SUITABLE PRAISE

Psalm 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

Psalm 147:1 Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

Prov. 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

 Pastor Rick Jackson

 

You might have thought all praise is good but such is not the case. Comely praise is what God desires. Praise from a right person. Praise that is given rightly is comely. Comely is a word we don’t use often. It means suitable, or beautiful: Is your praise suitable? Is your praise beautiful?

 

I. PRAISE THAT FORSAKES GOD IS NOT COMELY –  It is neither suitable nor lovely.

Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

1. It is Ungiven Praise [Matthew 21:15-16]

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased, And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

2. It is Hypocritical Praise [Jn. 9:24-41]

3. It is Dishonoring Praise [1 Corinthians 11:17-22]

 

II. PRAISE THAT IS FOR GOD IS COMELY

1. Comely Praise For His Wonderful Salvation [Rm. 15:5-13]

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

2. Comely Praise For His Wonderful Working [Philippians 1:9-11, 1 Peter 4:11]

- And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

-If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

3. From Thankful Hearts [Hebrews 13:15]

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

 

III. PRAISE THAT IS FROM GOD IS ALWAYS COMELY

1. Better than the Praise of Men [Jn. 12:42-48]

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Jesus cried and said, He, that believeth on me, believeth, not on me, but, on him that sent me.  And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

2. Based on Faith in God and His Word [Rm. 2:28-29, Mt. 8:8-13]

-For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly ; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly ; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

- The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

3. Believer’s Receive for Heart Service [1 Corinthians 4:3-5]

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.

 

A SISTER FOR ALL SEASONS

EXODUS 2:1-4

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. YOUNGSTERS CAN SERVE THE LORD [Exodus 2]

1. The Careful Observer [v. 1-4]

2. The Caring Inquirer [v. 5-7]

3. The Conscientious Worker [v. 8-10]

 

II. ADULTS CAN SERVE THE LORD [Exodus 15]

1. A Servant of God [v. 20]

2. An Example for Women [v. 20, Micah 6:4]

For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

3. A Praiser of the Lord [v. 21]

 

III. EVEN BELIEVERS CAN SIN [Num. 12]

1. Bothered by Bigotry [v. 1]

2. Instigator of Iniquity [v. 1-8]

3. Chastened by the Lord [v. 9-16, 20:1]

Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

FREE INDEED

Pastor Rick Jackson

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 

I. “FREEDOM” – ISN’T FREE

1. Freedom is a Result of Truth [Jn. 8:32-36]

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou , Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you , Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

2. Freedom is a Result of Sacrifice [Rm. 5:15-19]

3. Freedom is a Result of Right Choices [Rm. 3:22-24, Jn. 1:11-12]

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

 

II. “INDEPENDENCE” – IS NOT INDEPENDENT

1. To be Independent of Man One Must Be Dependent on God [Rm. 3:3-4]

2. To be Independent of Sin One Must Be Dependent on Righteousness

[Rm. 6:13-23]

3. To be Independent of Works One Must Be Dependent on Grace [Rm. 11:6]

 

 III. “LIBERTY” –  IS NOT LICENSE

1. Liberty is Given so we can Stand [Gal. 5:1]

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

2. Liberty is Given so we can Serve [Gal. 5:13-14, 1 Pet. 2:16]

- For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

-As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

3. Liberty is Given so we can Submit [Gal. 5:16-25]

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

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

THE CHALLENGE FOR THE CHRISTIAN AMERICAN

ROMANS 10:1, 11:1, 12:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

Tomorrow marks the 248^th Birthday of the United States of America. We have much to be thankful for, much to be excited about, much to be concerned about, much to question and much to do as Americans. This is true of every American but wait… we are not just Americans, those of us who know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord have a higher calling, a greater responsibility, a sacred task. As Christian Americans, what should we do?

