THREE GREAT ACTIONS

1 JOHN 4:9-14                                                                  

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 Three greatest actions. Maybe the three greatest actions. What can they be? Would they be acts of terrorism and/or war--- like Pearl Harbor or 9-11? Great doesn’t always mean good. Would they be war stoppers like Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Would they be moments that transcend war like the first man in space or man walking on the moon? Would they be an act of desperation like when a parent lifts a car off a child through a rush of adrenalin? Though all these may be powerful actions once again the Lord God Almighty would have to take center stage. The three greatest actions? Let us pray and then search the Scriptures together.

 

 I. THE FIRST OF THESE THREE GREAT ACTIONS IS WHEN GOD THE FATHER SENT JESUS

1. Great Manifestation [1 Jn. 4:9, Jn. 3:16]

-In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him

-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son

2. Great Motivation [1 Jn. 4:10, Rm. 5:8]

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

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

3. Great Mission [1 Jn. 4:14, 2:2]

-And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

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

 

 II. THE SECOND OF THESE THREE GREAT ACTIONS IS WHEN GOD THE SON CAME TO EARTH

Someone has wisely pointed out that God walking on earth is a greater event than man walking on the moon.

1. The Great Humanity Involved [Phil. 2:2-7, John 15:13]

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

2. The Great Humility Involved [Phil. 2:8, Is. 53:2-4]

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

-For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

3. The Great Horror involved [Phil. 2:8, 2 Cor. 5:21, Mark 15:34, Ps. 22:1]

-… even the death of the cross.

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

- And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

- My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

 

III. THE THIRD OF THESE THREE GREATEST ACTIONS IS GOD THE SPIRIT’S WORK ON EARTH

1. It is a Christ Work [Jn. 1:29-34, 2:11]

2. It is a Convicting Work [Jn. 16:7-11]

3. It is a Continuing Work [Jn. 7:39, 20:19-22, Gal. 5:22-25]

-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.

- 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:

- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

THE SAME CHRIST

 

THE SAME CHRIST

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

It should come as no surprise that Christ the King of the Jews of Matthew’s Gospel, and Christ the perfect Servant of Mark’s Gospel, Christ the Son of Man of Luke’s Gospel and Christ the Son of God of John’s Gospel are all the same Christ. One and the Same. Did you know that some scholars of the Old Testament once thought there were to be two different Christs? Well, let’s look at that.

 

I. THE COMING CHRIST [Micah 5]

1. A Suffering Saviour [v. 1, Is. 50:6, 53:3-4]

- Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

- I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

- He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

2. An Eternal Christ [v. 2, Pr. 30:4]

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

-Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

3. A Sovereign Christ [v. 2, Ps. 110:1-2]

- The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

 

II. THE CRUCIFIED CHRIST

1. The Virgin Born Christ [Gn. 3:15, Jer. 31:22, Is. 7:14]

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

- How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.

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

2. The Vicariously Dying Christ [Is. 53:5-6]

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

3. The Victorious Resurrected Christ [Acts 2:22 -28]

-Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

 

III. THE CONQUERING CHRIST

1. The Exalted Christ [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.

2. The Smiting Christ [Rev. 19:11-16]

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. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

3. The Reigning Christ [Revelation 11:15]

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

AMERICAN DECLARATIONS

Psalm 146                          

Pastor Rick Jackson

We recognized the 250th birthday of the United States of America yesterday. Let us take the time to consider some American Declarations in the light of Scripture.

 

I. THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

1. Declares We believe in Creation [Ex. 20:11, Mt. 19:4]

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator..."

- For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

- And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

2. Declares We believe in Individual Rights [Mosaic Law, John 1:10-12]

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men..."

- He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

3. Declares We believe in Individual Responsibility [Mt. 12:36, Rm. 14:12, 1 Pt. 4:3-6]

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

- But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

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

-For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

 

II. DECLARATIONS OF IGNORANCE

1. "We don't have to believe the Bible" [2 Tm. 3:16, Jn. 12:48]

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

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

2. "We don't have to believe in God" [Ps. 14:1, Rm. 1:21-22]

- The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

- Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools

3. "We don't have to believe in Jesus" [Jn. 3:36]

- 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.

 

III. A DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE  - "NO KING BUT JESUS"

In the days of the early church many Christians died because they would not recognize Caesar as a god. They replied in effect, "We have no King but Jesus". In the 1700s when faced with the tyranny of an English crown many of the colonists took up the cry "NO KING BUT JESUS" before, during, and after the Revolutionary War! What did it mean to them and what should it mean to us?

