LIVE THE LIFE

1 PETER 4:7-4:19

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE END IS NEAR [v.7]

1. Be Aware [v. 7]

2. Be Sensible [v.7]

Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

3. Be Praying Soberly [v. 7, I Pet. 5:7]

II. THE AIM IS CLEAR [V. 8-11]

1. Have Fervent Charity [v. 8]

Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

2. Have Genuine Hospitality [v. 9]

3. Have Faithful Service [v. 10-11]

III. BE OF GOOD CHEER [v. 12-19]

1. Expect Suffering [v. 12-14]

2. Don’t Deserve It [v. 15]

3. Exemplify Christ [v. 16-19]

CONSIDER HIM!

CONSIDER HIM

Pastor Rick Jackson

1 Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart;: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Job 23:15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

Job 34:27 Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:

Isaiah 52:13-15 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

So the Word of God tells us many times to “consider” Him. To think on Him, to know Him, to keep our focus on Him!

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

2 Peter 3:18 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.

What are some characteristics of Jesus that set Him apart from others?

1. JESUS was never defeated in Controversy [Matthew 22:46]

2. JESUS was never caught Unawares [Mark 10:32-34]

3. JESUS never showed Personal Fear [Lk. 8:22-25, Jn. 11:7-10]

Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

4. JESUS never asked for Advice [Jn. 2:25]

He asked in order to teach- not in order to decide what He should or should not do.

5. JESUS never performed a Useless miracle [Jn. 5:36, Luke 23:8]

 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

So, when you grow weary and want to cash it all in, give up, or shout obscenities… CONSIDER HIM!

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Jesus did not ask that the bitter cup of death would be avoided and taken entirely away. Rather He prayed that it should pass from Him for the time being [in the Garden of Gethsemane], that He might not die that night, "and was heard in that he feared." God the Father granted that prayer. Jesus prayed in the Father's will and not contrary to it. In fact, in the prayer itself, Jesus had plainly said He was not asking for His own will, but according to the Father's will. He said, "nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matt. 26:39). That was not a prayer of sad resignation to a duty that He did not want to perform. No, no! Rather it was fervent prayer that the Father would send help and help Him live until tomorrow to die according to the Father's own plan.
Oh, thank God, the Saviour's prayer was heard! Jesus had said, "I knew that thou hearest me always" (John 11:42). So an angel was sent and strengthened Him, and Jesus lived to die on the cross "according to the scriptures." - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 136]

Any careful student must be profoundly impressed with the thoroughness God used in proving His case that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Born of a virgin, of the house of David, of the tribe of Judah, in Bethlehem; dying on the appointed dau, hands and feet peirced with nails after having been betrayed by a friend, fulfilling the picture of Psalm 22 perfectly, with soldiers casting lots for His garments, with the elders mocking Him, He fulfilled every detail of prophecy. And then, when He gave up the ghost, a soldier, surely not knowing what he did, took the spear and pierced His side! Thus the Scripture was fulfilled. Thus, then, "they shall look upon me whom they have pierced." - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 137]

The unpardonable sin is committed only by lost people, and then it is the sin of those who do not want to be saved and deliberately refuse salvation. There is no other unpardonable sin. ― John R. Rice

Jesus will be the only one in Heaven with scars. His wounds will be the eternal reminder of salvation by God's wonderful grace through faith in the death of His Son. ― John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 143]

We have good reason to believe that when Jesus comes and our vile bodies are changed and glorified, we will have no more scars. In Isaiah 35:5, 6 we are told that in the happy day of the resurrection "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing." The weakness, the frailties, the scars of our mortal bodies will all be cured in the glorified bodies. In Romans 8:23 Paul reminds us that "ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." Our bodies are to be saved then, cured from the marks of our sin. ... I believe this crooked nose which I got playing college football will be straight, and many another crooked thing about my nature, as well as scars on my body, will be cured in that good day. When I was called to the Army, in 1917, the induction papers carried a record of the scar on my right wrist cut by an axe, of the slash on the side of the left elbow cut when a bull ran into the fence with me. But in Heaven that Army record will be out of date. My scars will be gone! ― John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 143]

