ISN’T HE WONDERFUL?

 

ISN’T HE WONDERFUL?

 

ISAIAH 9:6

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WONDERFUL BIRTH

 

1. Foretold by the Prophets [Gen. 3:15, Is. 7:14, 9:6-7; Jer. 31:22, Micah 5:2]

 

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.

 

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

 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

 

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.

 

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 .

 

2. Announced by Angels [Mt. 1:20ff, Lk. 1:11-12, 1:26ff, 2:8-15]

 

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

 

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field , keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven , the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us

 

3. Orchestrated by God Almighty [Lk. 1:32-37, Gal. 4:4-5]

 

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.

 

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

 

“It was wonderful that at such a time and in such a country such a people could produce Jesus.” – Billy Sunday

 

II. WONDERFUL CHARACTER

 

1. Wonderful in His Sinlessness – think of the only charges His enemies could come up with [John 8:46]

 

-claimed God as His Father

-received sinners

-did good on the Sabbath

 

Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

 

2. Wonderful in His Unselfishness – He did miracles to help others, never for Himself [Mt. 20:28]

 

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

 

3. Wonderful in His Example [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:

 

Churches, hospitals, missions, organizations (Salvation Army), etc

 

It is wonderful that the greatest figure in history came from such obscurity and became the most famous.

 

III. WONDERFUL INVITATIONS

 

1. Come Now [Isaiah 1:18]

 

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

 

2. Come All [Matthew 11:28]

 

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

 

3. Come to Jesus [John 7:37]

 

In the last day, that, great day of the feast, Jesus, stood and cried, saying, If, any man thirst, let, him come unto me, and, drink.

THE LAST PICTURES OF JESUS [#3]

 

THE WIELDER OF THE SWORD

 

REVELATION 2:12-17

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

People often have portraits done of themselves indicating their occupation,  a hobby or passion, a prized possession or something they often use and are thus associated with that item. In verses 1 through 11 Jesus was pictured with 7 stars in His hand but in these verses, the Lord Jesus is portrayed as the Wielder of a sword.

In the Bible the wielder of the sword is one who had governmental authority. In Romans 13:1-5, for instance, we are told of the purpose of human government. Here in Revelation the Sword Wielder has higher authority still.

1:16 also mentions the Sword. Hebrews 4:12 adds some additional illumination. 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.

 

I. THE WIELDER OF THE SWORD IS AWARE [2:12]

 

1. Of Your Toil [2:13]

 

2. Of Your Situation [2:13]

 

3. Of Your Stand [2:13]

 

Just knowing what we do is known and appreciated makes a big difference. Down through the years stories are told of soldiers that did incredible things because of their respect for their commander. Heb. 4:12-16

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. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

II. THE WIELDER OF THE TWO-EDGED SWORD IS ALERT [2:12]

 

1. Knows When Compromise is Made for Material Gain [2:14]

 

2. Knows When Compromise Causes Others to be Led Astray [2:14]

 

1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

 

3. Knows When Compromise is Made with False Teachings [2:15, 1 Tm. 4:1-2]

 

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;

 

III. THE WIELDER OF THE SWORD IS ACCURATE [v. 16-17]

 

1. Do What He Says and Change Your Mind [v. 16]

 

2. Do What He Says and Change Your Manner [v. 16]

 

3. Do What He Says and Change Your Future [v. 17]

 

1 John 2:28 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.

2 Timothy 4:1 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;

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.

THE DATE, THE DETAILS, & THE DEVOTION CONCERNING CHRISTMAS

ROMANS 14:1-12

 

Rick Jackson

 

I. THE DATE (Was Jesus Born in December?)

It is amazing the amount of people, even Christians, who doubt Jesus was born in December. The problem is they are merely repeating a mantra they have heard from others- and the others didn't do their homework!

 

1. Critics Claim It Was Too Cold for the Sheep in Bethlehem’s Field in December when Christ was Born

 

Were you there then? Have you ever been there?

