REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE

                                            

LUKE 17:32                                                                          

Pastor Rick Jackson

Memory can be a wonderful thing. Memory can also be a curse. There are some things God tells us to forget. God had Paul say, “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.” But there are some things God’s wants us to remember.

Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

Nehemiah 4:14 Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord…

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 105:5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Acts 20:35 remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

But what I want you to concentrate on for this message are the very simple, very concise words of the Lord Jesus from Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.

Memories can be a blessing. Remembering can strengthen us in our Christian walk. Remember your salvation! Remember decisions of consecration which you have made: baptism, assurance of salvation, church membership, giving God’s way, witnessing…

But why remember Lot’s wife? It must be important for Jesus to say it. It must be important for the Spirit of God to move Luke to record it. There are a multitude of reasons but three must suffice for this message. REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE BECAUSE:

I. REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE BECAUSE THERE ARE DANGERS IN LOOKING BACK [Gen. 19:17, 24-26]

1. The Danger of Lamenting Over Temporal Loss [Phil. 3:7-9, 17-19, 4:11-13]

2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2. The Danger of Worrying About Your Past Mistakes [Phil. 4:13] –

-If it can be rectified- do it!

-If it was a sin- Confess it! 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

-If it can’t be rectified, and it wasn’t a sin - F.I.D.O.!!!! [FORGET IT & DRIVE ON]

3. The Danger of Worrying About Your Past Missteps [Ps. 118:24] This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

II. REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE BECAUSE THE BEST IS AHEAD

1. We Can Serve Christ [Phil. 3:10-16]

2. We Can Seek Souls [Phil. 1:12-18, 27]

3. We Will See Jesus [Phil. 1:21-23]

III. REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE BECAUSE THERE IS DIGNITY IN OBEDIENCE

1. Obey God Regardless of Men’s Opinions [Gal. 1:10, Acts 5:29]

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

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

2. Obey God Despite Circumstances [Phil. 4:11-13]

3. Obey God & Rejoice In It [Phil. 4:3-4]

During the War Between the States a messenger from Stonewall Jackson delivered a message to his pastor. An anxious crowd gathered expecting war news particularly since the letter was dated immediately following a major battle. The letter read, “My dear pastor, I recalled today that my gift to foreign missions was due. Find it enclosed. May the day soon come when this war is over… that we may get back to our primary task of saving the souls of men.”

His heart was on the main business.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

How many of us are fair-weather Christians! How many of us can be happy when we are well but not when we are sick; can be gentle and unselfish and kind until we suffer, until we lose friends, until we face disaster! How many of us are good Christians until we are tired, are good Christians until someone speaks sharply, are good Christians as long as everything is easy! Bless God for the example of the dear Saviour who "the same night He was betrayed," knowing the torment that faced Him, still loved His disciples, still gently washed their feet and taught them to love one another! Does Jesus shine in you when you are sick or tired or disappointed or in trouble? Do you love people when under pressure? - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 229-230]

We had as well acknowledge the fact that all Christians walk in a dirty world and need day by day to confess their sins and failures and be cleansed anew. What shall be the attitude of a Christian toward Christians who fail, who do not live as they ought, who bring reproach on the name of Christ? Certainly, the first aim and effort of a Christian in such cases is to seek to wash the dirty feet, that is, seek to help the erring one to see and forsake the way that is wrong, or the sin into which he may have, unawares, fallen, tempted and trapped by Satan. Oh, how wicked it is to hurt an immature Christian, to discourage him, to disfellowship him! - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 240-241]

All Christians need, periodically, to make a new start. I have no patience with the shallow argument that because we have made good resolutions before and failed to keep them, therefore we should not make new resolutions. No man living ever did all he planned to do. No woman ever kept all her vows. But everyone who tried to do better was helped by it. People who try do more than those who do not try. People who resolve do more than those who do not resolve. And however much you may have failed in the past, the coming of the new year or of some special time of refreshing or conviction from God is an ideal time to start over again to live for God and to be what God wants you to be. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 245]

Elisha said, "I am going to be a prophet of God." And he set out to be.
When Bill Rice was in a meeting close to Kansas City, he drove his car in to be serviced. The fellow working on the car said, "Brother Rice, my name is so and so."
"I am glad to meet you," said Bill. "You are a Christian?"
"Oh yes," he said. "I am called to be an evangelist just like you. I am called of God as an evangelist."
Bill said, "Well, are you preaching?"
"No, I have a family and there is no way to make a living without this work. But I am an evangelist just like you." Bill replied, "No, you are not just like me. I was called too and we starved but we went to Moody Bible Institute. I gave up my job when I only had one or two revivals ahead of time. I gave my life to it. I am going to preach or starve. No, you are not like me unless you are out preaching like I am."
Elisha said, I am going to be the prophet of God and put off the old garment and I am going to wear this mantle of the man of God the rest of my days." - John R. Rice [Ten Messages That Changed Ten Thousand Lives, pg. 24-25]

