THE REQUIREMENTS

MICAH 6:8

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

So, what does God require of us in order to for us to be acceptable or approved by Him? Micah 6:8 has the answer, but what does it mean?

 

I. DO JUSTLY

1. A Bible Question [Job 25:4, Dt. 10:12]

- How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

- And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul

2. A Bible Answer [Ps. 143:1-4, Lk. 12:48]

- Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

-But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

3. A Bible Solution [Hab. 2:4, Rom. 1:17, Gal. 3:11, Heb. 10:38]

-Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

-For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written , The just shall live by faith.

-But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

-Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

 

II. LOVE MERCY (in loving it we must…)

1. Embrace it Personally [Titus 3:5-7]

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

2. Rejoice in the Saviour [Luke 1:46-47]

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

3. Share the Message [2 Cor. 4:1-7]

- Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 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. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

 

III. WALK HUMBLY WITH THY GOD

1. Walk to Him (salvation) [2 Cor. 5:7, 17, 21]

-For we walk by faith, not by sight

-Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

-For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2. Walk with Him (submission)

[1 Cor. 4:2; Rm. 6:4, 1 Jn. 1:6-7]

-It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

- Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

- If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

3. Walk for Him (service) [Eph. 2:8-10, 4:1]

- For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

- I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

A MAN’S LIFE IN 3 STATEMENTS

ACTS 9:1-6

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. “LORD, WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME TO DO?”

1. It Was an Expression of Faith in Christ’s Person

[v. 6, Joel 2:32]

2. It Was an Expression of Faith in Christ’s Power

[v. 6, Rm. 10:9-13]

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

3. It Was an Expression of Faith in Christ’s Purpose [v. 6-9]

 

II. “I BELIEVE GOD” [Acts 27:25]

1. I Believe God [Acts 27:25, Heb.11:6]

- Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

-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.

2. I Believe God and Serve Him [Acts 27:21-23]

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs , ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

3. I Believe God and His Word [Acts 27:23-25]

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

 

III. “I AM READY”

1. I Am Ready to Preach [Rm. 1:15-17]

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

2. I Am Ready to Die

[Acts 21:12-14, 28:30-31, 1 Cor. 15:31]

- And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

- And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

-I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

3. I am ready to be Offered [2 Tm. 4:6-8]

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

THE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Luke 2:8-14

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. GLORY TO GOD

1. Christ’s Person, the Glory of Israel in His Incarnation [Luke 2:32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

2. Christ’s Passion, the Glory of Redemption

[Luke 24:26, 1 Cor. 2:8, Gal. 6:14]

-Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

- Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

- 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.

3. Christ’s Presence, the Glory of the World

[Luke 21:27, Jude 25, Rev. 1:6]

-And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

- To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for  ever. Amen.

-And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

 

II. AND ON EARTH PEACE

1. The Presence of the God of Peace

[Rm. 15:33, 16:20, 2 Cor. 13:11, Phil. 4:9]

-Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

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

-Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

- Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

2. Peace with God [Romans 5:1, 8-9]

-Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

3. Peace of God [Phil. 4:7, Col. 3:15]  

-And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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

III. GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN

1. God’s Will is Salvation [2 Peter 3:9]

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

2. God’s Will is Submission [Jm. 4:13-17]

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

3. God’s Will is Transformation [Rm. 12:2, Heb. 13:21]

-And be not conformed to this world: but be ye trans-formed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

-Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

THINGS CHRIST BORROWED...

