EPHESIANS 1:15-23
Pastor Rick Jackson
Paul was in prison. The years was about 60 AD. 27 years after Christ’s resurrection an 10 yeas before the fall of Jerusalem. While in prison Paul wrote 4 epistles to send to churches and individuals in Asia Minor [present day Turkey]. Colossians, Philippians, Philemon and, of course, Ephesians.
I. PAUL’S PRISON PRAISE [v. 15-16a]
1. For Their Upward Testimony [v. 15a]
2. For Their Outward Testimony [v. 15b]
3. For God’s Obvious Working [v. 16a]
Can you thank God for others? For God blessing in their lives?
II. PAUL’S PRISON PRAYER [v. 16b-18]
1. Wisdom Plus [v. 17a, 1 Corinthians 8:1]
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2. Knowledge of Him [v.17b, John 14:8-11, Philippians 3:10]
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
3. Understanding [v. 18, 1 Chronicles 12:32]
And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
III. PAUL’S PRACTICAL PURPOSE [v. 18b-23]
1. Know the Future Glory [v. 18]
2. Know the Present Power [v. 19-20a, Philippians 3:10]
3. Know the Preeminent Person [v. 20b]
It’s not about us. It’s not about you! It’s all about Him! [1:6, 12]
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
INGREDIENTS OF A GREAT CHRISTIAN
II TM. 4:6-8
Pastor Rick Jackson
Great people are not born - they are made. Through circumstances sometimes, by God’s grace always. By having convictions and holding to them some people stand out from the crowd. Paul was such a man. We certainly need more people like Paul. The question is- what would it take to make us, any of us, into a great Christian like Paul?
Of course in talking about what makes one a great Christian it must first be that one is a Christian. That is accomplished by trusting the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone for salvation based on His death, burial, & resurrection [3:15]
What are the ingredients of a great Christian?
I. A SACRIFICAL ATTITUDE [v. 6, 1 Corinthians 15:31 …, I die daily. ]
Here is a matter Paul had settled long ago [Phil. 1:20-24] Here is a matter Jesus taught in John 12:24, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
II. A FIGHTING SPIRIT [v. 7a]
Jude wrote, “it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” [v. 3]
“It’s a battlefield brother not a recreation room…”
175 years ago less than 200 men fought off over 4000 men to give Sam Houston time to organize- they fought a good fight. [Eph. 6:10-13]
III. A NEVER QUIT CONSTITUTION [v. 7b] “finished my course”
No detours. Not disqualified- following the Lord’s rules staying in the boundaries- 2 Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
IV. A DEDICATION TO RIGHTEOUSNESS [v. 7c] “kept the faith”
Paul Started by faith- Eph. 2:8-9. Lived by faith- Gal. 3:11-12 - and though he may have failed he confessed it and moved on - FIDO= Forsake It & Drive On!. Paul could die by faith- 2:12.
V. AN EYE FOR JESUS [v. 8] His Coming, His Life. Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We all, if Jesus tarries His coming, are going to die someday. Let us use the time we have to serve the Lord. Someone says, “I will do that at 40” What if you die at 39? Paul died old but Stephen died young. Are you ready.
Pastor Rick Jackson
Great people are not born - they are made. Through circumstances sometimes, by God’s grace always. By having convictions and holding to them some people stand out from the crowd. Paul was such a man. We certainly need more people like Paul. The question is- what would it take to make us, any of us, into a great Christian like Paul?
Of course in talking about what makes one a great Christian it must first be that one is a Christian. That is accomplished by trusting the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone for salvation based on His death, burial, & resurrection [3:15]
What are the ingredients of a great Christian?
I. A SACRIFICAL ATTITUDE [v. 6, 1 Corinthians 15:31 …, I die daily. ]
Here is a matter Paul had settled long ago [Phil. 1:20-24] Here is a matter Jesus taught in John 12:24, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
II. A FIGHTING SPIRIT [v. 7a]
Jude wrote, “it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” [v. 3]
“It’s a battlefield brother not a recreation room…”
175 years ago less than 200 men fought off over 4000 men to give Sam Houston time to organize- they fought a good fight. [Eph. 6:10-13]
III. A NEVER QUIT CONSTITUTION [v. 7b] “finished my course”
No detours. Not disqualified- following the Lord’s rules staying in the boundaries- 2 Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
IV. A DEDICATION TO RIGHTEOUSNESS [v. 7c] “kept the faith”
Paul Started by faith- Eph. 2:8-9. Lived by faith- Gal. 3:11-12 - and though he may have failed he confessed it and moved on - FIDO= Forsake It & Drive On!. Paul could die by faith- 2:12.
V. AN EYE FOR JESUS [v. 8] His Coming, His Life. Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We all, if Jesus tarries His coming, are going to die someday. Let us use the time we have to serve the Lord. Someone says, “I will do that at 40” What if you die at 39? Paul died old but Stephen died young. Are you ready.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Question of the Week: Should Christians never offend anyone?
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- Feedback: Is It Wrong to Interfere with the Pain of Childbirth? (Jan 28)
- Prominent Clergyman Opposes the Ark Encounter on National TV (Jan 27)
- Chapter 7: The Fossil Record (Jan 27)
- Beyond Distant Starlight: Next Steps For Creationist Cosmology (Jan 26)
- Christians Should Never Offend Anyone (Jan 25)
- Letter from Ken, January 2011 (Jan 24)
- Best Seat in the House (Jan 23)
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Friday, January 28, 2011
Children in Heaven
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
ONE GOOD TURN
PSALM 85
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. GOD‘S TURN [v. 1-3]
1. God has turned the Captivity of Saints [v. 1 godly Israel, Romans 7:23 Christians]
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
2. God has Turned toward the Saints [v. 2, Psalm 60:1]
O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
3. God has Turned away from His Anger [v. 3, Psalm 78:38]
But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
II. OUR TURN
1. Seek the Lord’s Help in Pleasing Him [v. 4, Ephesians 5:10]
Lamentations 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
2. Seek the Lord’s Blessing in Revival [v. 5-7, Hosea 14:2]
Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
3. Seek God’s Word for His Way and His Will [v. 8, 2 Chronicles 29:10]
Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.
III. THE RIGHT TURNS
1. Turn to the Way of Salvation [v. 9, Hebrews 9:28]
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Psalm 80:3 Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Psalm 80:7 Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Psalm 80:19 Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
2. Turn to the Way of Blessing [v. 10-12, 2 Chronicles 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.
2 Chronicles 30:9 For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.
3. Turn to the Way of Peace [v. 13, Proverbs 11:5]
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Proverbs 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Proverbs 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Matthew 21:32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us ° wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
2 Peter 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. GOD‘S TURN [v. 1-3]
1. God has turned the Captivity of Saints [v. 1 godly Israel, Romans 7:23 Christians]
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
2. God has Turned toward the Saints [v. 2, Psalm 60:1]
O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
3. God has Turned away from His Anger [v. 3, Psalm 78:38]
But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
II. OUR TURN
1. Seek the Lord’s Help in Pleasing Him [v. 4, Ephesians 5:10]
Lamentations 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
2. Seek the Lord’s Blessing in Revival [v. 5-7, Hosea 14:2]
Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
3. Seek God’s Word for His Way and His Will [v. 8, 2 Chronicles 29:10]
Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.
III. THE RIGHT TURNS
1. Turn to the Way of Salvation [v. 9, Hebrews 9:28]
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Psalm 80:3 Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Psalm 80:7 Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Psalm 80:19 Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
2. Turn to the Way of Blessing [v. 10-12, 2 Chronicles 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.
2 Chronicles 30:9 For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.
3. Turn to the Way of Peace [v. 13, Proverbs 11:5]
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Proverbs 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Proverbs 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Matthew 21:32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us ° wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
2 Peter 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
You cannot be a good wife and mother and be selfish. - Sena Rice
Trusted men are always tempted men. Every time you climb higher you can fall further. - Unknown
Very few men are wise by their own counsel, or learned by their own teaching. For he that was only taught by himself had a fool for his master. - Ben Jonson
...nonsense remains nonsense even when talked by world-famous scientists. - John Lennox
A new pastor came to a great church in Washington, D.C., and a couple came to him and said, "We trust that you will not put too much emphasis on the blood. The last pastor we had talked so much about the blood, and we hope that you will not emphasize it too much." He answered, "You can be assured that I won't emphasize it too much." They looked pleased and thanked him for it. He said, "Wait a minute. It is not possible to emphasize it too much." And he continued to stress the blood. - J. Vernon McGee
Trusted men are always tempted men. Every time you climb higher you can fall further. - Unknown
Very few men are wise by their own counsel, or learned by their own teaching. For he that was only taught by himself had a fool for his master. - Ben Jonson
...nonsense remains nonsense even when talked by world-famous scientists. - John Lennox
A new pastor came to a great church in Washington, D.C., and a couple came to him and said, "We trust that you will not put too much emphasis on the blood. The last pastor we had talked so much about the blood, and we hope that you will not emphasize it too much." He answered, "You can be assured that I won't emphasize it too much." They looked pleased and thanked him for it. He said, "Wait a minute. It is not possible to emphasize it too much." And he continued to stress the blood. - J. Vernon McGee
Monday, January 24, 2011
Recall notice
RECALL NOTICE:
The Designer, Creator, and Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, CHRIST JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE & FAITH procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Christ Jesus at Romans 10:9-13.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!
- OWNERS-MANAGERS, HOLY TRINITY INC.
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!
Because He Lives!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
THE “IN” CROWD
EPHESIANS 1:1-2
Pastor Rick Jackson
There is a great tendency among people of all ages to want to be part of the “in” crowd. Studies have shown that people will say what they know to be untrue to not stick out. Some people will go to great lengths to be part of the “in” crowd. There are “In” crowds and there is THE “In” Crowd.
Interestingly enough in the Greek, verses 3-14 are all one sentence. Giving us one very full sentence concerning the “In” crowd.
I. THE “IN” CROWD IS BLESSED [v. 3]
One of the reasons people want to be a part of the “In” crowd is for the benefits. Here the benefits are ALL spiritual blessings in Christ!
II. THE “IN” CROWD IS CHOSEN [v. 4]
One of the reasons people want to be a part of the “In” crowd is to be “chosen”. What a thrill to be picked. With being picked comes responsibility. Stan Lee wrote that “With great power comes great responsibility” but remember, Lee writes fiction. Luke 12:48b declares truthfully, For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Of course there are those who wish to make an issue of "chosen" here as if free will has no part in salvation. Remember the account in Judges 7 where Gideon is told by God he has too many soldiers. In verse 3 God says, Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.
Here you have God’s sovereignty and man’s choice working in complete harmony. But God stills tells Gideon he has too many warriors so in verses 4-7 recounts:
And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water. And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.
Here again you have God’s sovereignty and man’s choice working in complete harmony. Who decided to drink a particular way- the men or God? The men. Who decided which group would go with Gideon? God did. When it comes to salvation who has the choice to trust Christ or not trust Him? Who decides where people go depending on their choice? Free will and the sovereignty of God in perfect accord.
A former member of one of the three churches I have pastored was somewhat of a hyper-Calvinist so we’ll call them HC for our purposes here. HC had a real problem with free will [i.e., for some reason HC believed free will took away God's sovereignty]. After a message I preached I got a note from HC. Here are HC's comments and my response.
John 6:44 the Father draws us
John 10:29- the Father gave us to Jesus
We cannot be saved apart from God drawing us. Since God is drawing He is the one (sic) choosing us for salvation.
Of course. But who does He draw? Here's the answer according to John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. God draws all to salvation according to that verse and not that verse alone.
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
Many other verses teach the same.
If we are the ones choosing then where is the Sovereignty of God?
Where it always is... in Him! God in His Sovereignty gave man a choice. If you think about it, to say that God cannot give man a choice is to limit His Sovereignty. God can do what He wants. That is what Sovereignty is all about and God gave man a choice (many choices actually but one choice when it comes down to salvation). God's Sovereignty is intact because He, in His Sovereignty, chose that whosoever trusts Christ will be saved and whoever rejects Christ will be lost. God, in His Sovereignty, gave man free will- the ability to choose, as in "choose you this day whom ye will serve..."
My viewpoint allows God the Sovereignty of giving man a choice. HC’s interpretation limits God and says He cannot give man a choice. In which is God really Sovereign? If I as a parent took my youngest child to her favorite fast food place (Taco Bell) and said choose anything on the menu and I will get it for you. Does my giving her a choice take away my parental sovereignty? NO! Of course not. I, in my role as a parent gave her the choice without giving up one iota of my authority or, if you will, "sovereignty" and gave her free will in the matter. Why cannot God do the same? Of course He can and furthermore, I believe the Bible teaches He did!
Election doesn't mean salvation- it means chosen- angels were chosen, Jesus was chosen, we are chosen to be saved and to serve Him.
Interesting... HC said Jesus and angels were chosen but then says "we are chosen to be saved..." so he locks in his pet interpretation. Why didn't he do the same when talking about Jesus and the angels? Because that would be silly. It's silly to not be consistent too. Christians are chosen to serve God as are the angels and Jesus. That's consistent. All those who trust Christ are chosen to be Christians. That's also consistent. God has always given man a choice. Since Adam & Eve. Man must face the consequences of his choice. But a choice he has.
We choose to be saved in response to God's loving and kind offer of salvation or we reject it. Christians choose to serve God or they don't and they pay the price. Else why would Joshua say, 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.
III. THE “IN” CROWD IS ACCEPTED [v. 5-6]
One of the reasons people want to be a part of the “In” crowd is to be accepted. To be accepted in the Beloved is to be adopted. Adoption Biblically was more than just being a part of the family, it was to shoulder the responsibility of a family member.
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Romans 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
IV. TRUSTING IN CHRIST ALLOWS US TO BE IN THE “IN” CROWD [v. 7-14]
compares with 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
God chose to save those who trust Christ. He predestinated all who trust Christ to become like Jesus. He chooses for all His children to serve Him.
Pastor Rick Jackson
There is a great tendency among people of all ages to want to be part of the “in” crowd. Studies have shown that people will say what they know to be untrue to not stick out. Some people will go to great lengths to be part of the “in” crowd. There are “In” crowds and there is THE “In” Crowd.
Interestingly enough in the Greek, verses 3-14 are all one sentence. Giving us one very full sentence concerning the “In” crowd.
I. THE “IN” CROWD IS BLESSED [v. 3]
One of the reasons people want to be a part of the “In” crowd is for the benefits. Here the benefits are ALL spiritual blessings in Christ!
II. THE “IN” CROWD IS CHOSEN [v. 4]
One of the reasons people want to be a part of the “In” crowd is to be “chosen”. What a thrill to be picked. With being picked comes responsibility. Stan Lee wrote that “With great power comes great responsibility” but remember, Lee writes fiction. Luke 12:48b declares truthfully, For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Of course there are those who wish to make an issue of "chosen" here as if free will has no part in salvation. Remember the account in Judges 7 where Gideon is told by God he has too many soldiers. In verse 3 God says, Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.
Here you have God’s sovereignty and man’s choice working in complete harmony. But God stills tells Gideon he has too many warriors so in verses 4-7 recounts:
And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water. And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.
Here again you have God’s sovereignty and man’s choice working in complete harmony. Who decided to drink a particular way- the men or God? The men. Who decided which group would go with Gideon? God did. When it comes to salvation who has the choice to trust Christ or not trust Him? Who decides where people go depending on their choice? Free will and the sovereignty of God in perfect accord.
A former member of one of the three churches I have pastored was somewhat of a hyper-Calvinist so we’ll call them HC for our purposes here. HC had a real problem with free will [i.e., for some reason HC believed free will took away God's sovereignty]. After a message I preached I got a note from HC. Here are HC's comments and my response.
John 6:44 the Father draws us
John 10:29- the Father gave us to Jesus
We cannot be saved apart from God drawing us. Since God is drawing He is the one (sic) choosing us for salvation.
Of course. But who does He draw? Here's the answer according to John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. God draws all to salvation according to that verse and not that verse alone.
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
Many other verses teach the same.
If we are the ones choosing then where is the Sovereignty of God?
