JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 All the dealings of Christ with the human race were intended to result in souls being saved. To this end the Bible was written. To this end Christ came into the world, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross and rose from the dead and now intercedes for us at the right hand of God as our High Priest--all this for the one purpose of saving sinners. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 124-125]

How are we to abide in Christ without abiding in His Word? In the Bible we have all His commands, all His desires expressed. In the Bible we have the entire story about how Jesus lived and died, how He overcame Satan and lived a holy life as our pattern. The will and character of Christ are revealed in the Bible, and so daily feeding on the Word of God, judging self by the Word, claiming the promises of God, following the instructions of the Word, are necessary if we are to abide in Christ and bear fruit. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 127]

Everything good for the Christian is involved in abiding in Christ. This is the central thought of the entire passage in John 15:1-17. In some sense Bible reading and prayer are a part of abiding in Christ, but besides these, there should be a very deliberate effort to be conscious of the continual presence of Christ. To read the Bible is not enough. We should read it in the presence of Christ, with Him pointing out the meaning and speaking to our hearts as we read. To pray is not enough. We should be conscious of the very near presence of Christ as we pray, talk to Him personally and have Him speak to us just as definitely as we speak to Him. We should practice the presence of Christ. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 127]

Part of God's program for a long successful life is this, "Honour thy father and thy mother." Personal and national spiritual prosperity depend upon a proper relationship between godly parents and obedient, reverent children. A good Christian cannot be a rebel in the home. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 138]

Christians ought not to give Christian recognition to those who are not Christians. They ought not to call those "brethren" who are not really spiritual brethren. One who does not hold the historic Christian faith, does not accept the deity of Christ, the infallible inspiration of the Bible and has not trusted Christ personally as Saviour, is not a Christian and ought not to be called a Christian. The yoke is unequal when born-again people and unconverted cultists or liberals and modernists are in the same organization, calling each other brethren. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 155]

What a picture that is when one is baptized! One who has trusted Christ and has a new heart now follows Jesus down into the watery grave. He counts the old sinner already dead: now symbolically the old sinner and the old life are buried. Then he is raised up "to walk in newness of life." That means he believes Christ rose from the dead. It also means that the Christian expects one day to be raised from the dead or marvelously changed when Jesus comes. Still it means more: The Christian now says, "I am going to live a new life. I belong to God. Christ lives in me and I live for Christ!" - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 184]

John 20:21-23 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

I have the authority from God to tell a man how he may have his sins remitted and assure him it is done when he trusts the Lord. I have authority to tell a man he is doomed and going to Hell when he refuses to take Christ as Saviour. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 196]

THE FRIEND OF GOD

James 2:23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. ABRAHAM WAS THE FRIEND OF GOD BECAUSE HE BELIEVED GOD

 

1. Believing God Establishes the Relationship [James 2:23, Galatians 3:7]

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

 

2. Believing God Enriches the Relationship [Hebrews 11:6]

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 

3. Believing God Excludes Friendship with the World [James 4:4]

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

 

II. ABRAHAM WAS THE FRIEND OF GOD BECAUSE HE HONOURED GOD [John 8]

 

1. He Honoured God by Working for God [John 8:39-40, Luke 11:23]

-They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

- He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

 

2. He Honoured God by Listening to God [John 8:46-49]

Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

 

3. He Honoured God by Rejoicing in God’s Person and Program [John 8:56]

Your father Abraham rejoiced [properly, to jump for joy, i.e. exult:--be (exceeding) glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly)] to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad [a primary verb; to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off]

 

III. ABRAHAM WAS THE FRIEND OF GOD BECAUSE HE OBEYED GOD

 

1. Abraham Obeyed God When He Didn’t Know Where It Would Lead Him [Hebrews 11: 8]

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

 

2. Abraham Obeyed God When He Didn’t Know How God Was Going to Work It Out [Hebrews 11:17-19]

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

 

3. Abraham Obeyed God and Taught Others to Obey God [Genesis 18:19, John 15:14]

-For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

- Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

THE WILL OF GOD

LUKE 22:39-48

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…”             

Paul said, “This one thing I do…”

Ruth said, “Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God”    

Daniel purposed in his heart.       

Enoch walked with God.     

Joshua proclaimed, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”    

David asked, “Is there not a cause?”    

The three Hebrews said, “ be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”   

Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.

What were these individuals doing. They were choosing the will of God. The WILL OF GOD.   