God's law, such as "The soul that sinneth, it shall die," is just as true about ten men as it is about one man; just as true about a whole city of men as one man; just as true about a nation of men as about one man. Sin brings death, ruin, failure. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" is just as true of a nation as an individual. - John R. Rice [Ten Messages That Changed Ten Thousand Lives, pg. 35]

It is clear, from many, many cases in the Bible, that nations are punished for their sins. And God is going to hold America accountable for her sins. We, as a nation, are heading on toward judgment, and it is time for repentance, time for Christians to take stock of themselves to see what they can do and what they ought to do to stop the judgment of God. - John R. Rice [Ten Messages That Changed Ten Thousand Lives, pg. 35]

I wish I could go into detail about France, how she got into a bloody revolution. We talk about communism as if that were so bad. But communism and socialism are about the same. The New Deal socialism in America is Karl Marx' teaching, just like communism of Russia is Karl Marx' teaching. It is godless, it is atheistic, it is against government, against Christianity, against American free enterprise. - John R. Rice [Ten Messages That Changed Ten Thousand Lives, pg. 44-45]

THE IDENTITY OF THE ANTICHRIST

Daniel 9

Pastor Rick Jackson

Back in the 1960s and the 1970s there was a rumor going around that Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was the Antichrist. Later in the 70s it was rumored to be Jimmy Carter. Since then I have heard that Ronald Wilson Reagan or Bill Clinton must be the Antichrist. There was an email going around the Internet in March 2008 that said:

According to the book of Revelations [sic] Chapter 13: The beast will be allowed to have authority for 42 months, which is almost a four-year term of a Presidency. The anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40's, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal. The prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power, he will destroy everything. Is it OBAMA?

I have read where people thought the Antichrist was the pope. One Bible teacher of former days thought Mussolini, the Italian dictator up into WWII was the Antichrist. At least he had some factual information to go on. What does the Bible say about the Antichrist? Can we identify him? Is he alive today?

I. THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE ANTICHRIST

Just as the Bible gives us information to identify Christ the Messiah (His tribe, place of birth, time of birth, type of birth, etc.) which not only identify Him but excludes others (anyone born outside of Bethlehem for example) so the Bible does the same for the Antichrist. There are certain things we know that will be true of him that identify him and excludes others. Here are just a few.

1. He's the man of a place [Dan. 9:26-27] -the revived Roman Empire

2. He's the man of a people [Rev. 13:1, 17:15] -the nations of the Gentiles

3. He's the man of perversions [Dan. 11:36-39]

II. THE EXPRESSION OF THE ANTICHRIST [1 John. 2:18]

John reminds his readers that while the Antichrist is coming since we are in the last days already (in his day and on up into ours) there are many expressions of Antichrists already. The expression of antichrist thinking is blatantly anti-trinitarian. These are characterized by:

1. Liars that deny the Father and the Son [2:22-23]

2. Liars that deny the Holy Spirit and the Son [4:1-6]

3. Liars that deny the Deity of Christ [2 Jn. 7-11]

III. THE INCARCERATION OF THE ANTICHRIST [Rev. 19-20]

The Antichrist will be Satanically empowered. Who can stop this blasphemer yet to be revealed?

1. The Lord Jesus will be revealed at the end of the tribulation [19:11-16]

2. The False prophet and the Antichrist will be thrown into the lake of fire [19:19-21]

3. Satan himself will be incarcerated [20:1-10]

THIS COMMANDMENT IS FOR YOU

MALACHI 2:1-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

“Wait Brother Rick, this is for the priests.” “That’s right- but who are the priests today?” “Baptists don’t have priests.” “Wrong. Baptist churches do not have priests, but one of the hallmarks, yea, one of the distinctive of Baptists is that they believe in the Bible doctrine of the priesthood of the believer.”

