POEM OF THE WEEK - HE MAKETH NO MISTAKE

He Maketh No Mistake

by A. M. Overton

My Father's way may twist and turn,

My heart may throb and ache,

But in my soul I'm glad I know

He maketh no mistake.

- - -

My cherished plans may go astray,

My hopes may fade away,

But still I'll trust my Lord to lead

For He doth know the way.

- - -

Tho' night be dark and it may seem

That day will never break,

I'll pin my faith, my all in Him;

He maketh no mistake.

- - -

There's so much now I cannot see,

My eyesight's far too dim;

But come what may, I'll simply trust

And leave it all to Him.

- - -

For by and by the mist will lift,

And plain it all He'll make.

Through all the way, tho' dark to me,

He made not one mistake.

THE REALLY BIG SHOW

MATTHEW 24:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

It is a well-known fact that people twist the Scriptures to their own destruction. They often take the plain words of the Bible and claim they say the exact opposite. There are those who say Jesus never claimed to be God. There are those that say the way of salvation is to keep the law. There are those who say we can know when Jesus is coming again with certainty. The certainty is... He's coming back and we cannot know when so we should be ready always!

I. THE BIG PICTURE [v. 4-12]

1. Expect Satanic Turmoil [v. 4-5, 11, 24] –unusual deceptions associated with religions and the name of Christ. Since 1950 more than a score [Jim Jones, David Koresh, Sun Myung Moon, some politicians called Savior]

2. Expect Global Turmoil [v. 6-8, 1 Th. 5:3]  in just the first 30 years after WW2 there were over 150 wars with over 25 million slain. There will be no peace until THE Prince of Peace comes

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child ; and they shall not escape.

3. Expect Religious Turmoil [v. 9-12]

II. THE BIG PROPHECY [v. 13-31]

1. The Bright Spot [v. 13-14; Rev. 11:3-12, 7:4-9, 14:1-7]

There is only one true Gospel [Gal. 1:6-12] but there are many designations-

THE Gospel of God, the Gospel of Christ, “my Gospel” –Paul, the everlasting Gospel, the Gospel of the kingdom-all the same Gospel but the emphasis will be “the King is coming, get ready, trust Him now [Ps. 2:10-12]

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

2. The Bad Spell [v. 15-21]

3. The Big Sign [v. 22-31]

III. THE BIG PATTERN [v. 32-51]

1. The Tribulation is Relatively Short [v. 32-34]

2. The Timing is Indistinguishable [v. 35-42, Lk. 17:28-30, 2 Pet. 2:5-9, 1 Th. 5:9]

Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

3. The Thing is--- to be Ready! [v. 43-51]

JESUS IS COMING! v. 42-44

- A Thief comes Unannounced [v. 42, 2 Pet. 3:3-10]

- A Thief comes Unexpectedly [v. 43, 1 Th. 5:2-4]

- A Thief comes Uninvited [v. 43b-44, Ps. 2:1-3]

BE OF GOOD CHEER

BE OF GOOD CHEER

MARK 6:50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. BE OF GOOD CHEER FOR SINS FORGIVEN [Matthew 9:2]

1. By Faith [v. 1-2]

2. By Grace [v. 2]

3. By Jesus [v. 2-8]

II. BE OF GOOD CHEER FOR THE SAVIOUR’S PRESENCE [Mt.

1. In His Will [v. 22-23]

2. In the Storm-Tossed Sea [v. 24-25]

3. In Their Uncertainty [v. 26-33]

III. BE OF GOOD CHEER FOR THE SAVIOUR’S PROMISES

1. Despite the World [John 16:33]

2. Despite the Opposition [Acts 23:11]

3. Despite the Circumstances [Acts 27:22-25]

BE OF GOOD CHEER!