 

When you want to do the will of God you might discover…        

it is not what you thought…      

It is not how you thought…       

it is not where you thought…    

it is not who you thought

 

I. IF YOU WANT THE WILL OF GOD, YOU BETTER RECOGNIZE

 

1. Our Foes Will Oppose Us [v. 2-6, 47-48]

 

2. Our Friends May Obstruct Us [v. 45-46]

 

3. Our Frailty May Overcome Us [v. 45-46]

 

II. IF YOU WANT THE WILL OF GOD, YOU BETTER REORGANIZE

 

1.  Pray [v. 40, 44]

 

2. Purpose [v. 41-42, Dan. 1:8, Isaiah 50:7]

For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.]

 

3.  Power [v. 43, Acts 1:8]

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me

 

III. IF YOU WANT THE WILL OF GOD, YOU BETTER RE-ENERGIZE

 

1. Make Sure you Know the Saviour [Jn. 6:67-71, 2 Corinthians 13:5]

-Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

-Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith

 

2. Make Sure you Heed the Saviour’s Word [v. 31-34, Psalm 119:11, 2 Timothy 2:15]

- Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

-Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

3. Make Sure you Die to Self [Jn. 12:24, 1 Cor. 15:31]

-Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit

-I die daily.

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

People do not partly keep themselves. They leave the matter with Christ. That is what they have committed to Him, and He who did the saving by grace does the keeping the same way, by grace. People do not deserve salvation when they get it. People do not deserve salvation after they get it. It is by God's grace, and God's power, and on the merits of Jesus Christ, not our own merits. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 82]

 We want to be like Jesus. We feel guilty and sad in proportion as we fail to be like Him. But, oh, the sweet and blessed time is coming, as the psalmist said, "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" (Ps. 17:15). - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 104]

Let us be sure of this, any honest doubter is invited to come and find out the truth. And, of course, the doubter who does not seek to find the truth, who does not want to know, is not an honest doubter. The scoffer who does not pray, who does not read the Bible, who does not seek the will of God, is not an honest doubter. He is a rebel; he is a deliberate sinner. But the troubled heart that wants to know about Jesus can find out. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 111]

All r

We need to understand that salvation is wholly by the grace of God, that God saves people who do not deserve it, and keeps people who do not deserve it, because of His wonderful grace. We should remember that Christ died for our sins, all of them, and that His death on the cross settled for all of our sins before we were ever born and the forgiveness became effective as soon as we would trust the Saviour. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 114]

The only righteousness that will do a Christian any good is the righteousness of Christ and that righteousness is freely given to all who will trust in Him. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 114]

Jesus has never cast out one who has come seeking mercy and forgiveness. He did not cast one out when He came not later when he failed to be all he ought to be. Thank God for His love and for the atoning blood of Jesus and the everlasting promises that we are born into the family of God and He will never leave us nor forsake us. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 115]

A famous preacher has a way of saying, "Why should one person hear the Gospel twice when others have not heard it once?" That sounds like a smart saying but really it is not. The simple truth is hardly anybody is ever saved the first time they hear the Gospel. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 116-117]

HAVE YOU BEEN TO BETHEL?

GENESIS 28:1-5, 10-19

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHAT BETHEL MEANT TO JACOB

 

1. Bethel was The Place of God’s Presence [v. 20a]

2. Bethel was The Place of God’s Provision [v. 20b]

3. Bethel was The Place of God’s Peace [v. 21]

4. Bethel was The Place of Jacob’s Promise [v. 22]

 

II. WHAT BETHEL MEANT TO GOD

 

1. It Was the Place of God’s Servant’s Commitment [Gen. 31:13]

2. It Was the Place of God’s Servant’s Consecration [Gen. 35:1-4]

3. It Was the Place of God’s Servant’s Change [Gen. 35:5-15]

 

III. WHAT BETHEL MEANS TO US [1 Corinthians 10:11]

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

 

1. God Loves Us Poor Sinners [Rm. 5:8]

2. God Desires to Change Us [Rm. 6:1-10]

3. God Desires to Use Us [Rm. 6:15-22, 12:1-2]

CHRIST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT - THE BRANCH

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Unlearned and/or ignorant people think Christ is not in the Old Testament but they could not be farther from the Truth. Christ is present from Genesis 1 through Malachi 4. Some of His manifestations may be unfamiliar to you while many are well known. Did you know that Christ is called “THE BRANCH” multiple times in the Old Testament? The term speaks of Messiah’s fruitfulness and that He comes from the stock of Israel. In fact, the title “THE BRANCH” is used of Christ in 4 major ways with each way corresponding to part of Christ’s character as later emphasized in the New Testament Gospels.

 

I. “A BRANCH OF DAVID” [Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15]

 

1. The Kingly Line [Isaiah 11:1, Mt. 1:1, 6]

- And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

-The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. . . . And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

 

2. A Righteous King [Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15]

- Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

-In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

Matthew 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Matthew 5:33-35 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

Matthew 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Matthew 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

Matthew 27:37 And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews.

