BECAUSE HE DOESN’T CHANGE

MALACHI 3:1-6

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

We sometimes sing “Because He lives I can face tomorrow.” Part of facing tomorrow because He lives is because He doesn’t change. He doesn’t need to change because He is perfect. Everything He does is perfect. Everything He thinks is perfect. He doeth all things well. So, He is perfect and He doesn’t change. Because He is perfect and doesn’t change He has made it so some things don’t change. The fact these things don’t change are part of why we can face tomorrow in the face of other things changing. Let us seek to understand with a little study.

 

I. BECAUSE HE DOESN’T CHANGE SCRIPTURE HAS NOT CHANGED [PS. 119:89]

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

1. The History Written in Advance Has Not Changed [Isaiah 46:10, Daniel]

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

2. The Science Has Not Changed [Is. 40:22, Daniel 1:4, 1 Tm. 6:20]

- It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

- Children in whom was no blemish , but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

-O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

3. The Theology Has Not Changed [Gn. 1, Rm. 1]

 

II. BECAUSE HE DOESN’T CHANGE SALVATION HAS NOT CHANGED [JONAH 2:9]

-Salvation is of the LORD.

1. The Work Determined Has Not Changed [Acts 2:23, Heb. 4:3, Rev. 13:8]

- Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

-For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

-And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

2. The Word’s Declaration Has Not Changed [1 Peter 1:18-25]

3. The Way’s Deliverance Has Not Changed [Jn. 14:6, Col. 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 1:10]

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

- Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son

- And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

 

III. BECAUSE HE DOESN’T CHANGE SOUL-WINNING HAS NOT CHANGED [Ps. 51:13]

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

1. The Master Has Not Changed [Acts 10:38-40]

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly

2. The Message Has Not Changed [Acts 10:43]

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

3. The Method Has Not Changed [Ps. 126:5-6, Pr. 11:30, Dan. 12:3, Mt. 28:19-20]

- They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

- The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

- And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

- 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.

 

These things have not changed and these things WILL NOT change!

THE LAST BIRTHDAY OF MOSES

DEUTERONOMY 31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. MOSES’ COMMENCEMENT [v. 1-6]

1. The End of Moses Earthly Life [v. 1-2a]

2. The End of Moses’ Earthly Ministry [v. 2b, 2 Tm. 4:6-8]

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 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.

3. The Never-ending Work of Moses’ Lord [v. 3-6]

 

II. MOSES’ CHALLENGE [v. 7-13, 19-22]

1. Follow God’s Man [v. 7-8]

2. Follow God’s Word [v. 9-13]

3. Follow God’s Music [v. 19-22]

 

III. MOSES’ CHARGES [v. 14-18, 23-30]

1. From God [v. 14-18]

2. To Joshua [v. 23, 2 Tm. 4:1-5]

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; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

3. To Israel [v. 24-30]

HOW ABOUT NO?

JOHN 19:8-22

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

In this short account during the passion of our Lord we can clearly see (1) the arrogance of men thinking they have power (2) the Sovereignty of God despite appearances to the contrary and (3) the blindness of sinners as they reject their only Hope- the Lord Jesus Christ. I’d like to illustrate these truths through the simple use of the word “No.”

 

I. THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST

1. NO Room [Luke 2:7]

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

2. NO Fault [Luke 23:4, 13-15]

- Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

- And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

3. NO Corruption [Ps. 16:10, Acts 13:33-39]

- For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

- God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

 

II. THE EXCELLENCE OF CHRIST

1. NO Greater [Heb. 6:13, John 8:56]

-For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

-Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

2. NO Change (His Personal Attributes) [Mal. 3:6, Heb. 13:8, 2 Tm. 2:11-13]

-For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

-Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

-It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

3. NO Darkness [John 1:1-9, 8:12, 9:5]

-In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

-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.

-As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

 

III. THE ACCEPTANCE OF CHRIST

1. NO Respecter of Persons [Dt. 10:17, Acts 10:34-36, Rm. 2:11-12]

- For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

- Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

- For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

2. NO Man but by Christ [Jn. 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;

3. NO One Turned Down [John 6:37-40]

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.

LIFE, DEATH AND THE MYSTERY OF MOSES

DEUTERONOMY 34

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LIFE’S LESSONS [v. 1-4]

1. God’s People Sin [v. 1-4, 1 Jn. 1:8-10]

-If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2. Sin has Consequences [v. 4, Gal. 6:7, Num. 32:23]

-Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

-be sure your sin will find you out.

