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"

THANKSGIVING IN THE CITIES OF DAVID

                               LUKE 2                                                  

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. IN BETHLEHEM [v. 7-20]

1. The Shepherds Took God at His Word [v. 7-16]

2. The Shepherds Took God’s Word to Others [v. 17-19]

3. The Shepherds Took their Praise and Glory to God [v. 20]

II. IN JERUSALEM [v. 21-35]

1. Honor God No Matter What [v. 21-24]

2. Be Thankful No Matter What [v. 25-33, 1 Thessalonians 5:18]

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

3. Difficulties Abound, Live Godly Anyway [v. 34-35, 2 Timothy 3:12]

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

III. IN THE TEMPLE [v. 36-38,

1. Serve God [v. 36-37, 1 Co. 3:16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

2. Thank God [v. 38a, 1 Co. 6:19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

3. Share God [v. 38b, 2 Co. 6:16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said , I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER

                                                                                                                              Pastor Rick Jackson

Matthew 9:33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying , It was never so seen in Israel.

Mark 2:12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying , We never saw it on this fashion.

John 7:46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

I. JESUS NEVER

1. He's the Sinless One Who Never Sins

Acts 3:14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

2 Co. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

2. He's the Ageless One Who Never Ages

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

1 Tm. 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

3. He's the King Who Never Abdicates [Rev. 19:16]

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Psalm 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

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.

John 19:21-22 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

II. JESUS NEVER LOSES

1. He's the Saviour/Shepherd Who Has Never Lost a Sinner/Sheep

Matt. 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.

John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.

2. He's the Lawyer Who Has Never Lost a Case [1 John 2:1]

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

3. He's the Soldier Who Has Never Lost a Battle

Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Joshua 5:14-15 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

III. JESUS NEVER FAILS

1. He is the Author Who Has Never Failed to Finish What He Started [Heb. 5:9, 12:2, Phil. 1:6]

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

2. He is the Water That Never Failed to Satisfy [Jer. 17:13, Jn. 4:10]

O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

3. He is the Priest Who Has Never Failed to Make Reconciliation [Heb. 2:17, 6:20, 7:26]

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

You say, "Brother Rice, since I have been saved I have had more trouble than I did before." You know, sometimes it just seems like one of the old Devil's crowd can live like they want to and get by. He seems to make more money, doesn't he? And seems to get along all right. Well, the reason is, he is going to Hell anyhow and God says, "Now this child of mine, I've got to work him over now. This lost fellow--I will have forever to do that; but this fellow is going to Heaven, and I've got to work him over now." God whips His own children because of their sin. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg.136-137]

Once in Dallas, Texas, there was a bunch of girls playing out in our front yard. There was always a gang of girls around our place. I am really quite a lady's man! I'm pretty much of a sissy. I had six girls at last count! So there was a bunch of girls in the front yard playing. They got into a row and got to crying, and arguing, and pulling hair. Mrs. Rice came out of the house and straightened that crowd out. She snatched up two of those little girls and took them into the house. The others went home. I heard the two she went into the house with say, "Ouch! Ouch!"--whack, whack, whack--"Ouch, Mama! I'm sorry, I won't do it anymore." Now, let me see. Which girls belonged to Mrs. Rice? The ones who went off without a whipping, or the ones whom she took in the house? Now, who do you think God is going to be the quickest to chastise for wrongs? His own children or the Devil's? Do you see that? Punishments, plagues, and troubles come. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg.137]

You know, the Devil's way is always to jump on you at your strong point, because that is where you are not looking. The meekest man who ever lived in the world was Moses. And yet do you know how he missed the land of Canaan? By flying into a rage and beating on the rock when the Lord said to speak to it. The meek man lost his temper. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 164]

"And when he came to himself, he said... I will arise and go to my father, ... and he arose and came to his father." --Luke 15:11-20.
You know, I like that guy! He played the fool, but boy, when he hit bottom he bounced! He had sense enough to come to himself. Some of you don't have that much sense! You never did "come to yourself." Many people never did stop to consider at all. The Lord says in Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." You never did come and reason with God. You never have stopped to see where you have gone. This boy came to his senses. He said, "I am going to arise and go to my father." - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 168]