 

I. STAND IN THE LORD [Phil. 4:1]

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

 

1. Stand on His Foundation [1 Corinthians 3:11, Mt. 7:24-25]

-For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

- Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

2. Stand in His Faith [1 Corinthians 2:5, 16:13,  2 Corinthians 1:24]

-That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

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

-Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

3. Stand in His Force [1 Cor. 2:5]

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

While you are standing, be sure to...

 

II. STICK TO THE PLAN [ACTS 5:20, MT. 28:18-20]

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

- And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway , even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

1. Give the Gospel to the lost [2 Cor. 4:1-6]

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness , hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2. Give milk to the immature [1 Pt. 2:2, Heb. 5:12-13)

- As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby

- And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

3. Give meat to the mature [Heb. 5:12-14]

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

 

III. STAY ON COURSE

 

1. Make it a Matter of Focus! [Acts 20:24, Eph. 2:2]

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

- Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

2. Make it a Matter of Prayer [2 Th. 3:1]

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

3. Make it a Matter to Finish [Acts 13:25, 2 Tm. 4:7]

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

- I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

FIVE “SECRETS” OF PRAYER

Luke 11:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PRAYER is EXPECTED (even COMMANDED) [11:1-2a,  1 Th. 5:17,  Phil. 4:6, Eph. 6:18, 1 Tm. 2:1]

– Pray without ceasing. 

-Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

– Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

-I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.

 

II. PRAYER is PART of a RELATIONSHIP [11:2, Jeremiah 29:11-13,  Psalm 65:2]

-For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

-O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

 

III. PRAYER is ASKING [11:2-13]

 

IV. BELIEVING PRAYER is GOD PLEASING [11:9-10, 1 Jn. 5:14-15, Jn. 15:7, Mt. 21:22,   Heb. 11:6]

-And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him

– If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

-And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” 

-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.

 

V. EFFECTIVE PRAYER is ONGOING [Luke 18:1-8,  Psalm 81:10, Jer. 33:3]

My wife once wrote “I prayed for my mother’s salvation in earnest after I became saved.  It seemed to me to be an impossible task.  My mother was adamant that religion was a private matter.  I cannot tell you how many times when Rick and I would talk with her about the Lord that she would hang up on us if she was on the phone or when she was in our home, she would go to the bedroom and slam the door shut.  Conversation over.  Yet, the matter was of great importance.  I would often pray at such times and ask God, ‘WHY?’  But he is a gracious God.  And a patient God.  And so after ten years of prayers and concern for her soul, the Lord allowed Rick to have the opportunity to confront her about her need of a Saviour.  And joy of all joys, she accepted Christ as her Saviour!! Within another year, she was lost to us with cancer.  God hears and God answers prayer!”

 

Psalm 81:10 -- I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

Jeremiah 33:3 -- Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

GIVE MORE EARNEST HEED

HEBREWS 2:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Those 4 words ought resonate with us. We tend to give less heed. “I got it , can’t lose it – so why think about it?” How about because there are consequences if we neglect it? How about because of where we got it? How about because the Bible, God’s Holy Word, says so?!? How about because God says it is a GREAT salvation?

 

I. SALVATION FROM WHAT?

1. Salvation from Sin [Luke 1:77]

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

2. Salvation from Death [Rm. 6:16-23, Rev. 20:14] in all its forms

- Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

- And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

3. Salvation from Wrath [John 3:36, 1 Th. 5:9, Revelation 6:16]

- He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

-For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

- And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

 

 II. SALVATION IS FOUND WHERE?

1. In a Book [2 Tm. 3:15]

-And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2. In a Person [Lk. 2:25-30, Jn. 14:6]

-And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

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

3. In a Name [Acts 4:10-12]

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 

III. SALVATION IS WHAT?

1. Universally Offered [Acts 17:30, 1 Jn. 2:2, Jn. 3:16, Titus 2:11]

- And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

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

- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

- For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

2. Personally Accepted [Jn. 1:12, 3:36, Rm. 10:9-13]

- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

- He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

-That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

3. Divinely Guaranteed [1 Pet. 1:5, John 6:37-40, 17:11]

-Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

-All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing,  but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