MT. 8:19-20, 2 COR. 8:9

-And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

-For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HE BORROWED ORDINARY THINGS

1. He Borrowed a Donkey [Mk. 11:1-7]

And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus

2. He Borrowed a Coin [Mk. 12:14-17]

And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

3. He Borrowed a Boat [Luke 5:1-8]

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God , he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

 

II. HE BORROWED EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

1. He Borrowed a Manger [Lk. 2:7, 12, 16]

-And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

-And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

-And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

2. He Borrowed a Cross and Made It His Own [1 Peter 3:18, 1 Cor. 1:17-18]

-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:

-For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

3. He Borrowed a Tomb [Mt. 27:59-60, 28:5-6]

-And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

-And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

 

III. HE DID NOT BORROW THESE THINGS- HE OWNS THEM

1. Mary’s Womb [Lk. 1:38]

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

2. His Kingdom [Mt. 16:28]

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

3. His Earthly Home- the Heart of His People [1 Cor. 6:20, Col. 1:27]

-For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

-To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

WONDERFUL MARY

LUKE 1:26-34

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The title of this message does not mean Mary is a wonderful person though in human terms she probably was. The title refers to the fact that Mary was full of wonder- hence, she was wonderful.

 

I. MARY WONDERED ABOUT THE ANGEL’S DECLARATION

1. She Wondered “How” [v. 34] she did not express doubt

2. She Received Information [v. 35-37]

3. She Expressed Submission [v. 38]

 

II. MARY’S WONDER ABOUT HERSELF

1. She Wondered Who Would Understand [v. 39-40, 36-37]

2. She Wondered about the God Who Saves Sinners [v. 41-47, Ps. 8:4]

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

 3. She Wondered about the God Who Uses Humble Saints [v. 48-55]

 

III. MARY’S WONDER OF WONDERS

1. The Wonderful Name [v. 31, Is. 9:6]

The Name “Jesus” refers to His Office - Saviour

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

2. The Wonderful Birth [v. 35, 38, Is. 7:14]

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

The Name “Immanuel” refers to His Divine Nature

3. The Wonderful Saviour [v. 31, 33, 35, 42, 68-79, Psalm 72:18]

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

IS YOUR CHRISTMAS WORSHIP “LEGAL”?

JOHN 4:20-23

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. IT IS “LEGAL” TO WORSHIP GOD

1. So Says the Law & the Prophets [Ex.34:14, 2 K. 17:36, Ps. 96:9]

- For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

- But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice.

-O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

2. So Says Jesus [Luke 4:8, Jn. 4:23-24]

-it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

-But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

-God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

3. So Says the Angels [Rev. 14:6-7, 22:9]

- And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

- worship God.

 

II. IT IS “ILLEGAL” TO WORSHIP:

1. Men [Acts 10:25-26, 14:15]

- And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man

- And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein :

2. Angels [Mt. 4:8-10, Col. 2:18, Rev. 19:10]

- Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

- Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels,

- And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

3. Anything Else [Rm. 1:25, Rev. 9:20, 19:20]

- 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.

- And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

- And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

 

III. IT IS “LEGAL” TO WORSHIP JESUS

1. The Christ Child [Mt. 2:2, 11, Heb. 1:1, 6, 8]

- 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.

-God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets

-And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

- But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

2. The God-Man [Mt. 8:2, 9:18, 14:33]

- And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

- While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him

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

3. The Risen Lord [Mt. 28:9, Lk. 24:51-52]

- And as they went to tell his disciples , behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

- And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

WHAT IF IT IS “THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS”?

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE GIVER- there has to be a giver to have a gift, who he is, his status or rank can make a difference

II. THE MOTIVE- Free pens in the mail to get my business, why is someone giving you something?

III. THE RECIPENT- yourself

IV. THE ACTION- the action is important, it's the thought that counts, almost as much as the gift

V. THE GIFT ITSELF- What is being given? Could be important (depends on motive, giver, etc.)

VI. THE RECEPTION- Must be accepted, insult to reject, does the recipient no good if not accepted

VII. THE RESULT- Is it useful, is it

What's all that got to do with Christmas?

 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I. THE GIVER- "For God", no greater Giver than God, no king, no movie star, no president compares

II. THE MOTIVE- "so loved", God's motive was purely love, no "angle" involved. "You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving."