I remember once I started preaching on the prodigal son, and I preached it as if he were a backslider. Then I thought, "This must picture a lost sinner." So I changed, and the next time I preached on it, I preached that this was a lost sinner coming back to God. Then somebody said, "Well, look here; it looks to me like he was a backslider who was saved but drifted from fellowship and is now coming back." And I saw the secret after awhile. This means anybody who ever went away from God! The prodigal pictures those who are unconverted lost sinners. It also pictures wayward Christians. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 168-169]

Back in the years before the war, when you could buy a car, you got a warranty, a ninety-day warranty on the car. That meant you not only got the car, but you got ninety days' upkeep. That is nothing beside what God gives. He gives everlasting upkeep! Why, that is in the bargain! "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (I John 1:9). What do you mean "faithful"? That means He keeps His promise. That was in the bargain. That is in the guarantee: everlasting life and all the things that go with it. Jesus said, "I am come that ye might have life." That is the point you see; God wants you to have more abundant life, too. That is in the bargain. So if you have a puny kind of Christian life, come and get it abundantly. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 170]

The only way to get somebody saved is to tell them about Jesus. You have to tell them about their sins, too, and we'll talk about that. But Paul's preaching about Christ is on the sin question. Jesus Christ is the only Saviour. People are not saved by joining a church, by paying their debts. People are not saved by being good to their family, or because they quit drinking and cursing and lying. People are saved only through the person of Jesus Christ. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 179]

KNOWING & DOING

1 PETER 1:1-9

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. WHAT DID GOD KNOW [v. 1-2]

1. God Knew Christians Would Need Encouragement [v.1]

2. God Knew Who would Yield to the Holy Spirit and Trust Christ [v. 2, 1 Th. 1:4-9]

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 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. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

3. God Knew Christians would Need Living Grace & Peace [v. 2b]

II. WHAT HAS GOD DONE [v. 3-5]

1. Given us the Power to be Children of God [v. 3a]

John 1:12 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:

3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

2. Taken Us From Death unto Life [v. 3b]

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. Changed Our Destiny From Indignation to Inheritance [v. 4-5]

Hebrews 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Revelation 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

III. WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING [v. 6-9]

1. Rejoice that Sadness is Temporary [v. 6]

2. Rejoice that Trials are Purposeful [v. 7]

3. Rejoice that Our Saviour is Coming for Us! [v. 7b-9]

CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST

GALATIANS 2

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. PAUL’S INDEPENDENCE [v. 1-5]

1. Not from God [v. 1-2a]

2. Not for Sale [v. 2b-3]

3. Not for “Unity” [v. 4-5]

II. PAUL’S DEPENDENCE [v. 6-10]

1. God’s Principles [v. 6-7]

2. God’s Power [v. 8]

3. God’s Perspective [v. 9-10]

III. PAUL’S DILIGENCE [v. 11-21]

1. To Live the Gospel [v. 11-15]

2. To Give the Gospel [v. 16]

3. To Live For Christ [v. 17-21]

THANKSGIVING IN BEERSHEBA

GENESIS 45:16-24

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. A REVIVAL OF HOPE [Gn. 45]

1. The Son Lives [v. 25-26a]

2. The Son Reigns [v. 26b]

3. The Son Prepared a Place for You [v. 27-28]

II. A REVIVAL OF COVENANTS [46:1]

1. Abraham [Gn. 21:33]

2. Isaac [Gn. 26:23-25]

3. Jacob [Gn. 28:1-5, 10-22]

III. A REVIVAL OF THANKSGIVING [46:1]

1. The Sacrifices [46:1] confession of sin, Thanksgiving to God, reliance on grace

2. The Promises of God [v. 2-4]

3. The Obedience of Israel (Jacob) [v. 1. 5-7]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Anything God says to do, you can do by His grace.  - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 113]

