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]