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

God's Word says that your righteousness is only as filthy rags in His sight (Isa. 64:6). You appear good to men, but you are not good. Your outward goodness covers over an unregenerate, wicked heart. That guilty heart must be cleansed, your sins must be forgiven, your nature must be changed before you can ever meet God in peace. - John R. Rice [What Must I Do to Be Saved?, pg. 126-127]

The Lord Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He died to save sinners. I would make sure today that I was not depending on anything else in the world except that Christ died for me and God had promised me forgiveness when I trusted Him. - John R. Rice [What Must I Do to Be Saved?, pg. 132-133]

Abraham prayed and wept over Lot and begged God to spare him. Then when the angels came, they said, "Lot, hurry and get out. Come on, Lot, you tarry too long. Lot, we can't do anything until you get out." Isn't that wonderful? "You have our hand tied; God won't let us touch a thing, Lot, until you get out of here. Abraham prayed for you and God is merciful and won't let us get the fire going until you get out. We can't do anything."
Oh, the concern of Abraham! He prayed through about Lot. Though Lot's loved ones were not saved, yet he was saved. God spared him. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 14]

You cannot hold on to the Christ of the Bible unless you hold on to the Bible itself. Anybody who is ashamed of the Word of Jesus Christ is ashamed of Christ. They stand or fall together. The Bible is the Word of Christ, and the words are the words of Christ, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 28]

In 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable. . . ." All Scripture is inspired of God. We talk about the inspiration of the Scripture. That is a little unfortunate because actually what the Lord says there in the original is not so much that the Bible is inspired, not that God breathed upon the Bible or even that He breathed into the Bible, but that God breathed OUT the Bible. The Bible is the breath of God. The Bible proceeded from out of the being of God. God breathed out the Bible. It is not only that God breathed on men who wrote, but that what came out, the Bible itself, came out from God, breathed out from God. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 29]

Incidentally, as you know, in the Greek the term for "breath" or "wind," and the word for "spirit," are the same. So the Holy Spirit of God came upon men and God breathed out through His Spirit the Word of God. Notice, not that God supervised men; not that God touched men, but that God moved men to say what He breathed out Himself. The Bible is breathed out from God. It is a product of God, and so the Word of God. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 29]

God Himself moved the men when they wrote the Scriptures. Inspiration. What do you mean then? Not just supervision, not just some correction of mistakes, but the words come from God. The Scriptures were breathed out from God. The men who wrote held the pen, but God held the man who held the pen. Literally, then, this is the Word of God and not the word of men. The words are the words of God, not simply the words of men. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 30]

IT IS NOT GOD’S FAULT

                                                            Isaiah 50                                                              

Pastor Rick Jackson

A student asked his teacher, "Why did you give me a D on my report card?"

"I didn't give you a D. You earned a D. I merely recorded the grade."

I. DON'T BLAME GOD FOR TROUBLE [v. 1-3]

1. Blame Sin [v. 1, Numbers 32:23]

But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

2. Blame Your Apathy [v. 2a, James 4:2, Jeremiah 19:15, 22:5, 22:21]

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.

But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.

I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice.

3. Blame Your Inattention [v. 2b-3, Malachi 2:2]

If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.

II. DON'T BLAME GOD FOR TRYING [v. 4-8]

1. Jesus Spoke as None Else [v. 4, John 7:46, Luke 6: 46-49]

The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

2. Jesus Lived as None Else [v. 5-7, 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.

3. Jesus Invites as None Else [v. 8, Romans 5:10, Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 11:28]

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

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

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

III. DON'T BLAME GOD FOR WHO YOU TRUST [v. 9-11]

1. The Chance is for Everyone [v. 9, Romans 8:34]

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

2. The Christ is for Everyone [v. 10, Rev. 22: 17]

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely

3. The Choice is for Everyone [v. 11, Hebrews 3:13, 15]

But exhort one another daily, , while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

LESSONS OF THE STORM

ACTS 27:1-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

Sometimes we don't learn certain lessons unless they are taught to us by a storm. Now it’s better if we can learn it from the Word, but as this passage shows, some people don't listen to the Word. Let us not be of that group.

