush is called but it was amazing. I took a couple pictures with my cell phone. I had a really nice talk with Steve Chism about putting in an alarm system at the church as well. Steve's a really cool brother who is filled up with the Spirit of God.
From there I headed over to Fred's Fish house to have some lunch with Gary Brock and Jerry Cook. Jerry is a fish addict so we had to go to Fred's. The meal was good and the service was even better.
After lunch I headed back over to the church to try and tackle a project that I've been needing to get to for a long time. I want to stream our church services live over the Internet and haven't been able to do it so I decided today, I was going to figure it out. Well after about 5 hours of studying, configuring walking back and forth and port forwarding I still haven't figured it out but I believe I will. I'm still in the experimental phase with the video streaming but I was able to stream video from the sanctuary into the office so if I can figure out how to configure our router and IP address properly I'm pretty sure we can get a video stream outside of the building. That would be a great way to amplify the ministries of Jubilee Family Church outside our four walls. Anyone anywhere in the world could "tune" into our service via the Internet. Right now they'll have to sit in the Church office to see the feed. That kind of defeats the purpose. (That was supposed to be funny, imagine a bunch of people from all over the world coming to our church on a Sunday morning and piling in the office when they could just come the rest of the way into the sanctuary) OK if you have to explain it, it's not funny anymore.
From my attempt at live web casting I headed over to Fitzhugh park to watch Brooke play a T-ball game. The park is packed and there's such a nice family friendly environment at the park. I really enjoy those game nights. We meet a bunch of nice people and enjoy the opportunities that the Lord puts before us. Andrea really has an evangelistic anointing on her. So I hung out at the park with the family as they all went their separate ways. Once we finally reeled them all in we were heading for the house. When we got home the phone rang. It was Carlotta Brown who told me that sister Helen had some type of stroke. Well I finished my strange dinner and headed out the door to the hospital. As I was driving over there I was praying about the word of the Lord for Sister Helen. I explained to my sister Connie, over my cell phone, how nice sister Helen is. I was really believing for a good report but heard that she'd had what seemed like some kind of stroke.
When I got to the hospital I got to meet Ryan. Ryan is Sister Helen's grandson who we've been praying for for months and months. He's recently back from Iraq and I just want to say how much I appreciate all the people in the military who put themselves on the line for those of us who are in the U.S. "holding down the fort". Thank you Ryan!
Any how sister Helen had trouble articulating sentences when I came into her room at the White River Medical Center. Her daughter Lou Ann was there and we prayed with Sis. Helen for a long time. I didn't really feel called to say much, just to hold her hand and see in my spirit the healing taking place in her nervous system and in her arteries. After quite a long time of silence we prayed a short prayer and I mean in no time Sister Helen was back to her old (39 year old) self again. When Ron and Carlotta came in they prayed a prayer of agreement with Lou Ann and myself and in no time Sister Helen was ribbing Ron like she was in Sunday school class. I really love Sister Helen and to see her doing well made me very happy. God is wonderful and is exceedingly, abundantly, able to do more than we ask think or imagine. I'm so glad to be a part of God's family and know that I serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is mighty to save!
Home
I got to the gym today at 7:00 AM and worked out with Jeff. We pushed it pretty hard but I got out of there relatively early.
I jumped in my green machine and headed over to the church where I watered our recently transplanted Barberry bush (Thanks Ray) and also noticed we had another bush that is absolutely beautifully in bloom. I don't know what the bush is called but it was amazing. I took a couple pictures with my cell phone. I had a really nice talk with Steve Chism about putting in an alarm system at the church as well. Steve's a really cool brother who is filled up with the Spirit of God.
From there I headed over to Fred's Fish house to have some lunch with Gary Brock and Jerry Cook. Jerry is a fish addict so we had to go to Fred's. The meal was good and the service was even better.
After lunch I headed back over to the church to try and tackle a project that I've been needing to get to for a long time. I want to stream our church services live over the Internet and haven't been able to do it so I decided today, I was going to figure it out. Well after about 5 hours of studying, configuring walking back and forth and port forwarding I still haven't figured it out but I believe I will. I'm still in the experimental phase with the video streaming but I was able to stream video from the sanctuary into the office so if I can figure out how to configure our router and IP address properly I'm pretty sure we can get a video stream outside of the building. That would be a great way to amplify the ministries of Jubilee Family Church outside our four walls. Anyone anywhere in the world could "tune" into our service via the Internet. Right now they'll have to sit in the Church office to see the feed. That kind of defeats the purpose. (That was supposed to be funny, imagine a bunch of people from all over the world coming to our church on a Sunday morning and piling in the office when they could just come the rest of the way into the sanctuary) OK if you have to explain it, it's not funny anymore.
From my attempt at live web casting I headed over to Fitzhugh park to watch Brooke play a T-ball game. The park is packed and there's such a nice family friendly environment at the park. I really enjoy those game nights. We meet a bunch of nice people and enjoy the opportunities that the Lord puts before us. Andrea really has an evangelistic anointing on her. So I hung out at the park with the family as they all went their separate ways. Once we finally reeled them all in we were heading for the house. When we got home the phone rang. It was Carlotta Brown who told me that sister Helen had some type of stroke. Well I finished my strange dinner and headed out the door to the hospital. As I was driving over there I was praying about the word of the Lord for Sister Helen. I explained to my sister Connie, over my cell phone, how nice sister Helen is. I was really believing for a good report but heard that she'd had what seemed like some kind of stroke.
When I got to the hospital I got to meet Ryan. Ryan is Sister Helen's grandson who we've been praying for for months and months. He's recently back from Iraq and I just want to say how much I appreciate all the people in the military who put themselves on the line for those of us who are in the U.S. "holding down the fort". Thank you Ryan!
Any how sister Helen had trouble articulating sentences when I came into her room at the White River Medical Center. Her daughter Lou Ann was there and we prayed with Sis. Helen for a long time. I didn't really feel called to say much, just to hold her hand and see in my spirit the healing taking place in her nervous system and in her arteries. After quite a long time of silence we prayed a short prayer and I mean in no time Sister Helen was back to her old (39 year old) self again. When Ron and Carlotta came in they prayed a prayer of agreement with Lou Ann and myself and in no time Sister Helen was ribbing Ron like she was in Sunday school class. I really love Sister Helen and to see her doing well made me very happy. God is wonderful and is exceedingly, abundantly, able to do more than we ask think or imagine. I'm so glad to be a part of God's family and know that I serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is mighty to save!
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