 

Dr. Mark Cambron, respected Bible scholar had heard this unsubstantiated claim that it is too cold for the sheep in December. We must remember Israel is not North Dakota or even Ohio. Dr. Cambron was at the shepherds’ field in Bethlehem one Christmas eve and noticed there were shepherds present. He asked them, “Why are sheep here and not in folds. Isn’t it too cold?” They replied, “This is when the grass grows best, so we graze here!” Then he noticed the grass was indeed thick and over knee high. Hearsay destroyed by eyewitnesses!

 

2. Critics Claim the Bible Doesn’t Give the Date as December

 

Well, not in those terms. But- you must rightly divide the Word of God.

 

-Bible fact # 1 In 1 Chr. 24:1-19 David organized the priests for the Temple. There were 24 orders for the 12 months, two orders per month (v. 18-19). Note in the fourth month, the latter part of the month is the order of Abijah (v. 10).

 

-Bible fact # 2 In Ex. 12:2, 13:4 God says the month Nisan is the first month of the Jewish calendar. Nisan falls in our Mar. /Apr. which puts the order of Abijah in our July.

 

-Bible Fact # 3 Zechariah was serving in July. (Lk. 1:5-7) Not yet 50 but advanced in years (people age differently, in US pioneer days the average lifespan was 35). Luke 1:8-23. He went home in August and John the Baptist was conceived in August or September (Luke 1:24). Elisabeth’s first month would be Sept. or Oct. Her 6th month would be Feb./March. (1:26-36 Mary conceived in Elisabeth’s 6th month so her first month would be March-April. Count it out. April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., December.

 

Late December is when the shepherds are out in their fields to watch their sheep by night. The night the angels came. Luke 2:8-15. The night, Christ was born. I for one am not going to let the Devil steal my Christmas.

 

II. THE DETAILS

 

1. Some Claim Christmas Trees are of Pagan Origin [Jer. 10:1-4]

 

-Jeremiah is not talking about Christmas trees [Jer. 10:5-15] He is referring to wooden idols, carved by men, overlaid with gold, etc.

 

-Christmas trees are actually Christian.

 

John R. Rice recounts the origin of the Christmas tree: “In the 8th century a missionary named Boniface went to Germany to preach Christ. The Germanic tribes worshipped the oak tree as a symbol of deity. Boniface told them it was a poor symbol for God since it sheds its leaves and appears dead in winter. He told them the tree that should remind them of God was the evergreen. Always green and thriving.”

   “Christmas trees became popular in England primarily through the influence of the German-born, Prince Albert, husband of England’s Queen Victoria. In America the trees were introduced by German immigrants in Pennsylvania.”

 

-the Christmas tree reminds me of Calvary [Gal. 6:14, 1 Pt. 2:24]

 

2. The Lights Remind Me of Jesus & the Christmas Lights [Mt. 2, Lk. 2] the Star, the Angels

 

-Jn. 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

-Jn. 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

-1 Jn. 1:5 God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

-Mt. 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

 

3. Critics say giving gifts has become too commercialized [Esther 9:20-22]

 

It can be but need not be. Besides, since when do we not do right because someone else does it wrong. Many cults have services on Sunday- we still follow the Bible pattern as given in the N.T.

 

And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly , As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

 

III. THE DEVOTION

 

1. Worship in Spirit and truth [Jn. 4:24]

 

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

 

2. Be fully persuaded in your own mind. [Rm. 14:5-6]

 

One man esteemeth one day above another : another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

 

3. Whatever ye do, do it unto the Lord [Col. 3:17, 23-25]

 

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; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 You shouldn't tell lies. You say, "What about Santa Claus?" It is certainly wrong to lie about Santa Claus and tell that myth as the truth. Such lying and deception is always a sin, and Christians should not be guilty of it. However, I do not believe that Santa Claus would necessarily be wrong used simply as a symbol of Christmas cheer and giving and happiness, provided one did not mislead children nor help others mislead them. It is possible for Christian people to use Santa Claus as simply a kind of Christmas symbol like we use Christmas trees and holly and greeting cards and turkey dinners. In our own home we spoke about Santa Claus in a symbolic way. All my children from babyhood were taught the simple truth that Santa Claus was simply a mythical character who does not exist. Rather, he represents an idea of Christmas cheer and giving. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 9]

