ELIJAH – GOD’S MAN FOR THE AGES

NEW TESTAMENT ADVENTURES OF OLD TESTAMENT HEROES #3

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE TRANSFIGURATION [Mark 9]

1. The Companions of Glory [v. 1-4]

2. The Christ of Glory [v. 5-8]

3. The Cross of Glory [Lk. 9:30-31, Galatians 6:14]

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

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

II. THE SUBSTITUTION [Mk. 6, 8, 9]

1. The Company of Saints & the Saviour [Mk. 6:15, 8:27-28]

2. The Conditions of Substitution [Mk. 9:9-13, Lk. 1:13-17, Mt. 17:11-13]

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

3. The Coming of Saviour’s Servants [Mk. 9:12]

III. THE TRIBULATION [Rev. 11]

1. The Witness for Jesus [v. 1-3, 1:1]

2. The Power from Jesus [v. 3-6, Acts 1:7-11]

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

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. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up , behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

3. The Ascension to Jesus [v. 7-12]

ORDERS FROM HEADQUARTERS [Part 2]

Proverbs 4:20-27

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. PAY ATTENTION [v. 20-22]

1. Really, Really Listen to the Spoken Word of God [v. 20]

2. Really, Really Focus on the Written Word of God [v. 21a]

3. Really, Really Center on the Living Word of God [v. 21b-22]

II. PROTECT ALWAYS [v. 23]

1. Guard Your Heart [to guard, in a good sense to protect, maintain, obey, etc.]

2. Guard Your Heart Diligently [an example (concr.):--diligence, guard, office, prison, ward, watch.

3. Guard It for What It Does [Luke 6:45]

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

III. PRACTICE APPLICATION [v. 24-27]

1. Lose the Bad Mouth [v. 24]

2. Look the Right Way [v. 25, Luke 9:62]

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

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.

3. Walk the Line [v. 26-27, Jude 1:21]

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

THE LORD HE IS GOD

                                     [The Basics of Christianity #7]                                                    

Pastor Rick Jackson

Deuteronomy 4:39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.

Psalm 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

1 Kings 18:39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

I. GOD GUIDES

Psalm 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

Psalm 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

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

Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually…

1. By Inspiration

Psalm 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

2. By Impressions

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

3. By Circumstances [Divine Appointments]

Acts 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

II. GOD PROVIDES

1. Through His Power

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

2. Through Prayer

Philippians 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

3. Through His People

Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

III. GOD DECIDES

1. It Should Be His Will

1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will

1 Corinthians 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

James 4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

2. It Should Be His Way

Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

3. It Should Be His Work

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.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

People do not save themselves. They do not keep themselves. People do not partly save themselves by good works, or baptism, or church membership, or giving money, or prayers. They simply trust Jesus Christ and He does all the saving. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 81]

People do not partly keep themselves. They leave the matter with Christ. That is what they have committed to Him, and He who did the saving by grace does the keeping the same way, by grace. People do not deserve salvation when they get it. People do not deserve salvation after they get it. It is by God's grace, and God's power, and on the merits of Jesus Christ, not our own merits. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 82]

We want to be like Jesus. We feel guilty and sad in proportion as we fail to be like Him. But, oh, the sweet and blessed time is coming, as the psalmist said, "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" (Ps. 17:15). - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 104]

Let us be sure of this, any honest doubter is invited to come and find out the truth. And, of course, the doubter who does not seek to find the truth, who does not want to know, is not an honest doubter. The scoffer who does not pray, who does not read the Bible, who does not seek the will of God, is not an honest doubter. He is a rebel; he is a deliberate sinner. But the troubled heart that wants to know about Jesus can find out. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg.111]

We need to understand that salvation is wholly by the grace of God, that God saves people who do not deserve it, and keeps people who do not deserve it, because of His wonderful grace. We should remember that Christ died for our sins, all of them, and that His death on the cross settled for all of our sins before we were ever born and the forgiveness became effective as soon as we would trust the Saviour. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 114]

The only righteousness that will do a Christian any good is the righteousness of Christ and that righteousness is freely given to all who will trust in Him. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 114]

Jesus has never cast out one who has come seeking mercy and forgiveness. He did not cast one out when He came not later when he failed to be all he ought to be. Thank God for His love and for the atoning blood of Jesus and the everlasting promises that we are born into the family of God and He will never leave us nor forsake us. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 115]

MOSES - THE WISE MAN OF THE MOUNTAINS

NEW TESTAMENT ADVENTURES OF OLD TESTAMENT HEROES #2

Pastor Rick Jackson

There is a recurring motif in the last century or so of a wise man on a mountain whom people seek to ask, “What is the meaning of life,” or “What is the way to happiness” or some question of a similar nature. I do not know where the idea of the wise man of the mountain originated but Moses could definitely be “a” wise man of the mountains and, he certainly, by God’s grace, has the answers.