We have good reason to believe that when Jesus comes and our vile bodies are changed and glorified, we will have no more scars. In Isaiah 35:5, 6 we are told that in the happy day of the resurrection "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing." The weakness, the frailties, the scars of our mortal bodies will all be cured in the glorified bodies. In Romans 8:23 Paul reminds us that "ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." Our bodies are to be saved then, cured from the marks of our sin. ... I believe this crooked nose which I got playing college football will be straight, and many another crooked thing about my nature, as well as scars on my body, will be cured in that good day. When I was called to the Army, in 1917, the induction papers carried a record of the scar on my right wrist cut by an axe, of the slash on the side of the left elbow cut when a bull ran into the fence with me. But in Heaven that Army record will be out of date. My scars will be gone! ― John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 143]

The Bible says nothing about how much sorrow one must have before he can accept Christ so I have no doctrine about that. The Bible says that "godly sorrow worketh repentance" (II Cor. 7:10), so any time one honestly turns in his heart to Christ, he has had enough sorrow for sin to be saved. Of course no one turns from his sins and turns to Christ unless he is sorry for his sin and wants to be saved. But the Bible makes no issue about that and, of course, no one else ought to. There ought to be plain preaching against sin. People ought to be taught to turn from sin in genuine repentance.
― John R. Rice, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions

You wonder whether you may have committed the unpardonable sin. No, you have not. First, the unpardonable sin is the sin of a lost person, one who has never accepted Christ, one who has never been saved. One whose sins are forgiven cannot commit the unforgiveable sin. Second, the fact that you are burdened and concerned and want God's blessing is proof that you have not committed the unpardonable sin. One who had committed the unpardonable sin would have no conviction, no burden, and would not want God and salvation. The unpardonable sin is a sin of rejecting Christ, after great enlightenment. Anyone who is trouble about it and trying to be right with God has not committed the unpardonable sin.
― John R. Rice, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions

THE CHRISTIAN LOSER

1 CORINTHIANS 3:9-18

Pastor Rick Jackson

To the world a Christian is a loser but comparatively speaking the Christian is so far ahead of the worldling that it could be comparable to a person in his first lap looking back at a person in his 100^th lap and the person looking back thinking he is winning. However, a Christian living in sin compared to a Christian living for Christ is a loser. In this life sin costs a Christian more than it costs a lost person. In this life. Why is that? Because the Christian has so much more to lose.

I. A CHRISTIAN CAN LOSE HIS TESTIMONY BECAUSE OF SIN [Gn. 19:14]

II. A CHRISTIAN CAN LOSE HIS FAMILY BECAUSE OF SIN [Gn. 19, 2 Sam. 12:1-4ff.]*

III. A CHRISTIAN CAN LOSE HIS JOY BECAUSE OF SIN [Ps. 51:12]

The presence of sin means the absence of joy. David knew that but he tried to dodge it for a whole year. That is the natural way to deal with sin. I wonder how many in the average church are doing the same with no joy and then blame the preacher or church for not "enjoying" the message or the service? There is a high cost for low living. -Sumner Wemp

IV. A CHRISTIAN CAN LOSE HIS PEACE BECAUSE OF SIN [Is. 26:3, 48:22, 57:21]

V. A CHRISTIAN CAN LOSE HIS REWARDS BECAUSE OF SIN [1 Cor. 3:12-15]

If we serve Him (Jesus) now, we will reign with Him tomorrow. -Pete Rice

VI. A CHRISTIAN CAN LOSE HIS HEALTH & LIFE BECAUSE OF SIN [1 Cor. 11:30]*

VII. A CHRISTIAN CAN LOSE HIS FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST BECAUSE OF SIN [1 John 1:3-7]

*applies to the unsaved as well as to the saved

HOW DID THIS BECOME A PROBLEM?