III. THE RECIPENT- "the world", not the planet, but the people on the planet

IV. THE ACTION- "that He gave", His love is not a passive love, it is an active love

V. THE GIFT- "His only begotten Son", the darling of Heaven, the Unique One, virgin birth, eternal Son

VI. THE RECEPTION- "that whosoever believeth in Him", the transaction is not complete until the person receives the gift, a pardon refused is worthless

VII. THE RESULT- "should not perish but have everlasting life." The most powerful result in the universe.

When you get a great gift, you naturally want to share it with others.

CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS – WHERE IS HE?

MATTHEW 2:1-2

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHERE WAS HE BEFORE THEY ASKED?

1. In Heaven [Ps. 45:8, Micah 5:2]

-All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

-But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting .

2. In the Virgin’s Womb [Is. 7:14, Gal. 4:4]

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

-But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

3. In the Manger [Luke 2:7, 12, 16]

- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

- And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

 

II. WHERE WAS HE WHEN THEY ASKED?

1. Bethlehem [v. 1-8, Micah 5:2]

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel

2. A House [v. 9-11]

3. The Scriptures [John 5:39, Lk. 24:25-27]

-Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

-Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

 

III. WHERE IS HE NOW?

1. At the Father’s Right Hand [Acts 2:32-36]

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

2. In the Believer [Rm. 8:10, Col. 1:27]

-And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

-To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

3. At the Heart’s Door [Rev. 3:20]

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 

SEEING CLEARLY

ROMANS 12:1-8

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. SEEING HIMSELF CLEARLY [John 1]

1. He Knew He was NOT the Christ [v. 19-20]

2. He Knew He was Not Elijah Incarnate [v. 21, Mal. 4:5-6]

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

3. He Knew He was Not “That Prophet” Like Moses

[v. 23, Dt. 18:15, 18; Gal. 6:3]

- The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

-I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

- For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

II. SEEING HIS WORK CLEARLY [John 1]

1. He was a Voice for Christ [v. 23]

2. He Pointed People to Christ [v. 29]

3. He Baptized Those Who Showed They Were Saved [Mt. 3:8, 11]

- Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

- I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

 

III. SEEING CHRIST CLEARLY [John 1]

1. He Knew Christ is to be Preeminent [v. 26-27, 3:30]

2. He Knew Christ is God’s Payment for Sin [v. 29]

3. He Knew Christ is the Eternal God [v. 15, 30-31, 3:31, 35-36]

THE CLOSING CHAPTERS - HEAVENLY SONSHINE

REVELATION 21

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. ALL THINGS NEW [v. 1-8]

1. New Heavens and Earth [v. 1, Is. 65:17, 66:22]

- For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

- For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

2. New Jerusalem [v. 2, 3:12]

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

3. New Reality [v. 3-8]

 

II. THE OUTER CITY [v. 9-11]

1. Her look [v. 9-11]

2. Her Gates and Walls [v. 12-18]

3. Her Foundations and Gates [v. 19-21]

 

III. THE INNER CITY [v. 21-27]

1. No Need [v. 21-23]

2. No Worries [v. 24-26]

3. No Way [v. 27]

CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS – WHAT ABOUT DOUBT?

LUKE 1:1-20

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE DANGER OF DOUBT

1. Doubt Derails God’s Blessings [v. 12-13, Mt. 13:54-58]

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

2. Doubt Displeases God [v. 18-20, Ps. 78:32-33, Heb. 11:6]

- For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.

- 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. Doubt Damns Souls [v. 18-20, Ps. 78:21-22, Heb. 2:1-3]

- Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:

- Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

 

II. THE DISEASE OF DOUBT

1. Doubt Infects Our Prayer Life [v. 13, James 1:5-7]

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

2. Doubt Inhibits Our Walk [V. 27, MK. 6:5-6]

And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

3. Doubt Increases Our Fears [v. 12, 18-19; Mt. 8:26, Rev. 21:8]

- And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

- But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

 

III. THE DEFEAT OF DOUBT

1. Obedience to the Known Will of God

[v. 13, 59-63, James 1:22]

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

2. Prayer & Praise to the Lord [v. 64-69]

3. Acknowledgment & Acceptance of the Word of God [v. 70-79, Rm. 10:17]

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

CONSIDER NOT WORRYING

LUKE 12:22-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The life of faith excludes worry. Worry is sin. – Lee Roberson

Someone has said, If you worry, you don’t pray rightly. If you pray rightly, you don’t worry.