THE STORM TEACHES US:

1. Experts are Not always Right [v. 11]

2. Inconvenience isn't your Biggest Problem [v. 12]

3. Circumstances are not the best Indicators of Action [v. 13]

4. We are Not in Charge [v. 14-15]

5. Sometimes an Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure [v. 16-17a]

6. Our Value System may Need Adjusting [v. 17b-19]

7. Faith in man is Not as secure as Faith in God [v. 20-23]

8. The Christian, in the will of God, is Unsinkable [v. 24]

9. The Christian must Not take God's Will for Granted [v. 25-32]

10. God will Not do for you what you can do for yourself [v. 33-44]

LIVING BY FAITH

Habakkuk 2:1-4

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. LIVING BY FAITH STARTS WITH SALVATION [ROMANS 1:17]

1. The Gospel of Christ [v. 16, 1 Cor. 15]

2. The Power of God [v. 16, 1 Peter 1:5]

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

3. The Reception of Faith [v. 16-17, Eph. 2:8-9]

II. LIVING BY FAITH IS SOLIDLY SCRIPTURAL [GAL. 3:11]

1. As Proved by the Example of Abraham [v. 6-9]

2. As Proved by the Curse of the Law [v. 10-13]

3. As Proved by the Promise of the Spirit [v. 14-22]

III. LIVING BY FAITH IS A SERIOUS SUBJECT [HEB. 10:38]

1. Rejecting the Truth is a Death Sentence [v. 26-29]

2. Realizing the Truth is a Dynamic Strategy [v. 30-37]

3. Respecting the Truth is a Definitely Smart [v. 38-39]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

If someone charges that such preaching is old-fashioned, we gladly admit it. I have delivered only what I have received. If any be blessed through the messages, then the credit properly belongs to the Christ who shed the blood, to the God who gave the Book, and to the Holy Spirit who moves upon the hearts of men. - John R. Rice [What Must I Do to Be Saved?, pg. 7-8]

The great gulf between hell and paradise or heaven is fixed, that is, permanent. No one ever can pass from one to the other! There is no limbo, no purgatory, no middle ground! Beyond this life there remains only an eternal hell and an eternal heaven, eternally separated! - John R. Rice [What Must I Do to Be Saved?, pg. 72-73]

Those who encourage men to reject Christ sometimes say that hell is only the grave. How foolish that is when you hear the rich man cry out in hell, "I am tormented in this flame!" He was not simply in the grave! He wanted his brother to repent "lest they also come into this place of torment." Repenting would not have kept them from the grave; it would keep them from hell. - John R. Rice [What Must I Do to Be Saved?, pg. 70]

The Scriptures about hell are so definite that any man who says hell is the grave is either an ignoramus or a deliberate deceiver. - John R. Rice [What Must I Do to Be Saved?, pg. 70]

Judgment will be on the basis of what men deserve. People go to hell because they deserve to go; some have a worse hell because they deserve a worse hell. They will be judged accurately according to God's records of their work and punished in hell accordingly. - John R. Rice [What Must I Do to Be Saved?, pg. 88]

Hell will certainly be hotter for some than for others. God always does right. We may be certain that a man who rejects Christ fifty years and with great enlightenment still resists God, will be punished more than a younger person. We may be certain that one who is reared in this enlightened land and hears the gospel all his life and then dies without Christ will find hell more terrible than a heathen savage who had only the enlightenment of the law written in his heart, that is, his conscience, and the evidence of nature around him that there is a God. Hell is the result of men's sins. Greater sin makes a more terrible hell for the sinner. - John R. Rice [What Must I Do to Be Saved?, pg. 89]

Repentance means to change your mind and heart; to turn from sin in the heart toward Christ. To repent includes trusting Christ. Trusting in Christ includes repentance. You could not truly turn from sin in the heart without turning toward Christ, without trusting Him. - John R. Rice [What Must I Do to Be Saved?, pg. 108-109]

FAIL

FAIL

Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. PEOPLE WILL FAIL YOU

1. Lost People Will Fail You [Genesis 41:9]

Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day

2. Saved People Will Fail You [2 Timothy 4:10]

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

3. You Will Fail Yourself [Romans 7:15-23]

II. THINGS WILL FAIL YOU

1. Money Will Fail You [Matthew 6:19-20]

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

2. Health Will Fail You [Job 1-2] "Well, at least you've got your health!"

3. Governments Will Fail You [Dan. 2:36-43]

III. WHO OR WHAT DOESN'T FAIL?

1. God does Not Fail [Deuteronomy 31:6]

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

Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Lamentations 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

