FACING LIFE

                                    

GAL. 2:18-21                                       

Adapted from Dr. Lee Roberson by Pastor Rick Jackson

Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

Ezekiel 3:9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

What does the future hold? These last days of 2019? 2020? Beyond? Our lives may be dangerous. Our lives may be busy. Our lives may be uncertain… afflicted…challenging.

We may not know what the future holds but the Christian knows Who holds the future.

Gal. 2:20 gives us a 3-fold plan to face the uncertain future. First, we must:

I. FACE LIFE AS A TWICE BORN PERSON [2:20]

1. Know Christ- Receive Him as Saviour [Jn. 1:12, Gal. 1:11-16]

2. Study Christ- Know Him Intimately [Phil. 3:10, 2 Pet. 3:18]

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

3. Obey Christ- Yield to Him as Lord [Gal. 1:10, Luke 6:46]

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

How much we miss by not doing this. A king took a bag and went out to a busy intersection… dug a hole & put the bag therein and covered it with a large stone. Many were bothered by the stone and complained but none moved it. Eventually the king called a meeting at the intersection, removed the stone and the bag which was revealed to be filled with much gold and a note that simply read, “For him who moves the stone”

Secondly, we must:

II. FACE LIFE AS A CRUCIFIED PERSON [2:20]

What did Paul mean? Die to self! A boy asked an older Christian what does that mean. He was told to go to a grave and say bad things about the person buried there. When he came back he was asked what was the response. “Nothing, he’s dead.” He was told to go back and say nice things. When he returned he was again asked about the response. “Nothing, he’s dead.” “You are beginning to understand what it means to die to self then.” If we fail to die to self what will happen? We will:

1. Fail to Bear Fruit [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.

2. Forfeit Peace of Heart [John 12:25]

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

3. Fail to Glorify the Lord [John 12:26 ]

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.]                                                                         And the thirdly, we must:

III. FACE LIFE AS AN INDWELT PERSON [2:20]

1. Live Dually- there is the Power of Christ [Gal. 2:20]

2. Live Fully- there is the Presence of Christ [John 10:10]

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

3. Live Richly- there are the Precepts of Christ [Colossians 3:16]

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

AFTER CHRISTMAS

Luke 2:21-24, 36-38

Pastor Rick Jackson

It doesn’t matter if you got what you wanted for Christmas or not. It doesn’t matter if your relatives did or didn’t visit. It  matters not if you got to eat what you wanted. Really, all of that doesn’t matter because Christmas 2019 is over, gone, finished, ended. The question is -what do you have after Christmas? The Bible answers that by telling us the situation of a woman just 8 days after the first Christmas. And what she had- in the broad sense- we all have.

So, what do we all have after Christmas? WE ALL HAVE A:

I. PERSONAL HERITAGE [v. 36]

This of course is completely out of your control. You cannot choose your heritage. You must live with it. You can take the good and use it for the glory of God, take the bad and learn from it and by God’s grace go beyond it. No-one’s past is perfect and no-one’s past need beat them.

Some complain because their future is set for them [Prince Charles did in his younger years] Some complain because their future is so vague. My friend, that’s not the point is it?

1. Her Name Was Anna [same as Hannah=favored] -but we’ve all been favored haven’t we…

2. Her Father was Phanuel [OT “Peniel”] -surrender to God and win

Genesis 32:30-31 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.

3. Her Tribe was Asher [Happy]

Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.

Leah’s daddy tricked her husband into marrying her. You can be like Leah and make lemonade out of lemons or you can be miserable!

Something else you can’t control and she couldn’t control is living in a:

II. PARTICULAR HAPPENSTANCE [v. 36-37a]

The situation you find yourself living in is to a great extent out of your control. Now what little part you have control over you ought use to the best of your ability to the glory of Almighty God. But my friends, some things you just can’t control or stop.

1. Her Health was Not Good [v. 36b, 1:7, 18]

2. She was Widowed after 7 Years of Marriage [v. 36c]

3. She was Now 84 and apparently Childless [v. 37, barren or outlived her kids]

But wait, there’s something we all have, & all have a great deal of control over. We all have a:

III. POTENTIAL HAPPINESS [v. 37-38]

Our country was actually founded on this premise. In our Declaration of Independence are these words, "We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." - Thomas Jefferson

Note that Jefferson didn’t say the promise of happiness- but the pursuit of it. Anna found it. With all her negative circumstances, she found her happiness. How did she do it?

1. Through Personal Service [v. 37b]

2. Through Personal Sacrifice [v. 37c]

Romans 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.

Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

Hebrews 13:15 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.