He [Jesus] said, "Have faith in God." It is as clearly a command of God as the command not to get drunk. It is as clearly a command of God as the command to tell the truth. It is as clearly a command of God as the command not to steal. A Christian ought to have faith in God. And that indicates one can have faith in God. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 113]

Somebody says to you about a horse, "The horse is gentle. He will not hurt you; he is a nice horse." And you get on him. That is faith. Faith is risking somebody's word.
Faith in God is risking God's Word. So if you want to have faith, learn it from the Bible. If you get to know the Bible and love the Bible and believe the Bible, if you get the spirit of the Bible, you are bound to grow in faith. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 114-115]

Somebody says, Brother Rice, God did not promise to give you what you want. He just promised to supply your needs." That sounds mighty fine, but it is not so. It is not so! The Bible says for you to ask for "WHAT THINGS SOEVER YE DESIRE, when you pray." - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 119]

I will tell you what God wants you to do. God wants you to say, "Lord Jesus, I will not hide a thing from You. I am going to tell You everything I think and everything I want. If there is anything wrong with what I want, You fix my 'wanter': but I am going to take You into my confidence and take 'everything to God in prayer.' " That is what the Bible says specifically again and again-that you are to pray about "what things soever ye desire." It says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." You see, God intends for Christians to ask for anything they want. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 120]

Christians sometimes, particularly Baptists who preach the Gospel of salvation by grace and not of works-such people as Presbyterians, too, brother, oftentimes-we sometimes preach a grace that is a disgrace. We say people are saved by grace, and we seem to teach that it doesn't matter if you sin. You can get by with sin, God won't punish sin, it doesn't matter! Brother, there never was a blacker misconception. You may be the apple of God's eye, you may be saved eternally and going to Heaven, but you can't get by with sin. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 129-130]

Christian, you can't get by with sin. A preacher can't get by with sin any more than can a bootlegger. Nobody can get by with sin. Remember that. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 131]

"Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." Didn't I say that "when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord" (I Cor. 11:32)? Why? Because God said, "I can't let him go to Hell and condemn him with the Lost, so I've got to whip him now."
Now, since God can't let sin get by and since God can't send His child to Hell, what is the answer? The answer is a good licking. God has to take sides against your sin if you are His own child. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 135]

SO GREAT SALVATION [2]

1 PETER 1:1-12

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. IT’S GREATER THAN THE WORLD’S SO-CALLED SALVATION

1. It’s Based on Knowing Not Ignorance [v. 14, 18]

2. It’s Bought with Precious Not Profitless Things [v. 18-19]

3. It’s Based on Obedience to Truth Not Adherence to Fables [v. 13-17]

II. IT IS PROVIDED BY THE GREAT GOD

1. The Work of the Father [v. 2-3, 17]

2. The Work of the Lord Jesus Christ [v. 2-3, 7, 11, 18-20]

3. The Work of the Holy Spirit [v. 2, 11-12, 21-22]

III. IT IS REVEALED IN THE GREAT WORD

1. It is Incorruptible [v. 23]

2. It is Alive [v. 23]

3. It Abides [v. 23-25]

THANKSGIVING IN NINEVEH – THANKSGIVING ANYTIME

JONAH 1-2

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE PARTICULARS OF THANKSGIVING [1:1-17]

1. God’s Man [1:1-3]

2. God’s Message [1:4-16]

3. God’s Means [1:4, 17]

II. THE PARTICULARS OF PRAYER [2:1-8]

1. Pray in Affliction [2:1-2]

2. Pray with Understanding [2:3-6]

3. Pray in Repentance [2:7-8]

III. THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING [2:9-10]

1. Note the Sacrifice [v. 9, Hebrews 10:12, 13:15]

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

2. Note the Surrender [v. 9]

3. Note the Salvation [v. 9-10]

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

GALATIANS 1

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR GOD [v. 1-6]

