DAVID'S SERVICE, OUR SERVICE

ACTS 13:22-23, 34-36

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE COMPONENTS OF SERVICE

1. A Heart to do God’s Will [v. 22, Rm. 12:1]

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2. A Saviour to Trust [v. 23, P3. 63:1]

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.

3. A Message to Share [v. 32-35, Ps. 2, Ps. 16:10]

 

II. THE COMPUNCTION OF SERVICE

1. The Will of God [v. 22, 36, Rm. 12:2]

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

2. General Sanctification [1 Thessalonians 4:3-4]

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

3. Specific Tasks [v. 22, 33, 35, Acts 9:6]

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

 

III. THE COMPLETION OF SERVICE [v. 36]

1. Find the Will of God [point II above]

2. Fulfill the Will of God [v. 22, 25, 27, 29, 33, 2 Tm. 4:6-7]

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:

3. Finish the Will of God [2 Tm. 4:7-8]

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.

 

“All to Jesus I Surrender”

CHOICES, TRUTHS & DECLARATIONS

Acts 13:1-4, 13-16

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THREE CHOICES

1. God’s Chosen Nation [v. 17-21]

2. God’s Chosen King [v. 22]

3. God’s Chosen Saviour [v. 23-25]

 

II. THREE TRUTHS

1. Salvation Available for Everyone [v. 26]

2. Salvation Accessed by Faith [v. 27-29, Heb. 4:2]

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3. Salvation Allowed through the Gospel [v. 29-30, Rm. 1:16, 1 Cor. 15:1-5ff]

 

III. THREE DECLARATIONS

1. We Have the Good News [v. 31-32]

2. We Have the Great Saviour [v. 33-35]

3. We Have the Great Commission [v. 36-43, Mk. 16:15]

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

THESE THINGS

JOHN 16

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Over 40 times John’s gospel uses the phrase “these things.”  7 are found one chapter 16 which speaks of men’s ignorance of and God’s knowledge of “these things.” Let us examine these things and see if we can lose some ignorance and gain some knowledge.

 

I. WE DONT ALWAYS KNOW WHAT IS GOOD FOR US [v. 1-15, esp. v. 6-7]

1. Jesus Knows What People Will Do. [v. 1-2]

2. Jesus Knows Why People Do What They Do [v. 3, 2:25, 15:18, 24-25]

3. Jesus Knows What We Will Need [v. 4-15]

 

II. WE DO NOT KNOW ALL FUTURE DETAILS [v. 16-17]

1. We Don’t Know the Rapture Details [Mt. 24:36-42]

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

2. We Don’t Know the Kingdom Details [Acts 1:6-7]

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord , wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

3. We Don’t Even Know What Tomorrow Will Bring [James 4:13-14]

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.

 

III. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WE THINK WE DO KNOW [v. 18-33]

1. Our Understanding is Limited [v. 16, 18]

2. Heavenly Resources are Available [v. 13, 15, 19-28]

3. Our Understanding will Ultimately Increase [v. 29-33, 1 Co. 13: 9-12]

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 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.

EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

Isaiah 45:17-25, Rm. 14:11

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. IN THE LORD JESUS ONLY IS SALVATION

 

1. Individual Jews Shall Be Saved [Is. 45:17, Rm. 1:16]

But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

John R. Rice told the story of his friend, Louis Zuckerman. who had spent 8 years in a school of the Talmud preparing to be a Rabbi before leaving Russia for the U.S. In Chicago, this Hebrew scholar taught in the Hebrew Institute. But familiar as he was with the O.T. in the original Hebrew, he had never noticed Micah 5:2, promising that the Messiah should be born in Bethlehem in Judea, until he heard it in the 1st Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas.

He stormed out of the church declaring that the preacher was a liar and was deceiving the people, that no such promise was in the O.T. But back in his room he looked in his Hebrew O.T., and there it was!

As a result of that verse, he was convinced that Christ is the Messiah, and he accepted Him as his Saviour.