3. Through Personal Salvation [v. 38]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

How blessed that the Saviour who was born in a stable should have His arrival first announced to humble shepherds in the fields, watching their flocks. Those who feel themselves great will not come to Him. Those who are self-satisfied and say that they are "rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing," will not run to such a meek and lowly Saviour. But all who know themselves to be sinners and long to be pure; all who know themselves to be empty of righteousness but hunger to be filled; all those who want to come for mercy and pardon instead of singing their own praises, will find the Saviour approachable. The Saviour made the way easy for all mankind when He had His coming announced to the shepherds by campfire, among the huddled flock of sheep that winter night long ago. - John R. Rice [Immanuel--God With Us, pg. 17]

It was the believing hearts of these shepherds that made them fit subjects for the mighty revelation of this first Christmas announcement by the angel. I have no doubt that learned Sadducees who believed neither in miracles nor angels, missed entirely this glorious announcement and the angelic song that blazed from the sky over the fields. Sadducees did not look for a Saviour, would not have believed the message, would have explained away the appearance of the heavenly beings. If Jesus were to be born today, no Unitarian, no modernist, no evolutionist, no doubter of the Word of God would be in the fortunate group to be visited by angels and told of the Redeemer's birth! But to some lowly, Bible-believing, hungry-hearted and longing soul, the glad news would be brought. - John R. Rice [Immanuel--God With Us, pg. 18-19]

How sorry I am for those who have, by their unbelief, tuned out from the radio of their minds all heavenly melodies, all glorious promises of the Saviour. How sad and poor are those who are slow to believe! I do not wonder that later Jesus, after His resurrection, said to those who did not believe He was raised from the dead: "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?" (Luke 24:25, 26). Those who are fools and slow of heart to believe will have no real Christmas this year nor any other year. - John R. Rice [Immanuel--God With Us, pg. 19]

All the Christmas carols, all the brightly lighted Christmas trees, all the sweet greeting of friends and loved ones, all the feasting at loaded table are more or less empty forms to those who do not believe that Christ is the virgin-born Saviour and who have not trusted Him to save their own souls and give peace to their own tired and wretched hearts. - John R. Rice [Immanuel--God With Us, pg. 19]

Dear friend who reads these words, are you the one who has heard the good news but did not accept it? Have you been told of the Saviour's birth but you have not come to Him, to love Him and trust Him and receive Him for your own? Oh, hasten then to Jesus and see for yourself that what all the angels said is true. The praises of saints and martyrs, priests and prophets are justified. This happy Christmas season, go for yourself to look in the manger; see the face of the baby Jesus. And there you will find yourself looking into the tender, broken heart of God who "so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son." In that manger where the baby lay that day, the believing heart could see the coming of Calvary and a Saviour slain on a cross that we sinners might believe and be saved. - John R. Rice [Immanuel--God With Us, pg. 20-21]

It is part of the penalty and guilt of sin that the sinner does not realize the enormity of his wickedness. Part of the harm of liquor is that the man who is intoxicated thinks himself wise and brave and strong and capable. He thinks himself warm while he is freezing. He thinks himself safe as he drives a car careening down the highways to kill or be killed. How many drunkards, deceived by intoxication, boldly begin a fight, without realizing their incapability and are shot down or murdered by others, perhaps equally intoxicated. So it is with sin. It deceives, enslaves and blinds while it leads men on to destruction. - John R. Rice [Immanuel--God With Us, pg. 63]

Some people believe that Satan himself is master and manager of Hell. That is not true. Satan is not even in Hell now. He goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He is called "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2). But the time is coming when he will be cast into Hell and be punished forever. - John R. Rice [Immanuel--God With Us, pg. 112]

HOW SHEPHERDS BECAME WISE MEN (and how we can too!)

LUKE 2:8-20

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THEY HEARD RIGHT

1. They Feared [v. 8-9, Ps. 111:10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:

2. They Focused [v. 10-15]

Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

Ezekiel 37:4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

3. They Followed Through [v. 15, James 1:22]

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

II. THEY HASTED RIGHT

1. Let’s Do It Now! [v. 15]

1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith… behold, now is the day of salvation.)

2. Let’s Do It Quickly! [v. 15, Luke 19:5-6]

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

2 Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

3. Let’s Do It Right! [v. 15-16, Revelation 3:11]

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Revelation 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

III. THEY HERALDED RIGHT!

1. They Testified of the Word of God [v. 17, 1 Thessalonians 1:8]

For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 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.

2. They Testified of the Grace of God [v. 17-18, Psalm 107:2]

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

3. They Glorified the God of Heaven! [v. 20, 1 Corinthians 10:31]

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

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Colossians 3:17 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.

Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

WHAT THINK YE OF CHRIST? WHOSE SON IS HE?

MT. 22:41-46

Adapted from Dr. Wymal Porter by Pastor Rick Jackson

I. PHYSICALLY- HE WAS THE SON OF MARY [Mt. 1:18]

1. She was a Virgin [Lk. 1:26-33, 43]

2. His body was especially prepared [Heb. 10:4-5, 11;3, 13:21]

3. She was/is NOT the mother of God [Micah 5:2]

4. He was Christ from Conception [Ps. 22:9-10]

II. LEGALLY- HE WAS THE SON OF JOSEPH

1. Joseph, His Stepfather was considered His parent [Lk. 2:21-27, 39-49]

2. Joseph, His Stepfather, gives Him the right to David’s throne [Mt. 1:1, 15-25]

3. Mary, His mother, was also of the line of David [Lk. 3:23, 31, 34, 38]

III. POSITIONALLY- HE’S THE SON OF GOD [Lk. 3:22, Mt. 3:16-17]

1. He has always been Equal with God [Jn. 1:1-3, Phil. 2:5-6]

2. He emptied Himself of that Position [Phil. 2:7ff, Jn. 14;28]

“made Himself”  kenoo, ken-o'-o; from 2756; to make empty, i.e. (figuratively) to abase, neutralize, falsify:--make (of none effect, of no reputation, void), be in vain.

3. He was, is, and always has been God [Col. 1:12-20]

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Hebrews 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Revelation 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,

THE FULLNESS OF TIME, THE FOOLISHNESS OF MEN

GAL. 4:4-5, 3:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

Years ago, I read of a religion said to predate Christianity. The reason the writer thought it predated Christianity was because it was before the birth of Christ. The author was both foolish and ignorant. Ignorant because he did not know the beginning of Christmas and Christianity, and foolish because he spoke authoritatively on that of which he was ignorant. Never a wise thing for any of us.

When did Christmas and Christianity begin? Where do you start looking? What will you find? How does it measure up? Our text reveals to us that God waited until everything was right, but it also reveals to us, that He had a plan all along. Let us consider - The Fullness of Time, the Foolishness of Men.

I. START IN THE GOSPELS

1. Matthew Goes Back to Abraham [Mt. 1:1]

2. Luke Goes Back to Adam [Luke 3:38]

3. John Goes Back to the Ancient of days [Jn. 1:1]

Daniel 7:13-14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

II. SCRIPTURE REVEALS GOD’S GRANDEUR [John 1]

1. A Pre-Incarnate Christ [v. 1-4]

2. A Pernicious Problem [v. 5-11]

3. A Predetermined Solution [v. 12-14, 29]

Rev. 13:8 calls Jesus “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

III. MEASURING THE MEASURELESS

1. It’s Ageless in Its Entirety [Rev. 13:8, Eph. 2:7, 3:2 - so nothing predates it]

2. It’s Matchless in Its Glory [Lk. 2:9, 14, 32; 24:26]

3. It’s Boundless in Its Scope [1 Tm. 3:16, Heb. 7:25]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Is there anybody now who is accursed? Yes. Are there people who walk around now who are already under damnation? (I only use the term very soberly because it has been used vilely and profanely and vulgarly by so many people). You say, "Do you think there are people who walk about now who are already damned, who already have the curse of God on them, who are already blighted and cursed from God Almighty? Do you mean that?" That is exactly right. "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." The word condemned means damned, cursed. The curse of God is on every Christ-rejecting sinner. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 218]

It is a sad thing but in Proverbs 21:4 the Scripture says, "The plowing of the wicked, is sin." Is it wrong to plow? No, it is not wrong to plow; but everything a lost man does is sin, because his heart is sinful. How can anything good come out of a wicked heart that is turning down Jesus Christ? It cannot and it does not. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 218]

Your heart does not please God if you turn down Christ. You may give your money; you may spend your time; you may be polished and civilized; you may be a patriotic citizen; you may buy war bonds and help the Red Cross; you may give to the poor--and yet everything you be a sin that God hates. The plowing of the wicked is sin. Everything a wicked, Christ-rejecting man does is under the curse of God. He will not repent of his sins; he will not turn from his Christ-rejection and be saved. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 218-219]

There are those, I say it sadly, whom God has cursed. There are those who are already condemned. You ask, "Do you mean they cannot be saved?" No, no; I do not mean that. Oh, He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," says II Peter 3:9. God does not want anybody to be lost. God has paid too much for your soul to let you go. You are accursed because you will not let God save you, because you will not let God forgive you; you will not let God put a new heart in you. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 219]

