EASY?

MALACHI 1

Pastor Rick Jackson

Someone has said, “If it was easy. Everyone would be doing it.” Here we have the Word of God telling us what to do! And it is not always easy! But God says it, so it is worth obeying.

I. SOME THINGS ARE NOT EASY TO SAY [v. 1]

1. The “Burden” of the Word of the Lord [Luke 12:48]

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

2. The Recipients of the Burden - Israel [But applicable to us - 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11]

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

3. The Vessel of the Lord - Malachi - whose very name means messenger [Acts 5:20]

               

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

II. SOME THINGS ARE NOT EASY TO ACCEPT [v. 2-8]

1. God is Not Hampered by Ignorance (because He knows all things) [v. 2-4, Rm. 9:10-33]

2. God is Not Honored by Religion [v. 5-7]

3. God is Not impressed by Man’s Offerings [v. 7-8]

III. SOME THINGS ARE NOT EASY TO HEAR [v. 9-14]

1. Position will not Prevent Chastening [v. 9, Hebrews 12:5-13, 1 Peter 4:17]

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby . Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

2. Motives Are Taken Into Account [v. 10, 1 Corinthians 4:5,  Heb. 4:12]

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

3. God Expects Our Best [v. 11-14, Mt. 22:37-40, 1 Peter 1:22]

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

YOU LIE!

                                                                            Psalm 58:3 

                                                                         

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. WHY LIE?

1. It Is Our Nature [Psalm 51:5, 58:3]

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity,; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

2. It Is Our Nurture [1 Kings 15:3]

And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.

II. WHY NOT LIE?

1. God Hates Lying [Ps. 51:6, Pr. 6:16-19]

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

2. Lying Is Personal Hatred Shown to Others [Pr. 26:28]

A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

3. Lying Does Not Pay [Pr. 28:13]

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

4. Lying is Satanic [Jn. 8:44]

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

5. Lying Hurts the Body of Christ [Eph. 4:25]

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

III. HOW TO STOP LYING

1. Call It What it Is- Sin! [1 Jn. 1:8-9]

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2. Recognize the False Treasure Behind It [Eph. 4:22]

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

3. Realize the True Treasure in Christ [Phil. 4:4-7, Psalm 119:10]

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

4. Renew the Mind [Rm. 12:2, Eph. 4:25]

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.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Criticism causes suicides, broken health and ruined nerves. Gossip has broken countless homes, has estranged brothers, has divided churches. Evil speaking of other Christians is a heartless, cruel and terrible sin which often ruins lives. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 170]

A Christian then may judge doctrine, comparing it with the Bible. He may judge sin, prayerfully, without judging the sinner. But no Christian ever has the right to pass judgment as to whether someone else is saved or lost. And no Christian has a right to presume that he knows the motives and intentions of any heart. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 183]

If one declares that he has trusted in Christ as His Saviour and has assurance that his sins are forgiven by faith in the shed blood of Christ, then I ought charitably to take his testimony the best I can. If he does not live as a Christian ought, then I must consider my own frail attempts, my own failures, my own sins, not so well known to the public, perhaps, but intimately known to God. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 183]

If one does not claim to have trusted in Christ and to have accepted Him as Saviour, then we do right to take his testimony that he is unsaved. We know that if one claims to be saved by his own goodness, or saved by church membership, he is mistaken because we have the plain statements of the Word of God that only those who trust in Christ are saved. We have the right to suppose that one who does not claim to have trusted Christ for salvation is lost. And charitably, we can only hope that one who professes to know and love the Saviour and to have trusted Him wholly for salvation is really a child of God. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 183]

Some are saved who cannot give any clear testimony as to when and how it happened. Something very definite happens in the heart of one who is saved; but often not much happens in the head, not much of assurance, nor of clear testimony, until the Word of God brings light to the mind. Babies are born a good while before they know much. And babies would never know who their fathers or mothers were or anything about their birth unless they were taught by others. So some are saved who have no clear testimony, and some are saved who do not act like they are saved. But a percentage of others, we are taught in the word, are not saved, though they claim to be. And many are unrighteous sinners who appear very moral and religious. We can only trust that those have trusted Christ and have been born again who say they have. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 183-184]

