A REJOICING CHRISTIAN

PHILIPPIANS 1:4, 3:1, 4:4

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

A rejoicing Christian is a good testimony. A rejoicing Christian is sometimes a rare commodity. A rejoicing Christian is a Bible Christian. A rejoicing Christian is a less likely to get into sin. A rejoicing Christian is more likely to give God the glory. A rejoicing Christian is a person who enjoys life. A rejoicing Christian appreciates the blessings of God. A rejoicing Christian realizes God allows certain things in our lives for our good even when they may not be pleasant. Be a rejoicing Christian!

 

I. WHAT ARE SOME BARRIERS TO BEING A REJOICING CHRISTIAN?

Not hardships, suffering, separation from loved ones or imminent death. No the barriers to rejoicing are:

1. A Self-serving Attitude [1:12-18, 2:2-4, 21]

2. An Argumentative Ungracious Attitude [4:2-6]

3. A Carnal Sinful Lifestyle [3:2-3, 18]

 

II. WHAT IS THE BASIS OF BEING A REJOICING CHRISTIAN?

1. A Saving Relationship with Jesus Christ [1:1-6]

2. A Walking Relationship with Jesus Christ [1:5-6, 10-11, 19-21, 29] “And He walks with me…”

3. A Working relationship with Jesus Christ [1:22, 27; 2:12-13, 30]

 

III. WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF BEING A REJOICING CHRISTIAN?

1. Rejoicing is Good for Us Personally [4:7-13, Pr. 17:22]

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

2. Rejoicing is Good for Others [1:3-4, 25-26]

3. Rejoicing Glorifies God [1:9-11, 2:11, 4:20]

AND BEHOLD, THERE TALKED WITH HIM TWO MEN

LUKE 9:20-27

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LET’S TALK

1. A Prophecy Fulfilled [v. 27-32]

2. An Ignorance Revealed [v. 33-34]

3. A Relationship Reinforced [v. 35-36]

 

II. LET’S TEACH

1. Folks in Heaven are Known [v. 30, 33, 1 Cor. 13:12]

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

2. Folks in Heaven are Knowing [v. 31, 10:20-24, 16:30, 1 Pt. 1:10-11]

Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what , or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

3. Folks in Heaven are Not Asleep (though their bodies may be) [v. 30-32, Dt. 34:5-6, Jude 1:9]

-The real Moses & Elijah were not in the grave though Moses’ body was at that moment!

- So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

-Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

 

III. LET’S THINK

1. Moses and Elijah are Representative of Saved in Heaven Not the Grave [2 Cor. 4:1-8]

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 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.

2. Moses and Elijah are Representative of the Dead and the Raptured [Josh. 1:1-2, 2 Ki. 2:11]

- Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

- And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

3. Moses and Elijah Representative the Law and the Prophets [Luke 24:44]

-And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Acts 13:15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

Acts 28:23 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.

Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

THREE MEN ON A MOUNTAIN

LUKE 9:20-27                                         

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. MOSES THE MOUNTAIN MAN 

[Sinai, Pisgah, Transfiguration]

1. His Previous Concern [Dt. 3:23-27]

And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

2. His Present Concern [Lk. 9:30-31] Christ’s Purpose

3. His Proper Concern [Lk. 9:30-31] Christ’s Person

 

II. PETER THE MAN IN NEED

1. The Need of Prayer [27-32, 1 Pt. 4:7]

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

2. The Need of Perspective [v. 32-35, 2 Pt. 1:14-18]

Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. 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. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

3. The Need of Patience [v. 36, 1 Pt. 5:6-11]

-Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

III. CHRIST THE MAN OF GLORY

1. The Glory of His Birth [Lk. 2:9, 14, 32]

-And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid .

-Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

- A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

2. The Glory of His Person [Lk. 9:28-32]

3. The Glory of His Uniqueness [Jn. 1:10-14]

SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE SOVEREIGN

JUDE 12-25                                                                             

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE JUDGE [v. 12-18]

 

1. The Judgment is Determined [v. 12-13]

2. The Judge is Coming [v. 14]

3. The Judgment is Irrefutable, Intrinsic, and Inescapable [v. 15-18]

 

II. SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE SPIRIT [v. 19-23]

 

1. Those Judged Have Not the Spirit [v. 19, Rm. 8:8-9]

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

2. Those Not in this Judgment Have the Spirit, the Saviour & the Father [v. 20-21, Rm. 8:10-11]

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

3. Those Not in this Judgment Have a Mission [v. 22-23]

 

III. SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE SAVIOUR [v. 24-25]

 

1. He Does the Keeping [v. 24, Jn. 17:11, 2 Tm. 1:12, 1 Pt. 1:3-5]

- And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

-For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

2. He Presents Saints Faultless [v. 24, Eph. 5:27, Col. 1:22]

-That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

-In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

3. He Gets the Glory [v. 25]

MORE THAN A PROPHET

LUKE 7:11-18

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE DISCERNMENT OF JOHN THE BAPTIST [LUKE 7:18-20]

