Monday, October 30, 2017

THE KING’S CREDENTIALS

MATTHEW 16                                   

THAT’S MY KING –

                                            

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE SIGN [v. 1-12]

1. The Discerning Signs [v. 1-3, 1 Corinthians 2:14]

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

2. The Defining Sign [v. 4, 12:39-40, Rm. 1:4]

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

3. The Doctrinal Sign [v. 5-12, 2 Jn. 1:9-10]

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

II. THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD [v. 13-17]

1. The Supposition of Men [v. 13-14]

2. The Saviour of Men [v. 15-16]

3. The Source of Truth [v. 17]

III. THE THINGS [v. 18-28]

1. The Things of God [v. 18-21, 1 Corinthians 3:11, 10:4; 1 Pet. 2:3-8]

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

2. The Things of Satan [v. 22-23, Jn. 8:44, 1 Tm. 4:1]

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

3. The Things of Men [v. 23-28, Rm. 3:4]


let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

REVIVAL or REFORMATION



2 Timothy 3:8-17

Pastor Rick Jackson

500 years ago this coming Tuesday, on October 31, 1517, "the priest and scholar Martin Luther approaches the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, and nails a piece of paper to it containing the 95 revolutionary opinions that would begin the Protestant Reformation," according to the website www.history.com ]

"In his theses, Luther condemned the excesses and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church, especially the papal practice of asking payment--called "indulgences"--for the forgiveness of sins. At the time, a Dominican priest named Johann Tetzel, commissioned by the Archbishop of Mainz and Pope Leo X, was in the midst of a major fundraising campaign in Germany to finance the renovation of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Though Prince Frederick III the Wise had banned the sale of indulgences in Wittenberg, many church members traveled to purchase them. When they returned, they showed the pardons they had bought to Luther, claiming they no longer had to repent for their sins.

"Luther's frustration with this practice led him to write the 95 Theses, which were quickly snapped up, translated from Latin into German and distributed widely. A copy made its way to Rome, and efforts began to convince Luther to change his tune. He refused to keep silent, however, and in 1521 Pope Leo X formally excommunicated Luther from the Catholic Church. That same year, Luther again refused to recant his writings before the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V of Germany, who issued the famous Edict of Worms declaring Luther an outlaw and a heretic and giving permission for anyone to kill him without consequence. Protected by Prince Frederick, Luther began working on a German translation of the Bible, a task that took 10 years to complete.

"The term ‘Protestant’ first appeared in 1529, when Charles V revoked a provision that allowed the ruler of each German state to choose whether they would enforce the Edict of Worms. A number of princes and other supporters of Luther issued a protest, declaring that their allegiance to God trumped their allegiance to the emperor. They became known to their opponents as Protestants; gradually this name came to apply to all who believed the Church should be reformed, even those outside Germany. By the time Luther died, of natural causes, in 1546, his revolutionary beliefs had formed the basis for the Protestant Reformation, which would over the next three centuries revolutionize Western civilization."

Luther's ideas may have been revolutionary for a Catholic but the Baptists and other groups had always held many of these beliefs. For former Catholics it might have been a reformation, but for those whose colors had never dipped, whose faith had never faltered, whose foundation had always been the solid rock - a refocusing on these truths would be a revival not a reformation. Any Christian who gets away from these basic principles needs to refocus on these truths, repent of his backsliding and get revived by the Word of God, the Spirit of God and do the will of God.

What were the basic 5 tenets of the reformation/revival?

I. SOLA SCRIPTURA [2 Tm. 3:16-17]

Sola Scriptura does not mean the Bible is the only source of truth, but it does mean it is the only completely authoritative source for truth. And if any other source contradicts the Bible that source, on that point, is wrong. All Truth is God's truth. Truth is of God. God's Word is Truth [Jn. 17:17]. God's way is Truth [Jn. 14:6]. Men's conclusions or interpretations of truth are not always true. The evolutionist and the Creationist both look at the same evidence, but their interpretations of the evidence differ. The evidence isn't wrong, the interpretation of the evolutionist is wrong.