And so with baptism. It is a picture of the burial and resurrection of Christ. He wants us to remember His resurrection. It would be good for us to remember His birth also. It is put down in the Bible, and God wanted us to know about it, and God wanted us to enjoy it and rejoice in it. There is nothing wrong about celebrating the birth of Christ and His coming. Just so, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 10]

Let's put Christ at the head and top at Christmastime. Let us love Him. Let me suggest this. Be sure that in your private devotions in your time alone with the Bible, your heart is happy. Make sure you thank God for Jesus Christ, His coming as a Saviour. Let your heart run over with joy. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 13]

It is said that G. Campbell Morgan, the great English preacher, when he was just a young preacher, built a little home. He was so proud of it.

He had his godly father to come see it and led him through the rooms in this little cottage. His father said, "I don't like it."

"What is the matter?"

He said, "You couldn't tell whether a Christian or a heathen, an infidel, lives here. There is not a thing on the wall, not a motto, not a plaque-nothing to mark it as a Christian home."

Dr. G. Campbell Morgan said he learned a lesson. So in every room he put some kind of motto or Scripture verse or some indication that his house belonged to God. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 15-16]

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

Somebody Says, "I don't think it is fair. Jesus died for only a particular few. He favored them. He wanted the rest to go to Hell." You are dead wrong. There is good news for everybody in the world. And those who don't take it--it is their fault, for they could. Oh, this is "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (John 1:9). This is that One where conscience has told you you are a sinner and need a Saviour and you are going to have to answer for it. This is the good news for everybody in the world. Jesus is born. John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pgs. 16-17]

Here is good news. "Unto you is born this day. . .a Saviour." Somebody said, "Well, if I could get the Irish Sweepstakes and make some money. . . ." No, no! You say, "Well, if I could get a state lottery and make some money. . . ." You say, "If I could make some great invention or get a patent and make some money. . . ." Listen, you don't need those things. What you need is forgiveness, peace, salvation, eternal life and a home in Heaven. You need a Saviour! - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 17]

I talked to a poor, troubled woman who sat with tears in a service in Dallas, Texas. I said, "Come on and trust in Jesus."

She said, "I can't."

I said, "Yes, you can. He loves you."

She said, "I can't. Don't torment me."

I said, "Yes, you can. Why not?"

She said, "I can't forget what I have done."

I turned to Hebrews, chapter 10, and read where He said, "I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them." Read where He said, "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.' Then read where Jesus said, "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."

Then I said to her, "Do you see what Jesus is talking about? Not judgment but salvation. Not whether you are good or not, but salvation for everybody who wants it."

That troubled woman stopped her sobbing and said, "If He can forget it, I will too." And she came to trust the Saviour.

I am glad there is good news for everybody. The Scripture said, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Ah, good news! And everybody can have Him if they will. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 17]

John 6:37, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." The one who comes doesn't get turned down. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price," says Isaiah 55:1. Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." What does God want you to do? Come.

So they [the shepherds] went hastily. The Bible doesn't need to tell us that their faces lighted up. The Bible doesn't need to tell us they looked on that Saviour and were glad and loved Him and trusted Him and were born again. No, they came to Jesus gladly-as soon as they could get there. They hurried to do it. I know I will meet those shepherds in Heaven. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 18]

THE “INSULT” CHRIST EARNED

LUKE 15:1-2

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Luke 15 is one of the most well-known chapters in the Word of God. It contains three parables all told with the same end- to show the attitude of God toward lost sinners. It is true that God is angry with the wicked every day [Ps. 7:11] but it is equally true that God loves sinners [Rm. 5:8] and desires to reclaim them all from sin, self, and Satan. Note the two first verses of this incredible chapter.

