WHEN THE HEATHEN RAGE

Psalm 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

What should we do when the heathen rage? Hide? Hibernate? Capitulate? Stick our heads in the sand? No- we do our job. We do our duty. We do right.

 

I. WE FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF DANIEL

1. We Purpose in Our Hearts [1:8]

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

2. We Premeditatedly Live for God [6:3-5]

 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

3. We Pray to Our God [6:10]

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

 

II. WE FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL [2 Tm. 4:7]

1. We Fight the Good Fight [v. 7, 1 Tm. 6:12]

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

2. We Finish Our Course [v. 7, Acts 13:25, 20:24]

-And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

-But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

3. We Keep the Faith [v. 7, Rm. 3:3, 14:12]

-For what if some did not believe ? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

-So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

 

III. WE FOLLOW THE EXHORTATION OF CHRIST

1. Be Salt [Mt. 5:13]

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

2. Be Light [Mt. 5:14-16]

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

3. Be Witnesses [Acts 1:6-9]

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. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

SAFE

Psalm 119:117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

Pr. 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Pastor Rick Jackson

I once saw on a truck’s mud flaps the words “THINK SAFE, ACT SAFE, BE SAFE.” The message, though possibly unintentional, was Scriptural. If these things are true in the secular world which today is, and tomorrow will be gone, how much more are they true on the spiritual plane.

 

I. THINK SAFE – to think safe is to think right

1. Think right About Yourself [Gal. 6:3]

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

2. Think right About Christ [John 5:39]

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

3. Think Right About Life [1 Cor. 8:2]

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

 

II. ACT SAFE thinking safe is just the start- one may think straight but not follow through in his actions

1. Actually Trust Christ [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.

2. Actually Follow Christ [John 1:43]

-The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

-Mt. 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

-Mt. 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

3. Actually Do What Christ Commands [Jm. 1: 21-25]

 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

 

III. BE SAFE

1. Safe from the Penalty of Sin {Rm. 6:23]

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

2. Be Safe from the Prominence of Sin [Ps. 119:9-12]

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

3. Be Safe from the Pushers of Sin [Pr. 29:25]

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

BECAUSE OF JESUS WE KNOW

REVELATION 1:1-4

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BECAUSE OF JESUS WE KNOW WE HAVE A SUFFICIENT SAVIOUR [v. 5-6, 17-18, John 6:37]

“him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

1. “him”= any him, rich/poor, weak/strong, cultured/vulgar, male/female, any “race,” any language, from anywhere

2. “that cometh”= not worketh, not payeth, not joineth, not “is baptized” – this breaks pride

3. “to Me”= Jesus! Not Buddha, Confucius, Sun Myung Moon, Joseph Smith, L. Ron Hubbard, Steven Hawking

4. “I will”= receive not cast out. Jesus can say “I will” because “He would” and “He did”

5. “in no wise cast out”- no way, no-no!, Once in- in for good [Rm. 5:8-11]

 

II. BECAUSE OF JESUS WE KNOW WE HAVE A TRUSTWORTHY TESTIMONY [v. 5, 10-11, 16, 19]

 

1. We have a Book That Warns [Ezek. 3:17-20, 1 Cor. 4:14, Col. 1:28, 1 Th. 5:14]

-Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

- I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

- Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

-Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men

2. We have a Book That Washes [v. 5, Eph. 5:26]

- That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

3. We have a Book That Works [Isaiah 55:11, 1 Pet. 1:23-25]

- So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it

-Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Unbeliever- “We can’t Believe any book where the author is unknown”

Believer-“ Do you know who wrote the multiplication table? No? Then I suppose you don’t believe it?”

Unbeliever- “Well, I believe it because it works!”

Believer- “So does the Bible!”

 

 III. BECAUSE OF JESUS WE KNOW WE HAVE A CONQUERING CHRIST [v. 7-8, 13-18]

 

1. He is Sufficient to Destroy the Works of the Devil [1 John 3:8]

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

2. He is Sufficient to Do Away with the Wages of Sin [Romans 3:23-28, 1 John 2:2, 4:10]

-For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

-And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

-Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

3. He is Sufficient to Deliver Us from the World [Galatians 1:4, 6:14]

- Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

- 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.

HOW TO PRAY A USELESS PRAYER

LUKE 16:19, 22-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PRAY IT AT THE WRONG TIME [v. 22-24, Is. 59:2]

v. 25 “thy lifetime” –But your iniquities between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that He will not hear.

 

II. PRAY IT TO THE WRONG PERSON [v. 24, 27, 1 Tm. 2:5]

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. [not Abraham, Mary, saints, angels, Buddha, et cetera]

 

III. PRAY AGAINST GOD’S WORD [v. 24-26, Heb. 9:27]

It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

 

IV. PRAY FOR THE WRONG MEANS [v. 27-29, Isa. 8:19-20]

-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. (Religious experience over Revelation)

 

V. PRAY FROM THE WRONG MINDSET [v. 30-31, Ps. 66:18, Rm. 3:4]

The mindset of I know better than God, I’m right

-If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.

-Let God be true, but every man a liar.