-And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

 

VENGEANCE IS MINE SAITH THE LORD

2 KINGS 24-25

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. - Deuteronomy 32:35

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. - Romans 12:19

 

I. THE KING WITH A PENKNIFE [24:1-6, Jer. 36:1, 20-26]

- AND it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that this word came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, saying…

- And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king. So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe's chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king. Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him. And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth. Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words. Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them. But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the Lord hid them.

 

II. THE KING WRITTEN CHILDLESS [24:6-16, 25:27-30, Jer. 22:28-30, Matthew 1:1, 11, 16]

- Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not? O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.

- THE book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

- And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

- And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. [How accurate is the Word of God – Jesus is NOT of the seed of Joseph and thus not of the seed of Jeconiah]

 

III. THE KING OF LIES [24:17-20, 25:1-7, Jer. 21, Ezek. 12:1-13]

Zedekiah had sworn in God’s name to be faithful to Nebuchadnezzar. He lied to man but more importantly he lied to God. God has no pleasure in fools. [Eccl. 5:4]

 

 IV. THE MEN WHO WOULD BE KING [25:8-27]

 

Remember-

God is God

Sin must be paid for

Jesus will either be your Saviour or your Judge

MARY’S HITS & MISSES

LUKE 1:46-55

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE BIG MISSES - MARY’S APOCRYPHAL STATUS

Don’t confuse apocryphal with apocalyptic.

Apocalyptic refers to the end times because of the event we call the apocalypse, the end of the world as we know it.

Definition of apocryphal (adj) not true: probably not true, but widely believed to be true. For example, the Apocrypha is not part of the Holy Writ, not inspired, not inerrant.

 

1. Mary was NOT born of “immaculate conception” , i.e., without original sin [Ps. 51:5, Lk. 1:46-47, Rm. 5:12]

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

- And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

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

 

2. Mary is NOT the “Mother of God” [Micah 5:2, Mk. 3:33-35]

- 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 .

-And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

 

3. Mary is NOT a Mediatrix nor even a co-Mediatrix [1 Tm. 2:5-6]

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

 

II. MARY’S “ADVANTAGES” SCRIPTURALLY [Lk. 11:27-28]

And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

 

 1. She was Saved by Grace [Lk. 1:46-47, Titus 3:4-7]

- And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

- But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

2. She was Submissive to God [Lk. 1:38, Mt. 12:50]

- And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

- For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

 

3. She was Saturated with Scripture [Rm. 3:1-2, 2 Tm. 2:15ff]

- What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

-Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [Lk. 1:46-47 comp. with 1 Sam. 2, Ps. 34:3, 35:9, 138:6 etc.]

- O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

- And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

- Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

 

III. MARY’S “ADVICE” STANDS

 

1. Believe the Word of God [Lk. 1:26-38]

2. Be Obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ [John 2:5]

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

3. Be Faithful in Church Attendance [Acts 1:13-14, 1 Corinthians 4:2]

-And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

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

BE YE ALSO READY

MATTHEW 12:35-44

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. ARE YOU BASICALLY READY?

1. Are you Ready to Hear? [Ecc. 5:1]

Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

2. Are you Ready to Help? [1 Tm. 6:18, Titus 3:1]

-That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate

-Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work

3. Are you Ready for His Return? [Mt. 24:42-44]

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

 

II. ARE YOU REALLY READY?

1. Are you Ready to give an Answer? [2 Tm. 4:6, 1 Pet. 5:2]

-For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

-Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

2. Are you Ready to give the Gospel? [Rm. 1:15-16, 1 Pet. 3:15]

- So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 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.