Some speak very blandly of the Galilean peasant or the prophet of Nazareth or the great teacher or the Way-Shower, People call Him example, martyr, wise man, philosopher, prophet or seer; but such terms are chaff to Him who deserves so much more. All such halfhearted and impersonal praise is stinking ointment instead of holy incense before Jesus.
One rich man so came to Jesus, calling Him "Good Master"; and He sternly reproved him saying, "There is none good but one, that is, God" (Matt. 18:17). Jesus is more than a good schoolmaster or rabbi; if He is not God, then He is not good! - John R. Rice [Gifts of the Wise Men, pg. 4]

Just here every reader will do well if he probes deep into his own heart to see his attitude toward Jesus Christ. Only those who come with hearts bowed low in worship, opening all their treasures, have come as the Lord Jesus demands that men come. - John R. Rice [Gifts of the Wise Men, pg. 4]

THE MAN OF SIN

THE MAN OF SIN

2 Thessalonians 2:3

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE RISE OF THE MAN OF SIN

1. His Popularity [Rev. 13:1-4]

2. His Partner [Rev. 13:11-18]

3. His Personality [2 Th. 2:1-9, Dan. 11:31, 36-45]

II. THE REIGN OF THE MAN OF SIN

1. His Program [Rev. 13:4, 8; Mt. 4]

2. His Persecutions (pogroms) [Rev. 13:7-10]

3. His Pronouncements [Rev. 13:5-6, Jn. 8:44]

III. THE RUIN OF THE MAN OF SIN

1. He Opposes Christ [1 John 2:18-22, 4:3, 2 John 1:7]

2. He Opposes the Holy Spirit [1 Jn. 4:3-4]

3. He Opposes the Father [2 Th. 2:3-5]

THE PATH OF FAITH

1 PETER 5:5-11 [especially v. 9]

Pastor Rick Jackson

Proverbs 1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

Proverbs 2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

Proverbs 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

I. THE PATH OF HUMILITY [v. 5-7]

1. The Path of Submission [v. 5a]

2. The Path of Grace [v. 5b]

3. The Path of God’s Timing [v. 6]

4. The Path of God’s Care [v. 7]

II. THE PATH OF SOBRIETY [v. 8-9]

1. The Power of Alertness [v. 8a]

2. The Power of the Adversary [v. 8b]

3. The Power of Alliance [v. 9]                                    

Stay strong for others/draw strength from others

III. THE PATH OF GOD [v. 10-11]

1. He Called Us [v. 10a]

2. He Will Complete Us [v. 10b]

3. He Receives the Glory [v. 11]

A.W.O.L. IN THE LORD’S ARMY

John 20:19-24

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. MISSED BLESSINGS [v. 24-29]

1. He Missed the Blessing of Knowing the Lord’s Presence [v. 24]

2. He Missed the Blessing of Sharing with the Lord’s People [v. 25, Romans 12:15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice.

3. He Missed the Blessing of Pleasing the Lord’s Person [v. 26-29, Hebrews 11:6]

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

II. MIXED MESSAGES [v. 25-28]

1. The Demand of Pride [v. 25]

2. The Rebuke of Grace [v. 26-27]

3. The Repentance of Faith [v. 28]

III. OUR MARVELOUS MASTER [v. 29-31]

1. The Divine Promise [v. 29]

2. The Divine Presence [v. 30]

3. The Divine Purpose [v. 31]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Doctors are sometimes taught that lying is permissible under certain circumstances - that to tell the truth would sometimes do more harm than good. So they sometimes deceive patients and deceive the families. I will say frankly that I want no doctor to wait on me or my family who is a lying agent of Satan. A man who will lie about one thing will lie about another if he has enough to gain by it, and a liar can never be trusted. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 117]

Parents, especially, feel that lying is permitted in their case in dealing with children. Children ask so many questions that parents don't want to answer, so lying is a customary business in the average home. Parents think that lying threats are better than honest punishment and discipline, they think that pleasant lies are sometimes better for small ears than unpleasant truths. So parents lie. They glibly explain that storks bring babies, that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, that rabbits lay Easter eggs, that " 'the booger man' will get you if you don't go to sleep." An adults idea of a joke on children is, "I am going to give baby sister to the neighbors." In fact, books and magazines even have helpful hints to parents on how to deceive their children. The churches help all they can, and pastors and Sunday School teachers faithfully propagate the lie about Santa Claus and reindeers at Christmas, liking that better than the truth about the Babe born in a manger, the shepherds in the fields, the wise men from the East and the angels who praised God saying, "Glory to God in the highest." Churches have their Easter programs where children are taught not about the resurrection of the Saviour, but about Easter eggs, little chickens, and baby rabbits. Children's classes are given miniature gifts of rabbits with their little nests of candy eggs which they presumably have laid. Thus the whole background of a child's life is formed of a tissue of lies! Small wonder that he soon learns to have no confidence in the opinions of the mother and father who dealt with him so falsely. If any parent reads this, I suggest you check and see which one your child will believe first, you, or his high school teacher! Children instinctively know that one who brazenly lies about Santa Claus and "booger man" and whipping, can't be trusted when they express opinions about dancing and drinking and gambling and picture shows. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 118-119]