1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

I. THE WARNING [v. 1-3]

1. Do not Listen? [v. 1-2a]

Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 4:9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Luke 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Luke 14:35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

2. Do not Learn? [v. 2b, Jer. 12:7-17]

3. Do Not Linger! [v. 2c-3]

II. THE WAY [v. 4-7, Isaiah 30:21]

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

1. A Holy Origination [v. 4-5, 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.

2. A Holy Expression [v. 5-6, Amos 3:3] Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

3. A Holy Expectation [v. 7, Romans 6:1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

III. THE WICKEDNESS [v. 8-10]

1. Far Reaching Corruption [v. 8, Mark 9:42]

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

2. Far reaching Consequences [v. 9, Psalms 18:21, 119:168]

For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee

3. Far Reaching Considerations [v. 10, Galatians 6:10]

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

WINNING CHECKERS WITH GOD

                                    

James 4:8                           

Pastor Rick Jackson

Checkers is an interesting game. Easy to learn, easy to play, a lifetime to master. According to Wikipedia what we in North America call checkers is really English draughts. It is played on an eight by eight squared board (with sixty-four total squares) with twelve pieces on each side. These pieces may only initially move and capture diagonally forwards. Only when a piece is "crowned" or "kinged" may it move both backwards or forwards.

As in all draughts variants, English draughts is played by two people, on opposite sides of a playing board, alternating moves. Traditionally the pieces are either black, white, or red, and the board alternates between red and black squares. The opponent's pieces are captured by jumping over them.

How the game ends - A player wins by capturing all the opposing player's pieces, or by leaving the opposing player with no legal moves. The July 2007 announcement by Chinook's [a checker player computer program] team stating that the game had been solved must be understood in the sense that, with perfect play on both sides, the game will always finish with a draw. Yet, not all positions that could result from imperfect play have been analyzed

In the case of God He always plays a perfect game but there is no draw. The Devil plays but will lose to God. The lost play but will lose. The carnal Christian gets a type of draw but only by the grace of God. The spiritual Christian sees God win but gets to win as well as we shall see- but his win is also- by God’s grace.

I. MOVES & COUNTER-MOVES

1. Revelation [Ps. 19:1-8ff, Heb. 11:6] 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. Repentance [Rm. 2:4] “… the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance”

3. Reaction [Acts 17:30] “God … commandeth all men every where to repent”

II. MOTIVES & METHODS

1. God allows you to Jump to get you where He wants you [Acts 9]

2. God blocks to Keep you from where He wants you [Acts 16:7]

After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

3. God allows you to move where He doesn’t really want to teach you [Psalm 106:15]

And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

III. GOALS & GLORY

1. Goal is for you to be crowned

1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2. God’s Ultimate Goal is to be Glorified in His Creation

1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

3. Our Goal should be to “Crown Him with Many Crowns” [Rev. 4:4, 10-11]

And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. …The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

The command of God about being yoked with unbelievers certainly applies to marriage. Marriage is a yoke. The only one who would deny this is a man or woman who has never been married. When a Christian man or woman takes in marriage a husband or wife who has not been saved, then he disobeys this explicit command of God. He yokes a believer with an unbeliever; he puts righteousness in fellowship with unrighteousness; he puts light in communion with darkness; he puts Christ in concord with Belial. He, a believer, has part with one who is an unbeliever and he makes the temple of God in agreement with an idol. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 199]

Children of God should never marry those who are not children of God, no matter how virtuous or high-minded or cultivated or pleasing they may be outwardly. Inwardly they are rebels against Christ, children of Hell. To do so is a sin against God and a sin against one's own best self. It is a sin certain to be reaped with sorrow in the future. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 199]

Some one has well said that one who marries the Devil's child is sure to have trouble with his father-in-law. The Christian, married to one not a Christian, is certain to have trouble. Such marriage should not be broken, and the Christian believer should not depart from his unbelieving mate (I Cor. 7:10-16). The time to do right about that is before marriage. After marriage is too late to avoid trouble. All one can do then is pray that God will save the unsaved ones and try one's best to atone for the sin of yoking up in marriage with an enemy of your Saviour and your God. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 199-200]

In every revival campaign I hold there is one kind of request made again and again - the request of wives that people pray for the salvation of their unsaved husbands. I am sorry to say that in a majority of cases the revival services come to a close and such husbands are not saved. Women ignore the plain command of God, go against the Bible and marry unsaved men, and then turn and ask God to put His blessing upon their sin. In many cases a good and merciful God does answer their prayers, but in hundreds of such cases, for some good reason, He does not. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 203]