 

II. “MY SERVANT THE BRANCH” [Zechariah 3:8]

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch.

1. No Pedigree for Christ in Mark’s Gospel [Mark 1] a Servant needs no pedigree

2. The Obedient Servant of the Father [even though He was equal] Phil. 2:5-7]

- Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

-Mark 9:33-35 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

-Mark 10:42-45 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

 

III. “THE MAN WHOSE NAME IS THE BRANCH” [Zechariah 6:12-13]

And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord: Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

Jesus calls Himself “the Son of Man” over 25 times in Luke’s Gospel

 

IV. “THE BRANCH OF JEHOVAH’ [ISAIAH 4:2, 7:14, John 1:1-14]

In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

- Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

PERCEPTION & PROBLEMS

 

ACTS 4:1-14

Pastor Rick Jackson                

 

I. THE TROUBLEMAKERS

 

1. Elijah & the Cast Iron Pot Calling the Cast Iron Kettle Black

[1 Kings 18:17-18] And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.

 

2. Jesus & the Liars Lying about the Truth [Luke 23:1-5, Jn. 18:34-37]

- AND the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

- Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

3. Paul & the Law [Acts 16:16-21]

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

 

II. THE BASKET-CASES

 

1. No One Knows How Valuable a Life May Be - The Basket-case that Saved a Nation [Ex. 2]

 

2. No One Knows How Viable a Life May Be - The Basket-case that Shook the World [Acts 9:22-27, 17:6]

- But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

-And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

 

3. No One Knows How Vital a Life May Be - The Basket-case that Saves the World [John 6:10-13, 32-35, 45-51]

- And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

-Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

-It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

 

III. THE UNWANTED

 

1. The Mocked [Heb. 11:36]

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

 

2. The Destitute [v. 37]

They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

 

3. The Wanderers [v. 38-40]

(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 Read through chapter after chapter in consecutive order, in any given book. The Psalms were divided up into separate chapters originally. They are not connected. It is about the same with the book of Proverbs. But in the rest of the Bible each book is a consecutive whole, and each ought to be read chapter after chapter through the whole book. When you start on Genesis, then keep going right on through Genesis until you finish it. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 50]

Reading the Bible is not enough, and even memorizing much of the Bible is not enough. The Christian is commanded to "meditate therein day and night." Have the Bible often in your mind. Ask God to help you think about it and enjoy it and delight in it. For it is in meditating on the Word of God that the Holy Spirit does His blessed work of developing the Christian graces in your heart and in giving you faith and in showing you what is wrong with your life, or how to have your prayers answered, or which course you should pursue. So take time to think about the Bible and meditate upon its teachings, its promises and its blessings. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 51]

I need not say that any honest dealing with the Word of God will mean that the Christian is to live by what he finds therein. To read the Bible and not follow it would be hypocrisy. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 51]

If God shows you that your prayer is wrong, than ask Him to help you change it. But as long as you do not have clear evidence from the Word of God or by the Holy Spirit's leading that your prayer is wrong, then keep on praying.. Ask God to change your desires if your prayer is wrong, or to give you faith to expect the blessing you seek if your prayer is right. Keep on praying! - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 58]

Prayer is one of the greatest steps to a happy, prosperous, successful Christian life. Dear Christian, take time, take time, take time to keep up your prayer life and keep things settled up with God all the time. Confess to Him all your sins, take to Him all your burdens, thank Him for all your blessings! - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 59]

The Christian still has the old nature, but now being converted, he has also a new nature, and of this new nature, the newly-created person within, we read, "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not" (I John 5:18). That does not mean that a Christian never sins--but it means that that there is a new nature within the Christian, and this new nature, born of God, does not sin, but hates sin and cannot be content with sin. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 80]

People do not save themselves. They do not keep themselves. People do not partly save themselves by good works, or baptism, or church membership, or giving money, or prayers. They simply trust Jesus Christ and He does all the saving. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 81]

HE PLEASED GOD

 

HE PLEASED GOD

Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. ENOCH’S FAITH MANIFESTED [Genesis 5:18-24]

 

1. Enoch Lived As Do We All [Gen. 5:18-21a]

 

2. Enoch Became a Father with Responsibilities [Gen. 5:21b]

 

3. Enoch’s Response to Fatherhood Was to Walk with God [Gen. 5:22-24a, Heb. 11:5-6]

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 

II. ENOCH’S FAITH-FILLED MINISTRY [Jude 14-15]

 

1. He Preached the Judgment of God [Jude 4-15]

 

2. He Preached Christ’s Second Coming [Jude 14]

 

3. He Preached Life After Death [Jude 14-15, Daniel 12:2]

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

 