1. We do believe in God [Mk. 11:22, Gn. 1:1, Heb. 11:6]

- And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

- In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

- But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

2. We believe in the Divine King not the divine right of kings [Ps. 47:7, 74:12, 1 Tm. 1:17]

-For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

-For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.

-Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

3. We do believe the Bible that Jesus is the coming King [2 Tm. 4:1, Rev. 19:15-16]

- I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom

-And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

HE WALKED WITH GOD

GENESIS 5:18-24

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE STRANGE CASE OF ENOCH [Gn. 5:18-24]

1. His Reason Could Be Our Reason [v. 18-22a, Eph. 6:4]

- And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

2. His Responsibility Should Be Our Responsibility [v. 22b-23, Eph. 2:10, 4:1, 17, 5:15]

- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

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

-This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind

- See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

3. His Rapture Would Be Like Our Rapture [v. 24, 1 Th. 4:16-17]

- For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

 

II. THE STRATEGIC CHOICE [Amos 3:3] Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

1. To Walk Together There Must Be a Starting Place - Calvary [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.

2. To Walk Together There Must Be an Agreed Path - Holiness [Psalm 16:11, 119:105, Pr. 4:14]

- Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore

-Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

- Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

3. To Walk Together There Must Be a Final Place [1 Th. 4:17]

- Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

 

III. THE STRAIGHTFORWARD COMPANIONSHIP [1 John 1:5-7]

1. The Lack of Variableness [v. 5, Jm. 1:17]

-This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

- Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

2. The Lie of Variableness [v. 6]

-If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

3. The Loss of Variableness [v. 7] the choice is ours

-But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

NO EXCUSES

ROMANS 1:19-21

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THERE IS NO EXCUSE WHEN GOD HAS TO GIVE THEM UP TO NATIONAL DESOLATION [2 CHR. 30]

1. Not with an Invitation to Return [v. 1-6]

2. Not with a Reminder to Repent [v. 7-8]

3. Not with an opportunity to Respond [v. 9-22]

II. THERE IS NO EXCUSE WHEN GOD HAS TO GIVE THEM UP TO RELIGIOUS APOSTASY [ACTS 7]

1. Not with their Foolish Works [v. 37-41]

2. Not with their False Worship [v. 42-43]

3. Not when they Forsake Witness [v. 44]

III. THERE IS NO EXCUSE WHEN GOD HAS TO GIVE THEM UP TO UNNATURAL IMMORALITY [Rm. 1]

1. Not when Truth is Rejected [v. 18-22]

2. Not when Truth is Exchanged [v. 23-25]

3. Not when Truth is Ignored [v. 26-32]

JOSHUA FIT THE BATTLE

JOSHUA 1:1-5

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHAT MADE JOSHUA FIT?

1. He was a Man of Fear [1:6-7, 9] – know your limitations

2. He was a Man of Faith [1:8, Rm. 10:17] – know God’s Law

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

3. He was a Man of Focus [1:9-18, Jn. 2:25] – know mankind’s leaning

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

 

II. WHAT DID JOSHUA KNOW?

1. He knew the Fight was the Lord’s [2:24-3:5, 1 Sm. 17:47]

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.

2. He knew the Fear of the Lord [4:19-24, Pr. 9:10]

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

3. He knew the Family was the Lord’s [24:14-15]

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. 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.

 

III. WHAT DID JOSHUA UNDERSTAND? [Ps. 119:104]

Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

1. He Understood Authority [5:13-15, Mt. 8:8-10]

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

2. He Understood Responsibility [6:16-17, 22-25, Heb. 11:30-31]

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

3. He Understood Accountability [7:7-12, 19-20]

THREE CHRISTIAN FATHERS BUT ONLY ONE CHRISTIAN HOME

Gn. 18:17-19

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHAT LOT, A GOOD BUSINESSMAN, A BAD FATHER, TAUGHT HIS FAMILY

1. Put Business Before Holiness [Gn. 13:10-13, 19:7, 9, 16]

2. Put Relationships with People Before their Relationship with God [Gn. 19:6-9, 14-16]

3. The End Justifies the Means [Gn. 19:17-36]

 

II. DAVID- GOOD KING, A BAD FATHER

1. David got Angry but did Nothing about His Son’s Wicked Sin [2 Sam. 13:21, 39]

2. David Ignored the Problem instead of Discussing It with His Son [2 Sam. 14:24, 32-33]

3. David did not “Displease” His Children with Discipline [1 Kings 1:6]

And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?

