UNTO ME EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

Isaiah 45:23

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE [v. 18]

1. God Speaks! [v. 18a, Heb. 1:1-3]

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;

2. God Created with Purpose! [v. 18b]

3. God Reveals Himself [v. 18c]

 

II. EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO THE GOD OF ISRAEL [v. 19]

1. God Speaks Redemptively [v. 19a, 17]

2. God Speaks in Righteousness [v. 19b, 2 Cor. 5:20-21]

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

3. God Speaks Rightly [v. 19, Psalm 9:7-8]

But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

III. EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO THE GOD OF ALL NATIONS [v. 20-25]

1. The Only Saviour [v. 20-22, Titus 2:10-11, 13-14]

- Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

- Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

2. The Only Sovereign [v. 23, Rm. 14:9-12]

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord , every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

3. The Only Sustainer

[v. 24-25, 1 Cor. 1:30-31]

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

THE CLOSING CHAPTERS - THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

 

THE CLOSING CHAPTERS - THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

REVELATION 20:1-15

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. DONE DEAL [v. 1-3]

1. The Devil Defeated [v. 1-2a, Gn. 3:15]

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.

2. The Devil Detained [v. 2, 12:7-12]

3. The Devil Defined [v. 3, 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.

 

II. NO DEAL [v. 4-6] “Unconditional Surrender”

1. They are Reigning [v. 4-6]

2. They are Resurrected [v. 4-6]

3. They are Redeemed [v. 6]

 

III. REAL DEAL [v. 7-15]

1. The Sinful Deluded [v. 7-9, John 3:19]

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

2. The Serpent Damned [v. 10, Isaiah 14:12-17]

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning ! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

3. The Second Death [v. 11-15]

DIE TO SELF

A.C. Gaebelein noticed a unique sign in a clothes dyeing establishment which read:

I live to dye, I dye to live.

The more I dye, the more I live,

The more I live the more I dye.

Read these words aloud and you will hear a great spiritual truth. Then turn in your Bible and read Galatians 2:20 to see how Paul expressed it many centuries ago. - Unknown source.

A REJOICING CHRISTIAN

PHILIPPIANS 1:4, 3:1, 4:4

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

A rejoicing Christian is a good testimony. A rejoicing Christian is sometimes a rare commodity. A rejoicing Christian is a Bible Christian. A rejoicing Christian is a less likely to get into sin. A rejoicing Christian is more likely to give God the glory. A rejoicing Christian is a person who enjoys life. A rejoicing Christian appreciates the blessings of God. A rejoicing Christian realizes God allows certain things in our lives for our good even when they may not be pleasant. Be a rejoicing Christian!

 

I. WHAT ARE SOME BARRIERS TO BEING A REJOICING CHRISTIAN?

Not hardships, suffering, separation from loved ones or imminent death. No the barriers to rejoicing are:

1. A Self-serving Attitude [1:12-18, 2:2-4, 21]

2. An Argumentative Ungracious Attitude [4:2-6]

3. A Carnal Sinful Lifestyle [3:2-3, 18]

 

II. WHAT IS THE BASIS OF BEING A REJOICING CHRISTIAN?

1. A Saving Relationship with Jesus Christ [1:1-6]

2. A Walking Relationship with Jesus Christ [1:5-6, 10-11, 19-21, 29] “And He walks with me…”

3. A Working relationship with Jesus Christ [1:22, 27; 2:12-13, 30]

 

III. WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF BEING A REJOICING CHRISTIAN?

1. Rejoicing is Good for Us Personally [4:7-13, Pr. 17:22]

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

2. Rejoicing is Good for Others [1:3-4, 25-26]

3. Rejoicing Glorifies God [1:9-11, 2:11, 4:20]

AND BEHOLD, THERE TALKED WITH HIM TWO MEN

LUKE 9:20-27

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LET’S TALK

1. A Prophecy Fulfilled [v. 27-32]

2. An Ignorance Revealed [v. 33-34]

3. A Relationship Reinforced [v. 35-36]

 

II. LET’S TEACH

1. Folks in Heaven are Known [v. 30, 33, 1 Cor. 13:12]

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

2. Folks in Heaven are Knowing [v. 31, 10:20-24, 16:30, 1 Pt. 1:10-11]

Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what , or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

3. Folks in Heaven are Not Asleep (though their bodies may be) [v. 30-32, Dt. 34:5-6, Jude 1:9]

-The real Moses & Elijah were not in the grave though Moses’ body was at that moment!

- So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

-Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

 

III. LET’S THINK

1. Moses and Elijah are Representative of Saved in Heaven Not the Grave [2 Cor. 4:1-8]

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

2. Moses and Elijah are Representative of the Dead and the Raptured [Josh. 1:1-2, 2 Ki. 2:11]

- Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

- And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

3. Moses and Elijah Representative the Law and the Prophets [Luke 24:44]

-And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Acts 13:15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

THREE MEN ON A MOUNTAIN

LUKE 9:20-27                                         

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. MOSES THE MOUNTAIN MAN 

[Sinai, Pisgah, Transfiguration]

1. His Previous Concern [Dt. 3:23-27]

And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

2. His Present Concern [Lk. 9:30-31] Christ’s Purpose

3. His Proper Concern [Lk. 9:30-31] Christ’s Person

 

II. PETER THE MAN IN NEED

1. The Need of Prayer [27-32, 1 Pt. 4:7]

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

2. The Need of Perspective [v. 32-35, 2 Pt. 1:14-18]

Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

3. The Need of Patience [v. 36, 1 Pt. 5:6-11]

-Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

III. CHRIST THE MAN OF GLORY

1. The Glory of His Birth [Lk. 2:9, 14, 32]

-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 .

-Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

- A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

2. The Glory of His Person [Lk. 9:28-32]

3. The Glory of His Uniqueness [Jn. 1:10-14]

SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE SOVEREIGN

JUDE 12-25                                                                             

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE JUDGE [v. 12-18]

 

1. The Judgment is Determined [v. 12-13]

2. The Judge is Coming [v. 14]

3. The Judgment is Irrefutable, Intrinsic, and Inescapable [v. 15-18]

 

II. SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE SPIRIT [v. 19-23]

 

1. Those Judged Have Not the Spirit [v. 19, Rm. 8:8-9]

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

2. Those Not in this Judgment Have the Spirit, the Saviour & the Father [v. 20-21, Rm. 8:10-11]

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

3. Those Not in this Judgment Have a Mission [v. 22-23]

 

III. SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE SAVIOUR [v. 24-25]

 

1. He Does the Keeping [v. 24, Jn. 17:11, 2 Tm. 1:12, 1 Pt. 1:3-5]

- 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.

-For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

2. He Presents Saints Faultless [v. 24, Eph. 5:27, Col. 1:22]

-That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

-In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

3. He Gets the Glory [v. 25]