1. God Calls Saved People to Service [v. 1-2]

2. God Calls Lost People to Salvation [v. 3-4]

3. God Calls Saved People to Sanctification [v. 5-6, John 17:17, 19]

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

II. TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE GOSPEL [v. 5-12]

1. The Gospel is ALL of Grace [v. 5-7]

2. The Gospel is THE Message of God [v. 8-10]

3. The Gospel is ALL of God [v. 11-12]

III. TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR SALVATION [v. 13-24]

1. The Gospel Will Change Your Life [v. 13-15]

2. The Gospel Will Reveal CHRIST {v. 15-16]

3. The Gospel Will Glorify God [v. 16-24]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Let us admit that there are differences in style in the writings of Paul and the writings of Luke. I'll come to that in a moment and that is an interesting thing.
Did any of you here ever study Shakespeare? Falstaff has a distinct style. Did you know that? And those two clowns in Mid-Summer's Night Dream have a distinct style. It is not the same as Lady Macbeth. It is not the same as King Lear talking. Well, if Shakespeare could have several styles, do you think God Almighty couldn't? If Shakespeare could make a Falstaff and make a style to suit him, couldn't God make the Apostle Paul? Who called him before he was born and planned the context of his life and his learning, etc.? Well, there are differences in style, but they do not limit verbal inspiration. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 39-40]

In II John 9 and 10 we are commanded:
"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed."
Notice this Scripture does not say that one who "abides not in Christ hath not God." No, it says that one who abideth not in THE DOCTRINE of Christ hath not God. And again we are told that if any one "bring not this DOCTRINE," we are not to receive him in the houses, not pulpits, not platforms, nor bid him Godspeed, nor call him a Christian. People are to be judged by loyalty to the Word as loyalty to Christ. Disloyalty to the doctrine of Christ is disloyalty to Christ. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 46]

I always have a Bible by my bedside. How many, many a time in the night I have reached out and put the Bible in my bosom and gone to sleep and slept the better for it. Oh, to love the Bible! - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 48]

The Bible says, "Draw night to God, and He will draw nigh to you." The Bible says, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up." Anybody can come to God for peace and forgiveness. Anytime anybody is not saved, it is because he does not humble his heart; he is not willing to confess and forsake his sins; he is not willing to turn his back on his sin, so he goes on in this matter and rebels against God and does not get saved. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 65]

Another says, "You ought to set apart one-seventh of your time to God, which is every Sunday." But every day belongs to God. "But Sunday is the Lord's Day." Yes, Sunday is the Lord's Day: we call it that because Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. But, Monday is the Lord's day, too; and Tuesday is the Lord's day; and Wednesday is the Lord's day; and Thursday is the Lord's day; and Friday is the Lord's day; and Saturday is the Lord's day, too. The truth is, God wants an all-out commitment. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 80]

A Christian ought to pretty well have an idea what God says to do. If this Book is from God, and if it is the way to know His will, then a Christian ought to set out to know the whole Bible. It is a sorry Christian who doesn't feed on it day after day. And there are many sorry Christians. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 86]

He [Jesus] said, "Have faith in God." It is as clearly a command of God as the command not to get drunk. It is as clearly a command of God as the command to tell the truth. It is as clearly a command of God as the command not to steal. A Christian ought to have faith in God. And that indicates one can have faith in God. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 113]

SO GREAT SALVATION

1 PETER 1:5-17

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. Its Finish is Great [v. 5-9]

1. Guarded by God [v. 5]

2. Ready to be Revealed [v. 5, Eph. 2:7] 

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

3. Guaranteed Goal [v. 6-9, Ph. 1:6] 

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

II. Its Fans are Great [v. 10-12]

1. Prophets [v. 10-12a, Ps. 22]

2. Preachers [v. 12b, Rm. 10:14-15]

3. Angels [v. 12c, Heb. 1:14] 

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

III. Its Fashion is Great [v. 13-17]

1. Think in a Serious Fashion [v. 13]

2. Think in a Separated Fashion [v. 14-15]

3. Think in a Sanctified Fashion [v. 15-17]

THANKSGIVING IN BABYLON, THANKSGIVING ANYWHERE

DANIEL 2

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE GRUMPY KING [v. 1-13]