1. He Knew the Problem of Misguided Hero Worship

[Lk. 7:18-20, Mt. 9:14-15, Jn. 3:22-30]

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

2. He Knew the Prophecy of Messiah’s Human Witness [Jn. 1:14-23]

3. He Knew the Path to Messianic Holy Worship

[Jn. 1:24-34]

 

II. THE DISCERNMENT OF WITNESSING THE WORD [Jn. 1:1-14]

1. The Witness of His Works [Lk. 7:21]

2. The Witness of His Way [Lk. 7:22]

3. The Witness of His Works [Lk. 7:23, Psalm 34:8]

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

 

III. THE DISCERNMENT OF JESUS THE CHRIST

[Lk. 7:24-30]

1. He Knew John’s Stand [Lk. 7:24, Jn. 3:30-36]

2. He Knew John’s Stedfastness [Lk. 7:25-27, Jn. 3:30]

3. He Knew John’s Stature [Lk. 7:28-30]

 

In summary: John realized some of his disciples saw him rather than Jesus, so he sent them to Jesus to see for themselves. Jesus understood what John was doing and made sure they learned the lesson John sent them to learn. John didn’t have doubts about Jesus and Jesus didn’t have doubts about John.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE?

MATTHEW 20:20-28

Pastor Rick Jackson [idea by Norris Belcher]

 

I. THE EMPHASIS OF CHRIST [Mt. 20:17-19]

1. God’s Plan for Mankind [v. 17-18, Acts 2:23]

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

2. God’s Payment for Man’s Sin [v. 19, Acts 2:23-24]

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

3. God’s Power for Man’s Salvation [v. 19, Rm. 1:16, 1 Cor. 15]

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

II. THE EMPHASIS OF MAN [Mt. 20:20-28]

1. Position [v. 20-21]

But wait, “Somebody’s got to get the donkey!”

2. Perception [v. 22, 26:56]

Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

3. Potential [v. 23-28]

 

III. THE EMPHASIS OF GOD’S SERVANT [Mt. 21:1-11]

1. Listen [v. 1-5, 20:25-28]

2. Obey [v. 6, Luke 6:46]

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Because “Somebody’s got to get the donkey!”

3. Give God the Glory [v. 7-11]

IF YOU'RE CERTAIN

 

IF YOU’RE CERTAIN

JUDE 4-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. CERTAIN MEN [v. 4]

1. Creeps [v. 4, Gal. 2:4, 2 Tm. 3:5-6]

- And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

-Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

2. Condemned [v. 4, 2 Pt 2:1-3]

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

3. Corrupt [v. 4, Gal. 1:6, 2 Pt. 2:1, 1 Jn. 2:22-23]

- I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

-But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

-Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

 

II. CERTAIN CONDEMNATION [v. 5-7]

1. Unbelieving men [v. 5, Heb. 3:18 & 11:31]

- And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

-By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

2. Unfaithful Angels [v. 6, 2 Pt. 2:4, 1 Cor. 6:3]

-For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

-Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

3. Unnatural Uses [v. 7, Rm. 1:24-28]

- Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another ; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

 

III. CERTAIN SINS [v. 8-10]

1. Defile the Flesh [v. 8, 2 Pt. 2:10, 18]

-And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

-For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

2. Despise Dominion [v. 8, 2 Pt. 2:10, Ps. 2:1-3]

-But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

-Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

3. Defame Dignities [v. 8-10, 2 Pt. 2:2, 10, 12]

-And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

-But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

-But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF US

 

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF US

1 COR. 15:57-58

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BE MOTIVATED

1. Be Thankful [v. 57, Ps. 100:4, Col. 3:15]

-Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

- And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

2. Be Steady [v. 58, Col. 1:23]

-If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

3. Be Abounding in the Work [v. 58]

 

II. BE FAITHFUL [1 Cor. 4:2]

1. Be Generous with God’s Bounty [16:1-4]

2. Be Open to God’s Will [16:5-9]

3. Be Supportive of God’s Men [16:10-12]

 

III. BE REAL

1. Be Strong [v. 13]

2. Be Right [v. 14]

3. Be Addicted [v. 15-18]

WHAT WE CAN EXPECT

1 COR. 15:51-58

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE MYSTERY UNVEILED

1. Not All Christians Will Die [v. 1-2, 51, 1 Th. 4:15-17]

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

2. All Christians Will Be Changed [v. 51, 1 John 3:2]

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3. The Change Will Be Quick [v. 52] moment=atomos, unlike false purgatory

 