We preachers are too softhearted to preach about Hell! Do you really believe that we are so much nicer than Jesus? No, no; God forgive us! It is not softheartedness; it is cowardice. It is sometimes being afraid of the words of men. But Jesus Christ, the loving Saviour who died for people, will be your Judge if you do not take Him as your Saviour. If you do not accept forgiveness, you will have condemnation. But you must have one or the other. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 220]

Somebody says, "Brother Rice, I am a good man." Not if you turn down Christ, you are not. Some woman ways, "Brother Rice, I am a nice, virtuous, good woman." Not if you reject Jesus Christ. Outwardly, in the sight of men, you may be nice' but in that black, wicked heart where God looks there is nothing good about you. If there were, you would have loved the Lord Jesus the first time you ever saw Him and knew that He loved sinners and died to save you. You would have run to Him, oh, so glad to know there was such a Saviour! If you had wanted to do right, you would have sought the Saviour and found Him the first time you ever heard about Him. You did not do it, so you have a wicked, black heart. You are not right; you are not trying to do right or you would turn to the Saviour. Let me lay it on your heart again that Jesus is the issue. That is right! - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 220]

I have no doubt that the stories of good fairies, once widely believed, were but the fragmentary and traditional racial memories of the ministry of angels, more common before men went so far from God. Even heathen people have such twisted, handed-down traditions.
During World War I, thousands of soldiers told the story of the angel of Mons, France, who, they said, appeared and stopped the advance of the German armies.
Angels are good friends of the people of God. - John R. Rice [Immanuel--God With Us, pg. 11]

WHAT YOU SHOULD REALLY KNOW ABOUT CHRISTMAS AND WHAT YOU SHOULD DO ABOUT IT

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THIS WAS NO ORDINARY BIRTH, NO ORDINARY BABY

Mt. 1:18-20 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Mt. 2:9-11 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Luke 2:7-9 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field , keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

Lk. 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child , his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

II. JESUS IS THE SAVIOUR

Mt. 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Lk. 2:10-14 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Lk. 2:25-32 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

III. THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD, JESUS IS GOD

Mt. 1:22-25 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, , and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Mt. 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Mt. 2:5-6 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Mt. 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:

Mt. 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Mt. 2:17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying

Mt. 2: 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets , He shall be called a Nazarene.

So… let’s review

- THIS WAS NO ORDINARY BIRTH, NO ORDINARY BABY

- JESUS IS THE SAVIOUR

- THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD, JESUS IS GOD

Those facts being the case- the most important thing for any person this Christmas is to personally receive Him as your Saviour as the Word of God declares in John 1:9-14

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

THE CHRISTMAS CHECK UP

Luke 2:21-24

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. CHECK YOUR SPIRITUALITY GAUGE [v. 25]

1. Simeon was a Saved Man [v. 25] “just”

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written , The just shall live by faith.

2. Simeon was a Spiritual Man [v. 25] “devout”

3. Simeon was a Satisfied Man [v. 25] “waiting” patiently

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

II. CHECK YOUR SPIRITUAL GUIDE [v. 25-27a]

1. The Holy Ghost had Influence “upon” Simeon [v. 25]  

2:8 “over”, 2:14 “on”, 2:33 “at”, 2:40 “upon”, 2:40 “upon”

2. The Holy Ghost Revealed Things to Simeon [v. 26, Heb. 8:5, 11:7]

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

3. The Holy Spirit Led Simeon [v. 27a, Rm. 8:14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

III. CHECK YOUR SATISFACTION GUARANTEE [v. 26-35]

1. Simeon was Satisfied with the Will of God [v. 26-29a]

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

2. Simeon was Satisfied with the Word of God [v. 29b]

3. Simeon was Satisfied with the Way of God [v. 30-35, John 14:6]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

These days preachers do not use the term "hell fire," but Jesus did. I would rather pattern after Him. He is a better preacher than anybody else I know. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 213]

Somebody says, "Why, Brother Rice, in the first place people don't believe it if you insist there is fire in Hell." Well, all right, tell the Lord Jesus that. If He made a mistake about it and did not put it in politic language so everybody would like it, you will have to take it up with Him. I have no authority to change what He said about it. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 213]

"Well," somebody else says, "I do not think it is a good policy; I do not think it is a matter of wisdom; I do not think it is prudent." Well, never mind whether it is prudent or not. We are not especially commanded to be tactful. We are supposed to be true to the Word and to Jesus Christ. And the Bible says in the words of Jesus Himself that in Hell there is a furnace of fire and that poor, lost sinners go to Hell to be tormented in flame. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 213]