1. The King Troubled [v. 1-3]

2. The King Unreasonable [v. 4-11]

3. The King Angry [v. 12-13]

II. THE GRATEFUL CHRISTIAN [v. 14-23]

1. Daniel Kept His Head [v. 14-16] both metaphorically and literally

2. Daniel & His Friends Kept the Faith [v. 17-18, 2 Tm. 4:7]

3. Daniel Kept Thanksgiving [v. 19-23]

III. THE GREAT CONCLUSION [v. 24-49]

1. To God be the Glory [v. 24-28]

2. To Men be the Message [v. 29-36]

3. Let God be True [v. 37-49] v. 9-11, 18-23, 28-28, esp. v. 45

IT'S IMPORTANT

IT'S IMPORTANT

EPH. 1:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. IDENTIFICATION IS IMPORTANT

1. Are You A Saved One? [1:1, 15, 18] "saints"

2. Are You A Serving One? [1:1, 1 Corinthians 4:2] "faithful"

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

3. Are You A Surrendered One? [1:1] "an apostle... by the will of God"

by this Paul was saying (1) I belong to Christ (2) I have been commissioned by Christ (3) my authority is a delegated authority (4) I have accepted the position Christ bestowed upon me

II. RECEPTION IS IMPORTANT [v. 2]

1. The Satisfaction is Important "Grace"

how is God propitiated or satisfied toward us... only by the reception of His grace

2. The Shalom is Important "Peace"

what is is the opposite of peace? conflict? Rm. 5:1

3. The Source is Important "from God..."

III. REALIZATION IS IMPORTANT  [v. 3]

1. Christ acknowledges God the Father

2. Christians acknowledge Him [God the Father] as the Architect of Spiritual Blessings

3. Christians acknowledge Christ as the Author of Spiritual Blessings

God the Father chose to:

-bless us

-bind us

-bond us

in Heavenly places in Christ

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Note what inspiration means. It means that the Bible claims perfection. It claims the quality of deity. The Bible claims to be perfect. The Bible claims to be supernatural. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 31]

The Bible foretells future events with the authority as if it were present or as if it were past. Who would know that? Nobody but God. So the Bible claims to be God speaking. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 32]

This is what we mean by inspiration--that the Bible is breathed out from God; that holy men of old wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; that the Bible is literally the Word of God, not the word of men; that the Bible claims perfection, and the eternal values; that the Bible is alive, etc. And the Bible claims to quote accurately God Himself; and the Bible speaks of past and future events with the authority that only God could have and nobody but God would know. The Bible, then, is inspired in that sense. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 32]

Now, verbal inspiration. What do you mean by verbal? It comes from the Latin word verbum which means "word." That means the words are inspired. Sometimes these days people say they believe in verbal inspiration and teachers in schools and seminaries sign an annual statement of faith in which they say they believe in the verbal inspiration of the Bible, but they do not believe God gave the words. Then that is itself a fraud and a cheat. There is no verbal inspiration except that God Himself gave the words. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 32-33]

Where did the Bible come from? Every word proceeded from the mouth of God. Did the man speak in his own vocabulary? No, he spoke the words that God put in his mouth because they were from God's mouth. It may have fitted in with the man's vocabulary and the man may have been largely acquiescent; he may have been glad to write down what God said, and he may have understood some of what God said, but the words were from God. Listen to it again, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Jesus said that the words of the Bible proceeded from the mouth of God. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 35]

Did somebody write down words he thought would fit when he wrote the Bible? No, he wrote the words God gave. You say, "There are problems of style." Yes, but God made the style. The words are God's words, so the Scripture says. All right then, the Bible is given by verbal inspiration, word-for-word inspiration. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 36]

Christ and the Bible are inseparable. So to be ashamed of Jesus is to be ashamed of the Bible. To be ashamed of the Bible is to be ashamed of Jesus. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 39]