2000 YEARS LATER AND IT’S STILL THE SAME

ACTS 7:51-60

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Compare the martyrdom of Stephen approximately 2000 years ago with the martyrdom of Charlie Kirk this week and you’ll soon discover that 2000 years later it’s still the same.

 

I. THE WORLD IS STILL THE SAME

1. The World Still Hates Light [John 3:19-20, 1 John 1:5]

-And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

- This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

2. The World Still Hates God’s Saviour [John 15:18, 25]

-If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

-But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law , They hated me without a cause.

3. The World Still Hates God [John 15:23-24]

He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

 

II. THE WILL OF GOD IS STILL THE SAME

1. It is still the Will of God that All Should Be Saved [2 Peter 3:9]

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2. It is still the Will of God that All Believer’s Be Set Apart [1 Thessalonians 4:3]

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

3. It is still the Will of God that All Believer’s Be Surrendered [James 4:13-17]

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 

III. THE WORD OF GOD IS STILL THE SAME

1. The Warning of Judgment is still the same [Rm. 3:10-12, 23, 6:23]

-As it is written , There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

- For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

-For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2. The Way of Justification is still the same [Rm. 4:5-6, 24-25]

-to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

- But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

3. The Willingness of Jesus is still the same [Rm. 5:6-8, 10:9-13]

-For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

-That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

ISN'T THE LOVE OF JESUS SOMETHING WONDERFUL?

1 JOHN 3

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE EXISTENCE OF THE OLD NATURE IS EVIDENT

1. David Taught It [Ps. 51:5]

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity,; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

2. Paul Taught It [Rm. 5:12-19, 6:6]

- Wherefore , as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

- Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

3. John Taught It [1 Jn. 1:8-10]

 

II. THE OLD NATURE EXISTS AFTER SALVATION

1. The Answer is Found in Christ [1 Jn. 3:4-7, Col. 3:1-10]

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another , seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

2. The Adversaries are Invisible [1 Jn. 3:8-11, Eph. 6:10-12]

-Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

3. The Examples are Many [1 Jn. 3:12, Eph. 4:22-27, Col. 3:9-10]

-That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

- Lie not one to another , seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

 

III. THE OLD NATURE EXITS WHEN CHRIST APPEARS FOR US

1. The World is Ignorant [1 Jn. 3:1]

2. The Child of God is Informed [1 Jn. 3:2]

3. The Believer is Encouraged [1 Jn. 3:3]

NO, NO, NO

LUKE 9: 57-62

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

In 1904 William Borden, heir to the Borden Dairy Estate graduated from a Chicago high school as a millionaire. For a graduation gift his parents gave him a trip around the world. Travelling through Asia, the Middle East and Europe young Borden developed a burden for the world. He wrote home, “I’m going give my life to prepare for the mission field.” When he made this decision he wrote in the back of his Bible,

I. “NO RESERVES.”

1. The Disciple of Christ Must Not TRUST Riches [1 Tm. 6:6-12]

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

2. The Disciple of Christ Must Trust the Word [2 Tm. 3:15-17]

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

3. The Disciple of Christ Must Love Not the World [1 Jn. 2:15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 

Borden went to Yale University for his under-graduate work. When he graduated he received many offers for high paying jobs – all of which he turned down. He entered two more words in his Bible:

II. “NO RETREATS”

1. The Disciple of Christ Must Look “Fit” [Luke 9:62]

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back , is fit for the kingdom of God.