D.L. Moody said, “I would just as soon curse as worry. Both are sins.”

Concern and worry are not the same thing. Concern should cause thinking. Concern should lead to prayer. “Men ought always to pray and not to faint.”

   Jesus has just finished talking about a man who prioritized this temporary life over eternity [v. 16-21]. Then follows v. 22. And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

   The word “thought” here expresses “worry” or being anxious, not just general thinking. He is not saying to be careless or foolish with your life. That would contradict many verses including, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” But if you settle the question of eternal life with Christ you don’t have to be anxious about dying.

I. CONSIDER THE RAVENS [v. 23-24]

1. He Cares for the Ravens [v. 24]

2. Humans are more Important than Birds [v. 24, 6-7]

3. Why Be Troubled Over Something You Cannot Control [v. 25-26]

 

II. CONSIDER THE LILLIES [v. 27-29]

1. Consider God’s Creativity [v. 27]

2. Consider God’s Care [v. 28]

3. Consider God’s Character [v. 29] “if God”

 

III. CONSIDER THE NATIONS [v. 30-32]

1. Their Ignorance is Not Yours [v. 30]

The man who can say of God, “He is my Father,” and of Christ, “He is my Saviour,” ought surely to be above such anxieties and cares. A clear faith in God’s providential care should produce a light and trustful heart. – J.C. Ryle

2. Your Priority is Not Theirs [v. 31]

The man who can say boldly, “The Lord is my shepherd,” is the man who will be able to add, “I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1) – Ryle

3. Your Future is Not Theirs [v. 32]

THE CLOSING CHAPTERS - THE BOOKS OF JUDGEMENT

REVELATION 20:11-15                                                                 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

There will be at least 3 Books at the Great White Throne Judgement. There may be more but there will not be less. For our part we will say three but we’ll explain how there could be more. The first book that the lost will be judged by is a familiar book to most of us. That book is:

 

I. THE BIBLE

1. The Bible is the Word of God [Mk. 7:13, Rev. 20:4, 1 Th. 2:13]

- Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

- And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image , neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

- For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

2. The Bible is the Word of Christ [Mt. 24:35, Luke 5:1, Colossians 3:16, Rev. 3:8]

- Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away”

- And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God , he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

- Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

- I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

3. The Bible is the Word of Judgement [Jn. 12:48]

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

 

II. THE BOOK OF WORKS [Rev. 20:12-13] this could be 3 different books or 3 chapters of the same book

1. Judgement of Words [Mt. 5:22, 12:36-37, Jude 14-15]

- But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

- But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

- Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

2. Judgement of Thoughts [Mt. 5:22a, 28, 12:34; Rm. 2:15-16, Heb. 4:12]

- But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:

- But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

- O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

- Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another ;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

3. Judgement of Deeds [Jude 15, Rm. 2:1-5; Heb. 4:13, Rev. 20:12-13]

-To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

-Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God

 

III. THE BOOK OF LIFE [Rev. 20:12, 15]

Evidently everyone is in the Book of Life originally then these factors come into play"

1. When a Person Trusts Christ His/her Name is Locked In [Dan. 12:1; Lk. 10:20, Rev. 3:5, 1 John 5:4-5]

- And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

- Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

- He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

- For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

2. When a Person Crosses God’s Deadline His/her Name is Blotted Out [Ex. 32:32-33, Ps. 69:28, Rev. 17:8, 22:19]

- Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

- Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous

- The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was , and is not, and yet is.