II. THE VICTORY UNVEILED

1. Corruptible Becomes Incorruptible [v. 52-54]

2. Mortal Becomes Immortal [v. 53-54]

3. Death Is Swallowed in Victory [v. 54, Mt. 23:24, 2 Cor. 5:4, Heb. 11:29, 1 Pt. 5:8]

-Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

- For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

- By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

- Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

 

III. THE STING REMOVED

 

1. Death’s Sting & the Grave’s Victory are Missing [v. 55]

2. Separation is Defeated by Unification [v. 56, 1 Th. 4:17, Job. 19:25-27]

- Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

- For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

3. Christ Took the Sting & Secured the Victory [v. 57]

-it’s Given by God [Eph. 2:8-9]

-In Christ [Romans 6:9] Christ removed the stinger

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

Christian Quotes

by the late evangelist, Robert L. Sumner [from the book "Hebrews- Streams of Living Waters"]

Someone says, I thought He [Jesus] went to Hell and suffered an additional three days and three nights." Then you thought wrong. His testimony is that His vicarious atonement was completed on the cross, finished forever. We will not quote them again here, but go back and reread Hebrews 9, especially verses 25, 26 and 28. Our Lord will not offer up Himself again. Nor can anyone else offer Him. - Robert L. Sumner

It is either a "once-for-all" salvation or a "not-at-all" salvation. There is no middle ground. - Robert L. Sumner

But He is a God of love only as far as His justice, holiness, and righteousness will permit! His justice never contradicts His love and His love is in perfect harmony with his justice. If your doctrine makes them oppose one another, your theology is out of sync with Scripture.  - Robert L. Sumner

Almighty God has promised judgment and threatened eternal punishment for all Christ-rejecters. To break His word would be sin and God cannot sin.  - Robert L. Sumner

Abel was also the first of the human family to experience physical death- and it was through murder! He suffered death because of another's sin, the transgression of his elder brother Cain, who, in a fit of rage, killed him in cold blood. At the same time, thanks to faith in the sin-offering, he overcame death. The first man to descend into the Valley of the Shadow of Death was the first one to triumphantly march straight through it into the Paradise of Glory. He stepped from the excruciating pain of mortal manslaughter's hate into the exquisite land of eternal delights prepared by the Father's love! He led the way, like a pioneer, for all subsequent generations of men and women of faith throughout human history.  - Robert L. Sumner

One cannot walk very close to God when he is holding hands with the Devil, obviously. - Robert L. Sumner

God will judge those who treat lightly their marriage vows, or who engage in other forms of sexual impurity, saying: "whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." There is no such thing as "safe immorality," known erroneously today as "safe sex." It doesn't work. - Robert L. Sumner

CREEPY UNGODLY DENIERS

JUDE 3-4, 8, 10-11                                       

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE WAY OF CAIN [v. 11, Gen. 4]

1. Faithless [Heb. 11:4, 6; Eph. 2:8-9, Rm. 10:17]

- By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

- 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

- For by grace are ye saved through faith

- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2. Bloodless [Heb. 9:22, 12]

- without shedding of blood is no remission.

- Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

3. Worthless [Heb. 11:4, Pr. 14:12, Eph. 2:12]

it is worthless because it is Christless

-By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

-There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death

-That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

 

 II. THE ERROR OF BALAAM [v. 11]

1. Motivated by Greed not God

[2 Pt. 2:15, 1 Tm. 6:10]

-Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

-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.

2. Cast Stumbling Blocks Before Others [Rev. 2:14, Mark 9:42, Is. 56:11]

- But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

- And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

- Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

3. Desire Earthly rather than Heavenly Rewards [v. 11, Mt. 6:19-20]

- Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

 

III. THE GAINSAYING OF KORAH (CORE) [v. 11]

1. Rebel Against God-given Authority [Num. 16:19]

-And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.

2. Replacing God-given Authority with Self [3 Jn. 9-11]

- I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

3. Results in Destruction for Both Leader & Followers [Matthew 21:40-42, Num. 16:32-35]

- When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

- And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

THOSE WHO SEE

MARK 10:46-52

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE BLIND HAD ALREADY BEGUN TO SEE

1. He Knew Jesus Was the Christ [v. 46-48, Mt. 22:41-42]

- Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.