Where it always is... in Him! God in His Sovereignty gave man a choice. If you think about it, to say that God cannot give man a choice is to limit His Sovereignty. God can do what He wants. That is what Sovereignty is all about and God gave man a choice (many choices actually but one choice when it comes down to salvation). God's Sovereignty is intact because He, in His Sovereignty, chose that whosoever trusts Christ will be saved and whoever rejects Christ will be lost. God, in His Sovereignty, gave man free will- the ability to choose, as in "choose you this day whom ye will serve..."
My viewpoint allows God the Sovereignty of giving man a choice. HC’s interpretation limits God and says He cannot give man a choice. In which is God really Sovereign? If I as a parent took my youngest child to her favorite fast food place (Taco Bell) and said choose anything on the menu and I will get it for you. Does my giving her a choice take away my parental sovereignty? NO! Of course not. I, in my role as a parent gave her the choice without giving up one iota of my authority or, if you will, "sovereignty" and gave her free will in the matter. Why cannot God do the same? Of course He can and furthermore, I believe the Bible teaches He did!
Election doesn't mean salvation- it means chosen- angels were chosen, Jesus was chosen, we are chosen to be saved and to serve Him.
Interesting... HC said Jesus and angels were chosen but then says "we are chosen to be saved..." so he locks in his pet interpretation. Why didn't he do the same when talking about Jesus and the angels? Because that would be silly. It's silly to not be consistent too. Christians are chosen to serve God as are the angels and Jesus. That's consistent. All those who trust Christ are chosen to be Christians. That's also consistent. God has always given man a choice. Since Adam & Eve. Man must face the consequences of his choice. But a choice he has.
We choose to be saved in response to God's loving and kind offer of salvation or we reject it. Christians choose to serve God or they don't and they pay the price. Else why would Joshua say, 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.
III. THE “IN” CROWD IS ACCEPTED [v. 5-6]
One of the reasons people want to be a part of the “In” crowd is to be accepted. To be accepted in the Beloved is to be adopted. Adoption Biblically was more than just being a part of the family, it was to shoulder the responsibility of a family member.
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Romans 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
IV. TRUSTING IN CHRIST ALLOWS US TO BE IN THE “IN” CROWD [v. 7-14]
compares with 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
God chose to save those who trust Christ. He predestinated all who trust Christ to become like Jesus. He chooses for all His children to serve Him.
AINT’S, SAINTS, & TAINTS
EPHESIANS 2:1-3
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE AIN’TS
Ain't is a colloquialism and contraction for "am not", "is not", "are not", "has not", and "have not" in the common vernacular. In some dialects ain't is also used as a contraction of "do not", "does not", and "did not". The usage of ain't is a perennial issue in English. Widely used by many people, its use is nevertheless commonly considered to be improper. For our purposes it is theologically correct. You see, The Ain’ts refers to the natural man, the unsaved man, They ain’t got Jesus so…
1. They Ain’t Safe - without the Saviour [2:11-12a]
2. They Ain’t Sure - without the Scriptural Promises [2:12b]
3. They Ain’t Secure - without Salvation they are condemned already [2:12c]
II. THE SAINTS
For our purposes here we are referring to the spiritual man, saved by and serving the Lord
1. Set Apart by God because of their Relationship to Christ [I Cor. 1:2]
2. Set Apart to God by the Word of God in their Life [I Cor. 2:9-13, 15-16]
3. Set Apart for God by the Indwelling Holy Spirit [I Cor. 6:19-20]
III. THE TAINTS
Noun- 1. a trace of something bad, offensive, or harmful. 2. a trace of infection, contamination, or the like. 3.a trace of dishonor or discredit. For our purposes, the carnal man, a Christian- saved but not serving- tainted by the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
1. Tainted so they Aren’t Growing Right [I Cor. 3:1-2]
2. Tainted so they Aren’t Acting Right [I Cor. 3:3-4]
3. Tainted so they Aren’t Receiving Right [I Cor. 3:13-23]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE AIN’TS
Ain't is a colloquialism and contraction for "am not", "is not", "are not", "has not", and "have not" in the common vernacular. In some dialects ain't is also used as a contraction of "do not", "does not", and "did not". The usage of ain't is a perennial issue in English. Widely used by many people, its use is nevertheless commonly considered to be improper. For our purposes it is theologically correct. You see, The Ain’ts refers to the natural man, the unsaved man, They ain’t got Jesus so…
1. They Ain’t Safe - without the Saviour [2:11-12a]
2. They Ain’t Sure - without the Scriptural Promises [2:12b]
3. They Ain’t Secure - without Salvation they are condemned already [2:12c]
II. THE SAINTS
For our purposes here we are referring to the spiritual man, saved by and serving the Lord
1. Set Apart by God because of their Relationship to Christ [I Cor. 1:2]
2. Set Apart to God by the Word of God in their Life [I Cor. 2:9-13, 15-16]
3. Set Apart for God by the Indwelling Holy Spirit [I Cor. 6:19-20]
III. THE TAINTS
Noun- 1. a trace of something bad, offensive, or harmful. 2. a trace of infection, contamination, or the like. 3.a trace of dishonor or discredit. For our purposes, the carnal man, a Christian- saved but not serving- tainted by the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
1. Tainted so they Aren’t Growing Right [I Cor. 3:1-2]
2. Tainted so they Aren’t Acting Right [I Cor. 3:3-4]
3. Tainted so they Aren’t Receiving Right [I Cor. 3:13-23]
Saturday, January 22, 2011
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why Witness?
From: SWemp@aol.com
The very next day after I got saved Horace, my best buddy, and I had a newspaper route and were going down Phoenix Ave. at 4 a.m.to deliver our papers. I began talking to Horace about getting saved. No one down here told me to do it but a wonderful person, the Holy Spirit, put it in my heart to tell Horace I had been saved and I wanted to see him saved. Three weeks later he got saved. Then two weeks later another buddy got saved. I did not have a "burden" for them- I just did not want them to go to hell. And like Peter I said "At Thy Word, I will".
I heard we were to get the gospel to every person and I tried to do it and haven't stopped, 70 years later. The key to it all is "obey God". I believe we have blinded most Christians into looking and praying for "a burden for souls". NO, just obey God.
"To Him that knoweth to do good, (get the gospel to every person- Mk. 16:15) and doeth it not to him it is SIN" Oh how we run from murdering or stealing or lying but omit the most important thing we are to do- Get people the gospel and get people saved. There is more joy in heaven over one lost person getting saved than over 99 of us already saved! [Lk 15:7] Let this verse soak in, obey it, it will transform you, your life and stock you with riches and crowns in heaven that you can cast at Jesus feet [Rev. 4] and glorify and please Him.
Make sense? At least give them a gospel filled tract and give them a chance to get saved. I did it and am so grateful. I Just obey God. I am stunned the way God is using, "Your Ticket to Heaven" my tract to get people saved. More than any other tract I have used. "Prepare to meet thy God". Good advice for all of us.
The very next day after I got saved Horace, my best buddy, and I had a newspaper route and were going down Phoenix Ave. at 4 a.m.to deliver our papers. I began talking to Horace about getting saved. No one down here told me to do it but a wonderful person, the Holy Spirit, put it in my heart to tell Horace I had been saved and I wanted to see him saved. Three weeks later he got saved. Then two weeks later another buddy got saved. I did not have a "burden" for them- I just did not want them to go to hell. And like Peter I said "At Thy Word, I will".
I heard we were to get the gospel to every person and I tried to do it and haven't stopped, 70 years later. The key to it all is "obey God". I believe we have blinded most Christians into looking and praying for "a burden for souls". NO, just obey God.
"To Him that knoweth to do good, (get the gospel to every person- Mk. 16:15) and doeth it not to him it is SIN" Oh how we run from murdering or stealing or lying but omit the most important thing we are to do- Get people the gospel and get people saved. There is more joy in heaven over one lost person getting saved than over 99 of us already saved! [Lk 15:7] Let this verse soak in, obey it, it will transform you, your life and stock you with riches and crowns in heaven that you can cast at Jesus feet [Rev. 4] and glorify and please Him.
Make sense? At least give them a gospel filled tract and give them a chance to get saved. I did it and am so grateful. I Just obey God. I am stunned the way God is using, "Your Ticket to Heaven" my tract to get people saved. More than any other tract I have used. "Prepare to meet thy God". Good advice for all of us.
 | Give a "Ticket to Heaven" to every person. A lady was gloriously saved just reading the tract and told me all about it. Order online or call 1-877-872-2871 to order my tract "Your Ticket to Heaven." Ask for Sales and tell them Sumner Wemp sent you. They will bill you - I get no proceeds from the sale. Mark 16:15. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." |
Friday, January 21, 2011
POEM OF THE WEEK
PLURALITY
We'll begin with a box and the plural is boxes,
But the plural of ox should be oxen not oxes.
We speak of a brother and also of brethren,
But though we say mother we never say methren.
Then the masculine pronouns are he, his, and him-
But imagine the feminine she, shis, and shim.
The plural of mouse is mice,
But the plural of house is never a hice.
So English, I fancy, you all will agree,
Is the silliest language you ever did see.
-Author unknown
We'll begin with a box and the plural is boxes,
But the plural of ox should be oxen not oxes.
We speak of a brother and also of brethren,
But though we say mother we never say methren.
Then the masculine pronouns are he, his, and him-
But imagine the feminine she, shis, and shim.
The plural of mouse is mice,
But the plural of house is never a hice.
So English, I fancy, you all will agree,
Is the silliest language you ever did see.
-Author unknown
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Blindness of Israel
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How Does This Apply?
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Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128 |
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Earthly adversities create eternal opportunities. - David Snyder, President & General Director of B.I.M.I.
Why the Shepherds [Luke 2:8-18]? It's not that they were seekers- but that they were finders! - Evangelist Troy Carlson
I have learned this art: When I have nothing more to say, I stop talking. - Martin Luther
When God says to do His work His way, we can be assured that He will produce His results for His glory. - Jim Cymbala
A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. - Unknown
Faith sees the opportunities while unbelief sees the obstacles. - Warren W. Wiersbe
What this country needs are more unemployed politicians. - Edward Langley
When buying and selling are controlled by the legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators. - P.J. O'Rourke
Monday, January 17, 2011
God of Detail
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Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128 |
Sunday, January 16, 2011
LESSONS FROM JOB
Adapted from Ray Stedman by Pastor Rick Jackson
I. WE OUGHT TRADE ILLUSIONS FOR TRUTH [Rm. 12:2]
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 Corinthians 10:5 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;
II. REALIZE WE LIVE IN AN UNSAFE WARZONE [Job 1-2, Eph. 6:12]
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
“We tend to think we are noncombatants living in peacetime. That’s not how Satan views us. To him, we are military targets.” - Ray Stedman
III. THE TRUE NATURE OF FAITH [Job 13:15]
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
IV. THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR “GOODNESS” [Job 40:4, 42:5-6]
Isaiah 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Romans 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
Romans 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Philippians 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.
V. THE TRUTH ABOUT SUFFERING [Isaiah 53:3]
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
VI. THE TRUTH ABOUT SATAN [2 Corinthians 2:11]
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
VII. THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD [Job 7:17]
What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?
Psalm 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 144:3 LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
Ephesians 2
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I. WE OUGHT TRADE ILLUSIONS FOR TRUTH [Rm. 12:2]
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 Corinthians 10:5 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;
II. REALIZE WE LIVE IN AN UNSAFE WARZONE [Job 1-2, Eph. 6:12]
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
“We tend to think we are noncombatants living in peacetime. That’s not how Satan views us. To him, we are military targets.” - Ray Stedman
III. THE TRUE NATURE OF FAITH [Job 13:15]
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
IV. THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR “GOODNESS” [Job 40:4, 42:5-6]
Isaiah 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Romans 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
Romans 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Philippians 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.
V. THE TRUTH ABOUT SUFFERING [Isaiah 53:3]
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
VI. THE TRUTH ABOUT SATAN [2 Corinthians 2:11]
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
VII. THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD [Job 7:17]
What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?
Psalm 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 144:3 LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
Ephesians 2
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
WHICH WAY DO WE GO?
HEBREWS 12:14-29
Pastor Rick Jackson
I recall seeing a Bugs Bunny cartoon where Bugs led some hunting dogs away from a fox. One overweight dog kept saying, “Which way did he go? Which way did he go?” And of course Bugs always led him astray.
Now what happens today is people ask, “Which way do we go to get to Heaven?” or “Which way do we go to be successful?” and the Devil always leads them astray.
I. WHICH WAY DO WE GO TO GET TO HEAVEN?
1. The Only Way to Heaven is Holiness [v. 14]
Where Satan misleads people is how holiness can be attained
2. The Wrong Way is Away from Grace [v. 15-21]
-thinking works can produce holiness [v. 15]
-putting fleshly, temporary things over spiritual, eternal things [v. 16-17]
-thinking the Law is a means of salvation [v. 18-21]
3. The Right Way is through Christ and Christ Alone [v. 22-27]
II. WHICH WAY DO WE GO TO BE A FAILURE AS A CHRISTIAN?
If Satan fails to keep a person from being saved his next goal is to have them be a failure as a Christian- and he uses all his wiles to accomplish this goal. He even uses Christians. [remember Simon Peter and the Lord- “Get thee behind me Satan…”]
1. The Way to Failure is the Way of Disinterest [1 Thessalonians 5:19-20]
2. The Way to Failure is the Way of Distraction [2 Timothy 4:8-10]
3. The Way to Failure is the Way of Discouragement [2 Corinthians 2:6-7]
III. WHICH WAY DO WE GO TO BE A SUCCESS AS A CHRISTIAN?
1. The Way of the Cause [1 Samuel 17:29, Colossians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 2:13]
2. The Way of the Cross [Luke 9:23]
3. The Way of the Christ [John 1:43, 10:27, 12:26, 21:19, 21:22]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I recall seeing a Bugs Bunny cartoon where Bugs led some hunting dogs away from a fox. One overweight dog kept saying, “Which way did he go? Which way did he go?” And of course Bugs always led him astray.
Now what happens today is people ask, “Which way do we go to get to Heaven?” or “Which way do we go to be successful?” and the Devil always leads them astray.
I. WHICH WAY DO WE GO TO GET TO HEAVEN?
1. The Only Way to Heaven is Holiness [v. 14]
Where Satan misleads people is how holiness can be attained
2. The Wrong Way is Away from Grace [v. 15-21]
-thinking works can produce holiness [v. 15]
-putting fleshly, temporary things over spiritual, eternal things [v. 16-17]
-thinking the Law is a means of salvation [v. 18-21]
3. The Right Way is through Christ and Christ Alone [v. 22-27]
II. WHICH WAY DO WE GO TO BE A FAILURE AS A CHRISTIAN?
If Satan fails to keep a person from being saved his next goal is to have them be a failure as a Christian- and he uses all his wiles to accomplish this goal. He even uses Christians. [remember Simon Peter and the Lord- “Get thee behind me Satan…”]
1. The Way to Failure is the Way of Disinterest [1 Thessalonians 5:19-20]
2. The Way to Failure is the Way of Distraction [2 Timothy 4:8-10]
3. The Way to Failure is the Way of Discouragement [2 Corinthians 2:6-7]
III. WHICH WAY DO WE GO TO BE A SUCCESS AS A CHRISTIAN?
1. The Way of the Cause [1 Samuel 17:29, Colossians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 2:13]
2. The Way of the Cross [Luke 9:23]
3. The Way of the Christ [John 1:43, 10:27, 12:26, 21:19, 21:22]
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Question of the Week: How old is the solar system?
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- Feedback: God's Not Clear on Homosexuality? (Jan 14)
- God and the Australian Floods (Jan 13)
- Chapter 5: Age of the Solar System (Jan 13)
- Our Index Finger—Pointing to the Creator (Jan 12)
- What Mean These Mastodons? (Jan 11)
- What They Know Is a Myth (Jan 10)
- Mystifying Mosaics (Jan 9)
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The Code of Life, Part 1
Watch Video
Ken's Blog
- Abusing Children?
- God and the Australian Floods
- Winter Wonderland at the Creation Museum
- Miami University Professors Essentially Admit Evolution Has Connections to Dismal Science and Math Scores
- Secularists Respond to My Comments on the Pope and the Big Bang
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