WHEN SHOULD WE GO TO JESUS?

Mark 9:14-27

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. IN THE HOUR OUR FAITH IS WEAK [Mk. 9:17-27]

1. In Faith He Sought Jesus [v. 17a]

2. In Faith He Told Jesus [v. 17b-18] “Tell it to Jesus”

3. In Faith He Listened to Jesus [v. 19-27]

 

II. IN THE HOUR AFTER OUR GREATEST FAILURE [Jn. 21:1-4]

1. Jesus Offers Forgiveness [Mk. 16:7]

But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

2. Jesus Offers Fellowship [Jn. 21:4-17]

3. Jessus Offers a Future [Jn. 21:3, 15-17, Luke 22:31-32]

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

 

III. IN THE HOUR OF TRIUMPH [1 Cor. 10:12, Phil. 3]

-Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

1. In this Hour We must Recognize Our Reality [Phil. 3:12]

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

2. In this Hour We must Recognize Our Response [Phil. 3:13-14]

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

3. In this Hour We must Recognize Our Role Model [Phil. 3: 20-21]

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

TEN THINGS JESUS TAUGHT ABOUT HELL IN LUKE 16:19-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THIS “STORY” IS TRUE, IT IS NOT A PARABLE [v. 19-21]

“The story you are about to hear is true” – it has all the earmarks of a true account

II. DEATH IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS [v. 22, Rm. 5:12]

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:

III. THERE IS NO “SOUL-SLEEP” [v. 22-23, 2 Cor. 5:6, 8]

-Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

-We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

IV. HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF COMFORT [v. 22, Is. 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.

Acts 27:39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek* with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

*same Gk. Word translated “bosom”

V. HELL IS A PLACE OF TORMENTS [v. 23-25, 28]

VI. WE WILL KNOW PEOPLE IN THE AFTERLIFE [v. 23-24]

VII. WE WILL HAVE SENSES IN THE AFTERLIFE [v. 23-24]

You are a soul, you have a body]

VIII. EARTH IS THE CLOSEST THING TO HEAVEN FOR THE LOST,

THE CLOSEST THING TO HELL FOR THE SAVED [v. 25]

IX. THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN HEAVEN & HELL ARE “FIXED” [v. 26]

X. THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN [Lk. 15:1-2, 19:10, Jn. 14:6]

DRAWING FROM GOD’S WELLS [2]

ISAIAH 12:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

Last week we looked at the WELL OF SALVATION

 

I. THE WELL OF JOY

1. Joy Accompanies Salvation [Is. 12:3]

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

2. Joy Accompanies Fellowship [1 Jn. 1:3-10]

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 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. 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.

3. Joy Accompanies Obedience [Jn. 13:17]

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

 

II. THE WELL OF GOD’S PRESENCE

1. We Can Face Unpleasantness if We Know God is Watching Us. [Gn. 16:7-14, 2 Chr. 16:9]

-And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me? Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi [“Well of the Living One Who sees me”]

-For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

2. We Can Face the Task if We Know God is With Us [Mt. 28:20]

- 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.

3. We Can Face Life With Contentment if We Know God Will Not Forsake Us [Heb. 13:5-6]

-Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

 

III. THE WELL OF ANSWERED PRAYER

1. We Ought to Pray [Lk. 18:1, Gn. 24:10-14]

- And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2. We Ought to Worship the God Who Answers our Prayers [Gn. 24:19, 26-27, John 4:20-23]

-Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh , when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 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.

3. We Ought to Serve the God Who Answers Our Prayers [Gn. 24:54-59, Acts 5:29]

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

DRAWING FROM GOD’S WELLS

ISAIAH 12:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE WELL OF SALVATION

[John 4:4-26, 7:37-39]

 

II. THE WELL OF JOY

[Is. 12:3, 1 Jn. 1:3-10, Jn. 13:17]

“Joy is the child of obedience”

 

III. THE WELL OF GOD’S PRESENCE

[Gn. 16:7-14, 2 Chr. 16:9, Mt. 28:20, Heb. 13:5]

“Well of the Living One Who sees me”

 

IV. THE WELL OF ANSWERED PRAYER

[Gn. 24:10-14, 19, 26-27, 56]

 

V. THE WELL OF “ROOM” – i.e., A PLACE

[Gn. 26:19-22, Acts 7:7, Jn. 14:1-6]

 

VI. THE WELL OF SACRIFICE

[1 Chr. 11:16-19, Rom. 12:1-2]

MEMORIAL DAY IN 3 WORDS

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

There is some ambiguity concerning the exact origin of Memorial Day. Most historians agree it started during or shortly after the War Between the States. On Memorial Day we honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. They gave their all and we all benefit from the freedom their sacrifice made possible.