2. The Bible Does Not Fail [Psalm 19:7]

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Luke 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

3. The New Nature Does Not Fail [1 John 3:1-9]

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

HAVE YOU HAD A PATMOS EXPERIENCE [Part 2]

REVELATION 1:17-19

Pastor Rick Jackson

Have you ever found yourself in a place NOT of your own choosing? [Prison=Joseph, John the Baptist, Paul, Peter, Jeremiah, John Bunyan, Lester Roloff, etc. / Sorrow=Job / Mission field=Jonah / Exile=John]Respond properly and while it may not be the place of your choosing it may be the place of God's great blessing! For John, that place was Patmos.

I. JOHN’S TESTIMONY [v. 17a]

1. We Need to See Him as He Is “And when I saw Him…” “the baby Jesus” “the man upstairs”

2. We Need to Settle Who He Is [Mt. 16:13-16, John 20:28, Acts 9 ] “I fell at His feet”

3. We Need to Substitute His Life for Ours “As dead” [Gal. 2:20]

1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

II. JOHN TOUCHED [v. 17b-18]

1. The Second Time [Mt. 17:1-9, esp. v. 7]

2. The Singular Touch [v. 17]

3. The Saviour’s Touch [v. 18] not touched by an angel like Daniel or Isaiah

T’was battered and scared, and the auctioneer Thought it scarcely worth his while To waste much time on the old violin, But he held it up with a smile. "What am I bidden, good folks," he cried, "Who'll start bidding for me? A dollar, a dollar - now who’ll make it two _Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, Going for three". . . but no! From the room far back a gray-haired man Came forward and picked up the bow; Then wiping the dust from the old violin, And tightening up the strings, He played a melody, pure and sweet, As sweet as an angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer With a voice that was quiet and low, Said: "What am I bidden for the old violin?" And he held it up with the bow; "A thousand dollars - and who'll make it two? Two thousand - and who'll make it three? Three thousand once, three thousand twice, And going - and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We do not quite understand -What changed its worth?" The man replied: "The touch of the master’s hand. "And many a man with life out of tune, And battered and torn with sin, Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd. Much like the old violin.

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine, A game and he travels on, He’s going once, and going twice -He's going - and almost gone! But the MASTER comes, and the foolish crowd, Never can quite understand, The worth of a soul, and the change that's wrought By the touch of the MASTER'S hand.

~Myra B. Welch

III. JOHN TOLD [v. 19]

1. Be A Witness - write what he has seen

2. Be A Watchman - write what is

3. Be A Warner - write what will be

IT’S HIS STORY

GENESIS 37:1-2, 41:39-46

Pastor Rick Jackson

Most of us are familiar with the story of Joseph--- how God took this young man and used him to save the fledgling nation of Israel from starvation or absorption by other nations. You might read this story and think the future of Israel was dependent upon a 17-year-old boy--- IT WASN'T! Nor was Israel's future dependent upon a 40-year-old Moses or an 80 year old Moses. It wasn't dependent upon David as he faced Goliath, or Joshua at the walls of Jericho, or Peter at Pentecost, or Paul and his missionary journeys... The future of Israel & the future of the church, yes, even the future of mankind has always been dependent upon God Almighty.

The history of BBC is His Story. It’s His working through the individuals He brings to, through, and from Bradford Baptist Church. Many of you may not know this but I was first approached to come on staff here by the first pastor in the 1980s. I declined. It wasn’t my time. The future of Bradford Baptist Church does not depend on Rick Jackson or Henry Hodges or anyone else. The future of Bradford Baptist Church depends on God Almighty. Now does God call individuals to do His will? Yes, He does. Does God have something He wants us to do? Yes, He does. Will all His plans fail if we don't do it? Let Mordecai's words to Esther be the answer.

Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

But this is the story of life... to be used of God... to live for him, despite circumstances, that is what fixes our place in His Story. Look at Joseph's life, look at the:

I. YEARS OF BURDENS

1. Caused by the Looks of Others [37:3-4, 17-21, 25-28, 36]

2. Caused by the Lies of Others [39:7, 10-20]

3. Caused by the Lack of Others [40:1-8, 12, 20-21, 23]

but when we are in the Lord's will, the Years of Burdens can also be:

II. YEARS OF BLESSINGS

1. even when considered a Dreamer for believing God [37:5, 19]

2. even when confined as a Slave for obeying God [39:8-9]

1 Corinthians 7:21-22 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

3. even when convicted as a Prisoner for living for God [39:20-23]

Eph. 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called

2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

yes, they were years of Burdens ad they were years of Blessings because God was using them as:

III. YEARS OF BUILDING

1. God was Building a Man [41:14-16, 25, 28, 32-40]

2. God was Building a Leader [41:41-44]

3. God was Building a Life [41:45-46, 50-52, 42:5-9, 45:1-8]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Some Christians very foolishly say that if a man is put to death for murder, he has no more chance to repent; therefore, let us turn him loose. He may kill somebody else, but maybe he will have a chance to repent. The simple truth is, the man who knows he is bound for the electric chair is more likely to repent than the man who knows he will get out on parole after a few months for his crime. - John R. Rice [Great Controversial Subjects Settled from the Bible, pg. 228-229]

SUNDAY IS NOT THE SABBATH. THE BIBLE NEVER ONCE SPEAKS OF IT AS A SABBATH. THE BIBLE DOES NOT COMMAND CHRISTIANS TO KEEP SUNDAY AS A SABBATH. IN FACT, THE NEW TESTAMENT DOES NOT COMMAND CHRISTIANS TO KEEP ANY SABBATH WHATSOEVER! THE SABBATH WAS FOR JEWS UNDER CEREMONIAL LAW AND FOR NO ONE ELSE, IT WAS A SPECIAL COVENANT AND SIGN BETWEEN GOD AND THE JEWS. - John R. Rice [Great Controversial Subjects Settled from the Bible, pg. 244] emphasis was Dr. Rice's

Ceremonial laws may be commanded to one group and not commanded to others, but the moral law is for all alike.
the law against murder is certainly true for everybody, but the law concerning circumcision is only for the Jews. Therefore, it is ceremonial law. Likewise, the law that Jews should keep the Sabbath is a ceremonial law because it is expressly given as a sign between God and Jews to set them apart from others. Any command that is restricted to a particular group and is not given to others is thereby proven to be a ceremonial law. - John R. Rice [Great Controversial Subjects Settled from the Bible, pg. 248]

Some people are hypocrites about prayer. They stand on street corners and in synagogues and want people to hear them pray and hear them say, "My, he is lovely in prayer."
A pastor once said to me, "If you want somebody to lead in prayer, call on Sister So-and-so. She is very able in prayer." I never called on her. God deliver me from these people who are "able in prayer." I suppose he meant she was very eloquent, using beautiful language.
Watch your temptation. People are listening and you will talk to the people instead of God if you don't watch it. When you pray, don't be a hypocrite; praying to be heard of men. - John R. Rice [Great Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount, pg. 9]

Jesus said, "And other sheep I have , which are not of this fold: them also must I bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" (John 10:16). I say, "Lord Jesus, I am anxious to see those other sheep in Your fold. They are my brothers and sisters."
So whether they are black in skin, or yellow, or brown, or white--those who are born-again children are the children on my Father. And when I come to say, "My Father," I am acknowledging that I am part of a whole group of Christians whom I ought to love and count in the family. - John R. Rice [Great Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount, pg. 11]

You must face it that a lot of people who think they are going to Heaven, and a lot of people whom the rest of us may think are going to Heaven, are not. Why? Because they haven't been born again. They are outwardly moral and religious, but not born again. They don't have a new heart, so they are lost, though they may appear to be Christians. Religious but lost. What a sad thing! - John R. Rice [Great Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount, pg. 25]

Christ Jesus died for sinners--and nobody else--and that only those who will not repent and trust in the shed blood of Christ need be lost. - John R. Rice [What Must I Do to Be Saved?, pg. 7]

A GOOD SOLDIER

2 Tm. 2:1-4

Adapted by Pastor Rick Jackson*

This message revolves around the truth that Christians are in the Lord's army. Every born again, blood washed, believer is a soldier of the cross whether he likes it or not. He must realize this truth and live accordingly [v. 1].