 

III. ABRAHAM- FRIEND OF GOD, GOOD FATHER

1. Abraham Commanded His Children

[Gn. 18:17-19]

2. Abraham taught His Family God is to be Trusted [Heb. 11:17-19]

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

3. Abraham taught His Family God is to be Obeyed [Heb. 11:20]

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

THE LORD’S BENEFITS

PSALM 68:1-6

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Only 3 times in the beloved King James Version will you find the word “benefits”- but those three times are noteworthy, and all in the Psalms.

68:19-Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

103:2- Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

116:12-What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

 

I. THE LORD’S BENEFITS ARE ACTIONABLE [Ps. 116]

1. Be Saved [v. 13]

2. Be Serving [v. 14-16]

3. Be Thankful [v. 17-19]

 

II. THE LORD’S BENEFITS ARE MEMORABLE [Ps. 103]

1. Salvation [v. 1-12]

2. Sympathy [v. 13-14]

3. Security [v. 15-22]

 

III. THE LORD’S BENEFITS ARE AMPLE [Ps. 68]

1. The Saved Have Access [v. 19-20]

2. They Access Victory Over God’s Enemies [v. 20-23, 1 Pt. 5:8-9ff, Gal. 5:16-17, Rev. 19:11-21]

- Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

- This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other

3. They Access Strength from the Lord [v. 24, 26, 28, 32-35]

LESSONS FROM THE ANCIENT ART OF FOOT WASHING

JOHN 13:1-5

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. UNIVERSAL LESSONS

1. Christ is Lord and Master [v.1-5, 12-13]

2. It’s Not about “Foot Washing” or a Foot Washing Ordinance [v. 6-7]

-the timing is off [John Wrote in 90 AD, no mention in the synoptic gospels]

-the template is off, no “as oft as ye do this”, no “go ye,” no further mention by other books [v. 7]

-the template isn’t followed [v. 4, 5, 12] only the 12, no women

-the Tempter v. 2, 18, Gn. 3:14-15]

And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

3. The Scripture Will Be Fulfilled [v. 18-19]

 

II. SPECIFIC LESSONS FOR THE LOST

1. If Jesus Doesn’t Wash You- You Cannot Be Saved [v. 8]

2. Jesus Knows Who is Playing, Lying, and Lost [v. 10-11, 18]

3. Receive Christ to Receive God [v. 19-20]

 

III. SPECIFIC LESSONS FOR THE SAVED

1. A Person Doesn’t Get Saved More than Once [v. 6-10, Heb. 10:14-23]

2. A Simple Cleansing from Our Daily Walk is Often Needed [v. 10, 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. Obey Christ for the Joyful Life [v. 14-17, 1 Jn. 1:3-4]

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

AND HAVING DONE ALL, TO STAND

 EPH. 6:13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. STAND FOR GOD [Ex. 32:26]

Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.

1. Stand Against the Devil, His Methods & His Minions [Eph. 6:11-12] wiles (methodeia)

2. Stand in the Armor of God [Eph. 6:13]

3. Stand with the Truth of God [Eph. 6:14-19]

 

II. STAND FOR THE GOSPEL [1 Cor. 2:4-5, Rm. 1:16]

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1. Stand for the Vicarious Death of Christ [1 Cor. 2:1-5]

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

2. Stand for the Victorious Resurrection of Christ

[1 Cor. 15:1-5ff.]

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:]

3. Stand for the Vital Grace of God [Gal. 5:1]

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

 

III. STAND FOR THE FAITH [1 Co. 16:13, Jude 3]

- Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

- Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

1. Stand in grace, by grace, and for grace [Rm. 5:1-2]

- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

- [1 Pt. 5:12] By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly , exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand

2. Stand in faith, by faith, and for faith

[Rm. 10:17, 11:20, 2 Cor. 1:24]

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

- Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith

-for by faith ye stand.

