III JOHN
Pastor Rick
Jackson
I. WALK
IN TRUTH [1-4]
1. Walking
in Truth Makes a Bond with Others [v. 1]
2. Walking
in Truth Can Be Seen of Others [v. 2-3]
3. Walking
in Truth Brings Joy to Others [v. 3-4]
II. WORK
FOR TRUTH [5-10]
1. Help
People follow God’s way [v. 5-6]
2. Help
People spread the Gospel [v. 7-8]
3. Help
People with Graciousness [v. 9-10]
III.
WITNESS FOR THE TRUTH [11-14]
1. With our
Work [v. 11]
2. With our
Words [v. 12]
3. With our
Willingness [v. 13-14]
LUKE 18:9-14
Pastor Rick
Jackson
I. MERCY
1. Mercy is
NOT Something You Deserve [Lk. 18:9-11]
2. Mercy is
NOT Something You Earn [Lk. 18:12]
3. Mercy is Something
God Grants [Lk. 18:13-14, Ps. 57:1, Heb. 2:17]
-Be merciful
unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee:
-Wherefore
in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might
be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make
reconciliation for the sins of the people.
II. JUST
1. No Just
Man [Ecc. 7:20]
For there is
not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
2. God is
Just [Is. 45:21, Zech. 9:9, 1 Pt. 3:18]
-Tell ye,
and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared
this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD?
and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none
beside me.
-Rejoice
greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King
cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an
ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
-For Christ
also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring
us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
3. Just by
Faith [Hab. 2:4, Rm. 1:17, 3:26; Gal. 3:11, Heb. 10:38]
-Behold, his
soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his
faith.
-For therein
is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The
just shall live by faith
-To declare,
I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier
of him which believeth in Jesus.
-But that no
man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just
shall live by faith.
-Now the
just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no
pleasure in him.
III. REASON
1. You Have
a Problem [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. You Have
a Person [Heb. 5:1-10]
For every
high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to
God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have
compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he
himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for
the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this
honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ
glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him,
Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another
place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the
days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong
crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard
in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things
which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal
salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the
order of Melchisedec.
3.You Have a
Purpose [Rm. 12:1]
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.
JONAH 2-4
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.
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…”
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?
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.