 

I. THE PORTRAIT OF THE SHEPHERD [v. 3-7]

 

1. His Concern for the Lost [v. 3-4]

 

2. His Compassion for the Lost [v. 5]

 

3. His Comparison of the Lost [v. 6-7]

 

II. THE PORTRAIT OF THE WOMAN [V. 8-10]

 

1. Her Diligence [v. 8]

 

2. Her Delight [v. 9]

 

3. Her Details [v. 10]

 

III. THE PORTRAIT OF THE FATHER [v. 11-32]

 

1. The Sinning Son [v. 11-21]

 

2. The Loving Father [v. 20-24]

 

3. The Self-Righteous Son [v. 25-30]

 

4. The Loving Father [v. 31-32]

THE LAST PICTURES OF JESUS [#2]

REVELATION 2:1-7           

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE LORD WHO KNOWS [2:1] THE ALL-KNOWING HEAD OF THE CHURCH

 

1. The Lord’s Authority [1:9-17a]

 

2. The Lord’s Position [1:17b-2:1]

 

3. The Lord’s Knowledge [2:1-2a]

 

II. THE LORD KNOWS OUR EFFORTS [v. 2-3]

 

1. Christ Knows the Deeds Done [v. 2]

 

2. Christ Knows the Energy Expended [v. 2] a large man burns more calories than a small man doing the exact same work

 

3. Christ Knows the Attitude Exemplified [v. 2-3, 6]

 

III. THE LORD KNOWS OUR SHORTCOMINGS [v. 4-7]

 

1. Motivation is Key [v. 4, 1 Cor. 13:1-3]

 

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

 

2. Correction is Essential [v. 5, Heb. 12:5-13]

 

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.

 

3. Response is Reasonable [v. 7, 1 Jn. 1:6-10]

 

THE “IFS” OF 1 JOHN 1

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

7 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.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

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

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF CHRIST IS AN UNDENIABLE, ABSOLUTE, NECESSARY TRUTH

LUKE 1:26-38                                                                                                              

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 

The virgin birth of Christ is no myth. Nor is it an unnecessary event concocted to make a simple story spectacular. No, the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is an absolute unequivocal necessity. There are at least 6 solid, sensible, and most importantly, scriptural reasons, that this is true.

 

I. Christ was Virgin Born so He would Fulfill Scripture [Mt. 1:18-23, Is. 7:14, Gn. 3:14-15, Jer. 31:22]

 

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, , and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

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

And the LORD God said unto the serpent. . . .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.

 

II. Christ was Virgin Born so He would NOT have a Sin Nature [Ps. 51:5, Lk. 1:35]

 

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

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

 

III. Christ was Virgin Born so He would be Human as well as Divine in His Nature [Phil. 2:5-8]

 

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 

IV. Christ was Virgin Born so He could Face Temptations as Other Men [James 1:13, Heb. 2:18, 4:15]

 

God cannot be tempted with evil

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

 

V. Christ was Virgin Born so He could make an Adequate Payment for Sin [Isaiah 53:6, Heb. 1:1-3, 1 Jn. 2:1-2]

 

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.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

 

VI. Christ was Virgin Born so He could Serve as Mediator [John 14:6, 1 Tm. 2:5]

 

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

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

 

I will talk to you today about the virgin birth of Christ, one of the great doctrines of the Bible. It is essential to the deity of Christ. And one who does not believe in the virgin birth is really doubting the actual deity of Christ and the inspiration of the Bible and is not a good Christian. - John R. Rice

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 Some minister preaches and feels, “Oh, I cannot prevail on men to hear, to repent, to serve God.” But your failure was not in the pulpit but in the secret closet before you entered the pulpit. If you had first prevailed with God, you could prevail with men. - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 455]

Prayer is asking; the answer to prayer is receiving. - John R. Rice

I am glad the time is near for Christmas. I will talk to you today about the virgin birth of Christ, one of the great doctrines of the Bible. It is essential to the deity of Christ. And one who does not believe in the virgin birth is really doubting the actual deity of Christ and the inspiration of the Bible and is not a good Christian. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 3]

The Virgin Birth Is Taught in Jeremiah 31:22

God said to Eve in the Garden of Eden that the Seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head. Why didn't He say the seed of mankind or of man and woman? No, the Seed of a woman is a subtle hint that the Saviour would be from a woman but not with a human father.