1 PETER 3:18-22

Pastor Rick Jackson

In some places here in the United States they don’t want to display an American flag in the classroom because it might offend someone. How did this become a problem? Pledging to the flag is also a no-no. How did this become a problem? Praying before a ball game or a meal. How did this become a problem? The list goes on and on. In our Scripture text come solutions to three “problems” faced by the church of Jesus Christ. Ironically enough for two of the problems the Devil wrests the scriptures to cause the problem. One is the doctrine that Jesus went to Hell after Calvary- and there are various versions of that one- some held by good people even. Secondly, that numbers/prosperity define success. The third problem is the false doctrine that one must be baptized to be saved. Now if you read the text you would not find those doctrines so you may have to ask yourself- How did this become a problem? Providentially the answers are found in the Scriptures but first let me answer in part- How did this become a problem?

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you

3:16b-18 …they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 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.

I. JESUS PREACHING TO PEOPLE IN PRISON? [v. 18-20a]

1. What He Did [v. 19]

2. When He Did It [v. 20]

3. How He Did It [v. 18, 1:10-12]

Isaiah 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

II. SUCCESS BY THE NUMBERS? [v. 20b]

1. Noah was a Success [Heb. 11:7] B

y 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.

2. Noah was a Preacher [2 Peter 2:5]

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;

3. Noah Had 8 Converts One Hundred Years [v. 20]

III. BAPTISMAL REGENERATION? [v. 21-22]

1. Baptism is a Picture [v. 21a, Rm. 6:3-6]

2. Baptism has a Purpose [v. 21b]

3. Baptism has a Person [v. 21c-22]

FINALLY…

1 PETER 3:8-18

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. BE OF ONE MIND [v. 8-11]

1. Be of One Mind with the Mind of Christ [v. 8, Phil. 2:5-8] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

2. Be of One Mind with the Manner of Christ [v. 9, 2:21-23]

3. Be of One Mind with the Method of Christ [v. 10-11]

II. BE OF ONE MASTER [v. 12-14]

1. He Keeps His Eyes Upon Us [v. 12a, 2 Chronicles 16:9] For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

2. He Keeps His Ear Attuned to Us [v. 12, Psalm 34:15] The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

3. He Keeps us in His Peace [v. 13-14, Jn. 14: 27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

III. BE OF ONE MISSION [v. 15-18]

1. Christian Answers [v. 15]

2. Christian Behavior [v. 16]

3. Christian Character [v. 17-18]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Bible conversions were always simple, and always an instantaneous matter. Sinners may be convicted before they are saved, struggle with God before they are saved, but that is always part of our wicked self-will. The instant any poor sinner is willing to receive Christ and depend upon Him, he has salvation and everlasting life. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 115]

Of all the race of mankind, the only two men that we know definitely went to Heaven without dying were Enoch and Elijah. They were translated while yet alive and physically transferred to Heaven. With chariot and horses of fire, Elijah was carried to Heaven in a whirlwind. Therefore, we know there are at least three beings in Heaven with physical bodies—Jesus, Enoch and Elijah.
― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

Note that they said [in Acts 1], "THIS SAME JESUS." The Jesus in Heaven is not another but the same. The Jesus who will return for His saints is not another but the same. When He comes again to Jerusalem, Jews will look on Him whom they have pierced (Zech. 12:10). They will ask, "What are these wounds in thine hands?" He will answer, "Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends" (Zech. 13:6). His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14:4). Jesus now has hands and feet, the same with which He went away, hands and feet with the marks of nails! And this same Jesus now abides in Heaven with a physical body. I tell you, Heaven must be and is a real, literal, physical place! ― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

Eventually, if enough masses are said and prayers uttered, the soul may pass from purgatory into Heaven. But that is not taught in the Bible. It is based on a doctrine of salvation by works and by the [Roman Catholic] church instead of redemption by the blood of Christ. It is used to extort money from those who hope to shorten the period of suffering of their loved ones that they may the sooner enter Heaven.
― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

In Luke 23:39-43 we see how the repenting thief turned to Jesus on the cross beside him and said, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” With loving forgiveness, Jesus turned to the penitent sinner and promised salvation not only in the distant day of His kingdom but "to day," said Jesus, "shalt thou be with me in paradise." That very day the dying thief entered into the Paradise of God with Jesus or, in the term to which we are accustomed, entered Heaven that day.”
― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