I want you to notice that Jesus said that people who turn down Christ are going to be cast into Hell with the Devil and his angels. I want you to know there is a literal Devil. He is a literal personality, Satan, that fallen angel, that wicked enemy of your soul. Oh, the names the Bible calls him! He is sometimes called Satan. He is sometimes called Apollyon. He is called "the Accuser." He is called "that old serpent," and the Devil--that horrible enemy of your souls! You say, "Well, I wouldn't want to be in Hell with the author of all the ills in the world, the author of all disease, the author of all sorrow, the parent of all tears, the instigator of all iniquity, the father of all lies and theft." Well, that is where you are going to be if you turn down Jesus Christ. All fallen angels are going to be in Hell, and you are going to be there with them if you turn down Christ. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 215-216]

You who reject Christ will be shut up in Hell forever with the Devil and his angels. It will be their home. Do not ever think that Satan is going to run Hell; he himself will be a prisoner of Hell. And you and he are two of the same kind, the prisoners of Almighty God and the subjects of God's wrath, when you turn down Jesus Christ. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 216]

The Christ-rejector is not a child of God. If unconverted, you have not been born of God. You are not in the family of God. You do not have the Spirit of God. You are a child of the Devil. You are following the wickedness of Satan. You are led by him, and when you die you are going to the same Hell that he is going to. Will it not be a terrible thing to be shut up in the torments of the damned with Satan and fallen angels where every wicked being from this world is? That is going to happen. The Bible says so. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 216-217]

I think it is a tragedy unspeakable that when God made man in His image, made man for His joy, made man for Heaven, that he should follow Satan's lies and turn down Christ and then land in Hell, the lake of fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. What a horrible tragedy that any many should so wickedly turn away from the good and choose the evil and land in Hell! But that is what the Bible says will happen. To those who reject Him as personal Saviour, Jesus is going to say, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 217]

THE FIRST FATHER CHRISTMAS – ABRAHAM

JOHN 8:46-58

Pastor Rick Jackson

“Now wait just a minute. Abraham lived 2000 years before the birth of Jesus- how could he be Father Christmas? He didn’t know anything about Jesus, did he?”

Well, what did Jesus say about that in John 8? What did Paul say about it in Galatians 3 and 4? Turn to Galatians 3 and let us see:

I. The Christmas Gift of Abraham’s Salvation [Gal. 3:1-6]

1. Abraham was Saved by Faith [Gal. 3:1-6]

2. Abraham’s Faith was in the Lord Jesus [Gn. 15:1-6, Jn. 8:56-58]

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

3. Abraham’s Faith in Christ was the source of His Righteousness [Romans 4:1-3]

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

II. The Christmas Gift of Gentile Salvation [Gal. 3:7-14]

1. Gentiles were Prophesied to be Saved the Same Way as Abraham [v. 7-8, Gn. 12:3]

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

2. Jesus was Prophesied to be Saviour by Dying on the Cross [v. 9-13]

3. Christmas was Prophesied to include Gentiles [v. 14, Luke 2:10]

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

III. The Christmas Gift of Jewish Salvation [Gal. 3:15-4:6]

1. God Promised Abraham & Christ Salvation by Faith [v. 15-18]

2. God‘s Purpose in the Law is to Point out the Need for Christ [v. 19-25]

3. God’s Prophesy of Salvation was Fulfilled at Christmas [3:36-4:6]

CONCLUSION:

Think of the other Christmas events & images in Abraham's life- miraculous births, stars, wise men, Egypt, tree/bush of sacrifice, the only begotten son, the shepherds... is there any reason to doubt that Abraham, whose name means "father of many nations" can be considered the first father Christmas?

THE ATTACK

THE ATTACK

Pastor Rick Jackson

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Infamy Speech- December 8, 1941

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island and this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, 1941 a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Matthew 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Acts 13:10 And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

I. THE CHARACTER OF THE ATTACK

1. It was an Unexpected Attack [John 13:2]

And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

2. It was an Expected Attack [1 Peter 5:8]

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

3. It was a Deceitful Attack [John 8:44]

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

II. THE CAUSE OF THE ATTACK [what did/does the enemy hope to gain by the attack?]

1. It was meant to Discourage (demoralize) [1 Timothy 3:7]

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

2. It was meant to Disable [Luke 22:31]

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

3. It was meant to Destroy [Ephesians 6:11]

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

III. THE COST OF THE ATTACK

1. It was Critical [2 Timothy 2:26]

And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2. It was Catastrophic [Luke 8:12]

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

3. It was Conquered [Hebrews 2:14]

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

THOSE “THINGS”

LUKE 2:8-15 [especially verses 15, 18, 20]

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THOSE THINGS THE SINNER SHOULD EXPERIENCE [v.8-12]