3. The Only Way to Escape the Lake of Fire is to be IN the Book of Life [Rev. 20:14-15]

4. The Only Way to Enter Heaven is to be IN the Book of Life [Rev. 21:27]

EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME

Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:10

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

-I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

- For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord , every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

- That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

 

I. BOW THE KNEE IN HUMILITY [ACCEPT CHRIST AS SAVIOUR]

1. Without Christ We Are Helpless [Rm. 5:8]

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

2. Without Christ We Are Hopeless [Eph. 2:12]

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:

3. Without Christ We Are Hell-bound [Rev. 20:13-14, 21:8, 27]

- And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

- But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

- And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

 

II. BOW THE KNEE IN HONOR

1. Honor Christ as a True Prophet [Mt. 13:54-58]

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

2. Honor Christ as God [John 5:16-27, 2 Jn. 9-11]

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: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

3. Honor Christ as Saviour [Titus 2:11-13]

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 

III. BOW THE KNEE IN HEARING

 

1. Hear Christ Gladly [Mark 12:35-37]

And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

2. Hear Christ Reverently [1 Tm. 6:3-5]

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

 

3. Hear Christ Obediently [John 2:5, Mt. 28:18-20]

- His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

- And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway , even unto the end of the world. Amen.

TURN THANKSGIVING TO THANKSLIVING

 

TURN THANKSGIVING TO THANKSLIVING

PSALM 116

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LOVE THE LORD [v. 1-6]

1. He Listens Intently [v. 1-2]

2. He Saves Unreservedly [v. 3-5]

3. He Helps Undeservedly [v. 6]

“When I think I’m unfairly hated, I try to remember that I am unfairly loved”. – R.C. Sproul

 

II. LIVE FOR THE LORD [v. 7-11]

1. Rest in the Lord [v. 7-8, Mt. 11:28]

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

2. Walk Before the Lord [v. 9, Phil. 1:21]

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

3. Confess to the Lord [v. 10-11, 1 Jn. 1:9]

keep short accounts with God

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

III. LET THE LORD BE LORD [v. 12-19]

1. Maintain an Open Relationship [v. 12-13]

2. Maintain an Open Testimony [v. 14-16]

3. Maintain Open Praise [v. 17-19]

 

UNTO ME EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

Isaiah 45:23

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE [v. 18]

1. God Speaks! [v. 18a, Heb. 1:1-3]

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

2. God Created with Purpose! [v. 18b]

3. God Reveals Himself [v. 18c]

 

II. EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO THE GOD OF ISRAEL [v. 19]

1. God Speaks Redemptively [v. 19a, 17]

2. God Speaks in Righteousness [v. 19b, 2 Cor. 5:20-21]

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

3. God Speaks Rightly [v. 19, Psalm 9:7-8]

But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

III. EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO THE GOD OF ALL NATIONS [v. 20-25]

1. The Only Saviour [v. 20-22, Titus 2:10-11, 13-14]

- Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

- Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

2. The Only Sovereign [v. 23, Rm. 14:9-12]

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord , every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

3. The Only Sustainer

[v. 24-25, 1 Cor. 1:30-31]

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

THE CLOSING CHAPTERS - THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

 

THE CLOSING CHAPTERS - THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

REVELATION 20:1-15

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. DONE DEAL [v. 1-3]

1. The Devil Defeated [v. 1-2a, Gn. 3:15]

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

2. The Devil Detained [v. 2, 12:7-12]

3. The Devil Defined [v. 3, 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. NO DEAL [v. 4-6] “Unconditional Surrender”

1. They are Reigning [v. 4-6]

2. They are Resurrected [v. 4-6]

3. They are Redeemed [v. 6]

 

III. REAL DEAL [v. 7-15]

1. The Sinful Deluded [v. 7-9, John 3:19]

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

2. The Serpent Damned [v. 10, Isaiah 14:12-17]

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning ! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

3. The Second Death [v. 11-15]

DIE TO SELF

A.C. Gaebelein noticed a unique sign in a clothes dyeing establishment which read:

I live to dye, I dye to live.

The more I dye, the more I live,

The more I live the more I dye.

Read these words aloud and you will hear a great spiritual truth. Then turn in your Bible and read Galatians 2:20 to see how Paul expressed it many centuries ago. - Unknown source.

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]