 

2. Ignorance is an Enemy of Salvation [Rm. 10:1-15]

 

3. Arrogance is an Enemy of Salvation [Rm. 10:16-21]

 

II. CHRIST IS CREATOR AS WELL AS SAVIOUR

 

1. Jesus Created [Is. 45:18, Jn. 1:1-5]

- For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

-In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

 

2. Jesus Calls [Is. 45:19-20, Rm. 10:8,14, 17-21]

 

-I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.

 

3. Jesus Commands [Is. 45:21-23, Rm. 14:11]

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. 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.

 

III. BOW THE KNEE TO CHRIST, GOD INCARNATE [Rm. 14]

 

1. The One Who is Lord & Master [Rm. 14:1-8]

 

2. The One Who Died & Rose Again [Rm. 14:9]

 

3. The One Who is the Living Lord & Judge

[Rm. 14:10-12, Is. 45:23-25]

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. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

THE BLESSED BOOK

Psalm 138:1-4

Pastor Rick Jackson*

 

I. THE BIBLE IS THE GOD-GIVEN BOOK [2 Tm. 3:16]

 

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

1. It is the Eternal Book [Ps. 119:89]

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

2. It is the Everlasting Life Book [John 5:24, 39]

- Verily, verily, I say unto you , He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

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

3. it is the Purifying Book [Ps. 119:11, Acts 15:9]

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

- And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

 

 II. THE BIBLE IS THE MAN-BLESSING BOOK [Ps. 1:1-2]

 

1. It Is Precious [Ps. 126:5-6, 139:17, 2 Peter 1:4]

- They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

- How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

-Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2. It Is Personal [Ps. 119:18, 140]

- Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

- Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

3. It Is Comforting [Ps. 119:50; Is. 40:1, 61:2; Rm. 15:4]

- This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

- Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

- To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

- For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

 

III. THE BIBLE IS THE “NO-HOLDS BARRED” BOOK [Is. 58:1]

 

1. It Is An Exposing Book [Ps. 119:130, Heb. 4:12]

- This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

- 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.

2. It Is an Alarming Book [John 5:45-47, 12:48]

- Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

-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.

3. It Is an Uncompromising Book [Jm. 1:17-18]

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

 

*[based on an idea by Lee Roberson]

THREE DAILY SCHEDULES

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE SINNER'S DAILY SCHEDULE

1. Listen to God [Ps. 19:1-8]

2. Settle Salvation [2 Cor. 6:2]

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

3. Focus on Today [Jm. 4:13-15]

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.

 

II. THE LORD'S DAILY SCHEDULE! (in part)

1. Add the Church (save sinners) [Acts 2:47]

And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

2. Extend Mercy [Lam. 3:22-23]

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

3. Extend Benefits [Psalm 68:19]

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

 

III. THE SAINT’S DAILY SCHEDULE

1. Pray [Mt. 6:9-11]

After this manner therefore pray ye: ...Give us this day our daily bread.

2. Search the Scriptures [Acts 17:11]

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

3. Die to Self [Lk. 9:23, 1 Cor. 15:31, Ps. 118:24]

-And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

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

-This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

DO WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU CAN

ECCLESIASTES 12

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BE AWARE [v. 1-7]

 

1. Be Aware Youth Won’t Last [v. 1-2]

2. Be Aware Vitality Won’t Last [v. 3-6]

3. Be Aware Judgement is Coming [v. 7]

 

II. BEWARE [v. 8-12]

 

1. Beware the Wasting of Life [v. 8]

2. Beware the Avoiding of the Word [v. 9-11]

3. Beware the Weariness of the World [v. 12]

 

III. BE WARY [v. 1, 13-14]

 

1. Remember God Now [v. 1]

2. Fear God [v. 13, Ps. 111:10, Pr. 1:7]

-The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments:] his praise endureth for ever.