3. Stand in the Word, by the Word, and for the Word [2 Th. 2:14-15, 1 Tm. 5:17, Heb. 4:12]

-Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore , brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

-Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

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

THE DEVIL’S MALEVOLENT METHODS

GENESIS 3:1-13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. SATAN MINIMIZES [Gn. 3:1-4]

1. The Importance of the Word of God [v. 1] if he can get you to do this…

2. The Loving Provision of God [v. 2-4, 2:8-9]

3. The Horrible Penalty for Sin [v. 4, Rm. 6:23, Eph. 2:1, Jm. 1:15]

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

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

- sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

 

II. SATAN MAXIMIZES [Gn. 3:1-6]

1. Negatives Over Positives [v. 1-5] all he wanted to talk about was what they couldn’t do

2. Self over the Saviour [v. 5]

3. Desires over Duties [v. 6, 2:15-18, Jm. 1:15] restrictions over responsibilities

- Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

 

III. SATAN DENIES [Gn. 3:1-7]

1. The Truth of the Word [v. 4, Jn. 8:44, 14:6, 17:17]

interesting how the father of lies wants you to not believe the Truth

- Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way , the truth

- Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

2. The Goodness of God [v. 5, Rm. 2:4]

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

3. The Divine Order [v. 1, 6-7, 1 Tm. 2:12-14, Titus 1:5-6, 2:3-5]

DRAWING FROM GOD’S WELLS [3]

ISAIAH 12:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 I. THE WELL OF “ROOM”

1. The Things of Earth Cannot Satisfy Spiritual Thirst [Gn. 26:12-15]

2. Things of Earth Strive Against Spiritual Things [Gn. 26:16-21, Gal. 5:16-26]

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

3. The Well of God’s Place [Gn. 26:22, Jn. 14:1-6]

 

II. THE WELL OF GOD’S OATH

1. The Well of God’s Person [Gn. 26:23-24]

2. The Well of God’s Peace [Gn. 26:24]

3. The Well of God’s Promise [Gn. 26:25]

 

III. THE WELL OF SACRIFICE

1. The Well of the House of Bread [1 Chr. 11:16-17]

2. The Well of the House of Blood [1 Chr. 11:16-19]

3. The Well of the Heavenly Bread [John 6:31-51]

WHEN SHOULD WE GO TO JESUS?

Mark 9:14-27

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. IN THE HOUR OUR FAITH IS WEAK [Mk. 9:17-27]

1. In Faith He Sought Jesus [v. 17a]

2. In Faith He Told Jesus [v. 17b-18] “Tell it to Jesus”

3. In Faith He Listened to Jesus [v. 19-27]

 

II. IN THE HOUR AFTER OUR GREATEST FAILURE [Jn. 21:1-4]

1. Jesus Offers Forgiveness [Mk. 16:7]

But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

2. Jesus Offers Fellowship [Jn. 21:4-17]

3. Jessus Offers a Future [Jn. 21:3, 15-17, Luke 22:31-32]

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

 

III. IN THE HOUR OF TRIUMPH [1 Cor. 10:12, Phil. 3]

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

1. In this Hour We must Recognize Our Reality [Phil. 3:12]

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.

2. In this Hour We must Recognize Our Response [Phil. 3:13-14]

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.

3. In this Hour We must Recognize Our Role Model [Phil. 3: 20-21]

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

TEN THINGS JESUS TAUGHT ABOUT HELL IN LUKE 16:19-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THIS “STORY” IS TRUE, IT IS NOT A PARABLE [v. 19-21]

“The story you are about to hear is true” – it has all the earmarks of a true account

II. DEATH IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS [v. 22, Rm. 5:12]

Wherefore , as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

III. THERE IS NO “SOUL-SLEEP” [v. 22-23, 2 Cor. 5:6, 8]

-Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

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

IV. HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF COMFORT [v. 22, Is. 25:8, Rev. 7:17, 21:4]

-He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

-For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

-And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Acts 27:39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek* with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

*same Gk. Word translated “bosom”

V. HELL IS A PLACE OF TORMENTS [v. 23-25, 28]

VI. WE WILL KNOW PEOPLE IN THE AFTERLIFE [v. 23-24]

VII. WE WILL HAVE SENSES IN THE AFTERLIFE [v. 23-24]

You are a soul, you have a body]

VIII. EARTH IS THE CLOSEST THING TO HEAVEN FOR THE LOST,

THE CLOSEST THING TO HELL FOR THE SAVED [v. 25]

IX. THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN HEAVEN & HELL ARE “FIXED” [v. 26]

X. THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN [Lk. 15:1-2, 19:10, Jn. 14:6]

DRAWING FROM GOD’S WELLS [2]

ISAIAH 12:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

Last week we looked at the WELL OF SALVATION

 

I. THE WELL OF JOY

1. Joy Accompanies Salvation [Is. 12:3]

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

2. Joy Accompanies Fellowship [1 Jn. 1:3-10]

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another , and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

3. Joy Accompanies Obedience [Jn. 13:17]

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

 

II. THE WELL OF GOD’S PRESENCE

1. We Can Face Unpleasantness if We Know God is Watching Us. [Gn. 16:7-14, 2 Chr. 16:9]

-And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me? Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi [“Well of the Living One Who sees me”]

-For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

2. We Can Face the Task if We Know God is With Us [Mt. 28:20]

- Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway , even unto the end of the world. Amen.

3. We Can Face Life With Contentment if We Know God Will Not Forsake Us [Heb. 13:5-6]

-Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

 

III. THE WELL OF ANSWERED PRAYER

1. We Ought to Pray [Lk. 18:1, Gn. 24:10-14]

- And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2. We Ought to Worship the God Who Answers our Prayers [Gn. 24:19, 26-27, John 4:20-23]

-Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh , when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 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.

3. We Ought to Serve the God Who Answers Our Prayers [Gn. 24:54-59, Acts 5:29]

-Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

DRAWING FROM GOD’S WELLS

ISAIAH 12:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE WELL OF SALVATION

[John 4:4-26, 7:37-39]

 

II. THE WELL OF JOY

[Is. 12:3, 1 Jn. 1:3-10, Jn. 13:17]

“Joy is the child of obedience”

 

III. THE WELL OF GOD’S PRESENCE

[Gn. 16:7-14, 2 Chr. 16:9, Mt. 28:20, Heb. 13:5]

“Well of the Living One Who sees me”

 

IV. THE WELL OF ANSWERED PRAYER

[Gn. 24:10-14, 19, 26-27, 56]

 

V. THE WELL OF “ROOM” – i.e., A PLACE

[Gn. 26:19-22, Acts 7:7, Jn. 14:1-6]

 

VI. THE WELL OF SACRIFICE

[1 Chr. 11:16-19, Rom. 12:1-2]

MEMORIAL DAY IN 3 WORDS

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

There is some ambiguity concerning the exact origin of Memorial Day. Most historians agree it started during or shortly after the War Between the States. On Memorial Day we honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. They gave their all and we all benefit from the freedom their sacrifice made possible.

What powerful words: SACRIFICE, HONOR, FREEDOM.

The ultimate meaning of these words goes back farther than an American War. There would be no America had there not been a Bible, and the Christ of the Bible. If Americans forget their Christian heritage, they lose a large part or what made America what she is.

I. SACRIFICE [John 15:13]

1. The Great Sacrifice [1 Cor. 5:7, Heb. 9:26, 10:12-14]

- Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

- but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

- But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified

2. The Great Motive [Jn. 15:13, Eph. 5:2]

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

- Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

3. The Great Response [Ps. 116:12-13, Rm. 12:1-2, Heb. 13:15-16]

- What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

- 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

- By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

 

II. FREEDOM

1. True freedom is "free from something" [Rm. 6:22-23, 8:2, Gal. 5:1]

- But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

- For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

- Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

2. True freedom isn't free [Rm. 3:24, 5:18-21] Christ paid for it!

- Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

 - Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. True freedom is freely given [Rev. 21:6, 22:17]

- And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

- And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

 

III. HONOR

1. Honor should be honestly heartfelt [Mt. 15:8, Rev. 19:7]

- This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

- Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

2. Honor should perceive position [Jn. 5:23, 1 Tm. 1:17, 1 Pt. 3:7, Rev. 4:11, 5:12-13)

- That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

- Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

3. Honor should surround service [Jn. 12:26, 2 Tm. 2:20-21]

- If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

- But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

THE QUESTION OF QUESTIONS

Mt. 27:11-26, esp. v. 22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. IT IS NECESSARY TO EXAMINE THE QUESTION [Mt. 27:22]

 

1. It is an “I” Question [Mt. 19:16, Acts 16:29-30]

- And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

-Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

 

2. It is a “Jesus” Question [Mt. 22:41-42]

-While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.

 

3. It is a “Do” Question [Mt. 27:17-26]

you must do something about Jesus. What will you do?

II. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ESCAPE THE QUESTION [Mt. 27:22]

Heb. 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

 

1. There is No Other Way to Heaven [Jn. 14:6, Acts 4:12]

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

- Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 

2. He is Creator and Sustainer [Col. 1:16-17]

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

 

3. It is Jesus or Hell [2 Th. 1:7-10]

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

 

III. IT IS NEEDFUL TO RESPOND TO THE QUESTION

[Mt. 27:17, 20, 22, 26]

 

1. To Reject Christ is to Choose Satan [Josh. 24:15, Mt. 25:41]

-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.

-Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

 

2. To Reject Christ is to Choose Shame [Mk. 8:28, 1 Jn. 2:28]

- Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

-And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

 

3. To Receive Christ is to Be with Him [Lk. 23:43, Jn. 14:2-3]

- And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

- 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.

BE STRONG IN THE LORD PERSONALLY

EPH. 6:10-13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

It is true that a church should be strong in the Lord. It is equally true that a nation should be strong in the Lord.

 [2 Chr. 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.]

But, it is also true that an individual should be strong in the Lord. In point of fact, it generally starts with an individual and moves through the family, the church, the community, the nation and one day, the whole world

[Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.]

 

 

I. THIS SPEAKS OF RELATIONSHIP [EPH. 6:10-13]

1. We Belong to Him [1 Cor. 1:2]

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth,

2. We are Branded as His

to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus

3. We Bear His “Name”

called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

 

II. THIS SPEAKS OF RELIANCE [EPH. 6:10-13]

1. Faith takes no credit but gives Glory to God [Rm. 4:20, 10:17]

-He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

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

2. As Faith Grows God Works [Acts 9:22]

-But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

3. Faith Knows What God Can Do [Ph. 4:13]

-I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

III. THIS SPEAKS OF REALIZATION [EPH. 6:10-13]

1. Realize God Prizes Faithfulness

[1 Tm. 1:12, 1 Cor. 4:2]

-And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry

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

2. Realize God Prizes Humility

[Jm. 4:6, Pr. 3:34, 1 Pt. 5:5]

-But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

-Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

-Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

3. Realize God Provides Grace [2 Tm. 2:1, 4:17]

-Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

-Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM

MATTHEW 28:16-20

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Many cults and isms use what they call “baptism” and it means a host of different things to them. But right now, I am not concerned with what they think it means. I want us to look at what baptism means to Bible-believing Christians.

 

I. BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM IS A COMMAND [MATTHEW 28]

1. A Command from the Lord Jesus Christ [Mt. 28:18-20]

2. A Command is an Obligation Not an Option [Mt. 28:18-20]

3. A Command Declined is Sin [Mt. 3:13-15, 1 John 5:17, Jm. 4:17]

- Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

- All unrighteousness is sin:

- Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 

II. BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM IS A CONFESSION [ROMANS 6]

1. A Confession Salvation is Solely the Work of Christ [Rm. 6:1-4, 23]

2. A Confession that One Has Believed the Gospel [Rm. 6:4-5, 1:16, 10:9-13]

3. A Confession that One Intends to Live for Christ [Rm. 6:6-18ff]

 

III. BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM IS A CONNECTION

1. A Connection to New Testament Christianity [Rm. 6:3-4, Mt. 28]

2. A Connection to Current Faithful Believers [Acts 8:36-37]

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

3. A Connection to a Local Body of Believers [1 Cor. 1:1-2, 9-17; 1 Tm. 3:14-15]

- Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

- God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided ? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 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.

- These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

WHAT KIND OF VACATION?

Mark 6:31

Pastor Rick Jackson

The Bible is the most practical Book you will ever read. It covers subjects you may never even thought about from a Christian perspective.

 

I. VACATION IN CHRIST

1. The Only Safety is in Christ [Ps. 4:8, Pr. 21:31]

- I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

- The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

2. The Only Sense is in Christ [1 Cor. 14:33, 2 Cor. 10:5]

-For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

-Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

3. The Only Serenity is in Christ [Is. 26:3, Jn. 14:27]

- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

II. REJUVENATION (REST) IN CHRIST

“rest” to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh:--take ease, refresh, (give, take) rest

 

1. We Rest in Him for Salvation [Matthew 11:28]

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

 

2. We Rest in Him in Sanctification [1 Th. 4:3-4]

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

 

3. We rest in Him Dedication [John 15:10-11, 1 Cor. 10:31, Col. 3:17, 23]

- If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

-Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

- 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.

-And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men

III. RELAXATION WITH CHRIST (“leisure”)

to have good time, i.e. opportunity or leisure:--have leisure (convenient time), spend time.

 

1. Fun – the enjoyment of God’s Beauty [Gn. 1:31, 2:9a; Ps. 19]

- And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

- And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight

 

2. Food- the enjoyment of God’s Bounty

[Gn. 2:9, 2 Cor. 9:11, 1 Tm. 4:1-5]

- And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food

-Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

-Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

3. Fellowship- the enjoyment of God’s Brethren

[Heb. 2:9-12, 1 John 1:6-7]

- But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 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. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

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