THE MAN

PSALM 128:4

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

For many years there have been expressions concerning “the man.” Some of these were considered negative and some of them were considered positive. In the 1960s “The Man” often referred to someone in authority – a policeman, a mayor, a governor. If someone didn’t like the way things were going, they might say, “The man is trying to keep me down” and this became a way to hide one’s own failure. Perhaps, in some cases, it was even true. But times changed and people wanted to be “the man.” For decades Time Magazine has had a “Man of the Year.” In some cases, there has been a person recognized as “the man of the hour.” Father’s Day became a national holiday to recognize and honor Fathers as the man of the family.  

In the spiritual realm it is a little different. Moses was God’s man to lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage. Josua was God’s man to lead Israel into the promised land. More importantly, what does it take to be the person that God blesses? What does it take to be “the man” God blesses? Or, what does it take to be “the woman” God blesses? Let’s find out.

I. TO BE “THE MAN” YOU HAVE TO KNOW “THE MAN”

1. THE MAN Who was Prophesied [Zech. 6:12]

And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:

2. THE MAN Who was Crucified [John 19:5]

-Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe, and Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

3. THE MAN Who was Specified [1 Tm. 2:5]

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

 

II. TO BE “THE MAN” YOU HAVE BE SAVED BY “THE MAN”

1. You Have to “Hear” about THE MAN [Acts 8:29-37, Rm. 10:13-17]

2. You Have to Trust in THE MAN [Ps. 34:8]

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

3. You Have to Belong to THE MAN [Ps. 32:2, Rm. 4:6-8]

-Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity and in whose spirit there is no guile.

-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.

 

III. TO BE “THE MAN” YOU HAVE TO DELIGHT IN “THE MAN”

1. Delight in the Word of God [Ps. 1:1-2, 112:1]

-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.

-Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in His commandments.

2. Delight in the Will of God [Ps. 40:8]

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

3. Delight in the Person of God [Ps. 37:4]

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

IN CONCLUSION, PSALM 128:4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed the feareth the LORD.

ARE YOU IN YOUR RIGHT MIND?

Titus 2:6                              

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

“Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded”.

“Likewise” refers to those he’s already mentioned. Aged men, aged women, young women and now young men. “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded”.

 

I. THINK RIGHT ABOUT YOURSELF

 

1. Think Right About Your Reliance [Matthew 3:9] “my grandpa was a preacher”

-And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

2. Think Right About Your Repentance [Luke 13:4]

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

3. Think Right About Your Rightness [Romans 12:3, 1 Cor. 10:12, Gal. 6:3]

-For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

- Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

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

 

II. THINK RIGHT ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

 

1. His Person [Mt. 22:42, Jn. 5:39, 2 John 1:9]

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

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

- 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.

2. His Purpose [Mt. 5:17, 10:34, Lk. 19:10]

-Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

-Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

- For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

3. His Plan [Mt. 24:44]

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

 

III. THINK RIGHT ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

 

1. Think Right About Prayer “LIFE IS FRAGILE-HANDLE WITH PRAYER”

 Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

2. Think Right About Behavior [1 Cor. 4:6, 8:2, 13:5]

-And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

-And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

- Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

3. Think Right About Suffering [1 Peter 4:12-13, Rm. 8:18]

-Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

- For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us

THE SAVIOUR’S SILENCING QUESTION

MT. 22:41-46

Pastor Rick Jackson

They were silenced, in part, because to answer would be to admit some uncomfortable truths.

 

I. THE TRUTH OF THE TRINITY

1. The Scripture’s are God-breathed [2 Tm. 3:16]

2. The Men Who Wrote the Scripture were “Moved” by the Holy Spirit [2 Peter 1:21]

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

3. “David in Spirit” Spoke of Christ and the Father [v. 43-44]

 

II. THE TRUTH OF THE INCARNATION

1. Christ is a Physical Descendant of David [v. 41-42]

2. David by the Spirit Calls Christ Lord [v. 43-44]

3. Christ Must be Both Man and God [v. 45-46, 1 Timothy 3:16]

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

 

III. THE TRUTH OF THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

1. Christ Must Come to Seek and to Save [Luke 19:10]

2. Christ Must Complete His Work of Salvation and Return to Heaven [v. 44, Acts 2:29-33]

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 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.

3. Christ Must Conquer His Foes & Judge Them [v. 43-44, Acts 2:34-36]

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.

PENTECOST

ACTS 2:1-6                        

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Pentecost is the old Greek and Latin name for the Jewish harvest festival, Shavuot, found in the Old Testament. Shavuot is also called the Festival of Weeks; Festival of Reaping, and Day of the First Fruits. When Christians mention Pentecost, they usually have in mind the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ as found in Acts 2. But that’s where it gets hazy.

 

I. WHAT HAPPENED TO PENTECOST?

 

1. It’s Been Confused [Jn. 7:38-39, 20:1, 19-22]

-it is NOT the day the Holy Spirt began indwelling believers

- He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

- The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when, it was yet dark, unto, the sepulchre, and, seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

- Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

2. It’s Been Called- it is NOT the “birthday of the church” – no hint of that in Scripture, see point 1 above. Good men disagree. Was it the “Come and see” of Jn. 1:39 [J.C. Ryle], the calling of the 12 [Lee Roberson], Pentecost [J. Vernon McGee], the first person saved [John R. Rice] or something different?