Paul had an opportunity to study soldiers up close. He spent a lot a time with soldiers. So, he writes to us about being a good or successful soldier. There are soldiers and there are good soldiers. What makes the difference?

I. EDUCATION [v. 2]

II. ENDURANCE [v. 3a, Jeremiah 12:5]

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

To endure is to withstand a time of testing or period of difficulty without giving up or giving in. A successful soldier realizes a sacrifice can involve your life.

In WWII, in the Pacific, during the last part of the Guadalcanal Campaign, the Japanese Navy made a last attempt effort to reinforce their troops on the island. General Vandergriff and the Marines had the Japanese on the ropes. he Japanese were going to bring in a fleet through the strait with their reinforcements.

Admiral Halsey called in 2 admirals over 3 banged up cruisers and a destroyer flotilla and told them Vandergriff was counting on them keeping those reinforcements off the island. They replied, "We'll do our best. We may not stop them- but there won't be many left."

When the smoke cleared 2 cruisers were lost and 7 destroyers were sunk. The Japanese had been forced to withdraw. the 2 admirals had gone down with their ships- they died doing their task without seeing the result.We may not see the results either, but we must do the task!

III. EMPLOYMENT [v. 3b]

A good soldier recognizes his occupation is worthwhile. Attitude is key here not understanding. Many a Bible character shone because of his attitude even when his understanding was limited (Daniel, Job, Joseph). A good soldier may not understand but he says, "Hey, I'm doing my job!"

Like the Roman army facing the Carthaginian General Hannibal in 200 BC. Hannibal had elephants. Elephants are, as you know, rather large creatures. The Romans had never seen one up close 'til one day they were in formation and saw these creatures charging them at full speed. They had 2 choices- RUN or STAND STILL and be trampled. The stood still and were trampled.

From that experience the Romans learned 2 things. 1st-elephants will crush you - and - 2nd they're relatively slow. The Roman General said, "Aha, - now we have a game plan."

The Romans stood 'til the last second, jumped aside and slashed the elephants’ legs and then killed the Carthaginian soldiers on them.

The sacrifice of the first Roman soldiers wasn't worthless. You may feel unappreciated... the world's against you... sugars been licked off your lollipop- and you feel like quittin'. That's the time to be a good soldier.

What will you do when the elephants come? You may be trampled- but your being trampled may help someone else!

IV. ENTANGLEMENT FREE [4a]

V. EMPHASIS [4b]

In 1864 U.S. Grant was given the job of destroying Lee's army. The North said Lee wasn't a bad guy but he's got to go. South took issue with this. The Battle of the Wilderness- entangled area - thickets. Trees were shot down (good ol' days) 75-100 yards apart using 58 caliber rifles. Casualties high. 7000 men in 45 minutes, 67,000 in 3 months.

Battle of the Bloody Angle. Lee ordered Hood's Brigade. Lee started to take point, but the men refused to let him. They said they would do it and they did!

Some men paid $300 to let someone else do the fighting for them. These men became known as goldbricks. Are you a gold brick?

*adapted from a message given by Dr. Lexie Wiggins (a Christian History Professor)

HAVE YOU HAD A PATMOS EXPERIENCE?

REVELATION 1

Pastor Rick Jackson

Have you ever found yourself in a place NOT of your own choosing? [Prison=Joseph, John the Baptist, Paul, Peter, Jeremiah, John Bunyan, Lester Roloff, etc. / Sorrow=Job / Mission field=Jonah / Exile=John]

Respond properly and while it may not be the place of your choosing it may be the place of God's great blessing! For John, that place was Patmos.

I. JOHN SAID [v. 9-10a]

1. I am your Brother / you are family [v. 9]

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

2. I am your Companion in Tribulation / You are not alone [v. 9]

1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

3. I am your Example [v. 10a] / You are without excuse

when his baby died what did David do? when he lost everything-what did Job do? When he was sold as a slave and thrown in prison what did Joseph do? when he was taken captive to Babylon what did Daniel do? what are you doing?