III. ENOCH’S FATE

 

1. Raptured [Gen. 5:24]

 

2. Return Possible [Rev. 11:3-12]                Enoch, Moses, Elijah?

-Elijah [Malachi 4:4-5] Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

-Elijah & Enoch [Hebrews 9:27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

-Moses & Elijah [Luke 9:27-31 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem

2 Peter 1:16-18 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

 

The Bible does not reveal the identities of the two witnesses. Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God:

 

3. Return Predicted [Jude 14]

HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER

PSALM 136 

                                                                             

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THERE IS MERCY IN HIS PERSON [v. 1-3]

 

1. Give Thanks for He is Good [v. 1]

 

2. Give Thanks for He is the God of gods [v. 2]

 

3. Give Thanks for He is the Lord of lords [v. 3]

 

II. THERE IS MERCY IN HIS POWER [v. 4-22]

 

1.  The God of gods is the Unique Creator [v. 4-9]

 

2. The Good God is the Mighty Redeemer [v. 10-15]

 

3.  The Lord of lords is the Present Help [v. 16-22]

 

III. THERE IS MERCY IN HIS POLICIES [v. 23-26]

 

1. He is Good - He Remembered Us [v. 23]

 

2. He is Gracious - He Redeemed Us [v. 24, Rev. 5:9]

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;]

 

3. He is God- He Reached Down to Us [v. 25-26]

WHAT TIME IS IT? A TIME TO DIE?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

On April 12, 1912, Good Friday, a brand-new ship was dressed in multi-colored flags for the occasion before she left on her maiden voyage. Her first, and last, voyage. She never made it to port. Over 2200 people left shore… over 1500 never saw shore again, for them, it was, a time to die. The RMS Titanic, dubbed by the press as “Unsinkable” – struck an iceberg on April 14 and sank in the early hours of April 15^th, having never completed a single voyage. Rich and poor, male and female, passengers and crew – for most of them, it was a time to die.

A time to die. We all face it. We have all feared it [if not for ourselves, for others]. A time to die. We all should faith it.

 

I. PHYSICAL DEATH – Death in the Bible is always a separation, never an annihilation. Physical death is the separation of the immaterial part of a person [the soul and/or spirit] and the material part of the person [the body]. Ecclesiastes 12:7 says, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”

 

1. Lot of All Men [Rm. 5:12, 6:23]

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

 

2. Life’s Inevitable End for Most [Hebrews 9:27]

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

 

3. Last Enemy Manifested [1 Cor. 15:25-26]

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

 

II. SPIRITUAL DEATH – Spiritual death is separation of the soul/spirit from God. Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

 

1. Spiritually Stillborn [Eph. 2:1, Gn. 2:16-17, Rm. 5:12]

-And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:

-And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

2. Second Death [Rm. 6:23, Rev. 20:14]

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

 

3. Substitutionary Death [Rm. 5:6-8, 10-11, 14, 19]

-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.

-For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

-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.

-For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

 

III. CHOSE DEATH TO LIVE [Live a life of separation from the old life, the old nature]

 

1. Christ Chose [John 10:15, 17]

-I lay down my life for the sheep.

-Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.

 

2. Paul Chose [1 Corinthians 15:31]          I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

 

3. Christians Should Choose [John 12:24-26]

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

 

Die to Self!          All direction is received from Jesus.

Die to Compliments!       All glory should be routed to Jesus.

Die to Criticisms!              All judgment is reserved to Jesus.              1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

WHAT JESUS IS DOING

MARK 12:41-44                          

Pastor Rick Jackson                                                                                                   

I. JESUS IS WATCHING

 

1. The Observation of Jesus [v. 41-42, Pr. 15:3]

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

 

2. The Object Lesson of Jesus [v. 43a, 38-40]

 

3. The Omniscience of Jesus [v. 43-44, 36, John 2:25]

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

 

II. JESUS IS WEIGHING [Daniel 5:27]    

Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.

 

1.  Jesus Does Not Criticize the Givers [v. 41, 44, Acts 5:4]

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

 

2. Jesus Does Commend the Widow [v. 42-44, 2 Cor 9:7]

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 

3.  Jesus Does Challenge Us [2 Tm. 3:16-17]

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.

 

III. JESUS IS WAITING

 

1. For Us to Recognize Him [v. 28-29, 35-37, John 14:9]

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, shew us the Father?

 

2. For Us to Acknowledge Him [v. 30]

 

ALL Our Adoration - Mt 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.]

ALL Our Being - Mt 16:25-26 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

ALL Our Thoughts - 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

ALL Our Activity - Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

 

3. For Us to Act Like Him [v. 31-34, 1 Corinthians 11:1]

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.