-But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear

3. Are you Ready to give your Life? [Acts 21:13, 2 Tm. 4:6]

- Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

-For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

 

III. CHRIST IS READY- ARE YOU READY FOR CHRIST?

1. Christ is Ready to Answer prayer- are you ready to give praise? [Is. 38:20]

The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.

2. Christ is Ready to Judge- are you ready to be judged? [1 Pet. 4:5]

Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

3. Christ is Ready to Forgive- are you ready to be forgiven? [Neh. 9:17, Ps. 86:5, 1 Jn. 1:9]

- And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

- For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

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

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE…

2 KINGS 23

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 Last week we saw Josiah’s personal revival. One of the evidences of personal revival is a desire to share that blessedness with others. Josiah has the evidence.

 

I. THE INGREDIENTS OF CORPORATE REVIVAL [v. 1-3]

1. Congregating with the People [v. 1-2a, Heb. 10:24-25] “If my people…”

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

2. Concentration on the Word [v. 2b, James 1:18-22]

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

3. Commitment to the Lord [v. 3, Rm. 12:1-2]

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

II. THE PRACTICE OF REVIVAL [v. 4-23]

1. An Abandonment of Spiritual Deviation [v. 4-16, 19-20, 24]

2. An Acknowledgement of Spiritual Messages [v. 17-18, 1 K. 13:31-32]

And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones: For the saying which he cried by the word of the Lord against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.

3. An Acceptance of Spiritual Worship [v. 21-23]

 

III. THE LIMITATIONS OF REVIVAL [v. 24-37]

1. God Honors His Man [v. 24-25, Ezekiel 14:14, 20]

-Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord God.

-Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.

2. God Holds to His Word [v. 26-30, 22:19-20] it does no good to sow wild oats and then pray for crop failure

3. God Hates Iniquity [v. 31-37]

HE REFUSED

Genesis 39:1-8a                  

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

During the Reagan years there was an anti-drug slogan that said simply, "Just Say No!" 

J. Vernon McGee once preached a sermon entitled "The Power of Negative Thinking." 

The message this evening is in a similar vein- taking our title from our text, "BUT HE REFUSED." How much trouble and sorrow could be avoided in the world, in the nation and in our own lives if we simply refused the evil. 

The Bible teaches that even a child should learn to refuse the evil and choose the good. What have you refused Lately? Have you refused the world, the flesh, and the Devil and chosen the good Lord? Let us look at some examples of God’s people refusing the evil:

 

I. JOSEPH REFUSED TO BE IMMORAL [Gn. 39:8-13]

 

II. ISRAEL [JACOB] REFUSED TO GO AGAINST THE CLEAR LEADING OF GOD [Gn. 48:13-20]

 

III. NABOTH REFUSED TO MAR HIS INHERITANCE [1 Kings 21:1-5, 15]

 

IV. ELISHA REFUSED  TO CONFUSE A NEW CONVERT FOR MATERIAL GAIN [2 Kings 5:14-19, 1 Cor. 8]

 

V. MOSES REFUSED TO BE COMPROMISE HIS FAITH [Heb. 11:24-27]

 

THE FATHER, MY FATHER

THE FATHER, MY FATHER                                                            

JOHN 14:6-9

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Everyone has several fathers- most of which you cannot choose. The most important Father you can have must be a choice that you make. Now of the fathers you cannot choose let us quickly dispense the discussion of them. Adam is the father of us all even as Eve is the mother of all living [Lk. 3:38, 1 Corinthians 15:22, Rm. 5:12-14]. Of course from our immediate biological father all the way back to Adam we have a multitude of “fathers”.

Because we are sinners, before we trust Christ, we have a spiritual father- who like our biological fathers is one we don’t choose. Jesus said to a religious, but lost crowd in John 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.

It is at this point that you can make a choice- you can choose to have God be your spiritual Father and the Devil will become your enemy. If you do not make this choice- then you are at enmity with God- which is about the most foolish thing we could do [Jn. 1:12, Romans 8:7].