I am sure there are honorable, upright lawyers who scorn and hate a lie, but the public generally has been led to adopt the attitude of the Irishman who wandered in a graveyard reading the epitaphs. On one headstone he read, "Here lies a lawyer and an honest man." And he exclaimed in astonishment, "Begorra, here are two men buried in the same grave!" - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 117]

A backslider is a saved person who falls into sin. A lost sinner cannot be a backslider. You have to go somewhere before you can slide back. But one who is truly born again, a child of God who falls into sin, is a backslider. It may be outrageous and gross sin known to everyone, or it may be merely coldness of heart, a lukewarmness of heart instead of the burning fire of love for God. But when a Christian loses any of his joy, or loses part of his sweet fellowship with God, or falls into sin, then he is a backslider. Remember that only Christians can backslide. - John R. Rice, What Is a Backslider?

Was there ever a time when you were nearer to God than you are today? Was your heart ever happier than now? Was your life ever more fruitful? If you need to answer yes to any of those questions, then today you are, of course, a backslider. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 126]

The Scripture teaches us to take up our cross DAILY and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). We must come DAILY, according to the model prayer, to ask forgiveness for our sins (Matt. 6:11, 12). The proper attitude for a child of God every day is the attitude of penitence, confession and turning from sin, judging ourselves so that we need not be judged in the wrath of God (I Cor. 11:31, 32; I John 1:8-10). Yes, if you had a revival only yesterday, you need one today! - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 127]

All of the things that are wrong with us are wrong in the heart. Our sins, our prayerlessness, our worldliness, our absorption in trivial things, our carelessness about souls, our spiritual blindness, these all proceed from our hearts, stubborn, carnal, sin-cursed, unbroken hearts! Our lack of revival does not proceed from circumstances. Our fruitlessness, our barrenness is not a fault of the head; it is a black sin of the heart! It is not so much that our minds need to be taught, but rather that our hearts need to be broken up. May God give us grace to set about to seek the broken and contrite heart that God will not despise. - John R. Rice [The Ruin of a Christian, pg. 134]

PHYSICAL PANDEMIC, SPIRITUAL CHECK-UP

James 4:13-14

Adapted from R. L. Sumner by Pastor Rick Jackson

In our current world situation, we are reminded how quickly things can change. Perhaps you have run short on some supplies and found difficulty in restocking your inventories. Perhaps you have been a little more concerned when you coughed. You may have asked yourself, “Am I sick or is that just my allergies?” God uses James to ask us, “What is your life?” We would do well to take inventory of our lives. Where am I going? What am I accomplishing? What are my plans… hopes… aims? What am I achieving for God? As we focus on our lives let us look at three specific areas.

I. WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR LIFE?

1. God - Acts 17:24-28, Jonah 2:9 Salvation is of the LORD.
God that made the world and all things therein , seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

2. Bible - 1 Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

3. Local Church - Acts 2:42, Heb. 10:25, 1 Timothy 3:15
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

II. WHAT IS THE COURSE OF YOUR LIFE? 2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

1. Is it Primarily for Self or the Saviour? [1 Cor. 10:31, Eph. 5:10, 15-17]
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord…. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

2. Is it Primarily for Time of Eternity? [Mt. 6:19-21, 33; Proverbs 13:7]
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

3. Is it Primarily for Waste or Wealth? [1 Cor. 3:11-15]
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

III. WHAT IS THE FORCE OF YOUR LIFE?

1. Is it Powerful Convictions? [Dan. 1:8, 3:16-18]
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. … Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
1 Samuel 17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Acts 5:29 …We ought to obey God rather than men.