2. He Knew Jesus Was Merciful [v. 47-48, Mt. 9:13]

-But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

3. He Knew Jesus Was Lord [51-52]

 

II. THE BLIND BEGAN TO SEE MORE CLEARLY

1. He Cried to Jesus [v. 46-47]

2. He Continued Despite Critics [v. 48]

3. He Came in Response to the Call [v. 49-50]

 

III. THE BLIND HAD BETTER SPIRITUAL SIGHT THAN SOME SEEING

1. Some Thought Jesus Couldn’t Be Bothered With a Blind Man’s Prayer [v. 48, Psalm 65:2]

O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

2. Some Thought to Encourage People to Come to Jesus’ Invitation [v. 49-50, Mt. 11:28-30]

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

3. Some Thought to Follow Jesus [v. 51-52, Jn. 21:22]

-And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

-Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

CONTEND FOR THE FAITH ONCE DELIVERED

 JUDE 3

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. CONTEND

1. Against Wickedness [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.

2. Against Other's Weakness [Gal. 2:11]

-But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

3. Against Worldliness [1 Jn. 2:15-17]

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. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

II. CONTEND FOR THE FAITH

1. Based on the Word of God [Acts 6:7]

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith

2 Basic to Salvation [Acts 24:24, 13:1ff]

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

3. Basic to Growth [Acts 14:22, 16:4-5]

-Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

-And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily .

III. ONCE DELIVERED

1. Once for All [Jude 1:3]

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

2. Once For Ever [1 Peter 3:18]

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

3. Once for Eternity [Hebrews 9:7, 26-28]

-But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

-For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

WHEN SHOULD SOMEBODY DO THAT?

LUKE 2:52

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

One of the great questions in life is “when?”. When should I go to school? When should I get a job? Get Married? Buy a house? Ad nauseum. Here are 3 of the most important “when” questions answered from the Book of Books, the Bible.

 

I. WHEN SHOULD SOMEBODY GET SAVED?

1. Get Saved as a Child [Mt. 19:14, 2 Tm. 3:15]

- But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

- 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.

2. Get Saved as an Adult [Acts 8:35-37, 16:30-31]

- Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

-And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

3. Get Saved as a Senior Citizen [2 Chron. 33:1-2, 10-13]

-Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem: But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

-And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken. Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.

In short, get saved now! [2 Cor. 6:2] behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

 

II. WHEN SHOULD SOMEBODY TAKE A STAND FOR GOD?

1. Take a Stand as a Child [Dan. 1:8]

- But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

2. Take a Stand as an Adult [Heb. 11:24]

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

3. Take a Stand as a Senior Citizen [Josh. 23:1, 24:15]

- And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age.

- And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD

In short, take a stand for God now! [Eph. 6:13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 

III. WHEN SHOULD SOMEBODY BE A WITNESS FOR GOD?

1. Be a Witness as a Child [2 Kings 5:1-4, Mt. 21:16]

- Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

- And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read , Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

2. Be a Witness as an Adult [John 1:6-8, 15]

-There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

- John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

3. Be a Witness as a Senior Citizen [Lk. 2:25-38, Phile. 1:9]

- Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

In short, be a witness for God now! [Ps. 107:2] Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

WHO ARE YOU?

ACTS 19:13-20

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. DEMONS ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE [v. 13-15]

1. Demons Know Who God Is [v. 13-15, Jm. 2:19, Hosea 11:9, Mk. 1:24]

- Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

(No atheistic demons)

- I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.

- Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

2. Demons Know What Christ Will Do [Matthew 8:29, 25:41

-And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

-Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

3. Demons Know Some People [v. 15]

 

II. PAUL WAS KNOWLEDGEABLE

1. Paul Knew the Devil’s Devices [2 Cor. 2:11]

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

2. Paul Knewe the Devil’s Design [2 Cor. 4:4]

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

3. Paul Knew the Devil’s Defeat [Rm. 16:20]

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

 

III. BUT WHO ARE YE? [v. 15]

1. Are You One Who is Saved by Knowing Christ Personally? [2 Tm. 1:12]

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2. Are You One Who Studies? [2 Tm. 2:15, 2 Cor. 11:3]

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

- But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

3. Are You One Who Stands? [Eph. 6:11-13]

- 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

THREE R’s

JUDE 1-3                  

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. RELATIONSHIP OF CHRISTIAN SAINTS [v. 1-2]

 

1. Sanctified in Salvation [v. 1-2, 1 Cor. 1:2-4]

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

 

2. Sanctified to Stewardship [v. 1a, 1 Cor. 4:1-2]

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

 

3. Sanctified with Security [v. 1b, John 17:11-12, 17, 19]

-And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

- Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

- And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth

 

II. REPRESENTATION OF COMMON SALVATION [v. 3]

 

1. Same Need for All [v. 3, Rm. 3:9-12, 23]

-What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 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;

 

2. Same Source Available for All [v. 3, 2 Cor. 5:14]

-For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead

 

3. Same Singular Solution for All [v. 3, 1 Tm. 2:3-6]

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

 

III. RECORD OF CONTINUAL SUPPORT [v. 3]

 

1. Intention [v. 3a, Acts 16:6-10]

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

 

2. Inspiration [v. 3b, 2 Pet. 1:21]

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

 

3. Contention [v. 3c, Col. 1:29, 4:12] “striving”-Col. 1:29, “laboring fervently”=Col. 4:12

- Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

-Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.