#1 The Only Way to make “The Father” your Father is to trust Christ! [v. 6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

#2 If you know Christ as Saviour then you can call “The Father,” “my Father” [v. 7] If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

#3 Get in the Bible so you don’t think foolishly like Philip did here [v. 8-9] Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

I. HOW SHALL WE DESCRIBE THE FATHER?

1. He is the Father of Mercies & Comfort [2 Corinthians 1:3-4]

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2. He is the Father of Glory [Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14, 17-18; 3:13-14, 16, 21]

3. He is the Father of Spirits [Hebrews 12:9]

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?

4. He is the Father of Lights [James 1:17]

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

 

II. WHAT PERFECT GIFTS HAS THE FATHER GIVEN? [James 1:17]

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

1. The Word of God is Perfect [James 1:25]

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

2. The Lord Jesus Christ is Perfect [John 16:27-28]

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

3. The Holy Spirit is Perfect [John 15:26]

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

 

III. WHAT CAN WE GIVE THE FATHER? [Ps. 116:12]

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

 

1. We can Give Him Worship [John 4:23]

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

2. We can Give Him Honour [John 5:23]

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

3. We can Give Him Glory & Thanks [Romans 15:6, Ps. 29:2, Ephesians 5:20, Colossians 1:12, 3:17]

- That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

- Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

- Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

- 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.

LET IT BEGIN WITH ME

2 KINGS 22

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE NEED FOR REVIVAL [v. 1-2]

1. Did Right in the Sight of the Lord but still needed Revival [v. 1-2]

2. Walked in the Way of David His Father but still needed Revival [v. 2b]

3. Turned Not Aside to the Right-hand or the Left but still needed Revival [v. 2c]

UNTO the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Rev. 2:1-5

 

II. THE NEED FOR REAL LOVE [v. 3-13]

1. Love for the House of God [v. 3-7]

2. Love for the Word of God [v. 8-12]

3. Love for the Will of God [v. 12-13]

 

III. THE NEED FOR GOD’S BLESSING [v. 14-20]

1. God’s Holiness is seen in His Judgment [v. 14-17]

2. God’s Grace & Mercy are seen in His Answering Prayer [v. 18-19, Hebrews 4:16]

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

3. God’s Mercy & Grace are also seen in His House

[v. 20, Ps. 23:6, John 14:1-2]

- Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

- LET not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

GOD’S GUIDANCE

PSALM 32:8    

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE PERSONS OF  GOD’S GUIDANCE

1. The Blessed Lord [Lk. 1:67, 76-79]

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying . . . Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

2. The Blessed Holy Spirit [Jn. 16:13, 2 Peter 1:21]

- Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

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

3. The Blessed Believers [Acts 8:26-35ff] multitude

 

II. THE PATTERN OF GOD’S GUIDANCE

1. With Tenderness [Ps. 23:2, Is. 40:11, 49:10] if you let Him

- He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

- He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

- They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

- They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

2. With Truth [Psalm 25:5, 43:3]

- Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

- O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

3. With Trustworthiness [Pr. 3:5-7]

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

 

III. THE PURPOSE OF GOD’S GUIDANCE – Our good & His Glory

1. For His Name’s Sake [Ps. 31:3]

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

2. For Our Salvation [Isaiah 42:16-18]

And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods. Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.

3. For Our Profit [Is. 48:17]

Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN

JOHN 3:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHO WAS NICODEMUS? [v. 1-7]

1. He was a Man [v. 1, Genesis 1:27]

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

2. He was a Religious, Moral Man [v. 1]

3. He was a Confused, Ignorant Man [v. 2-4]

Four times in Exodus [7:11, 22, 8:7, 18] it says something similar to “now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments”. The Anti-Christ and the False prophet will do miracles in the Tribulation.

4. He Was a Lost Man [v. 3-7]

 

II. HOW DID NICODEMUS COME TO JESUS? [v. 2-3]

1. He Came by Night Under Conviction [v. 2-3, 6:44, Rev. 22:17]

-No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

- And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.