Paul said in II Corinthians 5:8, "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." Every saint who is absent from the body is present with the Lord Jesus in Heaven. At death the soul of the Christian is carried by the angels of God straight Home where Christ and the Father are.
― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

For what did Jesus pray [in the Garden of Gethsemane]? Some have thought Jesus prayed to be spared the crucifixion. Some have thought that after agreeing to die for man's sin, planning it with the Father even before the world began, that Jesus would now avoid it! Some have thought Jesus was here praying against the Scriptures, contrary to the will of God. Some have thought that even now Jesus supposed there might be some other way to save poor sinners. God forbid! No, no; Jesus was praying IN the will of God, and not contrary to it. And He got what He asked. To understand the prayer of Jesus, twice-repeated, see the explanation of it in Hebrews 5:7, "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared." Jesus prayed in Gethsemane to the Father "that was able to save him from death' that night, save Him from the unscriptural death in the Garden of Gethsemane, and spare Him for the Scriptural death on the cross tomorrow. That is what Jesus asked, and that is what He got! - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pgs. 135-136]

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE

Psalm 37:1-9

Pastor Rick Jackson

Amazing to me how the world sometimes discovers Bible truths without knowing they are Bible truths (Don’t Worry, Be Happy). There’s an old song which was sung in the 1940s by Bing Crosby & the Andrews Sisters (among others) that starts out:

You've got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive

Eliminate the negative

Latch on to the affirmative

Don't mess with Mister In Between [Johnny Mercer]

I. ELIMINATE THE NEGATIVE [v. 1-2]

1. Do Not Get Worked Up Because of Evildoers [v. 1a] a primitive root; to glow or grow warm; figuratively-to blaze up

2. Do Not Envy Evildoers [v. 1b-2] a primitive root; to be zealous, i.e. (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

II. ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE [v. 3-4]

1. Trust in the Lord [v. 3] a primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge

2. Delight in the Lord [v. 4] a primitive root; to be soft or pliable ‘Be Flexible”

III. LATCH ON TO THE AFFIRMATIVE [v. 5-7]

1. Commit to the Lord [v. 5-6] a primitive root; to roll commit, remove, roll (away, down, together), run down, seek occasion, trust, wallow.

2. Rest in the Lord [v. 7] a prim root; to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish:--cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait.

IV. DON’T MESS WITH MISTER IN-BETWEEN [v. 8-9]

1. Don’t Be Conformed to the World [v. 8-9a, Rm. 12:2]

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2. Wait on the Lord [v. 9b] a primitive root; to bind together (perhaps by twisting)

Basically the phrase means for us to be bound to God’s will. Not half our will and half His. Don’t be a carnal Christian. Don’t mess with “Mister In-between”

Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

Jeremiah 3:17 At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.

You've got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive

Eliminate the negative

Latch on to the affirmative

Don't mess with Mister In Between [Johnny Mercer]

EXCELLENCE IN MARRIAGE

EXCELLENCE IN MARRIAGE

1 PETER 3:1-7

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE WIVES’ EXAMPLE [v. 1-6]

1. The Example for Husbands [v. 1]

2. The Explanation for Wives [v. 2-4]

3. The Example for Wives [v. 5-6]

II. THE HUSBANDS’ EXPECTATIONS [v. 7]

1. God Expects Him to Know His Wife

2. God Expects Him to Honor His Wife

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

3. God Expects Him to Full-Partner His Wife

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

III. THE LORD’S EXCELLENCE

Job 37:23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.

1. He is Excellent in Power- God can Answer your Prayers [v. 7]

2. He is Excellent in Judgment- God can Assess your Worth [v. 4]

3. He is Excellent in Justice- God can Address your Situation [v. 5]

JUST KEEP ON

JUST KEEP ON

HEBREWS 12:1-2

Pastor Rick Jackson

Bad things happen. They happen to us. They happen around us. They happen because of us. They happen in spite of us. Bad things happen. When things happen that we don’t necessarily enjoy we need to remember 4 things that will help us to KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON!