In Jeremiah 31:22 God says:

"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."

That is, without an ordinary conception by a man and woman, but "a woman shall compass a man." - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 3-4]

I ought to say this. Was Mary a perpetual virgin? Our Catholic friends say so and they mean well, but the Bible says nothing like that. The Bible says Joseph took her to be his wife and " knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son." That clearly means he did know her as a wife after Jesus was born. And besides, why should God call her Joseph's wife if she never was really his wife?

Matthew 13 says that Mary and the brothers of Jesus were there and they are named. One was Simeon, one was Judas or Juda who wrote the book of Jude, one was James who wrote the book of James.

Back in Psalm 69, foretelling how Judas Iscariot would go away and how people would turn against the Lord Jesus, we read, "I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children' [vs. 8]. So there is evidently the virgin birth, but not that Mary was a perpetual virgin. She was a good woman but not sinless. She was not conceived miraculously herself, but was a normal, good, Christian woman, greatly favored in that she got to be the mother of the Lord Jesus. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 6]

Christ is God. Jesus said, "I and my Father are one." In John, chapter 5, the Jews set out to kill Him because He broke the Sabbath and because He claimed to be equal with God. They said that is blasphemy. He did claim to be equal with God. He did say, "I and my Father are one." He did say, "The Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son." He did openly claim that every prayer of his was answered. He said, "Father, I knew that thou hearest me always." He said, "...even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." Jesus claimed to be equal with God. Not only that, He is coexistent with God, that is, He lived as long as God, and He is eternal like God the Father. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 6-7]

Christ is the Creator. So the 1st chapter of John says, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. . . . The same was in the beginning with God." Colossians also says that He is the Creator of all things. "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" (Col. 1:16). Jesus is the Creator of all things. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 7]

LEARNING TO LISTEN TO JESUS

LUKE 14

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

In Luke 13 we were “LEARNING TO LEAN ON JESUS” but in this chapter the emphasis for us is “LEARNING TO LISTEN TO JESUS.”

 

I. THE LESSONS “THEY” MISSED [v. 1-6]

 

1. “They” Watched Him Critically [v. 1-2, Proverbs 15:3]

 

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

 

2. “They” Held Their Peace [v. 3-4, 20:26]

 

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

 

3. “They” Could Not Answer [v. 5-6, Romans 3:19]

 

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

 

II. THE LESSONS OF THE THREE FEASTS [v. 7-24]

 

1. There is No Excuse to Exalt Yourself [v. 7-11, 1 Cor. 4:1-5]

 

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

 

2. There is No Excuse to Not Bless Others [v. 12-14]

 

3. There is No Excuse to Miss God’s Great Supper [v. 15-24]

 

III. THE LESSONS OF DISCIPLESHIP [v. 25-35]

 

1. The Cost [v. 25-27]

 

2. The Count [v. 28-33]

 

3. The Cast [v. 34-35]

THE LAST PICTURES OF JESUS [#1]

REVELATION 1

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I considered titling this sermon “Baby Jesus has Left the Building” but I though some might think I was mocking our Lord. I would not be mocking Jesus but I would be mocking the idea that He is still the babe of Bethlehem. When I was communicating with a family member some years ago about their salvation they told me that they were okay because “I love the baby Jesus”.

Listen, I love that Jesus left Heaven’s glory and became human by way of Mary’s womb and Bethlehem’s manger and I rejoice that I get to preach about that monumental event in history but my friends, Jesus grew up. He did not stay a baby any longer than any normal human being. It’s alright to visit the past but you can’t live there.

Suppose someone was curious what my daughters look like now and I showed them their baby pictures from the 1980s. When a person is missing the authorities often ask for a recent picture that they can use to aid in finding them. Suppose a man went missing and his wife gave them his baby picture. They would probably assume she was not interested in him being found.

