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.

BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM

MATTHEW 28:16-20

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Many cults and isms use what they call “baptism” and it means a host of different things to them. But right now, I am not concerned with what they think it means. I want us to look at what baptism means to Bible-believing Christians.

 

I. BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM IS A COMMAND [MATTHEW 28]

1. A Command from the Lord Jesus Christ [Mt. 28:18-20]

2. A Command is an Obligation Not an Option [Mt. 28:18-20]

3. A Command Declined is Sin [Mt. 3:13-15, 1 John 5:17, Jm. 4:17]

- Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

- All unrighteousness is sin:

- Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 

II. BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM IS A CONFESSION [ROMANS 6]

1. A Confession Salvation is Solely the Work of Christ [Rm. 6:1-4, 23]

2. A Confession that One Has Believed the Gospel [Rm. 6:4-5, 1:16, 10:9-13]

3. A Confession that One Intends to Live for Christ [Rm. 6:6-18ff]

 

III. BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM IS A CONNECTION

1. A Connection to New Testament Christianity [Rm. 6:3-4, Mt. 28]

2. A Connection to Current Faithful Believers [Acts 8:36-37]

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

3. A Connection to a Local Body of Believers [1 Cor. 1:1-2, 9-17; 1 Tm. 3:14-15]

- Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 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:

- God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided ? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

- These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

WHAT KIND OF VACATION?

Mark 6:31

Pastor Rick Jackson

The Bible is the most practical Book you will ever read. It covers subjects you may never even thought about from a Christian perspective.

 

I. VACATION IN CHRIST

1. The Only Safety is in Christ [Ps. 4:8, Pr. 21:31]

- I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

- The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

2. The Only Sense is in Christ [1 Cor. 14:33, 2 Cor. 10:5]

-For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

-Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

3. The Only Serenity is in Christ [Is. 26:3, Jn. 14:27]

- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

II. REJUVENATION (REST) IN CHRIST

“rest” to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh:--take ease, refresh, (give, take) rest

 

1. We Rest in Him for Salvation [Matthew 11:28]

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

 

2. We Rest in Him in Sanctification [1 Th. 4:3-4]

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

 

3. We rest in Him Dedication [John 15:10-11, 1 Cor. 10:31, Col. 3:17, 23]

- If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

-Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

- 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.

-And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men

III. RELAXATION WITH CHRIST (“leisure”)

to have good time, i.e. opportunity or leisure:--have leisure (convenient time), spend time.

 

1. Fun – the enjoyment of God’s Beauty [Gn. 1:31, 2:9a; Ps. 19]

- And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

- And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight

 

2. Food- the enjoyment of God’s Bounty

[Gn. 2:9, 2 Cor. 9:11, 1 Tm. 4:1-5]

- And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food

-Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

-Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

3. Fellowship- the enjoyment of God’s Brethren

[Heb. 2:9-12, 1 John 1:6-7]

- But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

-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.

A CERTAIN WOMAN

ACTS 16:1-5

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BE CERTAIN [v. 1]

1. Be Certain You are a Believer in God’s Way [v. 1, John 20:27]

- Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

2. Be Certain You are a Believer in God’s Word

[v. 1, Rm. 10:17, 1 Th. 2:13]

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

- For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

3. Be Certain You are a Believer in God’s Will

[v. 2-5, Acts 21:14, Eph. 5:17, 1 Th. 4:3-4]

-And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

-Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

-For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

 

II. HAVE AN UNFEIGNED FAITH

1. Have a Sincere Faith [2 Tm. 1:5]

2. Have a Shareable Faith [1 Tm. 1:3-5]

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

3. Have a Solid Faith [2 Tm. 1:18-19]

 

III. BE A BIBLE TEACHER [2 Tm. 3:15]

1. Teach the Bible Plain [2 Tm. 3:14-15a]

2. Teach the Bible Person [2 Tm. 3:15]

3. Teach the Bible Plan [2 Tm. 3:14-17]

WHERE IS HAPPINESS?

 

WHERE IS HAPPINESS?

Not in Unbelief

Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type; he wrote - "I wish I had never been born."

Not in Pleasure

Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure and wrote - "The worm, the canker, and the grief are mine alone."

Not in Money

Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of money. When dying, he said - "I suppose I am the

most miserable man on earth."

Not in Position and Fame

Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both, and wrote - "Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age, a regret."

Not in Military Glory

Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Then, he wept in his tent and said -

"There are no more worlds to conquer."

Where, then, is Happiness found?

The answer is CHRIST ALONE

"My soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in His salvation" - Psalm 35:9

Jesus said - "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" -Matt. 16:26

adapted from the PCC Update [Summer 2006]