THE DAILY LOAD OF BENEFITS

Psalm 68:19

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. REVIEW YOUR BENEFITS [Psalm 103:2]

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

1. Review Your Past Benefits – Salvation [v. 19-20]

2. Review Your Present Benefits – Security [1 Pt. 1:5-7]

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

3. Review Your Future Benefits – Satisfaction [Rev. 22:1-5]

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

 

II. REJOICE IN YOUR BENEFITS [Phil. 4:4]

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

1. Rejoice Actively [Phil. 3:1, 14-15]

- Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded:

2. Rejoice Contentedly [Phil. 4:11-13]

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

3. Rejoice Prayerfully [Phil. 4:6-7]

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

III. RESTORE YOUR BENEFITS

Some lose their benefits. If that happens it is your fault not God’s. But you can restore some of them.

1. We Can Lose Joy [Ps. 51:12]

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

2. We Can Lose Usefulness [1 Cor. 9:27]

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means , when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

3. We Can lose Fellowship [1 Jn. 1:6-9]

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.

POSITIVE LIVING IN A NEGATIVE WORLD

PSALM 37:1-2

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

A work in progress to be sure.

I. TRUST IN THE LORD [v. 3] to hasten for refuge

1. Do Good- [v. 3, Acts 10:38]

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good,

2. Dwell- [v. 3, 1 John 4:13]

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

3. Feed- [v. 3, Ps. 23:2, 5]

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

-Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 

II. DELIGHT IN THE LORD [v. 4] to be soft or pliable

1. A Matter of the Will [v. 4, 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.

2. A Matter of the Way [v. 4, Is. 30:21]

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

3. A Matter of the Willingness [v. 4, John 15:7]

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

 

III. COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD [v. 5-6] to roll (away, down, together), run down, trust, wallow

1. Trust Him [v. 5a]

2. Leave it to Him [v. 5b]

3. Watch Him Do It [v. 6, Lk. 9:23-26]

 

IV. REST IN THE LORD [v. 7ff.] cease, forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be (stand) still, tarry, wait.

1. Let Go and Let God be God [v. 7a] “Rest in the LORD”

2. Let God take His Time and Work [v. 7b] “wait patiently for him”

3. Let God take His Time with Others [v. 7c] “fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way…”

Who’s Your Shepherd?

Psalm 23

Kevin Clark

 

        We don’t know exactly when David wrote this psalm. The original thought could’ve been while he was watching his father’s sheep. It could've been while he was fleeing from Saul. Verse 5 makes us believe this was during the days when David was in-hiding.

We do know that his experience as a shepherd provided the influence on the psalm.

        As David wrote on the parchment, he probably remembered guiding the flock near a quiet stream nearby and lying in the grass with the flock while enjoying God’s creation. He probably remembered hearing the sheep cry out in fear as a bear or lion approached and him charging it with his rod or staff. He remembered bringing his sheep and lambs into his arms to comfort them when lightning and rain came.

        Prior to this psalm, God was seen as a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:17), thunder and lightning with cloud and smoke (Exodus 19:16), and a Rock (Numbers 20:10-13). What’s unique about this passage is the fact that God is portrayed as an intimate personal relationship. God was seen as mighty, powerful, omnipotent… GOD! David saw God as his Shepherd.

Facts about sheep:

1. Sheep are dumb

2. Sheep are incapable of self-reliance

3. Sheep are defenseless

4. Sheep require the guidance of a Shepherd.

4 Benefits of a Shepherd:

I.                 God’s Provision (v. 1, 3, 5)

A. Scripture:

                                                           i.      Isaiah 40:11 - 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.

                                                        ii.      1 Peter 2:25 - For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

                                                     iii.      Ezekiel 34:11-31 = great description of God as the TRUE Shepherd

B.God know our needs before we do.

                                                           i.      Example: Loss of job, God providing

                                                        ii.      Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

 

II.              God’s Peace (v. 2, 3, 4, 6)

A. Scripture:

                                                           i.      John 14:27 = “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you”

                                                        ii.      John 16:33 = “These things I have spoke unto you, that in me ye might have peace.”

B.What peace is God giving us?

                                                           i.      Peace from the penalty of sin

1. Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”

2. Justified = saved from the PENALTY of sin

                                                        ii.      Peace during tribulation

1. Romans 5:3 – “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”

                                                     iii.      Peace from worry

1. 1 Pet. 5:7 – “Casting all you care upon him; for He careth for you.”

2. Casting = throwing it away, not giving it

C.                       Goodness and Mercy – rest of my life (v. 6)

                                                           i.      Goodness – Cheerful or joy

1. Galatians 5:22-23

2. But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

                                                        ii.      Mercy – Mercy is not getting what you deserve.

 

 

III.          God’s Presence (v. 4, 6)

A. Scripture

                                                           i.      Isiaah 41:10 – “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

                                                        ii.      Isaiah 43:2 – “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle.”