2. He Came Sincerely, in Humility [v. 2-3] He was a Pharisee, ruler of the Jews [v. 1] and a Master of Israel [v. 11] yet came to an itinerant teacher of less than 3 years

3. He Came Seeking the Answer to an Important Question [v. 2-3]

-Like the Philippian Jailer, “What must I do to be saved?” [Acts 16:30]

-Like the Greeks, “Sir, we would see Jesus” [Jn. 12:20-21]

 

III. HOW DID NICODEMUS LEAVE JESUS?

1. He Left Knowing the Importance of the New Birth [v. 3-8]

2. He Left knowing the Incarnation of the Saviour [v. 9-14]

3. He Left Knowing the Invitation to be Saved [v. 15-21]

4. He Left Knowing the Saviour Intimately [John 7: 43-53, 19: 38]

And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

KING-SIZE MISTAKES

2 KINGS 20-21

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HEZEKIAH’S KING-SIZE MISTAKE- OUTLIVING HIS USEFULNESS [20:1-21]

1. His Prayer & the Permissive Will of God [v. 1-11, Psalm 106:15]

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

2. His Pride & the Prophetic Word of God [v. 12-18, 2 Chr. 32:24-25]

In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign. But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

3. His Pronouncement & the Perfect Way of God [v. 19-21, Psalm 18:30]

As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

II. MANASSEH’S KING-SIZE MISTAKE- OUTDOING HEATHEN NATIONS [21:1-18]

1. Ignoring God’s Word [v. 1-9]

2. Ignoring God’s Servants [v. 10-15, Hebrews 13:17]

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

3. Ignoring God’s Image [v. 16-18, Genesis 9:6]

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

 

III. AMON’S KING-SIZE MISTAKE- OUTSMARTING HIMSELF [21:19-26]

1. Following Evil [v. 19-21]

2. Forsaking God [v. 22]

3. Failing to See the Danger [v. 23-26]

THE SECRET OF THE SURPRISED WITCH

1 SAMUEL 28:7-25

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE UNLAWFUL [v. 7-12]

1. She was a Known Secret [v. 7]

2. She was a Cautious Lawbreaker [v. 8-10]

3. She was a Calculated Fake [v. 11-12]

 

II. THE UNFAMILIAR [v. 13-19]

1. The “Man” was Unfamiliar [v. 13-14] –not her “familiar” v. 7-9

2. The Method was Unfamiliar [v. 15-17] 2 Peter 2:16, John 11:49-51

-But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

- And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

3. The Message was Unfamiliar [v. 18-19]

III. THE UNEXPECTED [v. 20-25]

1. She had Pity of Heart [v. 20-21]

2. She had Presence of Mind [v. 22-23]

3. She had Provision of Body [v. 24-25]

 

Unanswered questions- did she get paid? Did she quit her sinful business? Did she get saved?

Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

The answer to these questions are not given to us. It’s okay to be curious and one day we will undoubtedly know the truth in these matters but knowing them now would not help us to live for the Lord so we are not burdened with them.

IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM

PSALM 115

Pastor Rick Jackson                                       

 

I. THE GLORY IS GOD’S [v. 1-8]

1. Not Ours [v. 1a]

2. For His Mercy [v. 1b, Romans 15:9]

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

3. For His Reality [v. 1c-8]

 

II. THE HELP IS GOD’S [v. 9-14]

1.  For Israel [v. 9, 12a, Romans 11:1-5]

I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

2. For Aaron [v. 10, 12b, 118:3]

Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

3.  For Them that Fear Him [v. 11, 13-14]

 

III. THE PRAISE IS GOD’S [v. 15-18]

1. Praise Him for Creation [v. 15-16]

2. Praise Him in this Life [v. 17]

3. Praise Him Forever [v. 18]