-The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

3. Face God [v. 14, Lk. 12:4-5]

-And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

IN GOD'S GOOD TIME

GN. 15:13-16, EX. 2:23

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHEN IT WAS TIME FOR THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL

1. God Heard [Ex. 2:23-24]

2. God Remembered [Ex. 2:24]

3. God Looked with Respect [Ex. 2:25]

 

II. WHEN IT WAS TIME FOR MOSES

1. God Called [Ex. 3:1-4] note-God had heard now God called Moses

2. God Reminded [Ex. 3:5-6] note-God had remembered now God reminded Moses

3. God Commissioned [Ex. 3:7-10] note-God had looked now God sent Moses

 

III. WHEN IT WAS TIME FOR ENCOURAGEMENT

1. The Encouragement of God’s Presence [Ex. 3:11-12a, Mt. 28:20]

lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

2. The Encouragement of God’s Promise [Ex. 3:12b, Mt. 28:19-20]

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:

3. The Encouragement of God’s Person [Ex. 3:13-22, Mt. 28:18-20]

-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.

HANDLING CHASTENING THE GRACE WAY

HEBREWS 12:1-4

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHY DOES GOD CHASTEN CHRISTIANS?

1. We are His Children [v. 5, 7-9, Jn. 1:12]

2. We are Loved [v. 6, Pr. 13:24]

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

3. We are Profited by Chastening [v. 10-11]

 

II. WHY DO CHRISTIANS COMPLAIN?

1. They Forget God’s Word [v. 5, Pr. 3:11-12]

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

2. They Forget God’s Position [v. 7-9]

3. They Forget God’s Purpose [v. 9-11, Rm. 8:29]

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren

 

III. WHAT SHOULD CHRISTIANS DO?

1. Prayer and Praise [v. 12]

2. Walk the Straight Path [v. 13-14]

3. Remember, it’s Given not Earned, it’s Grace not Works [v. 15-29]

THE LAST ENEMY THAT SHALL BE DESTROYED

1 CORINTHIANS 15:22-26

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The Bible says death is an enemy. We sometimes hear people say “For the Christian death is but the doorway to Heaven” but that is wrong. Christ is the door to Heaven, we give death too much credit when we say something like that. Let’s see what the Bible says.

 

I. DEATH IS AN ENEMY [1 Cor. 15:26]

1. Death is a Cause of Mourning [Gen. 49:33-50:11]

2. Death is a Consequence of Sin [Rm. 5:12, 6:23]

3. Death has a Continuance of its Reign [Rm. 5:14, 17, 21; 6:16]

 

II. DEATH, IN ITS 3 FORMS, IS SEPARATION

1. Physical Death- the Separation of the Soul/Spirit from the Body

[Lk. 16:22-23] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

2. Spiritual Death- the Separation of the Soul from God [Is. 59:2]

Your iniquities have separated between you and your God

3. The “Second Death”- the Separation of the Soul from God Eternally in the Lake of Fire [2 Th. 1:9, Rev. 20:14]

- Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

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

 

III. CHRIST GAINED VICTORY OVER DEATH [Rm. 8:34-39]

1. Victory over Physical Death [Rm. 6:9, 1Cor. 15:54-55]

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

2. Victory Over Spiritual Death [Eph. 2:1, 13]

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

-But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

3. Victory over the Second Death [James 5:20, Rev. 20:6]

-Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

-Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power.

Jesus said in Jn. 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

WHICH MAN IS THE MAN?

 

2 Sam. 12:1-7

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE MAN YOU ARE:

1. Is a Sinner by Birth [Ps. 51:5]

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

2. Is a Sinner by Choice [2 Sam. 12:7, 9]

-And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

-Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

3. Is a Saint by Reception [Rm. 4:4-8, Jn. 1:12]

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

 

II. THE MAN OF SIN: [2 Th. 2]

1. Revealed Between the Rapture and the Touchdown Coming [2 Th. 2:1-3, 5-8a]

2. Revels in Self and Rebellion [2 Th. 2:3a-4]

3. Ruins Himself and Others by Following Satan [2 Th. 2:8-12]

 

III. THE MAN YOU NEED:

1. Christ is The Man by Incarnation [Phil. 2:4-8]

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

2. Christ is The Man by His Vicarious Death [1 Tm. 2:5-6]

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.

3. Christ is the Man by His Victorious Resurrection [1 Cor. 15:12-23]

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

BIBLE SUPERLATIVES

 

BIBLE SUPERLATIVES                                                  

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Yearbooks often have a section called Senior Superlatives. Usually, a girl and a guy are labeled as “friendliest,” “smartest,” “most athletic,” “most likely to succeed,” and so on. Generally, it’s a popularity contest or at the very least a guessing contest. I wonder how many succeeded.

What about Bible’s superlatives? Strongest? Oldest? Well, here are a few others for us to consider:

 

I. THE MOST COMPASSIONATE MEN IN THE BIBLE

1. Moses [Ex. 32:30-32]

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.

2. Paul [Rom. 9:1-3]

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

3. Jesus [John 15:13, Rm. 5:8]

-Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

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

 

II. THE MOST GENEROUS MEN IN THE BIBLE

1. Abraham with Lot [Gn. 13:8-10]

And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

2. The Good Samaritan [Luke 10:33-35]

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again , I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

3. Jesus [Phil. 2:5-8]

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 

III. THE MOST FORGIVING MAN IN THE BIBLE

1. Joseph, son of Jacob [Gn. 50:15-21]

And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

2. Stephen [Acts 7:54-60]

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart , and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down , and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

3. Jesus [Acts 26:13-18]

At midday , O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

LIFE & DEATH

 

LIFE AND DEATH

JOHN 5:16-24

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THIS IS TOTALLY PERSONAL [3:36, 1 Jn. 5:11-12]

Life is wrapped up in a Person- the Lord Jesus Christ

- He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

- And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

that is, it’s wrapped up in a Person- the Lord Jesus Christ

1. The Inerrant Claim [v. 16-18]

2. The Inarguable Comparisons [v. 19-22]

3. The Inescapable Conclusions [v. 23]

II. DEATH HAS BEEN MISDEFINED

1. Death is NOT Annihilation [v. 24, Rm. 5:8]

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

 

2. Death is NOT in Degrees [Eph. 2:1]

either dead or alive – “he’s dead, but he’s deader, and he’s the deadest”

Spiritually as well-And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins

 

3. Death is NOT the End [Heb. 9:27]

“Death & judgment” NOT “Death and taxes” are the two sure things

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

 

 

III. UNDERSTAND DEATH TO UNDERSTAND LIFE

1. Death is Separation [2 Cor. 5:8, Is. 59:2, 2 Th. 1:9]

Physical death=material/immaterial

spiritual death=immaterial/God

2^nd death=immaterial forever/God

-We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

- But your iniquities have separated between you and your God

-Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power

 

2. Physical Life, Opposite of Physical Death, is Union [Gn. 2:7] And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

3. Spiritual Life, Opposite of Spiritual Death, is Union [Rm. 8:38-39]

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

THE MAN WITH EVERYTHING

JOHN 1:29

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HE HAD EVERYTHING HE NEEDED

1. A GREAT SAVIOUR [1:35-41]

2. A GREAT PRIORITY [1:41]

3. A GREAT BROTHER [1:41-42]

 

II. HE HAD EVERYTHING HE COULD WANT

1. A LAMB-FOCUSED MENTOR [1:6-8, 15-37]

2. A LIKE-MINDED FRIEND [1:43-46]

3. A LIFE-LONG MISSION [1:41, 6:8-9, 12:20-23]

- One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

- And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

 

III. HE HAD EVERYTHING HE NEVER DREAMED

1. A NEW PEACE [Rev. 1:9-10]

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

2. A NEW PATH [Mt. 4:18-19a]

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me…

3. A NEW PURPOSE [Mt. 4:19-20]

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

BE OF GOOD CHEER BROTHER!

Acts 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

   Ever feel grumpy? Not too long ago I was feeling less than my best when a cashier asked me, “How are you doing?” By reflex I replied with what I have replied with since Thanksgiving 2000, “Better than I deserve,” and instantly my attitude changed.

 

   Several days later, I was experiencing the doldrums again when the Lord directed me to our text in my daily reading. Brother, that’s a wake-up call. So here we are, and I want to share this truth with you if you are a child of God, “BE OF GOOD CHEER BROTHER!” “BE OF GOOD CHEER SISTER!”

 

 

Now you may be thinking: Why? How? What? Who? When? Oh man, I’m glad you asked. Be of Good Cheer because:

 

I. YOU ARE SAVED [Mt. 9:2]

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

 

II. CHRIST IS WITH YOU IN YOUR TROUBLES

[Mk. 6:50, Acts 23:11]

-For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

- And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

III. CHRIST HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD [Jn. 16:33]

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 

IV. CHRIST IS IN CONTROL OF THE SITUATION

[Mt. 9:22, Mk. 10:49, Acts 27:22

 -But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

-And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

-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.

V. GOD’S WORD IS TRUE [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.

Conclusion,  earlier today I was finishing a book I have been reading, Compassion Unlimited, by the late Lee Roberson and he made this statement that kind of sums up what we have been saying:

 

“Take an inventory. See what you have in the Lord Jesus Christ. Child of God, you can be optimistic of Christ the Saviour. You have the Word of God---the Bible. You have prayer. You have the fact of His coming again. You have the assurance of His presence with you in every hour. Come and rejoice, and be optimistic because of that which God has done for you”. 

THE PLACE OF GOD’S BLESSING

PSALM 1

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PLACES TO AVOID [v. 1]

1. Avoid Walking in the Advice of the Ungodly [Jude 14-16]

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, 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. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

2. Avoid the Lifestyle of the Lost Sinner [Rm. 1:32]

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

3. Avoid the Dwelling of the Derisive (mocker) [Pr. 14:9]

Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

 

II. PLACES TO INHABIT [v. 2]

1. The Place of Delight [Psalms 40:8]

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

2. The Place of Deliberation [Ps. 143:5, Pr. 15:28]

-I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

-The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

3. The Place of Permanence [Psalm 63:6]

When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

 

III. PLACES OF PARTICIPATION [v. 3-6]

1. Planted in Prosperity [v. 3, Joshua 1:8]

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

2. Hearing from Heaven [v. 4-5, Mt. 7:24-27]

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

3. Valley of Decision [v. 6, Joel 3:14, Joshua 24:15]

-Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

-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.

PILATE'S PERSONAL PROBLEMS

John 18:28-38

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PILATE DID NOT KNOW TRUTH [Jn. 18:28-38]

Pilate’s first meeting with Jesus

1. He Did Not Know Truth is a Reality [John 1:14, 17, 4:23-24, 5:33, 8:32]

- And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

- For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

- 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.

- Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

- And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free

2. He Did Not Know Truth is a Book [Jn. 17:17]

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

3. He Did Not Know Truth is a Person [John 14:6]

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way , the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me

 

II. PILATE DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH JESUS [Mt. 27:15-22]

1. It Is A Personal Question [v. 22, 1 John 5:12]

-Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?

-He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

2. It Is A “Do” Question [v. 22, Acts 16:30-32]

- 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. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

3. It Is A “Jesus” Question [Mt. 27:22, 11-14, 17-18, 23]

 

III. PILATE DID NOT KNOW HOW INCONSISTENT HE WAS

1. He Touted His Authority To One with All Authority [John 19:10-11]

Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

2. He Contented People He Had Authority Over [Mk. 15:15]

And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

3. He Didn’t Show Backbone Until It Was To Late [John 19:19-22]

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

 

LEARNING WHAT GOD DOES

GENESIS 37  

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Why doesn’t God do something? Why didn’t God stop that wicked man? Why? What? Where? How? When?