3. God has Compassion [v. 1-3, Ps. 103:13-14]

-Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

 

II. MYSTERIES OF MOSES [v. 5-8]

1. Who Wrote of His Death? [v. 4-5, 2 Pt. 1:21]

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

2. Where was He Buried? [v. 6-7, Ps. 90:12, Lk. 9:28-31, Jude 9 (Satan limited), Rev. 11:3ff]

-So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

-And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings , he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

3. How Long is Long Enough? [v. 8, Eccl. 3:4, 1 Th. 4:13]

-A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

-But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

 

 

III. DEATH’S LESSONS [v. 9-12]

1. No One is Irreplaceable [v. 9, Acts 13:36]

-For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

2. The Servant is Not above the Master [v. 10, Mt. 10:24, Heb. 3:1-5]

- The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

- Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

3. The Will of God is Paramount [v. 11-12, Rm. 12:2, Eph. 6:6, 1 Pt. 4:1-2, 19]

- 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.

- Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

- Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

- Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

DECISIONS AT THE DOOR

REVELATION 3:20

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Probably one of the most famous “at the door” passages is the one we read as our text. But there are a few others that mention that someone, or something, is at the door.

 

I. SIN MAY BE AT THE DOOR [Gen. 4:7]

1. When You Want God to Accept Your Way while You Refuse His [4:3-7]

2. When You Embrace Evil and Attack Righteousness [1 John 3:12, Isaiah 5:20]

-Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

-Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

3. Sin Lieth at the Door when You Ignore God’s Word [Heb. 11:4, Rm. 10:17; Jude 10-11]

-By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

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

-But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain,

 

II. THE JUDGE MAY BE AT THE DOOR [James 5:9]

1. The Judge Will - Punish Evil [v. 1-6]

2. The Judge Waits – but not for long [v. 7-9]

3. The Judge Watches – so be ready [v. 10ff]

 

III. THE LORD IS AT THE DOOR [REV. 3:20]

1. You Have a Condition [v. 14-17]

2. You Have a Choice [v. 18-20]

3. You Have a Chance [v. 20-22]

I LOVE THE LORD

PSALM 116:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. FOR THE TRANSACTION

1. The Preservation of the Saints [v. 6, 2 Tm. 1:12, 1 Pt. 1:5]

-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.

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

2. The Prominence of Simplicity [v. 6, 19:7, 1 Cor. 1:26-31, Luke 18:17]

-The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

-For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. 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.

- Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

3. The Path of Salvation [v. 5-6, 79:8]

O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.

 

II. FOR THE TRACK

1. Return to Rest [v. 7, 1-4, Mt. 11:28]

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

2. Realize it’s Personal [v. 7, 1-4, 6-7, Rm. 10:8-13]

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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.

3. Redeemed by the Bountiful Lord [v. 1-7]

 

III. FOR THE THREE-FOLD DELIVERANCE

1. Soul from Death [v. 8-9, 3-4, Rm. 6:23, Rev. 2:11, 20:6]

- For the wages of sin is death;

- He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

- Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power,

2. Eyes from Tears [v. 8, Isaiah 25:8, Rev. 7:17, 21:4]

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

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

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

3. Feet from Falling [v. 8-9, 56:13, 1 Cor. 10:12-13, Jude 24]

- For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

- Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

- Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

SAUL’S MYSTERIES SOLVED [Part 2]

1 SAMUEL 28:7-20

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

When you read the history of King Saul in the Bible you will find three mysteries that baffle many minds. Last week we learned he was indeed saved. What about the encounter with the witch of Endor? And finally, was Saul killed or did he kill himself? Let us open the Word of God and find those answers.

 

I. WHAT HAPPENED AT ENDOR? [1 Sm. 28:7-20] 3 Possibilities:

1. Human Trickery is Unlikely in this Case [v. 12-14]

2. Demonic Trickery is Unlikely in this Case [1 Sm. 28:12, 15-16, 20]

3. Divine Sovereignty is Likely [v. 12-20] note the clear language of the Scripture

 

II. WAS SAUL’S DEATH REGICIDE OR SUICIDE? [1 Sm. 31, 2 Sm. 1]

1. Saul Wanted Death [1 Sm. 31:1-4]

2. Scriptures Are Straightforward He Committed Suicide [1 Sm. 31:4b-6]

3. Scriptures Infallibly Report the Amalekite’s Lies [2 Sm. 1:1-16]