So it is with the Bible. The last book of the Bible is the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ- both physically and chronologically. The Holy Spirit of God gave John the task of closing out the Holy Writ and during that task he gives us several of the last portraits of Jesus given to us. Rather than look solely at His baby years, which, while important cover a few years out of the approximately 6000 years of human history let us see the Saviour we are still worshipping today in His glory and majesty.

 

I. THE PICTURE CHRISTIANS SEE [v. 1-6]

 

1. The Word [v. 1-3]

 

2. The Witness [v. 4-5a]

 

3. The Washer [v. 5b-6]

 

II. THE PICTURE THE WORLD WILL SEE [v. 7-8]

 

1. The Coming King [v. 7a, 19:11-16]

 

2. The Crucified Conqueror [v. 7b]

 

3. The Almighty Concluder [v. 8]

 

III. THE PERSON JOHN SAW [v. 9-20]

 

1. John saw Christ as Never Before [v. 9-16]

 

2. John Saw Christ as God Incarnate [v. 17-18, Isaiah 41:4]

 

Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.

 

3. John saw Christ as the Head of the Church [v. 19-20]

HE IS NOT HERE [A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE]

Matthew 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Luke 24:6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. IF YOU GO TO BETHLEHEM, THEY WILL TELL YOU “HE IS NOT HERE”

 

1. It is True the Saviour was Born in Bethlehem and Laid in a Manger [Luke 2:1-7, Micah 5:2]

 

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 .

 

2. It is True the Saviour Lived in Bethlehem for Almost Two Years [Mt. 2:1-12]

 

3. It is also True the Saviour was taken from Bethlehem [Mt. 2:13-23]

 

IF YOU GO TO BETHLEHEM, THEY WILL TELL YOU “HE IS NOT HERE”

 

II. IF YOU GO TO CALVARY, THEY WILL TELL YOU “HE IS NOT HERE”

 

1. It is True the Saviour was Crucified There [Lk. 23:33] kranivon  kranion;  diminutive of a derivative of the base of «2768»; a skull ("cranium"):--Calvary, skull.

2. It is True the Saviour was Cursed There [Luke 23:35-43, Galatians 3:13]

 

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: [Dt. 21:23]

 

3. It is True the Saviour Conquered There [John 19:30-38, Hebrews 2:9, 1 Peter 2:24]

 

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.

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

 

IF YOU GO TO CALVARY, THEY WILL TELL YOU “HE IS NOT HERE”

 

III. IF YOU GO TO THE TOMB, THEY WILL TELL YOU “HE IS NOT HERE”

 

1. The Saviour’s Body was Placed There Reverently [Jn. 19:38-42]

 

2. The Saviour’s Body was “Policed” There ‘Round the Clock [Mt. 27:62-66]

 

3. The Saviour’s Body was Powerfully Resurrected! [Mt. 28:1-10, 16-20]

 

IF YOU GO TO BETHLEHEM, THEY WILL TELL YOU “HE IS NOT HERE” -Merry Christmas!

IF YOU GO TO CALVARY, THEY WILL TELL YOU “HE IS NOT HERE” – Good Wednesday!

IF YOU GO TO THE TOMB, THEY WILL TELL YOU “HE IS NOT HERE” – He is Risen!

 

Where is He? He is seated at the right hand of the Father! He is, through the Holy Spirit, in every Christian! He is preparing a place for us and preparing to come again! He is not here, He is risen!

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 Let us remember it takes a lot of Christian trials, proving, chastening, a lot of leaving things dear, of praying long and getting answers, to make a good Christian. We have said that one may trust Christ and in a moment become a Christian, but it takes long rearing to make a lady or a gentleman. - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 358]

We have said that Isaac prefigured Christ in some ways. Now [Gen. 22] he is to be offered in "the land of Moriah." But II Chronicles 3:1 says, "Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite." The mount is identified. It is that ridge that goes through Jerusalem. On one end was built Solomon's Temple, in the southeast corner of Jerusalem. On the other end a great gash was cut through the ridge long before Christ, to make a moat outside the city wall. Then looking down on the city is the cut face of this part of Mount Moriah like the face of a skull--Calvary, where the Lord Jesus was crucified outside the gate (Heb. 13:12) and "nigh to the city" (John 19:20).
God had Calvary in mind centuries ahead. If the proposed interrupted sacrifice of Isaac was a picture of the death of Christ, let it be on the same hill! So God instructed David to buy the threshingfloor belonging to the Jebusite in Jerusalem later (II Sam. 24:18-24). God is heading toward Calvary and pictures it so. - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 359]