2. The Disciple of Christ Must Look Forward [Phil. 3:13-14]

-Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

3. The Disciple of Christ Must Look to Christ [Heb. 12:1-4]

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds

 

Completing his studies at Princeton Seminary Borden sailed for China to work with Muslims, stopping in Egypt for some preparation. While there he was stricken with cerebral meningitis and died within a month. “A waste,” some said. Not in God’s plan. In his Bible under the words “NO RESERVES” and “NO RETREATS” he had written:

III. “NO REGRETS”

1. There Can Be No Regrets When Souls Have Been Saved

[Jn. 15:8] Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

2. There Can Be No Regrets When Lives Have Been Changed

[2 Pt. 3: 18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

3. There Can Be No Regrets When God is Pleased [Jn. 8:29, 1 Th. 4:1]

-And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

- Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

 

THE STORM COMES

Mark 6:45-56

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HERE THE STORM COMES

1. Jesus Knew about the Storm

[v. 45-48, Job 23:10]

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

2. Jesus Did Not Prevent the Storm

[v. 46-48, Romans 8:28]

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

3. Jesus Saw Them in the Storm

[v. 48, Genesis 16:13]

And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

 

II. WHEN THE STORM COMES

1. We Can Fear the Unknown [v. 48-49]

2. We Can Fear the Lord [v. 50a]

3. We Can Trust His Word [v. 50b]

 

III. WHAT ABOUT THE STORM COMING

1. The Storm Does Not Continue Forever [v. 51]

2. The Saviour Does Continue Forever

[v. 51-52, Heb. 7:24]

But this man, because he continueth ever , hath an unchangeable priesthood.

3. The Saviour’s Work Continues [v. 53-56]

THE DESOLATE HOUSE

MT. 23:38

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

THE DESOLATE HOUSE:

I. IS ALL ABOUT SELF [v. 1-12]

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

II. IS RELIGIOUS BUT LOST [v. 13-24]

III. IS CONCERNED PRIMARILY WITH APPEARANCE

[v. 25-32]

IV. IS OPPOSED TO GOD’S SERVANTS [v. 33-36]

V. REJECTS CHRIST

[v. 37-39, Mt. 13:14, Mark 4:12, Acts 28:23-27, Is. 6:9-10]

-And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

-That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

-And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God , persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word , Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

- And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

SHALL WE WEAR A CROWN?

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. CROWN DOCTRINE

1. The People of Crowns [1 Cor. 3:1-15]

2. The Place of Crowns [2 Corinthians 5:1-11]

3. The Purpose of Crowns [Rev. 4:10-11]

 

II. CROWNS DETAILED

1. Incorruptible Crown

[1 Cor. 9:24-27, 2 Timothy 2:5]

-for those who got mastery over the old nature, i.e., it pays to live a godly life

2. Crown of Rejoicing [1 Thess. 2:19, Dan. 12:3]

-the Soul-winners Crown

3. Crown of Righteousness

[2 Tm. 4:6-8, 1 Jn. 2:28-29]

-Love Christ’s Coming (not just our disappearing)

4. Crown of Glory [1 Pet. 5:1-4]

-for being willing to feed the flock of God, those who serve Christ faithfully in Christian service

5. Crown of life [James 1:12, Rev. 2:10]

-sometimes called “the martyrs crown”- people who have faithfully endured the trials/testings of life for Jesus

 

III. CROWNS DEEPENED

1. What Sort? [1 Cor. 3:13-15]

2. Whose Seat? [2 Cor. 5:10-12]

3. Who Signified? [Rev. 1:1, 4:10-11, 21:10-14]

THE OTHER SIDE

MARK 5:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE CHANGE

1. Untamable by Mankind [v. 1-5, Jm. 3:6-8]

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

2. Delivered by Jesus [v. 6-15, Rm. 7:24, 2 Tm. 4:18

-O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

-And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

3. Now Open for God’s Business [v. 7, 18-19]

II. THE CHARGE

1. “Come Out” [v. 8-13]

2. “Depart Out” [v. 14-17]

v. 10 the demons liked that country but Jesus made them change houses

v. 17 the people asked Jesus to leave their coasts- he was not good for business

3. “Go Home… and Tell” [v. 17-19]

 

III. THE CHALLENGE

1. It Was Specific [v. 19]

2. It Was Sound [v. 19-20, Ph. 1:23-25]

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

3. It Was Successful [v. 17, 19-20, 7:31-33]