What powerful words: SACRIFICE, HONOR, FREEDOM.

The ultimate meaning of these words goes back farther than an American War. There would be no America had there not been a Bible, and the Christ of the Bible. If Americans forget their Christian heritage, they lose a large part or what made America what she is.

I. SACRIFICE [John 15:13]

1. The Great Sacrifice [1 Cor. 5:7, Heb. 9:26, 10:12-14]

- Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

- but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

- But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified

2. The Great Motive [Jn. 15:13, Eph. 5:2]

- Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

- Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

3. The Great Response [Ps. 116:12-13, Rm. 12:1-2, Heb. 13:15-16]

- What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

- 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

- 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. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

 

II. FREEDOM

1. True freedom is "free from something" [Rm. 6:22-23, 8:2, Gal. 5:1]

- 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.

- For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

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

2. True freedom isn't free [Rm. 3:24, 5:18-21] Christ paid for it!

- Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

 - Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. True freedom is freely given [Rev. 21:6, 22:17]

- And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

- And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

 

III. HONOR

1. Honor should be honestly heartfelt [Mt. 15:8, Rev. 19:7]

- This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

- Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

2. Honor should perceive position [Jn. 5:23, 1 Tm. 1:17, 1 Pt. 3:7, Rev. 4:11, 5:12-13)

- 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.

- Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

3. Honor should surround service [Jn. 12:26, 2 Tm. 2:20-21]

- If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

- But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

THE QUESTION OF QUESTIONS

Mt. 27:11-26, esp. v. 22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. IT IS NECESSARY TO EXAMINE THE QUESTION [Mt. 27:22]

 

1. It is an “I” Question [Mt. 19:16, Acts 16:29-30]

- And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

-Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

 

2. It is a “Jesus” Question [Mt. 22:41-42]

-While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.

 

3. It is a “Do” Question [Mt. 27:17-26]

you must do something about Jesus. What will you do?

II. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ESCAPE THE QUESTION [Mt. 27:22]

Heb. 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

 

1. There is No Other Way to Heaven [Jn. 14:6, Acts 4:12]

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

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

 

2. He is Creator and Sustainer [Col. 1:16-17]

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: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

 

3. It is Jesus or Hell [2 Th. 1:7-10]

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

 

III. IT IS NEEDFUL TO RESPOND TO THE QUESTION

[Mt. 27:17, 20, 22, 26]

 

1. To Reject Christ is to Choose Satan [Josh. 24:15, Mt. 25:41]

-And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

-Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

 

2. To Reject Christ is to Choose Shame [Mk. 8:28, 1 Jn. 2:28]

- Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

-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.

 

3. To Receive Christ is to Be with Him [Lk. 23:43, Jn. 14:2-3]

- And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

- 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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

BE STRONG IN THE LORD PERSONALLY

EPH. 6:10-13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

It is true that a church should be strong in the Lord. It is equally true that a nation should be strong in the Lord.

 [2 Chr. 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.]

But, it is also true that an individual should be strong in the Lord. In point of fact, it generally starts with an individual and moves through the family, the church, the community, the nation and one day, the whole world

[Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.]

 

 

I. THIS SPEAKS OF RELATIONSHIP [EPH. 6:10-13]

1. We Belong to Him [1 Cor. 1:2]

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth,

2. We are Branded as His

to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus

3. We Bear His “Name”

called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

 

II. THIS SPEAKS OF RELIANCE [EPH. 6:10-13]

1. Faith takes no credit but gives Glory to God [Rm. 4:20, 10:17]

-He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

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

2. As Faith Grows God Works [Acts 9:22]

-But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

3. Faith Knows What God Can Do [Ph. 4:13]

-I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

III. THIS SPEAKS OF REALIZATION [EPH. 6:10-13]

1. Realize God Prizes Faithfulness

[1 Tm. 1:12, 1 Cor. 4:2]

-And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry

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

2. Realize God Prizes Humility

[Jm. 4:6, Pr. 3:34, 1 Pt. 5:5]

-But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

-Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

-Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

3. Realize God Provides Grace [2 Tm. 2:1, 4:17]

-Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

-Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.