I. KEEP YOUR ACT TOGETHER [12:1a]

1. We are being observed by the Saints above [12:1]

2. We are being observed by the Angels [1 Cor. 11:4-10]

3. We are being observed by the Saints & Sinners around us [Matthew 5:16]

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

II. KEEP YOUR HEART RIGHT [12:1b]

This is the basis of:

1. The Question of Jehu [2 Kings 10:15-16]

And when he [Jehu] was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.

2. The Prayer of David [Psalm 51:1-12] btw-Just Keep On Praying…

3. The Teaching of John [1 John 1:9]

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

C. T. Studd said, “Keep short accounts with God.”

III. KEEP YOUR FEET MOVING [12:1c]

1. Keep active in the Lord’s Work! [Doing whatever you can for the Lord, wherever and whenever]

2. If you fall get back up and get back to it!

“The usefulness of a postage stamp is shown by its sticking to one thing ‘til it gets done!” -JRF

“I could throw Andrew 8 times out of 10- but he never stayed throwed!” -Andrew Jackson’s boyhood chum

3. Think "More" not "Less"! “Small ambitions are the enemy of great achievements” - J. R. Faulkner

IV. KEEP YOUR EYES FOCUSED [12:2]

1. The Example of Isaiah [Isaiah 6:1]

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

2. The Example Of Peter [Mt. 14:25-33]

3. The Example of Paul [Philippians 3:13-21]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

I heard a preacher one time say to a congregation, "If any sinner will come to this mourner's bench three nights in succession, I guarantee that he will be saved." That was a foolish thing for any man to say, because he could not back up that offer from the Bible. I have an offer a billion times better than that. If any sinner in the world will one fraction of a second turn to Jesus and trust Him, depending on Him for forgiveness and salvation, he will have everlasting life that moment! "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life," says John the Baptist in John 3:36. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life," said Jesus in John 6:47. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," said Paul and Silas to the Philippian jailor in Acts 16:31. The very instant one puts his trust in Jesus he has everlasting life. He is already saved. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 110]

I do not know that the dying thief had any flash of ecstasy. I do not suppose that he shouted with joy. I do not have any idea how he felt. I just know he called on Jesus in simple faith, and I know that he was forgiven and saved at once. I know that day he went to paradise with Jesus. What could be better than that? Salvation is not a long, drawn-out process. It need not involve any waiting, any pleading, any probation. When you put your trust in Jesus honestly, with the whole heart, then you are saved. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 110]

Revelation 21 and 22 tell us something of this wonderful place that Jesus is preparing for His saints, "the holy city," "that great city, the holy Jerusalem." Oh, the shining brightness of it! "Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal"! It is a literal city with walls of shining jasper, 144 cubits high. The streets are pure gold, and the foundations of the wall of the city are decorated with every kind of precious stone. The city has twelve great gates, each one a pearl.
― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

Remember that in six days Christ made the heavens and earth and all that in them is. "Without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). If He made so many wonders in six days, then what beauties and marvels He has surely prepared during these 1900 years in which He has been preparing our mansions in the Father's House! ― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

If we cannot earn our salvation by works, we cannot earn it by tears. If we cannot earn our salvation by days of labor, we cannot earn it by nights of prayer. There is no long, drawn-out process to salvation. The instant one receives the Saviour he is saved. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 115]

A mother travails in birth, but the babe does not. So Christ suffered to pay for the sins of sinners, but the sinner goes free, without suffering, when he trusts Christ. His sins are already paid for on the cross. We need not pay for what Christ has already paid for. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 115]

Why should I have to "pray through" for that which Jesus has already "paid through"? - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 115]

4 THINGS TO HELP ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVE EXTRAORDINARY LIVES

4 THINGS TO HELP ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVE EXTRAORDINARY LIVES

1 Corinthians 1:23-31, Mark 1:29-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

I recently heard a message on the apostle Paul called “The World’s Greatest Christian.” It was a good message, it encouraged me in the Lord but at the same time I think I will never be “The World’s Greatest Christian.” So, it is good for me to see a more ordinary man, like Andrew, lead such an extraordinary life. God can use men like the apostle Paul but God can also use us. God can use Gideon who was fearful, Jonah who was obstinate, the woman at the well who had a bad reputation which she actually deserved and a whole host of others. It’s not us, it’s Him. It’s not our power, it’s His power. It’s not the specialness of me it’s the specialness of Him. In short, God can use ordinary people to live extraordinary lives.