Isaac did not struggle. He did not rebel. Just so the Lord Jesus faced His suffering eagerly: "But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!" He said (Luke 12:50). We are told that He went like a lamb to the slaughter and like a sheep before her shearers is dumb so opened He not His mouth (Isa. 53:7).

Some expositors have understood that in Gethsemane when Jesus prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me" (Matt. 26:39), that He was shrinking from the cross and urged to be excused from it. Oh, no! The Lord Jesus knew, had known before the world began, that He would die. Why, I can read the Old Testament and know there was no way for sin ever to be paid for without the death of the Saviour. He knew that, too, so well.

No, He prayed that He would not die in the garden that night when He said, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death" (Matt. 26:38). He prayed IN THE WILL OF GOD, not against the will of God, that He might die tomorrow at the time appointed when the passover lambs are slain, on the cross when the curse of hanging on a tree would be His. He must die between two thieves. He must be mocked on the cross and God must turn His face away (Ps. 22). Oh, Jesus knew He must die: ". . .according to the scriptures" (I Cor. 15:3, 4), if there was ever to be a saving Gospel.

So Jesus prayed and was delivered: "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared" (Heb. 5:7). - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 361-362]

I have sometimes said that the secret of preaching, after one knows the Scripture, after one has a fervent and burning message on his heart--is meditation, meditating until the heart burns and until the dark things are made clear, until holy zeal and holy indignation mount high. Wait upon the Lord! Seek His face! - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 387-388]

We should note here that men need the fellowship of good women. In the Garden of Eden, God had said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."
If men are to be strong, they need the tenderness of good women. It is foolish to talk to much about equality between men and women. Men and women are different. A man ought to be a good man and a woman ought to be a good woman. Each has his place, and each needs the other. - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 388]

The successful man will have enemies simply because he is successful. And the improvident, lazy and jealous people will think the rich man got rich by oppressing them or by some crookedness! So Laban's sons hate Jacob and Laban is displeased with him [Genesis 31]. - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 438]

In America where about half of the population is either employed by the government (city, county, state or national) or are on relief or getting food stamps or farm subsidies or free school lunches or disaster relief—that nation will be a nation of complainers at the success of those who, by free enterprise and hard work, have prospered greatly. It is sad for the nation, and prophesies disaster in the future, when most people want to live on the labors and taxes of other men. - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 388, written in 1975]

Some minister preaches and feels, “Oh, I cannot prevail on men to hear, to repent, to serve God.” But your failure was not in the pulpit but in the secret closet before you entered the pulpit. If you had first prevailed with God, you could prevail with men. - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 455]

LEARNING TO LEAN ON JESUS

LUKE 13:1-35

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE NEEDY PEOPLE [v. 1-17]

 

1. The Lost Need to Change Their Minds [v. 1-5]

 

2. The Saved Need to Produce Fruit [v. 6-9]

 

3. The Hypocrites Need to Be Ashamed [v. 10-17]

 

II. THE KINGDOM OF GOD [v. 18-30]

 

1. Infiltrated [v. 18-19]

 

2. Infested [v. 20-21]

 

3. Inhabited [v. 22-30]

 

-One Way [v. 22-24, Jn. 14:6, Acts 4:12]

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

-One Saviour [v. 25-28a, Jn. 10:24-27]   “I know your father” “Yeah, I know him. Biggest crook in town.”

-Saved Jews [v. 28b]

-Saved Gentiles [v. 29-30]

 

III. THE MINISTRY OF JESUS [v. 31-35]

 

1. Christ’s Detractors [v. 31-32]

 

2. Christ’s Determination [v. 33]

 

3. Christ’s Desire [v. 34-35]