1. Fear in the Light of God’s Glory [v. 8-9, Rm. 3:23]

2. Joy in the Light of God’s Grace [v. 10]

3. Response in the Light of God’s Goodness [v. 10-12, Jn. 1:11-12] “you” makes it personal

II. THOSE THINGS JESUS MANIFESTED [v. 11-12]

1. His Humanity [v. 11-12, Mt. 22:41-46]

2. His Anointed Position [v. 11] over 530 verses refer to this in the NT alone

Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Luke 3:15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

Luke 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

Luke 9:20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

Luke 20:41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

Luke 22:67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

Luke 23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

3. His Deity [v. 11]

III. THOSE THINGS WE SHOULD UNDERSTAND [v. 13-15]

1. God Delivers Salvation in Christ [v. 10-11]

2. God Deserves Praise [v. 13]

3. God Deserves Glory [v. 14, 1 Corinthians 10:31]

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

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Notice now, Felix trembled and said, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." Why did Felix go to Hell? He heard one of the greatest preachers that ever lived. He heard a man who was anointed of God and who won hundreds of thousands around the Roman Empire. He heard the man whom God had sent to preach and who wrote fourteen books of the New Testament. Yet he wasn't saved. He will never have another chance like this, will he? Why wasn't he saved? Well, he put it off. He said, "Go thy way for this time." They were famous last words. "Another time, a more convenient time." A more convenient time never comes! The Devil will see to that. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 189]

Every lost man has a wicked heart and that heart won't be changed tomorrow without Jesus. There is something in him that is still tough and mean. There is something in there which still doesn't want to give up its own way; and so a convenient time never comes.
If you don't say, "By God's grace I am going to repent and turn to Christ NOW because I ought to, because it is right, because it is the only safe way, the right way, it is the only way to be sure," you are not going to get saved. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 189]

Yes, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. And the road of by-and-by leads to the town of never. So people who put off salvation usually do not get it. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 190]

The old, old story: "I am going to get saved some day when I marry, when I settle down, when I have made the money, when I get my fill of sin, when I get tired of drinking. I am going to be saved some day." No, you won't! No, you won't! Your heart will get harder. Sin will get tighter reins on you. Your habits will set more. Your mind will be more hardened in sin. No, you won't. If you are going to get saved, do it now. Today is the day of salvation. Felix went to Hell primarily because he said, "Not now, Paul. You go your way for this time. A more convenient time I will get saved." But he didn't, and you won't either. Most likely you won't do it unless you do it now. I hope you will. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 194-195]

Remember this: The Holy Spirit IN a Christian is one ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit ON a Christian for soul-winning power is another ministry of the Holy Spirit. Every Christian has the Holy Spirit in him. But the pouring out of the Holy Ghost upon a Christian is the anointing of that Christian for service. The Lord said in Joel 2:28, "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring." The Holy Spirit ON a Christian is anointing for service. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 199]

Somebody says, "Oh, our preacher is not much good." Well, why don't you make him over? How? Have God pour out upon him the Holy Spirit from Heaven. Your praying can do that--not just the preacher's praying. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 199-200]

There is a Hell! That is part of the teaching of Jesus Christ, I repeat. That is part of the Gospel. That is an integral part of Christianity. You cannot have Christianity without a Bible Hell. It is not Christianity, but a pagan religion, it is heathendom, unless it has a Bible doctrine of sin and punishment in it. And so we ought to believe what Jesus Christ said about it. I have no patience and no time for anybody who does not accept what Jesus Christ said about anything. If you will not accept what Jesus Christ said, you are not a Christian. You are a heathen. You are a pagan. You are a Christ-rejecting sinner! - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 211-212]

THE QUESTION

THE QUESTION

ACTS 1:6-7

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. IT WAS A RIGHT QUESTION

1. The Plan of the Restoration of the Kingdom

2. The Place of the Restoration of the Kingdom

3. The Person of the Restoration of the Kingdom [demolishes amillennialism & postmillennialism]

II. IT WAS A REASONABLE QUESTION

1. It was a Reasonable Question because of the Situation [v. 1-6]

2. It was a Reasonable Question because of the Saviour [Mt. 28:16-20]

3. It was a Reasonable Question because of the Scripture

III. IT WAS A REMARKABLE QUESTION

1. It was Remarkable because Something More Pressing had just be Revealed [v. 4-5]

2. It was Remarkable because Somethings are Not for Us to Know [v. 7]

3. It was Remarkable because SomeOne was about to Empower Them [v. 8]

                -“upon you” NOT “in” you which had already been done [Jn. 7:37, 39; 20:19-20]