I. DEMONSTRATE HUMILITY [Mt. 10:2, Mk. 3:13-19, Lk. 6:14, James 4:6]

Of the 13 times hi is mentioned by name in the New Testament 8 times he is linked with Simon, 2 with Philip, 2 with the 12. "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." -Harry S Truman

II. DEVOTION TO JESUS [Mt. 4:18-20, Mk. 13:1-4, Jn. 1:35-39, 1 Cor. 11:1]

Others and things did not stop him from following Jesus.

The test of your faith is what it takes to stop you.

Develop some “spizerinkem!”

III. DISCERNMENT [Mk. 3:16-18, Jn. 1:40-42, 6:19, 12:20-22, Lk. 19:10]

IV. DEDICATION [Acts 1”1-14, 2 Tm. 4:6-8]

What someone has labeled “stick-to-itiveness”

Dr. J.R. Faulkner used to say, “the value of the postage stamp consist in its ability to stick to something until it gets there.” Be like the postage stamp; finish the race that you’ve started! Focus on the Present “Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.”

I DON’T LIKE YOUR FACE

ROMANS 12:1-5, 9-10, 13-21

Adapted by Pastor Rick Jackson

The year was 1985, I was a 29-year-old teacher at Tennessee Temple High School. Our chapel speaker, Randy Ray, a Temple Baptist Theological Seminary alumnus, preached this message that day [or a close approximation].

“Drop dead” “You make me sick.” “I hate your guts” How many of you know someone who just doesn’t like you? How many of you know someone you just don’t like? God recognizes this will be the case. Look at verse 18 again. BUT- sometimes we don’t like someone for the wrong reason. Let me give you five wrong reasons for not liking someone.

I. YOU DON’T LIKE AUTHORITY [Rm. 13:1-8, Proverbs 12:1]

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

Could be seen in the wrong reaction to a trooper giving out a ticket. Now you really don’t know that much about them. I remember a home Economics teacher we had at Tenn. Temple High- Judy, really nice lady but I heard a student say, “I don’t like her. She always gets on to me.” Hmmm, might be a reason for that. Some people don’t like their bosses for the same reason. Some people just don’t like authority. I found as a teacher that some people didn’t like their child being reprimanded even when the child was clearly wrong.

II. YOU COMPARE THEM TO SOMEONE ELSE [2 Corinthians 10:12]

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

1 Corinthians 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:4-6 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

One boy didn’t like a preacher we had coming to speak at Camp Joy referring to him despairingly as “ol’ hell fire’n’damnation Sexton”. You mean like John the Baptist? Or Jesus? It is not right to dislike someone just because they are not like someone else.

III. UNINTENTIONAL OFFENSE [1 Corinthians 13:4-7]

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

“Wow, you don’t sweat much for a fat guy!”

“Hey, your face is finally clearing up!”

Saul got angry at David when the girls changed their tune.

IV. BECAUSE OF APPEARANCE [Psalm 139:14]

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

If you don’t like them because of their looks you are kind of blaming God. This would include their skin color, social standing, etc. [whether to low or to high- you didn’t get that from God]  James 2:1-9

V. PERSONALITY CONFLICTS [Rm. 12:18]

What should you do?

1. If there’s a problem? [Mt. 18:15-17]

2. Never gossip. [James 1:26] If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

3. Have a proper attitude toward authority. [Rm. 13:6-7] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

4. Admit when you are wrong and do something about it. [James 5:16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

5. Be kind! [Eph. 4:32] And be ye kind one to another , tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

GOD, HIS PEOPLE & GOVERNMENT

GOD, HIS PEOPLE & GOVERNMENT

1 PETER 2:13-25

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE SENSIBLE RESPONSIBILITY OF CHRISTIANS [v. 13-14a]

1. Submit [v. 13-14a, Acts 5:29]

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

2. Submit for the Lord’s Sake [v. 13, Colossians 3:23-25]

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

3. Submit for Conscience’s Sake [2:19, Rm. 13:5-8]

II. THE SIMPLE RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT [v. 14]

1. Government is Instituted of God [v. 14, Rm. 13:1-2]

2. Government is Supposed to Punish Evildoers [v. 14, Gn. 9:6, Rm. 13:3-4]

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

3. Government is Supposed to Commend the good [v. 14, Rom. 13:3]

III. THE SELF-IMPOSED “RESPONSIBILITY” OF GOD [v. 15-25]

1. Reveal His Will [v. 15]

2. Reveal His Way [v. 16-20]

In a republic like ours you honor by righteous participation- voting, voicing approval and even disapproval. You don’t have to suffer in silence. That is not the intent of our freedoms. Acts 16:37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

3. Reveal His WORD [v. 21-25, Jn. 1:1ff]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

If you came to Christ, that was saving faith. Now then He wants you to have faith in His Word for assurance. That is simply to leave the matter with God and believe what He said. - John R. Rice, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions

God is ready and waiting to receive sinners who put their heart's trust in Jesus and want to be saved, and to pretend that He requires a long period of mourning and sorrow before He will accept a sinner and save him is contrary to the teaching of the Bible. ― John R. Rice, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions

Revelation 22:17 says, "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." One who is athirst may come and is invited to come. And if you "willed" to come, then that is all God requires. It is not walking down an aisle, nor joining a church, nor feeling light as a feather, nor having some great emotional experience that saves one. It is simply turning one's case over to Jesus Christ.
― John R. Rice

“In the Sweet By and By," "When We All Get to Heaven," "Oh, Come, Angel Band," the magnificent "Glory Song" sung around the world in the Torrey-Alexander meetings, had their tremendous hold on people, no doubt because of the happy hope they expressed for Heaven. The human heart longs for an assurance of a blessed, immortal place where those made righteous, the forgiven, the blessed are at home with God; when sin, disappointment, human failure, heartache, disease and death are forever ended!
― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

The so-called "social gospel" lays stress upon this life, not on the next. In many quarters it is now regarded as very old-fashioned and passe' to urge people to prepare to die. Social security, better housing, relief for tenant farmers, better living conditions for the poor and the care of underprivileged children—these have occupied so much of the teaching and preaching of these modern days, that preachers have left hungry-hearted people ignorant about Heaven.
― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

This world is only an anteroom of the next. This short life is incidental compared with eternity. This world is not home to the Christian. ― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

Don't think of Heaven as a ghostly, unreal, indefinite state. It is a real place, a place as literal and concrete as the house you sit in today, as physically real as the city where you live. ― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

WHO, WHAT & WHY

1 PETER 2:9-12

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE WHO OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE [v. 9-11]

1. A Chosen Generation - elected to serve [v. 9, Colossians 3:12-17]

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 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. 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. A Royal Priesthood - encouraged to represent [v. 9, Revelation 1:5-6]

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, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

3. A Holy Nation - expected to imitate [v. 9, 1 Peter 1:15-16]

4. A Peculiar People - exceptional by acquisition [v. 9, Ephesians 1:14]

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory

5. The People of God - extraordinary by Ownership [v. 10] - some will pay more for things once owned by famous people

6. Strangers & Pilgrims - excluded by citizenship [v. 11, Hebrews 11:13]

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

II. THE WHAT OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE [v. 9, 11-12]

What does God expect because of WHO you are?

1. God expects you to Publish His Praises [v. 9, Ps. 107:2]

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

2. God expects you to Abstain from Fleshly Lusts [v. 11, 1 Thessalonians 4:3]

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

3. God expects you to have Good Behavior [v. 12]

III. THE WHY OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE [v. 9-12]

1. Because God has Completely Changed You [v. 9-10]

2. Because God Knows it is NOT Good for You [v. 11]

3. Because by Doing So You will Glorify God [v. 12, John 15:8]

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

FAITH IN THE DARK HOURS. . .

 .                                                                                                               

Pastor Rick Jackson

We must have FAITH IN THE DARK HOURS

HOURS OF FAILURE…

HOURS OF SIN… something you should not have done,   something you left undone

HOURS OF SADNESS…  perhaps a friend has disappointed you or you may have disappointed them, someone has strangely turned away from you without you knowing why

HOURS OF SORROW… loss affects us all

HOURS OF THE UNKNOWN…      the corona virus, the elections, your finances, sinkholes, fires, flooding

The Christian has all these problems just like the world, but the Christian should have something the world doesn’t have because the Christian has Someone the world doesn’t have! The Christian has Christ! The Christian has the indwelling Holy Spirit! The Christian has the Heavenly Father! The Christian has the Word of God! Therefore, no matter what happens, who happens, or when it happens, the Christian should have faith!

Obviously, we cannot name every situation and every particular problem every person is facing but let us see something that can help every one of us! My wife and I were sick with the flu this week. My brother in serious condition in the hospital. My plans for this week all demolished or delayed. My ability to do much about the situation severely limited… but God was not sick. God was not infirm. God’s plans have not changed. God’s purpose has not wavered. God is not limited. So…

I. HAVE FAITH IN GOD!

In Mark 11:22 Jesus said this very thing, “Have faith in God!”

1. Have Faith in His Unfailing Goodness [2 Chronicles 6:41] Arise, O LORD God, …and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

2. Have Faith in His Abundant Mercy [Micah 7:18] … he delighteth in mercy.

Romans 9:16 … God that sheweth mercy.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

3. Have Faith in His Amazing Grace [1 Corinthians 15:10] But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

1 Peter 5:10 The God of all grace,

4. Have Faith in His Loving Kindness [Psalm 63:3] Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

5. Have Faith in His Matchless Power [Psalm 62:11] God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

6. Have Faith in His Immeasurable Wisdom [Romans 11:33] O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

7. Have Faith in His Gracious Guidance [Psalm 32:8] I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death

Have faith in God!

II. HAVE FAITH IN CHRIST!

Once again, we have the words of the Saviour ringing to us down through the ages. In John 14:1, Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” Do you know when He specifically said that? Right after He told the disciples that He was leaving them for a while. Right after He told Peter that Peter would deny Christ three times. Then He spoke these words of comfort, hope and faith! Have faith in Christ!

1. Have Faith in His Sinless Life [1 Peter 2:22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

2. Have Faith in His Vicarious Death [1 Pet. 2:24] Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

3. Have Faith in His Victorious Resurrection [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.

4. Have Faith in His Full Salvation [Jonah 2:9] Salvation is of the LORD.

5. Have Faith in His Faithful Presence [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.

6. Have faith in His Never-Ending Advocacy [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:

7. Have Faith in His Coming Again [John 14:3] I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Have Faith in Christ!

III. HAVE FAITH IN THE SWEET SPIRIT OF GOD!

In those dark hours before the cross, those hours when Jesus told them He was going away, those hours Jesus told them they would scatter from him, that hour in which he told Peter of his upcoming failure Jesus also said in John 14:16-17, ”And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

1. Have Faith in His Inerrant Word [2 Peter 1:21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2. Have Faith in His Impressive Empowerment [Acts 1:8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me

3. Have Faith in His Loving Leadership [Matthew 4:1] Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

Acts 10:19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting.

Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

4. Have Faith in His Blessed Indwelling [1 John 4:4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5. Have Faith in His True Teaching [1 Corinthians 2:13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

6. Have Faith in His Perfect Guidance [John 16:13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:

7. Have faith in His Ultimate Comfort [Acts 9:31] Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Have faith in the Holy Spirit of God!

IN THE DARK HOURS MY FRIENDS, HAVE FAITH IN GOD!