3. It’s Been Convoluted- it does NOT say speaking with tongues is THE evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit

 

II. WHAT HAPPENED ON PENTECOST?

 

1. It Was a Day of Fulfilment- [Lk. 24:49, Acts 1:1-9, 2:14-21, cp. Joel 2]

- And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

2. It Was a Day of Fullness- [Acts 2:4, 13, 16-18]

3. It Was a Day of Fruitfulness- [Acts 2:41]

 

III. WHAT HONORS PENTECOST?

 

1. Recognizing it was a Special Day- [#246 Pentecostal Power] “Lord as of old at Pentecost Thou didst Thy power display”]

2. Recognizing it was a “Specimen” Day -called by D.L. Moody, John R. Rice [Acts 4:8, 31, 33]

3. Recognizing it is a Supernatural Day- [Eph. 5:18-20, 6:18-20]

- And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

- Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly , to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

ZEAL

GAL 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

Rick Jackson

Is there anything you are zealous about? Do you have any zeal? “Zeal” according to the dictionary is: “eager interest and enthusiasm; ardent endeavor; fervor”. According to the Bible God has zeal. One can have the right kind of zeal but one can also be zealous for the wrong things, and have a wrong kind of zeal. The Bible speaks of both.

 

I. THE BIBLE SPEAKS OF GOD’S ZEAL

1. God has Zeal for His people (Is. 37:31-32)

And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward: For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.

 2. God has zeal for His House (Ps. 69:9; Jn. 2:13-17)

- For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

- And the Jews passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

 3. God has zeal for His Word (Is. 9:6-7, 59:15-21)

-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. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

-Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

 

II. THE BIBLE SPEAKS OF A MISGUIDED ZEAL

 1. Doing wrong in patriotic fervor (2 Sam. 21:1-2)

Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)

 2. Doing wrong in religious fervor (Phil. 3:6-9)

Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law , blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

 3. Doing wrong in religious ignorance (Rm. 10:1-2; 1 Cor. 14:12; Ga. 1:11-14, 4:16-18)

- Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

- Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

- But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

-Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

 

 III. THE BIBLE SPEAKS OF GOOD ZEAL

 1. Zeal for the Lord and His Word (Num. 25:11-13, Ps. 119:137-140; Rev. 3:19)

- Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

- Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

- As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

 2. Zeal for the Lord’s people (2 Cor. 9:1-2; Col. 4:12-3)

- For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

- Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

 3. Zeal for the Lord’s will [good works] (Titus 2:14)

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

LET YOUR FAITH BE KNOWN

I COR. 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LET YOUR FAITH BE KNOWN AS A SHINING FAITH

1. Let It Shine For Christ [Mt. 5:14-16]

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

2. Let It Shine With kindness [Eph. 4:32]

And be ye kind one to another , tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

3. Let It Shine With Consistency [1 Tm. 4:12-16]

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 

II. LET YOUR FAITH BE KNOWN AS A SPEAKING FAITH

1. Let It Speak Through Your Words [Col. 4:6]

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

2. Let It Speak Through Your Deeds [Col. 3:17]

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

3. Let It Speak Through Your Life [Rm. 6:4, Phil.1:20-21]

- 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.

- According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

 

III. LET YOUR FAITH BE KNOWN AS A SHAPING FAITH

1. Let Your Faith Shape Your Vision [Pr. 29:18, Mt. 9:36]

-Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

-But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted , and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

2. Let Your Faith Shape Your Separation [2 Cor. 6:14-18]

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said , I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

3. Let Your Faith Shape Your Giving [Phil. 4:10-20]

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

PONTIUS PILATE’S PROBING QUESTION

MATTHEW 27:22 - Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. MAKE JESUS CHRIST YOUR SAVIOUR!

1. He Came for You [1 Timothy 1:15]

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

2. He Died for You [Romans 5:6, 8; 1 Cor. 15:3]

-For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

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

-For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

3. He Rose for You [Philippians 3:10, 1 Peter 1:3]

-That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

-Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

 

II. MAKE JESUS CHRIST YOUR CONFIDENCE

1. And You Can Rejoice [Philippians 3:3]

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

2. And You Can Have Boldness & Access [Eph. 3:10-21]

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 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. 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, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

3. And You Can Get Your Prayers Answered [1 John 5:14]

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

 

III. MAKE JESUS CHRIST YOUR LORD

Now Jesus is Lord whether you like it or not. But, you limit your blessings unless you consciously make Him your Lord. Illus. “Not my president” “Not my Lord”

1. Make Jesus Lord by Doing [Luke 6:46]

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

2. Make Jesus Lord by Staying with Him [John 6:60-69]

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back , and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

3. Make Jesus Lord by Remembering the Bible [James 1:22-25]

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

 

Philippians 2:10-11 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.