                -Eph. 5:18 proves it is for us as well

BEWITCHED, BOTHERED, & BEWILDERED

GALATIANS 3

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. FAITH & THE SPIRIT [v. 1-14]

1. Questions of Faith [v. 1-5]

2. Example of Faith [v. 6-9]

3. Blessings of Faith [v. 10-14]

II. FAITH & CHRIST [v. 14-20]

1. Christ the Seed [v. 14-16]

2. Christ the Confirmer [v. 17-18, Jn. 8:56]

3. Christ the Mediator [v. 19-20, 1 Tm. 2:5, Heb. 8:6, 9:15, 12:24]

III. FAITH & THE LAW [v. 21-29]

1. The Law Concludes [v. 21-22]

2. The Law Schools [v. 23-25]

3. The Law Cannot [v. 26-29]

ENEMIES OF CHRISTMAS

Mt. 2:3

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. SOME ARE TROUBLED UNNECESSARILY [Luke 2:10-11, 14]

1. Herod was a Troubled Man [Mt. 2:1-3, Ps. 2]

2. Herod was a Premeditated Prevaricators [v. 4, 7-8, Jn. 8:44, 14:6, 17:17]

3. Herod was a Merciless Murderer [v. 12-18]

II. SOME NEED TO BE TROUBLED MORE [Mt. 2:4-6]

1. Chief Priests & Scribes had the Truth in Their Heads [James 1:22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

2. Chief Priests & Scribes had the Truth in Their Hands [v. 5, Jn. 17:17]

3. Chief Priests & Scribes did NOT have the Truth in Their Hearts [Hebrews 4:2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

III. SATAN IS THE GREAT TROUBLER [Jn. 8:44]

1. Satan Hates the Incarnate Word [Mt. 4, Lk. 4]

2. Satan Hates the Inscripturated Word [Gn. 3]

3. Satan Hates the Entire World [1 Pet. 5:8]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

You know, men say, "Well, I like my freedom." You will never be free as long as you are a slave to drink.
A man sat in his own front room and said to me, "Brother Rice, if I don't get this thing licked, my wife will leave me. She says she has had enough, that she is not going to raise the children in an atmosphere of drunkenness. She said one more big drunk and she is going home to her mother." And he said, "My boss is going to fire me if I get drunk any more. He can't hold me on the payroll when I am never fit to work." He said, "I wish I had some way to get myself under control and be the man I ought to be."
I told him, as I tell you: Jesus Christ is the way to get control of yourself. You are not free. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 181]

Jesus Christ is the way to get control of yourself. You are not free. Is a man free when he is down on Skid Row in Chicago picking up cigarette butts in the gutter and knocking at the back doors for handouts, or going down to a soup kitchen or a rescue mission or is sometimes put in jail and sometimes sleeping in the alley and begging for any way to get a little bit to drink? Do you think that man is free? Is a man free when he is enslaved by lust, or enslaved by habit, or enslaved by passion, or enslaved by hatred, or enslaved by narcotics, a dope habit or liquor habit? No, nobody is really free until he gets Jesus. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 181]

I have a book of sermons entitled WHEN SKELETONS COME OUT OF THEIR CLOSETS! They do. One day the skeletons are going to come out of their closets. Someday the chickens are coming home to roost. The sinner is going to receive his wages some day. God is going to drag every poor, wicked sinner out of Hell, stand him up and open the record books. You are going to give an account. You are going to face your life and your sins, what you did and what you wanted to do; what you could have done and didn't and all the people you have led wrong. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 183-184]

In Ezra 10:9 we read: "Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain."
You think it is hard to go to church if you have a cold. You think it is hard to go to church if it snows a little. They stood out in the open air in the rain and trembled over their sins. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 185]

The right kind of preaching has to have enough of judgment and of righteousness and of self-control that men are conscious of their needs. We need more preaching on repentance. We need more preaching on sin and a whole lot more preaching on judgment. That is the kind of preaching that got results.
"I don't believe in scaring people," you say. Well, evidently you and the Lord Jesus don't see alike. You remember how He preached and said, "The rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments" (Luke 16:22, 23). That is the most terrible deathbed story I ever read. Jesus talked that way. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 187-188]

Grateful hearts are important. That's why I thank Mrs. Rice nearly every day for a good meal. I thank her because I am happy and content, and I ought to be grateful. You, too, ought to be grateful for what you have. God gives so many, many gifts for which we ought to thank Him. Have you got anybody to love you? That's wonderful! Do you have daily food? That's wonderful! Did you rest last night? Good! Did you have a place out of the weather? Fine! You didn't have to sleep out in the park somewhere? Well, you should be grateful. - John R. Rice [Golden Moments with Dr. John R. Rice, pg. 168]