Dear Christian girl, if you want some man saved, then get him saved before you marry him. To sin against God in this matter often means that you will so displease God and so compromise your own Christian influence that you will be unable to win to Christ the man who is to be the father of your children and your lifetime companion. After you marry then you ought not to leave your husband. But if you plan such a marriage, then heed the command of God and break up your plans, even though it be only one day before the wedding. You may think it will break your heart now, but a heart broken in doing right will soon be healed by the mercy of a loving heavenly Father. I warn you now that if you go headlong against the direct command of God in this matter your heart will be broken a thousand times. After all, only one thing brings real trouble, and that is to sin against God. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 203-204]

Honest Christians may differ as to some details of Bible interpretation, but honest Christians cannot differ about the deity of Christ nor whether the Bible is all God's Word, infallibly true, nor about the blood atonement not about the miracles such as the virgin birth and the bodily resurrection of Christ, the creation of the world by the direct act of God, etc., nor about a literal Hell. When a man dissents from what the Bible says on such great fundamentals of the faith, then that man has no right to call himself a Christian, much less a preacher of the gospel or a teacher of the Bible. Such a man is an impostor, a deceiver, a false prophet. An honest infidel one might somewhat respect even though the Bible calls him a fool. But an infidel in the garb of a preacher, with language of deceit because of covetousness, is a wolf in sheep's clothing, a base hypocrite. He forfeits the respect of decent people and should have open scorn and public exposure at the hands of true Christians everywhere. The Bible commands us to contend earnestly for the faith. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 215-216]

The kind of Christian character that does not stand up under temptation is not the right kind of character. The kind of faith that will not make us happy Christians even in war time, happy Christians when food is rationed, when boys are in the armies, when we do without our coffee, or sugar, or meat, or cars, is not enough faith. Love that falters in its expression in time of trouble and temptation is not perfect love. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 229]

EASY?

MALACHI 1

Pastor Rick Jackson

Someone has said, “If it was easy. Everyone would be doing it.” Here we have the Word of God telling us what to do! And it is not always easy! But God says it, so it is worth obeying.

I. SOME THINGS ARE NOT EASY TO SAY [v. 1]

1. The “Burden” of the Word of the Lord [Luke 12:48]

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

2. The Recipients of the Burden - Israel [But applicable to us - 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11]

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

3. The Vessel of the Lord - Malachi - whose very name means messenger [Acts 5:20]

               

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

II. SOME THINGS ARE NOT EASY TO ACCEPT [v. 2-8]

1. God is Not Hampered by Ignorance (because He knows all things) [v. 2-4, Rm. 9:10-33]

2. God is Not Honored by Religion [v. 5-7]

3. God is Not impressed by Man’s Offerings [v. 7-8]

III. SOME THINGS ARE NOT EASY TO HEAR [v. 9-14]

1. Position will not Prevent Chastening [v. 9, Hebrews 12:5-13, 1 Peter 4:17]

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby . Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

2. Motives Are Taken Into Account [v. 10, 1 Corinthians 4:5,  Heb. 4:12]

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

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.

3. God Expects Our Best [v. 11-14, Mt. 22:37-40, 1 Peter 1:22]

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

YOU LIE!

                                                                            Psalm 58:3 

                                                                         

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. WHY LIE?

1. It Is Our Nature [Psalm 51:5, 58:3]

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

The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

2. It Is Our Nurture [1 Kings 15:3]

And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.

II. WHY NOT LIE?

1. God Hates Lying [Ps. 51:6, Pr. 6:16-19]

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

2. Lying Is Personal Hatred Shown to Others [Pr. 26:28]

A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

3. Lying Does Not Pay [Pr. 28:13]

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

4. Lying is Satanic [Jn. 8:44]

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.

5. Lying Hurts the Body of Christ [Eph. 4:25]

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

III. HOW TO STOP LYING

1. Call It What it Is- Sin! [1 Jn. 1:8-9]

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.

2. Recognize the False Treasure Behind It [Eph. 4:22]

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

3. Realize the True Treasure in Christ [Phil. 4:4-7, Psalm 119:10]

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

4. Renew the Mind [Rm. 12:2, Eph. 4:25]

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.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Criticism causes suicides, broken health and ruined nerves. Gossip has broken countless homes, has estranged brothers, has divided churches. Evil speaking of other Christians is a heartless, cruel and terrible sin which often ruins lives. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 170]

A Christian then may judge doctrine, comparing it with the Bible. He may judge sin, prayerfully, without judging the sinner. But no Christian ever has the right to pass judgment as to whether someone else is saved or lost. And no Christian has a right to presume that he knows the motives and intentions of any heart. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 183]

If one declares that he has trusted in Christ as His Saviour and has assurance that his sins are forgiven by faith in the shed blood of Christ, then I ought charitably to take his testimony the best I can. If he does not live as a Christian ought, then I must consider my own frail attempts, my own failures, my own sins, not so well known to the public, perhaps, but intimately known to God. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 183]

If one does not claim to have trusted in Christ and to have accepted Him as Saviour, then we do right to take his testimony that he is unsaved. We know that if one claims to be saved by his own goodness, or saved by church membership, he is mistaken because we have the plain statements of the Word of God that only those who trust in Christ are saved. We have the right to suppose that one who does not claim to have trusted Christ for salvation is lost. And charitably, we can only hope that one who professes to know and love the Saviour and to have trusted Him wholly for salvation is really a child of God. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 183]

Some are saved who cannot give any clear testimony as to when and how it happened. Something very definite happens in the heart of one who is saved; but often not much happens in the head, not much of assurance, nor of clear testimony, until the Word of God brings light to the mind. Babies are born a good while before they know much. And babies would never know who their fathers or mothers were or anything about their birth unless they were taught by others. So some are saved who have no clear testimony, and some are saved who do not act like they are saved. But a percentage of others, we are taught in the word, are not saved, though they claim to be. And many are unrighteous sinners who appear very moral and religious. We can only trust that those have trusted Christ and have been born again who say they have. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 183-184]

Some speak very blandly of the Galilean peasant or the prophet of Nazareth or the great teacher or the Way-Shower, People call Him example, martyr, wise man, philosopher, prophet or seer; but such terms are chaff to Him who deserves so much more. All such halfhearted and impersonal praise is stinking ointment instead of holy incense before Jesus.
One rich man so came to Jesus, calling Him "Good Master"; and He sternly reproved him saying, "There is none good but one, that is, God" (Matt. 18:17). Jesus is more than a good schoolmaster or rabbi; if He is not God, then He is not good! - John R. Rice [Gifts of the Wise Men, pg. 4]

Just here every reader will do well if he probes deep into his own heart to see his attitude toward Jesus Christ. Only those who come with hearts bowed low in worship, opening all their treasures, have come as the Lord Jesus demands that men come. - John R. Rice [Gifts of the Wise Men, pg. 4]

THE MAN OF SIN

THE MAN OF SIN

2 Thessalonians 2:3

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE RISE OF THE MAN OF SIN

1. His Popularity [Rev. 13:1-4]

2. His Partner [Rev. 13:11-18]

3. His Personality [2 Th. 2:1-9, Dan. 11:31, 36-45]

II. THE REIGN OF THE MAN OF SIN

1. His Program [Rev. 13:4, 8; Mt. 4]

2. His Persecutions (pogroms) [Rev. 13:7-10]

3. His Pronouncements [Rev. 13:5-6, Jn. 8:44]

III. THE RUIN OF THE MAN OF SIN

1. He Opposes Christ [1 John 2:18-22, 4:3, 2 John 1:7]

2. He Opposes the Holy Spirit [1 Jn. 4:3-4]

3. He Opposes the Father [2 Th. 2:3-5]

THE PATH OF FAITH

1 PETER 5:5-11 [especially v. 9]

Pastor Rick Jackson

Proverbs 1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

Proverbs 2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

Proverbs 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

I. THE PATH OF HUMILITY [v. 5-7]

1. The Path of Submission [v. 5a]

2. The Path of Grace [v. 5b]

3. The Path of God’s Timing [v. 6]

4. The Path of God’s Care [v. 7]

II. THE PATH OF SOBRIETY [v. 8-9]

1. The Power of Alertness [v. 8a]

2. The Power of the Adversary [v. 8b]

3. The Power of Alliance [v. 9]                                    

Stay strong for others/draw strength from others

III. THE PATH OF GOD [v. 10-11]

1. He Called Us [v. 10a]

2. He Will Complete Us [v. 10b]

3. He Receives the Glory [v. 11]

A.W.O.L. IN THE LORD’S ARMY

John 20:19-24

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. MISSED BLESSINGS [v. 24-29]

1. He Missed the Blessing of Knowing the Lord’s Presence [v. 24]

2. He Missed the Blessing of Sharing with the Lord’s People [v. 25, Romans 12:15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice.

3. He Missed the Blessing of Pleasing the Lord’s Person [v. 26-29, Hebrews 11:6]

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.