II. JOHN HEARD [v. 10b-11]

1. The Great Voice [v. 10b] burning bush/Saul, Saul/Follow me/Go Ye

1 Kings 19:9-12 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

2. of The Great God [v. 11]

Isaiah 41:4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.

Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

3. Calling me to Do a Great Work [v. 11]

Little is much when God is in it... anyone here know Daisy Hawes? Edward Kimball? Betty R. Cabbage?

III. JOHN SAW [v. 12-16]

1. One Familiar yet Unfamiliar [v. 12-15]

2. One Over 7 Real, Yet Representative, Churches [v. 12-13, 16, 20]

3. One Whose Voice You Can See Yet His Light You Cannot (Fully) [v. 12, 16; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mt. 17]

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Romans 11:6 says, "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." No one has a right to say "saved by grace" and mean baptism or church membership, living right or holding out faithful, etc. Grace is grace, that is, a free gift of God to people who do not deserve it. That is the only way people are saved according to the Bible. But baptismal regeneration teaching dishonors the Bible doctrine of grace. - John R. Rice

Every saved person has been taken by the Holy Spirit and buried or baptized into the body of Christ (I Cor. 12:12, 13).
The Bible speaks of this body as "the church which is his body" (Col. 1:18), and as "the general assembly and church of the firstborn" (Heb. 12:23). (However, let this church, the body of Christ, the assembly that will meet in Heaven at the rapture, not be confused with local congregations of Christians called churches.) The Bible gives example and precept for local congregations of Christians called churches. Every local church is a called-out assembly (Greek, ekklesia), but at the rapture, every saved person will be in another called-out assembly. - John R. Rice

I think it is a great mistake to make a big dispensational matter out of Pentecost. In the first place, that is not the time when the Holy Spirit came into the body of Christians to dwell. That happened the day Jesus arose from the dead, according to John 20:19-22, when Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost," and they did then surely receive the Holy Spirit in their bodies. Thar didn't happen at Pentecost. Pentecost was simply a time when the disciples, after waiting, were "endued with power from on high." And we have played down the Scriptures by making an artificial meaning there which the Bible does not give, so I understand. - John R. Rice

There is just one way for a Christian to approach the Bible. Where there is a clear statement that cannot be misunderstood in the Bible, then everybody must set out to believe that and all our doctrine and teaching and explanations of other Scriptures will have to fit with that. - John R. Rice

There are no contradictions in the Bible. If one tried to use one Scripture to tear down another, that is "wresting the Scriptures," which is a sin. - John R. Rice

The whole Catholic concept of popes and priests coming between people and God is wrong, unscriptural and hurtful. And Baptist popes are just as unscriptural as Catholic popes. - John R. Rice

God's best people do not drink alcoholic liquors. - John R. Rice

THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

REVELATION 1:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

People love to talk about Jesus and call Him a great teacher, or a great example. Some call Him a prophet, an angel, a brother to Satan or the man upstairs. Many speak of Him flippantly and say that Paul and the others misrepresented His teachings and made more claims than Jesus Himself did. My friends, hogwash, poppycock and fiddle-faddle!

The Bible is the Only completely reliable guide as to the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us get a glimpse of Him tonight from just a few verses.

1. Jesus is The Faithful Martyr/Witness [v. 5]

2 Timothy 2:10-13 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

2. Jesus is the First Begotten of the Dead [v. 5] (the first One in a glorified body)

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

3. Jesus is the Ruler over all earthly rulers [v. 5]

1 Timothy 6:14-15 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

4. Jesus is the Lover of our souls [v. 5]

Psalm 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

5. Jesus is the Saviour of Sinners [v. 5]

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

6. Jesus is the Shedder of His Own Blood [v. 5]

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

7. Jesus is the Maker of Kings and Priests [v. 6]

Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

8. Jesus is the Holder of Glory & Dominion Forever [v. 6]

1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Jude 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for. ever. Amen.

9. Jesus is the Coming One! [v. 7]

Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

10. Jesus is as Much God as God the Father [v. 4-5]

Isaiah 41:4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.

Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.