I tell you, God loves sinners, but God hates sin, and God is going to bring sin to judgment. And the preacher who doesn't preach judgment is dishonest. He is not true to the Bible; he is not true to his calling; he doesn't deal fairly with sinners. He is going to give an account for all the sinners that he lets go on smiling and happy and lets them go on to Hell reveling in the fact, "The preacher likes me and thinks I am o.k. if I do live like the Devil." No, we need more preaching that makes people tremble. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 188]

OUR CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Pastor Rick Jackson

There are those who like to claim the early settlers in America were not particularly religious, much less Christian. Unfortunately for these modern-day secularists the early settlers often left evidence of their Biblical faith. The Mayflower Compact is one such evidence. It reads as follows:

In the Name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc.

Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony: unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod the 11 of November, in the year of the reign of our sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth Ano. Dom. 1620.

Almost 400 years ago these intrepid folks set their names to a document proclaiming themselves Christians and their mission, a Christian mission. To our secularist friends we say, quit lying, quit believing lies, and come to the knowledge of the Truth that is in Christ Jesus. What do we know about these Pilgrims?

I. THEY BELIEVED IN GOD'S PROMISES

1. They believed in the Name of God [1st line]

John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Acts 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

Colossians 3:17 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.

2. They believed in the Grace of God [1st line]

Acts 15:40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

3. They believed in the Presence of God                                 "and mutually in the presence of God, and one of another"

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Psalm 139:7-10 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

II. THEY BELIEVED IN GOD'S PROVIDENCE

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.

William Bradford, one of the Pilgrims wrote in, Of Plymouth Plantation, Chapter 9

And I may not omit here a special work of God's providence. There was a proud and very profane young man, one of the sea-men, of a lusty, able body, which made him the more haughty; he would always be condemning the poor people in their sickness, and cursing them daily with grievous execrations, and did not let to tell them, that he hoped to help to cast half of them overboard before they came to their journey's end, and to make merry with what they had; and if he were by any gently reproved, he would curse and swear most bitterly. But it pleased God before they came half seas over, to smite this young man with a grievous disease, of which he died in a desperate manner, and so was himself the first that was thrown overboard. Thus his curses light on his own head; and it was an astonishment to all his fellows, for they noted it to be the just hand of God upon him.

After they had enjoyed fair winds and weather for a season, they were encountered many times with cross winds, and met with many fierce storms, with which the ship was shroudly shaken, and her upper works made very leaky; and one of the main beams in the mid ships was bowed and cracked, which put them in some fear that the ship could not be able to perform the voyage. So some of the chief of the company, perceiving the mariners to fear the sufficiency of the ship, as appeared by their mutterings, they entered into serious consultation with the master and other officers of the ship, to consider in time of the danger; and rather to return then to cast themselves into a desperate and inevitable peril. And truly there was great distraction and difference of opinion among the mariners themselves; fain would they do what could be done for their wages sake, (being now half the seas over,) and on the other hand they were loath to hazard their lives too desperately. But in examining of all opinions, the master and others affirmed they knew the ship to be strong and firm under water; and for the buckling of the main beam, there was a great iron screw the passengers brought out of Holland, which would raise the beam into his place; the which being done, the carpenter and master affirmed that with a post put under it, set firm in the lower deck, and other-ways bound, he would make it sufficient. And as for the decks and upper works they would caulk them as well as they could, and though with the working of the ship they would not long keep staunch, yet there would otherwise be no great danger, if they did not overpress her with sails. So they committed themselves to the will of God, and resolved to proceed….

Being thus arrived in a good harbor and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of heaven, who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth, their proper element...

May not and ought not the children of these fathers rightly say: "Our fathers were Englishmen which came over this great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness; but they cried unto the Lord, and he heard their voice, and looked on their adversity, etc. Let them therefore praise the Lord, because he is good, and his mercies endure forever. Yea, let them which have been redeemed of the Lord, show how he hath delivered them from the hand of the oppressor. When they wandered in the desert wilderness out of the way, and found no city to dwell in, both hungry, and thirsty, their soul was overwhelmed in them. Let them confess before the Lord his loving kindness, and his wonderful works before the sons of men.

III. THEY BELIEVED IN GOD'S PURPOSE

1. They Believed in living for the Glory of God      "Having undertaken, for the Glory of God"

Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

2. They Believed in Living for the Furtherance of the Christian Faith

"Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith"

Philippians 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

3. They Believed Government Should Encourage Those Goals [Rm. 13:1ff]

"Covenant and Combine ourselves together into a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony"