THE BOOKS THAT MUST BE READ

Isaiah 34:16 Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I saw an ad online that said along the lines of, “Fill your library with must read books this summer.” I clicked the link and was shown a bunch of books I had no interest in, authors I didn’t know and content that would make no difference to me if I read them or not. So, I thought, what makes a book or books “must read”?

 

I. A “MUST READ” BOOK MUST HAVE AN AUTHOR YOU CAN TRUST

As I say that I realize I have books in my library that I wouldn’t trust so there is some room for common sense here. It may be in my library line “Calvin & Hobbes” but that doesn’t really qualify of a “must read” book. A “Must read” book must have an author I can trust.

1. What is the Author’s Agenda? [Philippians 4:8, Ps. 1:1-3]

-Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

-Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

2. What is the Author’s Ignorance? [2 Peter 3:5]

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

3. What are the Author’s Limitations? [1 Corinthians 2:14]

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

 

1 Kings 17:24 And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

 

II. A “MUST READ” BOOK MUST BE A BOOK THAT WILL HELP ME

1. Will This Book Inform Me? [Ps. 19:7-9]

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

2. Will This Book Instruct Me? [Ps. 19:10-13]

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

3. Will This Book Inspire Me? [Ps. 19:14]

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

 

III. A “MUST READ” BOOK MUST BE A BOOK THAT I CAN SHARE

 

1. Without Apology [Mark 16:15]

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

2. Without Reservation [Acts 5:20]

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

3. Without Fear [Josh. 1:8-9]

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. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

 

There was a day when someone preached a Gospel message… there was a day I began to read the Bible… there was a day I heard the call… in those days I was depending on THE MUST READ BOOK OF BOOKS – the BIBLE

THE LORD'S SUPPER

1 Cor. 11:23-26

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE TRUE MESSAGE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

1. There is no saving power in communion. [Gal. 2:16, Titus 3:5]

-Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

-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;

2. It is not a sacrament, it is an ordinance.

1 of 2 given in the N.T. for believers only. The other is baptism by immersion.

3. It symbolizes the death of Christ. [1 Cor. 11:23-26]

It sets forth the broken body (not bones) and shed blood of Christ, just as baptism pictures the same and His resurrection.

 

II. IT POINTS IN 3 DIRECTIONS [1 Co. 11:26]

1. A past transaction

2. A present experience

3. A future event

 

III. PREPARATION FOR THE LORD'S SUPPER

1. Review & examine [1 Cor. 11:27-32, 2 Co. 13:5]

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

2. Repent & rely [1 Jn. 1:9]

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

3. Rededicate & partake [Rm. 12:1-2, 1 Co. 11:28b] "...so let him..."

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. 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.

HOW TO REMEMBER THE MEMORIAL

Psalm 135:13

Pastor Rick Jackson

- Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.

 

“Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.” Someone has said, "Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom." For American service personnel we have a national holiday in which many people forget why they are off from work, for the former I offer these suggestions:

 

I. STAY CLOSE TO THE CROSS

1. Take Up the Cross [Mark 10:21, Gal. 2:20]

- Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

- I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

2. Preach the Cross [1 Cor. 1:17-18, 23, 2:2]

-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.

-But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock , and unto the Greeks foolishness;

-For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3. Glory in the Cross [Gal. 6:14]

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

 

II. STAY CLOSE TO THE CHRIST [Eph. 2:13]

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

1. Be Molded in the Love of Christ [Rm. 12:1-2]

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. 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. Be Motivated by the Love of Christ [2 Cor. 5:14-15]

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

3. Be Mighty in the love of Christ [Eph. 3:16-19]

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

 

 III. STAY CLOSE TO THE COMMISSION [remember the reason]

1. To Glorify the Father [John 15:8]

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

2. To Please Christ [2 Timothy 2:1-4]

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

3. To Not Offend the Holy Spirit [Eph. 4:30, 1 Th. 5:19]

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

-Quench not the Spirit.

LOOKING UNTO JESUS THE BUILDER, THE DOCTOR, THE FAITHFUL

HEBREWS 12:2

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. JESUS THE BUILDER [Mark 6:1-4]

And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

1. He Built the Universe [John 1:1-3, 10, Heb.3:4]

- 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.

- He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

- For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.

2. He is Building the Church [Mt. 16:16-18, 1 Peter 2:5]

- And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

-Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

3. He is Building a City [Heb. 11:10, 16] a city without hospitals, jails, dentist offices, etc.

-For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

-But now they (believers) desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

 

II. JESUS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN [Luke 4:21-23, 40]

-And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

-Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

1. The Blood Prescribed [Heb. 9:6-10]

2. The Blood Supplied [Heb. 9:11-26]

3. The Blood Applied [Heb. 9:27-28, 10:10, 14, 17-23, 38-39]

 

III. JESUS THE FAITHFUL [2 Th. 3:3, 2 Tm. 2:13]

-But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

-If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

1. The Faithful High Priest [Heb. 2:17, 10:23]

-Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

-He is faithful that promised

2. The Faithful Witness [Revelation 1:5, 3:14]

-Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness

- These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness

3. The Faithful Captain [Hebrews 2:10, Revelation 19:11]

-For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

-And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

WHY STAND YE GAZING?

ACTS 1:1-12

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. DON’T JUST STAND THERE [v. 11]

1. The Past is Unrepeatable [v. 1-11]

2. The Present is Undeniably Waiting [v. 12, Matthew 20:1-7]

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

3. The Future is Understandably Waiting [v. 4, 12-14]

 

II. BE READY [v. 12]

1. Be Ready for the Return of Christ [Mt. 24:44-46]

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

2. Be Ready for the Work of Christ [1 Peter 3:15, Romans 1:15]

-But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

-So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

3. Be Ready for the Worthiness of Christ [Acts 21:13]

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.

 

III. LOOK FORWARD

1. Jesus is Coming [v. 11]

2. Jesus is Coming for Every Christian [John 13:36-14:3]

no partial rapture, no rupture of the church

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

3. Jesus is Coming so be Pressing Forward [Phil. 3:12-15]

-Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CANNOT CHANGE

LAMENTATIONS 4-5

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. YOU CAN’T CHANGE REALITY [4:1-17]

1. The Changing Values of Men [4:1-10]

2. The Unchanging God of the Bible [4:11-16]

3. The Misplaced Faith of Foolish Men [4:17]

 

II. YOU CAN’T CHANGE REAPING [4:18-22]

– you will reap what you sow

1. The Persecutors’ Aggressiveness [4:18-19]

2. The Powerless Anointed [4:20]

– how different from our Anointed One, the All-Powerful Lord Jesus Christ [Ps. 2, Acts 10:36-40]

 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly.

3. The Punishment Accomplished [4:21-22]

i.e., “as good as done”

 

III. YOU CAN’T CHANGE THE REDEEMER

1. A Prayer for Consideration [5:1]

2. A Prayer of Confession [5:2-16] compare v. 14 with

Jeremiah 25:10-Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.

Nehemiah 8:10-Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

3. A Prayer of Contemplation [5:17-22, Jn. 12:32, James 4:8]

-And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

-Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

LOOKING UNTO JESUS THE HEARER OF PRAYER

HEBREWS 12:2

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 I. OUR INVITATION

1. Prophesied [Ps. 65:1-2]       Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

2. Promised [Mt. 11:28]    Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

3. Performed [Ephesians 3:20]       Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us

 

II. OUR CLEANSING

1. Prophesied [Ps. 65:3]   Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.

2. Promised [Is. 1:18]        Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

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

 

III. OUR BLESSEDNESS

1. Prophesied [Ps. 65:4-5]       Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:

2. Promised [Ephesians 3:20]         Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

3. Performed [1 Pet. 1:8]          Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

IN THE WAY OF HIS MOTHER

1 Kings 22:51-53

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE CURSE OF A MOTHER’S EVIL COUNSEL

1. Jezebel’s Way was the Way of Injury [1 K. 18, 21]

-1 Kings 18:4 For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

-1 Kings 18:13 Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the Lord's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?