2. Is it Providential Compassion? [Ps. 126:5-6, Jude 22]
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
And of some have compassion, making a difference:

3. Is it the Personal Comforter? [Jn. 14:16-26, Eph. 5:17-20]
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

EASTER PRESENTS

John 20:19-25

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. HIS PEACE

1. Peace in Trouble [John 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.

2. Peace in Tribulation [John 16:33]

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

3. Peace in Tears [John 20:19-21]

II. HIS PRESENCE

1. In the Midst [v. 19, 26, Matthew 18:20]

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

2. In the Ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit [v. 22]

Pentecost is not the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell believers but to imbue believers with power- Resurrection day is the day the indwelling began.

John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

3. In the Mind [Is. 26:3, Rm. 12:2, 2 Timothy 1:7]

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

III. HIS PURPOSE

1. The Father’s Purpose [v. 22]

2. The Saviour’s Purpose [v. 22]

3. The Spirit’s Purpose [v. 23-24]

JESUS AND THE WOMEN OF GALILEE

LUKE 23:44-55

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THEIR DEVOTION NEVER WAVERED [Luke 23:44-24:1]

1. Not When Things Looked Bad [23:44-49]

2. Not When They Were Sad [23:50-55]

3. Not When It Seemed Hopeless [23:56-24:1]                     

How’s your devotion?

II. THEIR DEDICATION WAS REWARDED [Luke 24, Matthew 28]

1. Consider the Tomb [Luke 24:2-3]

2. Consider the Two [Luke 24:4-8]

3. Consider the Task [Mt. 28:5-8, 16-20]                                 

How’s your dedication?

III. THEIR DESTINY IS OURS [Matthew 28, Luke 24]

1. To Talk about Jesus [Mt. 28:9-10, Luke 24:9-10]

2. To Not Always Be Believed [Luke 24:11]

3. To Be Proved Right [Luke 24:22-36]                                      

How’s your destiny?

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

A finished salvation is free, not earned.
A finished salvation is instantaneous the moment you trust Christ and receive it. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 159]

A finished salvation is an everlasting salvation. It is like a piece of furniture for which cash has been paid and there is nothing due upon it. No furniture van will ever back up to the door to re-possess that furniture because some installment had not been met! There are no more installments to be met on a salvation which is finished! When Jesus died the entire transaction was settled, the salvation was finished. Now all a sinner has to do is with a penitent heart receive it by faith. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 159-160]

The rich man in Hell looked with the deepest concern upon the affairs of the earth and said, "I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldst send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment." He knew that his brethren had not repented. Abraham in Heaven knew more about it than the rich man did and said, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." How strange that both Heaven and Hell look on with such intense concern for the conversion of the wicked here on earth while we who have an opportunity to warn them do so little about it!
― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

Here is God's simple way to be saved. You are a sinner, your heart is wrong, you cannot save yourself, you are already condemned. The thing you are to do then, to be saved, is to simply trust the Lord Jesus with that matter. When you trust Him, then you have God's promise: "Thou shalt be saved." - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 191]

I do not mean that you are simply to believe that there is a God or that there is a Saviour. Devils believe that and tremble (James 2:19). You can believe that a certain physician is a good doctor without calling him to be your doctor when you are sick. You can believe that a man is a good lawyer without taking him as your lawyer to defend your case. You are not just to believe the truth about Jesus, you are to believe on Him, that is, depend upon Him, risk Him, trust Him; and when you do, you are saved. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 191]

I believe that Jesus was not crucified on Friday, but on Wednesday. Preachers have usually accepted the Roman Catholic teaching that He was crucified on Friday and have never investigated what the Bible teaches on that subject. All Bible evidence proves that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, buried that night, and arose from the dead some time Saturday night, before sunrise Sunday morning. Remember that the Jewish day began at sundown and the night was counted a part of the following day.
Matthew 12:40 plainly says that Jesus would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, or the grave, like Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly. If Jesus were crucified Friday and raised Saturday night, or before sunrise Sunday morning, He would have been in the grave one day and part of two nights. Certainly that would not fulfill His plain promise.
Many people have supposed that John 19:31 was evidence that Jesus was crucified on Friday since the Jews wished to take His body down before the Sabbath. Notice, however, that "that Sabbath day was an high day." It was not an ordinary weekly Sabbath, but an annual Sabbath, the one mentioned in Exodus 12:16. It was a day of rest, the first of seven days of eating of unleavened bread, the day on which the Passover lamb was eaten.
So Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, was taken down from the cross before sunset Wednesday (John 19:31)... Jesus stayed in the grave fully seventy-two hours, three days and three nights, and arose then some time Saturday night, that is, part of Sunday, the first day of the week which began at sundown. - John R. Rice [Dr, Rice, Here is My Question, question 55]

We had as well admit, then, that no man deserves saving and no man can save himself. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 192]

Salvation must be free or the sinner could never get it, in fact, it takes blood to pay for sin, for the Scripture says: "Without shedding of blood is no remission" - Hebrews 9:22. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 192]

PASSOVER & GOOD WEDNESDAY

EXODUS 12

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE EXPECTANCY [v. 1-11]

1. “A Lamb” for a new Beginning [v. 1-3, 2 Cor. 5:17]

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2. “The Lamb” that Counts [v. 4. Jn. 1:29]

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

3. “Your Lamb” that must be Applied [v. 5-10, , 1 Timothy 4:10]

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

4. God’s Lamb that speaks of Departure [v. 11, John 1:36-37, 1 Corinthians 5:7]

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

II. THE UNDERSTANDING [v. 12-27]

1. Redemption or judgment? [v. 12, Matthew 3:11]

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

2. Redemption by Blood [v. 13, Rev. 1:5]

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

3. Redemption of Separation TO God [v. 14-27, 2 Cor. 6:14-18]

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 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. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

III. THE RELATIONSHIP [v. 28-51]

1. The LORD is the Lawgiver [v. 28, 40-42, Isaiah 33:22, James 4:12]

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

2. All or Nothing [v. 43-46, Rm. 11:6]

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

3. One Way for Everyone [v. 47-49, Jn. 14:6, Rm. 1:16]

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way , the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

HOW TO SUFFER WITHOUT BEING INSUFFERABLE

1 PETER 4:12-19

Pastor Rick Jackson

The problem of suffering is not a new one. Since the fall of man suffering has been the bane of mankind’s existence brought on by sin and its fallout. You cannot avoid suffering as it is universal. Being bad increases it, being good doesn’t do away with it as evidenced in the life of Job, Joseph, Daniel, and the sinless One, the Lord Jesus Christ. But how to survive suffering WITHOUT becoming insufferable can be learned, and used, and applied, and bring glory to God and good to us.

I. BE STEADFAST [v. 12-14]

A. W. Tozer said, “Too many people want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right.”

1. It’s A Daily Thing [v. 12] “Daily living is a most difficult aspect of the Christian Life.”

2. It’s a Disciple Thing [v. 13, Acts 4:13]

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

3. It’s a Devotional Thing [v. 14, 1 Corinthians 15:58]

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

II. HAVE INTEGRITY [v. 15]

Integrity is a wholesomeness, a completeness of character. Not having duplicity, not being dishonest.

1. Dare to be a Daniel [Daniel 6:5]

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

Daniel’s enemies were witnesses to his character.

2. Be a Roman’s 13:13 Christian [Romans 13:13]

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

3. Follow the Footsteps of Christ [1 Peter 2:21]

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

III. EXERCISE FAITH [v. 16-19]

1. Glorify God [v. 16]

If this life was all roses would we long for Heaven?

2. Accept that it is Better than You Deserve [v. 17-18]

“Every suffering for our Saviour makes us better able to serve.”- David Bragg

3. Trust His Will is Best [v. 19]

“It’s not wrong to change- it’s wrong to change outside the will of God.”

CONSIDER HIM

[Part 2]

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?

Last week we considered the following five things about Jesus:

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]

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

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

This week let us consider 5 more things about our Wonderful Lord:

I. JESUS was never in a Hurry [Jn. 11:1-6]

II. JESUS never distrusted God [Jn. 18:11]

III. JESUS never Failed [Jn. 19:30]

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

IV. JESUS was never Unfaithful [Heb. 3:1-3]

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.

V. JESUS never Sinned [Heb. 4:12-16]

Now consider these traits when you go to pray, to trust, to lean on Him. Or consider when you want to falter, quit, murmur, whine, and complain. Consider HIM!

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

But another question will answer this one: How can the Lord Jesus in Heaven be happy? Surely He knows all things here. He looked into Hell and heard the cries of the rich man tormented in flame. And He, with God the Father, knows the fall of every sparrow and numbers every hair on every head. He looks at the heart of every unrepentant sinner and grieves at the mistakes and failures of every Christian. Can Jesus be happy in Heaven? The Scripture answers: "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied" (Isa. 53:11). We know that Jesus on earth looked forward to the joy in Heaven, for we are told: "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" (Heb. 12:2). Yes, Jesus, knowing all the wickedness of this world, is happy in Heaven. So are the saints in Heaven.
― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

The rich man in Hell looked with the deepest concern upon the affairs of the earth and said, "I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldst send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment." He knew that his brethren had not repented. Abraham in Heaven knew more about it than the rich man did and said, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." How strange that both Heaven and Hell look on with such intense concern for the conversion of the wicked here on earth while we who have an opportunity to warn them do so little about it!
― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

Reader, do you know the difference between salvation by work and salvation by grace? Then remember that "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us" (Titus 3:5). Remember that Ephesians 2:8, 9, tells us, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Praise God for salvation already finished, a salvation purchased by the blood of Christ and not by works of man. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 158-159]

When Jesus died, "By one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified." Christ paid for all my sins of the past (it was before I was born, before I ever sinned). But that offering also paid for all the sins of the future. Christ will never die again. He will never need to die again for MY sins. And I will never need to die for them either, because when He died once, that settled the matter for ever. Here is a perfect salvation, already provided, already paid for, offered free to all who will have it. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 159]

What must I do to be saved then? The jailor asked it in Acts 16:30. Paul and Silas answered in Acts 16:31, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Trust the matter with Jesus! And when you turn your soul over to Jesus for salvation, "It is finished!" There is nothing more to pay, nothing more to do. Let Jesus give you this free salvation which He finished when He died on Calvary. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 159]

God is not trying to sell salvation. He is offering it free. God is not trying to get you to save yourself. He is offering to save you Himself, to give you the perfect salvation based on the finished work of Christ. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 159]

This salvation that is already finished is of God's grace, not of man's works. - John R. Rice [Revival Appeals, pg. 159]

WHAT TOM JACKSON HAD

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

There is so much to say in a time like this and so much NOT to say. I thought about telling some of my favorite Tom stories but probably everyone here has favorite Tom stories. So I asked the Lord for help, as I always do in preparing messages, and here we are talking about what Tom Jackson had.

I. TOM JACKSON HAD FRIENDS [Proverbs 18:24]

I cannot tell you the number of people from all walks of life who have communicated in the last few days what a friend Tom was to them. That’s true because he was a friendly fellow.

II. TOM JACKSON HAD FAMILY [1 Timothy 5:8]

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

III. TOM JACKSON HAD FUN [Proverbs 15:15,  17:22]

All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

Proverbs A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

IV. TOM JACKSON HAD FAULTS [Psalm 19:12-14]

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

V. TOM JACKSON HAD FAITH [Eph. 2:1-10, Jn. 14:1-6]

LESSONS FROM LOSSES

                                                 JOB 1:14-22                                                                         

Pastor Rick Jackson

Today I preached the funeral of my oldest brother. Though I know where he is, I have lost the earthly fellowship of this dear saint, I have lost his earthly prayers, and his earthly counsel. Due to weather here in Florida people over the years have lost their lives, their homes, other property. Oft times when people are talking to someone about their loss they ask a one word question: WHY?

Brother Greg says, "Why not?" I have responded, "Because". Both answers are correct. Sometimes we might think, what can this loss possibly teach me? Though it's often hard to think clearly during times of loss the truth is that loss can teach the open mind and heart quite a bit.

LESSON I - GOD IS SOVEREIGN

1. His Authority is Absolute - God causes OR allows all things [Job]

Psalm 59:13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.

Psalm 66:7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.

Psalm 103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

2. His ways are perfect [Deuteronomy 32:4]

He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

3. His Understanding Is Infinite [Romans 11:33-36]

Is. 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

LESSON II - MANKIND IS SUSCEPTIBLE

1. To sorrow [Job 14:1]  Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

Genesis 3:16-17 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

2. To situations [Phil. 1:12-13, 4:11-12]

3. To success [Phil. 4:13, 19]

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.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

LESSON III - CHRISTIANS ARE STEWARDS

1. We all have our roles [Ph. 1:20-23]

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Jeremiah 18:2-6 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

2. We all have our responsibilities [Ph. 1:24-27]

3. We all have our requirements [Lk. 12:28]

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.