The same is true in the areas of religion. When someone attempts to teach against the clear doctrine of the Bible with their own fanciful notions they are wrong. Either deliberately or in ignorance. Often arrogance will not accept their own ignorance even in otherwise "good" Christians. It's their way or the highway. The old maxim is still true, "In major things -Unity, in minor things -Liberty, in all things -Charity." A Jr. High student once confronted his teacher about a class lesson. He said the teacher was wrong in his interpretation. The next day the teacher showed the boy several commentaries that supported his teaching. The boy got mad. His attitude was, "Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is already made up!" This type of behavior is not limited to 7th graders.

Jesus constantly pointed to the Scriptures as proof of His person, His presence, His power (authority) and His Preeminence! John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

II. SOLUS CHRISTUS [Jn. 14:6]

Solus Christus refers to the doctrine of Christ's substitutionary work as being the one and only way for sinners to obtain salvation. Salvation is not found in the Church, good works, the baptismal pool, the 10 Commandments or the Golden rule. These are all good and right BUT none of these aid in the actual work of the salvation of the soul. Christ's death and resurrection is the complete and only basis for salvation. [1 Cor. 15:1-4ff]

The song writer was correct:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

III. SOLA GRATIA [Eph. 2:8-9]

Sola Gratia refers to the fact that Christ's payment is a free gift and cannot be earned by any supposed merit or works. [Rm. 6:23]

Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

IV. SOLA FIDE [Eph. 2:8-9]

Sola Fide refers to the accessing of the free gift of God by faith alone [Rm. 4:1-13].

V. SOLI DEO GLORIA

1 Corinthians 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Soli Deo Gloria completes and summarizes the rest. Think of it, the foundation is SOLA SCRIPTURA -God's Word, SOLUS CHRISTUS -God's Work -Christ did it all, SOLA GRATIA -God's Grace that bringeth salvation to all, SOLA FIDE -God's Way for sinners to access the grace, all of which has to lead directly to SOLA DEO GLORY-God's glory. He did it all, He deserves ALL the glory!

1 Chronicles 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Psalm 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Isaiah 42:12 Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.

Jeremiah wrote- Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. [Jeremiah 9:23-24]

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.


2 Peter 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.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Question of the Week: Two merging neutron stars—what really happened? ⭐  

From: Answers in Genesis <www.answersingenesis.org>
Subject: Two merging neutron stars—what really happened? ⭐  

 
How much of this recent story is established fact and what parts are conjectures?

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Friday, October 27, 2017

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

And "his leaf shall not wither." There are too many withered-leaf Christians.There are too many Christians who don't have joy and victory day by day. A Christian ought to have joy and peace. - John R. Rice

Somebody asked Dr. Tom Malone, "How much do you read the Bible?" He said, "I read it until God talks to me. I read it until my heart burns."
Oh, then read the Bible. Let it be sweet food to your soul. You can have that blessing if you enjoy the Bible and delight in the Word of God. - John R. Rice 

My own mother died before I was six years old, yet I could never measure the impact of her life and testimony on me. She gave me to God when I was born and wanted me to be a preacher. She called me her "preacher boy." She taught me to sing Christian songs. She made all of us promise to meet her in Heaven. On her deathbed my mother rejoiced in the Lord and asked us all to sing, "How Firm a Foundation." Thank God for Christian mothers! - John R. Rice

Trust what God said. You say, "How do you feel?" I don't care how you feel. Did you trust Jesus to save you and did you give Him your heart? If you did, He saved you. How do you know? He said so. - John R. Rice

Do you want to grow? All right, that is very plain. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (I Pet. 2:2). You can grow by the Word of God. - John R. Rice

Do you want faith? "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17).
Do you want prayers answered? In John 15:7 Jesus said, If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." Oh, you can get your prayers answered because you are wrapped up in Jesus and in His word. You want what He wants, and since you love the Bible, He shows you what you want. - John R. Rice 

What else will you do with the Bible? Use it to win souls. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed. . ." -the blessed Word of God. You can tell people that God loves them. You can tell them, "I know that you are a sinner and you are condemned, but God can forgive you." You can tell them that everyone who will put his trust in Jesus and will rely on Him has salvation. Use the Word of God to win souls. - John R. Rice 

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

WHAT ABOUT GHOSTS?


[BIBLE Answers to Big Questions #5]                                                    

MARK 6:45-53                   



Pastor Rick Jackson



34% of Americans say they believe in ghosts, according to a poll by The Associated Press and Ipsos. That's the same percentage who believe in UFOs — exceeding the 19% who believe in spells/witchcraft. 48% believe in ESP.