 

I. WHY DOESN’T GOD DO SOMETHING TO HELP JOSEPH?

1. He Has [Gn. 37:3-4, 8, 11-22]

2. He Will [Gn. 37:23-28, 42:18-22, 44:18, 33-34]

3. He Did [Gn. 45:1-8]

 

II. WHAT DID JACOB LEARN ABOUT JOSEPH AND GOD?

1. He Is Alive [Gn. 45:26]

2. He Is Lord [Gn. 45:9, 26]

3. He Is Loaded [45:10-11, 27-28]

 

III. WHAT SHOULD WE TAKE FROM THIS?

1. Whatever “this” is - “This” Is For the Glory of God [Jn. 11:40]

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

2. Whatever “this” is - “This” Is For Our Good [Gn. 50:20, Rm. 8:28-39]

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

3. Whatever “this” is - Grant God the Right to Be God [Rm. 9:20, 11:30-36]

THE FRIEND OF GOD

 

THE FRIEND OF GOD

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

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The idea that one can be a friend of God is one that fascinates me. There may be some people we would consider it to be a privilege and an honor to be their friend. But then, to think of being “the friend of God.” Mind blown. There are a few people the Bible calls God’s friend. A few more that are implied to be God’s friend like in Exodus 33:11 where the Bible says, “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” But with Abraham there is no implication. The Bible is clear, we have, first of all,

 

I. THE CREDENTIALS OF GOD’S FRIEND [Genesis 12:3]

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

1. The Land [2 Chr. 20:7]

Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?

 

2. The People [Isa. 41:8]

But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

 

3. The Book [James 2:23, Rm. 3:1-4]

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

-What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe ? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid : yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

II. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S FRIEND [Gen. 18]

1. Abraham Received Him [Gn. 18:1-8, Heb. 11:17-19]

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

2. Abraham Rejoiced over Him [Jn. 8:37-40, 56-59]

3. Abraham Repeatedly Chose Him [Gen. 18:17-19]

 

III. THE COLLECTION OF GOD’S FRIENDS

 

1. Believe Him for Imputed Salvation [James 2:23]

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

 

2. Obey Him for Intensified Service [John 15:13-15]

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

 

3. Choose Him for Identifying Sanctification

[Jm. 4:3-4, Jn. 19:12]

-And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

CHRIST REVEALED

REVELATION 1:1-8

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. CHRIST KNOWS [v. 9-11]

1. Christ Knows What We are Going Through [v. 9]

2. Christ Knows Where We Are [v. 9-10]– literally, physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, etc.

3. Christ Knows What We Can Do [v. 11]

 

II. CHRIST KNOWN [v. 12-16]

1. The Son of Man [v. 12-13, Dan. 7:13-14, Mt. 16:27-17:7]

- I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

2. The Risen Lord [v. 5-8, 14-15]

3. The Head of the Church [v. 16, Eph. 1:22, 4:15, 5:23]

- And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church

- But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

- Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

 

III. THE COMMISSION [v. 17-20]

1. Submit to the Authority [v. 17-18, Mt. 28:18-20]

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.

2. Follow the Pattern [v. 19]

3. Send the Message [v. 20, 11]

THIS PERSUASION

Galatians 5:1-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. TROUBLESOME PERSUASION

1. Persuaded to Join the World [2 Chr. 18:1-2, 19:2]

-Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead.

-And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

2. Persuaded to Choose a Sinner over the Saviour [Mt. 27:20]

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

3. Persuaded to Do Wrong [Acts 14:19]

And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

 

II. TRUE PERSUASION

1. Persuaded by the Word [Lk. 16:31, Heb. 11:13]

- And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

- These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

2. Persuaded by Grace [Acts 13:43, Rm. 15:14, 2 Tm. 1:5]

- Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

- And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

-When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

3. Persuaded by Reason [Acts 18:4, 19:26]

- And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

- Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

 

III. THE APOSTLE’S PERSUASION

1. He was Persuaded that God Keeps His Word [Rm. 4:21]

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

2. He was Persuaded that God Keeps His People [Rm. 8:38]

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

3. He was Persuaded that God is Able! [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.