2. Jezebel’s Way was the Way of Idolatry [2 Kings 9:22, Isaiah 8:19-20]

--And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?

- And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

3. Jezebel’s Way was the Way of Immorality [1 K. 21] lying, stealing, murder

-1 Kings 21:7 And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

-1 Kings 21:11 And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them.

-1 Kings 21:14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead.

 

II. THE BLESSING OF A MOTHER’S GODLY COUNSEL

1. It Leads to Righteousness [Jochebed- Ex. 2:1-9, Heb. 11:23-24]

-By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

2. It Leads to Jesus [2 Timothy 1:5]

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. It Leads to Helping Others [Judges 4:4-6, 5:1, 7]

- And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

- Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,

- The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.

 

III. CHOOSE WISELY

1. Be a Praising Christian [Ps. 113:9]

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

2. Be Virtuous [Pr. 31:1, 10, 27-31]

-1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

-10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

-27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

3. Be Wise [Pr. 1:8, 10:1, 23:22]

-My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

- The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

-Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

FAITHFUL

Deuteronomy 7:9

Pastor Rick Jackson

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

 

I. GOD IS FAITHFUL

1. To Finish What He Started [1 Cor. 1:8-9, Phil. 1:6, 1 Th. 5:23-24]

-Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

- Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

-And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

2. To Not Let Us Be Overly Tempted [1 Cor. 10:13, 2 Th. 3:3]

-There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

-But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

3. He Cannot Deny Himself [2 Tm. 2:10-13]

Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

 

II. JESUS THE FAITHFUL [2 Th. 3:3, 2 Tm. 2:13]

1. The Faithful High Priest [Heb. 2:17, 3:1-2, 10:23, 1 John 1:9]

- Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

- Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.

- Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;

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

2. The Faithful Witness [Rev. 1:5, 3:14]

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

- And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

3. The Faithful Captain [Heb. 2:10, Rev. 19:11]

- For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

- And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

 

III. CHRISTIANS ARE TO BE FAITHFUL

1. In What God Has Entrusted Us [1 Cor. 4:1-5]

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

2. In Giving Out the Word [2 Tm. 2:2]

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

3. In Maintaining Good Works [Titus 3:8]

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

RELIGION OR FAITH

2 KINGS 13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. FOXHOLE RELIGION – FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY

1. The Continuation of Sin [v. 1-2]

2. The Consequences of Sin [v. 3, Gal. 6:7-10]

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

3. The Compromise of Sin [v. 4-9]

 

II. FASHIONABLE RELIGION – FOR APPEARANCES ONLY

1. Like His Father [v. 9-13]

2. Lackadaisical in His Faith [v. 14-19]

3. “Lucky” in His Fate [v. 24-25]

 

III. FAITH THAT IS REAL – FOR APPLICATION ALWAYS

1. Serving in Sickness [v. 14-19]

2. Serving in “Sleep” [v. 20-21, Heb. 11:4, Rev. 14:13]

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

- And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

3. Serving in Scripturalness [v. 22-25, Lk. 6:46-49] God Honours those that honour Him.

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

EVERYBODY

JOHN 4:46-53

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. EVERYBODY HAS ISSUES [v. 46-49]

1. Wealth is NOT an Cure-all [v. 46, 49, 51, 1 Timothy 6:17]

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

2. Youth is NOT a Guarantee [v. 46] “The old must die, the young do die”.

3. Begging is NOT Receiving [James 4:3]

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

 

II. EVERYBODY OUGHT TO KNOW [v. 48-53]

1. Christ IS Enough [v. 48]

2. Christ’s Word IS Enough [v. 49-50, Acts 5:20]

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

3. Christ IS Waiting [v. 51-53, 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.

 

III. EVERYBODY HAS OPTIONS

1. Trouble Should Drive Us to Christ [Mt. 11:28-30]

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

2. Trouble Should Drive Us to the Bible [Ps. 119:65, John 16:33]

- Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them

-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.

J.C. Ryle said, “Christ’s Word is as good as Christ’s presence.” Jesus did not go with the man.

3. Trouble Should Drive Us to God’s Plan [Ps. 119:71]

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.