II. MIXED MESSAGES [v. 25-28]

1. The Demand of Pride [v. 25]

2. The Rebuke of Grace [v. 26-27]

3. The Repentance of Faith [v. 28]

III. OUR MARVELOUS MASTER [v. 29-31]

1. The Divine Promise [v. 29]

2. The Divine Presence [v. 30]

3. The Divine Purpose [v. 31]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Doctors are sometimes taught that lying is permissible under certain circumstances - that to tell the truth would sometimes do more harm than good. So they sometimes deceive patients and deceive the families. I will say frankly that I want no doctor to wait on me or my family who is a lying agent of Satan. A man who will lie about one thing will lie about another if he has enough to gain by it, and a liar can never be trusted. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 117]

Parents, especially, feel that lying is permitted in their case in dealing with children. Children ask so many questions that parents don't want to answer, so lying is a customary business in the average home. Parents think that lying threats are better than honest punishment and discipline, they think that pleasant lies are sometimes better for small ears than unpleasant truths. So parents lie. They glibly explain that storks bring babies, that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, that rabbits lay Easter eggs, that " 'the booger man' will get you if you don't go to sleep." An adults idea of a joke on children is, "I am going to give baby sister to the neighbors." In fact, books and magazines even have helpful hints to parents on how to deceive their children. The churches help all they can, and pastors and Sunday School teachers faithfully propagate the lie about Santa Claus and reindeers at Christmas, liking that better than the truth about the Babe born in a manger, the shepherds in the fields, the wise men from the East and the angels who praised God saying, "Glory to God in the highest." Churches have their Easter programs where children are taught not about the resurrection of the Saviour, but about Easter eggs, little chickens, and baby rabbits. Children's classes are given miniature gifts of rabbits with their little nests of candy eggs which they presumably have laid. Thus the whole background of a child's life is formed of a tissue of lies! Small wonder that he soon learns to have no confidence in the opinions of the mother and father who dealt with him so falsely. If any parent reads this, I suggest you check and see which one your child will believe first, you, or his high school teacher! Children instinctively know that one who brazenly lies about Santa Claus and "booger man" and whipping, can't be trusted when they express opinions about dancing and drinking and gambling and picture shows. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 118-119]

I am sure there are honorable, upright lawyers who scorn and hate a lie, but the public generally has been led to adopt the attitude of the Irishman who wandered in a graveyard reading the epitaphs. On one headstone he read, "Here lies a lawyer and an honest man." And he exclaimed in astonishment, "Begorra, here are two men buried in the same grave!" - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 117]

A backslider is a saved person who falls into sin. A lost sinner cannot be a backslider. You have to go somewhere before you can slide back. But one who is truly born again, a child of God who falls into sin, is a backslider. It may be outrageous and gross sin known to everyone, or it may be merely coldness of heart, a lukewarmness of heart instead of the burning fire of love for God. But when a Christian loses any of his joy, or loses part of his sweet fellowship with God, or falls into sin, then he is a backslider. Remember that only Christians can backslide. - John R. Rice, What Is a Backslider?

Was there ever a time when you were nearer to God than you are today? Was your heart ever happier than now? Was your life ever more fruitful? If you need to answer yes to any of those questions, then today you are, of course, a backslider. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 126]

The Scripture teaches us to take up our cross DAILY and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). We must come DAILY, according to the model prayer, to ask forgiveness for our sins (Matt. 6:11, 12). The proper attitude for a child of God every day is the attitude of penitence, confession and turning from sin, judging ourselves so that we need not be judged in the wrath of God (I Cor. 11:31, 32; I John 1:8-10). Yes, if you had a revival only yesterday, you need one today! - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 127]

All of the things that are wrong with us are wrong in the heart. Our sins, our prayerlessness, our worldliness, our absorption in trivial things, our carelessness about souls, our spiritual blindness, these all proceed from our hearts, stubborn, carnal, sin-cursed, unbroken hearts! Our lack of revival does not proceed from circumstances. Our fruitlessness, our barrenness is not a fault of the head; it is a black sin of the heart! It is not so much that our minds need to be taught, but rather that our hearts need to be broken up. May God give us grace to set about to seek the broken and contrite heart that God will not despise. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 134]

PHYSICAL PANDEMIC, SPIRITUAL CHECK-UP

James 4:13-14

Adapted from R. L. Sumner by Pastor Rick Jackson

In our current world situation, we are reminded how quickly things can change. Perhaps you have run short on some supplies and found difficulty in restocking your inventories. Perhaps you have been a little more concerned when you coughed. You may have asked yourself, “Am I sick or is that just my allergies?” God uses James to ask us, “What is your life?” We would do well to take inventory of our lives. Where am I going? What am I accomplishing? What are my plans… hopes… aims? What am I achieving for God? As we focus on our lives let us look at three specific areas.

I. WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR LIFE?

1. God - Acts 17:24-28, Jonah 2:9 Salvation is of the LORD.
God that made the world and all things therein , seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

2. Bible - 1 Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

3. Local Church - Acts 2:42, Heb. 10:25, 1 Timothy 3:15
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
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.

II. WHAT IS THE COURSE OF YOUR LIFE? 2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

1. Is it Primarily for Self or the Saviour? [1 Cor. 10:31, Eph. 5:10, 15-17]
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord…. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

2. Is it Primarily for Time of Eternity? [Mt. 6:19-21, 33; Proverbs 13:7]
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

3. Is it Primarily for Waste or Wealth? [1 Cor. 3:11-15]
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

III. WHAT IS THE FORCE OF YOUR LIFE?

1. Is it Powerful Convictions? [Dan. 1:8, 3:16-18]
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. … Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
1 Samuel 17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Acts 5:29 …We ought to obey God rather than men.

2. Is it Providential Compassion? [Ps. 126:5-6, Jude 22]
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
And of some have compassion, making a difference:

3. Is it the Personal Comforter? [Jn. 14:16-26, Eph. 5:17-20]
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 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;

EASTER PRESENTS

John 20:19-25

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. HIS PEACE

1. Peace in Trouble [John 14:27]

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.

2. Peace in Tribulation [John 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.

3. Peace in Tears [John 20:19-21]

II. HIS PRESENCE

1. In the Midst [v. 19, 26, Matthew 18:20]

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

2. In the Ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit [v. 22]

Pentecost is not the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell believers but to imbue believers with power- Resurrection day is the day the indwelling began.

John 7:39 (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.)

Luke 24:49 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.

Acts 1:8 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.

3. In the Mind [Is. 26:3, Rm. 12:2, 2 Timothy 1:7]

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

III. HIS PURPOSE

1. The Father’s Purpose [v. 22]

2. The Saviour’s Purpose [v. 22]

3. The Spirit’s Purpose [v. 23-24]

JESUS AND THE WOMEN OF GALILEE

LUKE 23:44-55

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THEIR DEVOTION NEVER WAVERED [Luke 23:44-24:1]

1. Not When Things Looked Bad [23:44-49]

2. Not When They Were Sad [23:50-55]

3. Not When It Seemed Hopeless [23:56-24:1]                     

How’s your devotion?

II. THEIR DEDICATION WAS REWARDED [Luke 24, Matthew 28]

1. Consider the Tomb [Luke 24:2-3]

2. Consider the Two [Luke 24:4-8]

3. Consider the Task [Mt. 28:5-8, 16-20]                                 

How’s your dedication?

III. THEIR DESTINY IS OURS [Matthew 28, Luke 24]

1. To Talk about Jesus [Mt. 28:9-10, Luke 24:9-10]

2. To Not Always Be Believed [Luke 24:11]

3. To Be Proved Right [Luke 24:22-36]                                      

How’s your destiny?

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

A finished salvation is free, not earned.
A finished salvation is instantaneous the moment you trust Christ and receive it. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 159]

A finished salvation is an everlasting salvation. It is like a piece of furniture for which cash has been paid and there is nothing due upon it. No furniture van will ever back up to the door to re-possess that furniture because some installment had not been met! There are no more installments to be met on a salvation which is finished! When Jesus died the entire transaction was settled, the salvation was finished. Now all a sinner has to do is with a penitent heart receive it by faith. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 159-160]

The rich man in Hell looked with the deepest concern upon the affairs of the earth and said, "I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldst send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment." He knew that his brethren had not repented. Abraham in Heaven knew more about it than the rich man did and said, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." How strange that both Heaven and Hell look on with such intense concern for the conversion of the wicked here on earth while we who have an opportunity to warn them do so little about it!
― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

Here is God's simple way to be saved. You are a sinner, your heart is wrong, you cannot save yourself, you are already condemned. The thing you are to do then, to be saved, is to simply trust the Lord Jesus with that matter. When you trust Him, then you have God's promise: "Thou shalt be saved." - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 191]

I do not mean that you are simply to believe that there is a God or that there is a Saviour. Devils believe that and tremble (James 2:19). You can believe that a certain physician is a good doctor without calling him to be your doctor when you are sick. You can believe that a man is a good lawyer without taking him as your lawyer to defend your case. You are not just to believe the truth about Jesus, you are to believe on Him, that is, depend upon Him, risk Him, trust Him; and when you do, you are saved. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 191]