23% say they have actually seen a ghost or "have been in one's presence, with the most likely candidates for such visits including single people, Catholics and those who never attend religious services. By 31 percent to 18 percent, more liberals than conservatives report seeing a specter."

Those who dismissed the existence of ghosts include Morris Swadener, 66, a Navy retiree from Kingston, Wash. He says he shot one with his rifle when he was a child. "I woke up in the middle of the night and saw a white ghost in my closet," he said. "I discovered I'd put a hole in my brand new white shirt. My mother and father were not amused."

3 in 10 have awakened sensing a strange presence in the room... singles are more likely than married people to say so.

The poll, conducted Oct. 16-18, 2007 involved telephone interviews with 1,013 adults and had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.



I. WHY DO SOME PEOPLE "SEE" GHOSTS?



1. The World [v. 45-48] physical surroundings create atmosphere



2. The Flesh [v. 48] physical state causes anxiety



3. The Devil [v. 49-50a] spiritual adversaries take advantage of our weaknesses



Ephesians 6:12 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.

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.



II. WHY AREN'T GHOSTS [as portrayed in stories, etc.] REAL?



1. Ghosts, by definition, are the Spirits/Souls of Those Who Have Died [Gn. 25:8- Abraham gave up the ghost, and died]



Gn.  25:17-Ishmael, Gn.  35:29-Isaac, Mark 15:37-Jesus, Acts 5:5-Ananias Acts 12:23-Herod



2. The Spirit of a Saved Person Goes Immediately to Heaven [2 Corinthians 5:6-8]



Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.



3. The Spirit of a Lost Person Goes Immediately to Hell [Luke 16:22-23]



And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.



III. HOW CAN I SETTLE THE MATTER ONCE AND FOR ALL?



1. Accept God’s Word on the Matter [6:50, 12:24]



And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?



2. Accept Christ’s Person as God [Matthew 14:33]



Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.



3. Accept All of God’s Work as Indicative of His Nature [6:51-52]



Psalm 52:1 the goodness of God endureth continually.

Hosea 3:5 Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

Monday, October 23, 2017

MATTHEW 15



THAT’S MY KING – THE KING AT WORK

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. FILING CHARGES [v. 1-20]

1. Baseless Charges [v. 1-2]

2. Biblical Charges [v. 3-9]

3. Bold Commentary [v. 10-20]

II. FIXING MISCONCEPTIONS [v. 21-28]

1. Ignoring the Wrong Approach [v. 21-24]

2. Insuring the Correct Approach [v. 25-27]

3. Honoring the Faith Approach [v. 28]

III. FOCUSING ON MULTICULTURAL MISSIONS [v.29-39]

1. Gentiles Healed [v. 29-31]

2. Gentiles Feed [v. 32-38, Mk. 7 “Decapolis”]


3. Gentiles Blessed [v. 39]

Sunday, October 22, 2017

THE GOD OF THE BIBLE



ISAIAH 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE GOD OF THE BIBLE IS FANTASTIC!                He is unique. He is singular. There isn't anyone or anything like Him.

1. GOD ALONE IS IRREPLACEABLE! [Exodus 15:11]

Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

2. GOD IS IRREDUCIBLE! [1 Chr. 29:11]      People can be brought down low, humbled and disgraced but not so with the Lord.

Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

He is bigger than our problems.

3. GOD IS IRREFUTABLE! [Is. 45:18-23] Just think- Jesus is the only One who could and the only One who would!

“What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” - Joseph Scriven

II. THE GOD OF THE BIBLE IS FAITHFUL! [1 Thessalonians 5:18-24]

1. GOD THE FATHER IS FAITHFUL! Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

2. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT IS FAITHFUL! 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. GOD THE SON IS FAITHFUL! 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

“Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.”

III. THE GOD OF THE BIBLE WILL NOT FORSAKE HIS OWN!

1. GOD THE FATHER WILL NOT FORSAKE HIS OWN! Deuteronomy 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

2. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL NOT FORSAKE HIS OWN! [Ephesians 4:30]

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

3. GOD THE SON WILL NOT FORSAKE HIS OWN! [Hebrews 13:5-7]

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.


“Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer. Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.”

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Question of the Week: Is Bill Nye still a kid-friendly personality?



From the highly recommended: Answers in Genesis <www.answersingenesis.org>

 
Should you keep your children away from Bill Nye's new material?

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