                                                     iii.      Hebrews 13:5-6 - ⁵ 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. ⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

B.God is always there

                                                           i.      Omnipresent – present in all places at all times

C.                       Even when we walk away from him, he is behind us waiting to turn around

                                                           i.      Because we are not looking at him, he seems so far away.

 

IV.         God’s Protection (v. 4, 6)

A. Scripture

                                                           i.      Ephesian 6:10-18

B.Sheep have no answer for danger. Typically, sheep flee (Example: Joseph. Genesis 39:12 - And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.)

C.                       Today, under Grace, God has provided us with an answer to danger.

                                                           i.      Defense

1. Belt of Truth

2. Greeves of the Gospel of Peace

3. Shield of Faith in God

4. Breastplate of God’s Righteousness

5. Helmet of Christ’s Salvation

                                                        ii.      Offense

1. Sword of Truth (God’s Word)

D.                       Notice that none of these are possible without God.

 

Application:

If we go to John 10:1-5,

-        Jesus says HE is the good shepherd:

-        John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

-        John 10 = The statement of the Shepherd

-        Psalm 23 = It was probably as popular as it is now.

-        The benefit of receiving all the care and tenderness from the Shepherd.

-        Jesus says that His sheep know His voice.

Sheep listen FOR the voice of their master to know where to go for food or rest, when to return to the shelter, where to go for comfort, where to run when scared, where to run when lost.

We’re nothing but SHEEPLE listening for a voice to follow. Whose voice are you listening to?

The world has a big BOOMING voice.

Elijah experienced the noise of the world in 1 Kings. 

1. Wind

2. Earthquake

3. Fire

4. Still small voice

God’s voice may be a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).

How can we discern what is God’s voice and what is the world’s voice? By studying God Himself.

When we start studying the perfect example, it’s easy to know the fakes.

“Federal agents don’t learn to spot counterfeit money by studying the counterfeits. They study genuine bills until they master the look of the real thing. Then when they see the bogus money they recognize it.” - John MacArthur – Reckless Faith

We need to:

1. Be in His Word continually.

2. Be writing the Word of God on our hearts

3. Be in constant communication with Him

Challenge:

Evaluate the voice you’ve been listening to. Have you been paying attention to the news and social media? Or, have you been listening to God and what he has to say?

THE BASICS OF FORGIVENESS and CONFESSION

PSALM 51

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Everyone needs forgiveness. How do I know that? I know because all have sinned. Since all have sinned all need forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not “a given”. It must be obtained. The alternative to forgiveness is condemnation. Condemnation is “a given”.

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 God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.   Jn. 3:16-19

 

I. THE BASICS OF FORGIVENESS

1. Mercy is Based on the Love of God [v. 1]

2. Sin Removal is Based on the Blood of Christ [v. 2, Rev. 1:5]

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

3. Confession Precedes Forgiveness (confess=agree) [v. 3]

(1) The Lost Must Confess Christ as Saviour [Rm. 10:9-13]

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.

(2) The Saved Confess Their Sin to God [1 Jn. 1:9]

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (The saved already have a relationship with God hence the difference.)

 

II. THE BASICS OF CONFESSION

1. All Sin is Against a Thrice Holy God [v. 4, Is. 6:3, Rev. 4:8]

- And one (seraphim) cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

- And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

2. All Humans are Born Sinners [v. 5]

We aren’t sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. A Cat is not a cat because it meows, it meows because it is a cat; it is the cat’s nature to meow

3. Confession Allows God’s Desire of Fellowship with Man

[v. 6, Ps. 8:4, Is. 59:2]

- What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

- But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

 

III. THE BASICS OF WHAT CONFESSION DOES FOR CHRISTIANS

1. Allows Forgiveness to be Applied to the Specific Area

[v. 7, Is. 1:18] Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

2. Allows Joy to Return [v. 8]

3. Allows Fellowship to Resume [v. 9, Ps. 66:18]

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

4. Allows God to Renew Us (not resave us) [v. 10-11]

5. Allows God to Restore the Joy of Salvation to our Lives [v. 12]

6. Allows God to Use Us Again [v. 13, 1 Co. 9:27]

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

7. Allows Worship in Work and Words Alike [v. 14-19, Jn. 4:24]

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

HE THAT HATH THE SON HATH

JOHN 3:16-17

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HE THAT HATH THE SON HATH LIFE

1. This Means No Condemnation [3:18, 5:24, Rm. 8:1]

- He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

- Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

- There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus

2. This Means Everlasting Life [3:36, 1 Jn. 5:11-12]

- 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.

- And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life

3. This Means Abundant Life [10:10, 1 Jn. 5:10, 20]

-I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

-He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:

-And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true,

 

II. HE THAT HATH THE SON HATH GOD

1. He Has the Son [1:12]

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:

2. He Has the Father [5:23, 1 Jn. 2:23, 2 Jn. 9]

-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.

- Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

- He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

3. He Has the Spirit [Rm. 5:9-11]

- 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. 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.

 

III. HE THAT HATH THE SON HATH LOVE

1. A Love to the End [13:1]

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

2. A Love that Calls Us Sons [1 Jn. 3:1]

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

3. A Love that Continues [Eph. 2:4-7]

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

Some months later there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, “Sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love of art.”

The young man held out his package “I know this isn’t much. I’m not really a real artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.” The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the solider had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. “Oh no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It’s a gift.”

 

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to visit his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works that he had collected. When the father eventually passed there was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having the opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel, “We’ll start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture? There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, “We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.” But the auctioneer persisted. “Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200? Another voice shouted angrily, “We didn’t come for this painting; we came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!” But still the auctioneer continued. “The son! The son! Who will take the son?

 

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was a long time gardener of the man and his son, “I’ll give $10 for the painting.” Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. “We have $10, who will bid $20?” “Give it to him for $10. Let’s see the masters.” “$10 is the bid, won’t someone bid $20?” The crowd became angry. They didn’t want the picture of the son. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. “Going once, twice, Sold for $10!” A man sitting on the second row shouted, “Now let’s get on with the collection!”

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. “I’m sorry, the auction is over.” “What about the paintings?” “I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal this stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.”

“He who has the son gets everything!”

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is “The son, the son who’ll take the son?”

Because you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything

THROUGH CHRIST I CAN

Philippians 4:4-13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THROUGH CHRIST I CAN BECAUSE I KNOW

1. I Know the Bible is True [Jn. 17:17]

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Though the cover is worn

And the pages are torn

And places bear traces of tears,

Yet more precious than gold

Is the Book worn and old,

That can shatter and scatter my fears.

 

When I prayerfully look

In the precious old Book,

As my eyes scan the pages I see,

Many tokens of love

From the Father above,

Who is nearest and dearest to me.

 

This old Book is my guide,

'Tis a friend by my side,

It will lighten and brighten my way;

And each promise I find

Soothes and gladdens my mind

As I read it and heed it each day.

 

2. The Lord is Good [1 Chr. 16:34]

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;

He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;

To added afflictions, He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials, He multiplies peace.

 

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,

Our Father’s full giving is only begun;

 

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure;

His power no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

 

3. The Spirit Indwells Me [1 Cor. 6:19]

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

 

II. THROUGH CHRIST I CAN BECAUSE I HAVE

1. I Have Been Saved [1 Cor. 1:18]

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

2. I have Been Called [1 Cor. 1:2]

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

3. I Have Been Persuaded [2 Timothy 1:12]

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.

My Father’s way may twist and turn;

My heart may throb and ache;

But in my soul I’m glad I know

He maketh no mistake

 

My cherished plans may go astray;

My hopes may fade away;

But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead,

For He doth know the way.

 

Tho’ night be dark and it may seem

That day will never break,

I’ll pin my faith, my all in Him:

He maketh no mistake.

 

There’s so much now I cannot see –

My eyesight’s far too dim;

But come what may, I’ll simply trust

And leave it all to Him.

 

 For by and by the mist will lift,

And plain it all He’ll make;

Through all the way, tho’ dark to me,

He made not one mistake.

-A.M. Overton

 

III. THROUGH CHRIST I CAN BECAUSE I WILL:

1. I Will See My Loved Ones Again [2 Sm. 12:23]

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

2. I Will Face My Saviour [1 Jn. 2:28]

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

3. I Will Give an Account [Rm. 14:10-12]

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.

TIMELESS TRUTHS FROM JONAH’S 1st CHAPTER

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHAT SOME PEOPLE GET

1. Some People get Concerned because of Trouble

[v. 1-8, 2 Chr. 15:4]

-But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.

2. Some People get Convinced because of a Testimony

[v. 9-10, 1 Pt. 3:15]

-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. Some People get Converted because of the Truth

[v. 14-16, Jn. 8:32, Rm. 10:16]

-And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

-But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

 

II. WHAT ACCOMPANIES GOD

1. God's Presence accompanies God's Will

[v. 1-3, Mt. 28:19-20]

-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.

2. God's Purpose accompanies God's Work

[v. 2, 4, 11-16, Eph. 3:10-12, Is. 55:11]

-To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

-So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

3. God's Preparation accompanies God's Wisdom

[v. 4, 17; 4:6-8]

 

III. WHAT CHRISTIANS ARE NOT

1. Christians are Not Flawless [v. 1-3, 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 say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2. Christians are Not Forsaken [v. 5, Heb. 13:5]

- 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.

3. Christians are Not Forgotten [v. 17, Is. 49:14-16]

- But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.