I believe that Jesus was not crucified on Friday, but on Wednesday. Preachers have usually accepted the Roman Catholic teaching that He was crucified on Friday and have never investigated what the Bible teaches on that subject. All Bible evidence proves that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, buried that night, and arose from the dead some time Saturday night, before sunrise Sunday morning. Remember that the Jewish day began at sundown and the night was counted a part of the following day.
Matthew 12:40 plainly says that Jesus would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, or the grave, like Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly. If Jesus were crucified Friday and raised Saturday night, or before sunrise Sunday morning, He would have been in the grave one day and part of two nights. Certainly that would not fulfill His plain promise.
Many people have supposed that John 19:31 was evidence that Jesus was crucified on Friday since the Jews wished to take His body down before the Sabbath. Notice, however, that "that Sabbath day was an high day." It was not an ordinary weekly Sabbath, but an annual Sabbath, the one mentioned in Exodus 12:16. It was a day of rest, the first of seven days of eating of unleavened bread, the day on which the Passover lamb was eaten.
So Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, was taken down from the cross before sunset Wednesday (John 19:31)... Jesus stayed in the grave fully seventy-two hours, three days and three nights, and arose then some time Saturday night, that is, part of Sunday, the first day of the week which began at sundown. - John R. Rice [Dr, Rice, Here is My Question, question 55]

We had as well admit, then, that no man deserves saving and no man can save himself. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 192]

Salvation must be free or the sinner could never get it, in fact, it takes blood to pay for sin, for the Scripture says: "Without shedding of blood is no remission" - Hebrews 9:22. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 192]

PASSOVER & GOOD WEDNESDAY

EXODUS 12

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE EXPECTANCY [v. 1-11]

1. “A Lamb” for a new Beginning [v. 1-3, 2 Cor. 5:17]

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2. “The Lamb” that Counts [v. 4. Jn. 1:29]

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

3. “Your Lamb” that must be Applied [v. 5-10, , 1 Timothy 4:10]

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

4. God’s Lamb that speaks of Departure [v. 11, John 1:36-37, 1 Corinthians 5:7]

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

II. THE UNDERSTANDING [v. 12-27]

1. Redemption or judgment? [v. 12, Matthew 3:11]

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

2. Redemption by Blood [v. 13, Rev. 1:5]

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

3. Redemption of Separation TO God [v. 14-27, 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.

III. THE RELATIONSHIP [v. 28-51]

1. The LORD is the Lawgiver [v. 28, 40-42, Isaiah 33:22, James 4:12]

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

2. All or Nothing [v. 43-46, Rm. 11:6]

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

3. One Way for Everyone [v. 47-49, Jn. 14:6, Rm. 1:16]

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

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

HOW TO SUFFER WITHOUT BEING INSUFFERABLE

1 PETER 4:12-19

Pastor Rick Jackson

The problem of suffering is not a new one. Since the fall of man suffering has been the bane of mankind’s existence brought on by sin and its fallout. You cannot avoid suffering as it is universal. Being bad increases it, being good doesn’t do away with it as evidenced in the life of Job, Joseph, Daniel, and the sinless One, the Lord Jesus Christ. But how to survive suffering WITHOUT becoming insufferable can be learned, and used, and applied, and bring glory to God and good to us.

I. BE STEADFAST [v. 12-14]

A. W. Tozer said, “Too many people want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right.”

1. It’s A Daily Thing [v. 12] “Daily living is a most difficult aspect of the Christian Life.”

2. It’s a Disciple Thing [v. 13, Acts 4:13]

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

3. It’s a Devotional Thing [v. 14, 1 Corinthians 15:58]

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

II. HAVE INTEGRITY [v. 15]

Integrity is a wholesomeness, a completeness of character. Not having duplicity, not being dishonest.

1. Dare to be a Daniel [Daniel 6:5]

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.

Daniel’s enemies were witnesses to his character.

2. Be a Roman’s 13:13 Christian [Romans 13:13]

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

3. Follow the Footsteps of Christ [1 Peter 2:21]

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

III. EXERCISE FAITH [v. 16-19]

1. Glorify God [v. 16]

If this life was all roses would we long for Heaven?

2. Accept that it is Better than You Deserve [v. 17-18]

“Every suffering for our Saviour makes us better able to serve.”- David Bragg

3. Trust His Will is Best [v. 19]

“It’s not wrong to change- it’s wrong to change outside the will of God.”