I. MOUNT SINAI – THE LAWS OF LIVING & DYING [Jn. 1]

1. The Law of Unattainable Perfection [John 1:17, 5:45, 7:19] Moses in person accusing them?

Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

2. The Grace of Obtainable Perfection [John 1:45, 17; 5:46, Acts 13:39]

And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

3. The Power of Law & Grace Understood [Rm. 11:6, Galatians 3:24, Rev. 15:3]

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.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

II. MOUNT NEBO – THE LAWS OF SINNING & SUFFERING

1. God Can Not & Will Not Condone Sin [Dt. 3:23-29]

2. God is Holy & God is Merciful [Dt. 32:45-52]

3. God is Granter of Strength & Taker of Life [Dt. 34:1-7]

III. MOUNT OF TRANSFIGURATION – THE LAW OF CHANGING & GLORY [Lk. 9]

1. The Glory of Being with Jesus [v. 27-31a, 2 Corinthians 3:7]

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious , so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:

2. The Glory of Knowing Christ [v. 31, 2 Corinthians 4:6]

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness , hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

3. The Glory of Being Part of His Plan [v. 32-36, 2 Corinthians 3:18]

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

PROPER PRAYER PREPARATION

                              

[The Basics of Christianity #6]                                    

James 5:13-18

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. HONEST CONFESSION

We need to agree with God and:

1. Believe Every Bible promise concerning prayer [1:1-5, John 14:13-14]

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

2. Realize we have Great Needs [1:6-7, Jn. 15:5]

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing .

3. Admit we do Not Pray as we Ought [4:2-3, 1 Th. 5:17, Gethsemane]

Pray without ceasing.

II. SOUND DECLARATION                                             

As we consider praying, we know:

1. That God loves us [1 Jn. 4:10, Jn. 3:16]

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

2. That God Desires the Best for us [Rm. 5:8-10]

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

“Our blessed Lord will permit only as much trouble in our lives as will be for His glory and for our profit.” ― Walter L. Wilson

3. That God has a Will for our lives [4:4-10, Eph. 5:17, 6:6-7, Mt. 7:21]

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

4. That God answers Prayer [Jer. 33:3]

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

III. POSITIVE ACCEPTATION

1. I Must Accept God’s Word on Prayer [Phil. 4:6-7]

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.

2. I Must give myself to fervent Prayer [James 5:16]

3. I Must Pray for Others [5:14, 1 Sam. 12:23]

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

ORDERS FROM HEADQUARTERS

2 TIMOTHY 4                                      

Pastor Rick Jackson

Several years ago, a missionary and I were discussing the state of churches in the U.S. and he told me that many solid fundamental churches are facing declining numbers, unfaithful members and difficult situations. Not long after that discussion I sat down with a pastor from Union County and learned he has been having problems retaining members. One of our members spoke with a church with uber-nice facilities in Keystone and discovered they were facing dwindling numbers long before the COVID situation. A local pastor of a good sound church in the area shared with me that despite declining attendance, about half ours, he would not succumb to the temptation of bringing in worldly music. We both also agreed that we would not stop preaching the Word as well. Why not bring in questionable music? Why not quit teaching the parts of the Bible that make people uneasy? There are reasons galore but one is simply, “Orders from Headquarters!”

I. THERE IS THE PROBLEM OF CARNAL CHRISTIANS [v. 3-4]

1. Dislike Solid Teaching [v. 3a]

2. Delight in Superficial Teachers [v. 3b]

3. Decide Fables Supplant Truth [v. 4]

II. THERE IS THE PERFECTION OF CHANGELESS CONDITIONS [v. 1-2]

1. The Presence of God [v. 1, Galatians 1:20]

Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.

1 Timothy 5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not;

2. The Preeminence of the Word [v. 1-2, 3:15-17, 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. The Person of Christ [v. 1, John 8:35-36, Hebrews 13:8]

And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

III. THERE IS THE POWER OF A CONSIDERABLE CHARGE [v. 2, 5]

1. Preach the Word [v. 2, Galatians 1:10]

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

2. Persevere the Watch [v. 5a]

1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

1 Th. 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

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

3. Prove the Work [v. 5b, Luke 1:1]

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,

Romans 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another : another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Any Christian who has not read the whole Bible through, including all the genealogies, all the historical narratives, every line of it, ought to be ashamed of himself. He has never taken the Bible seriously. It is all God's Word and it ought to be read through, every line of it, frequently. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 50]

Read through chapter after chapter in consecutive order, in any given book. The Psalms were divided up into separate chapters originally. They are not connected. It is about the same with the book of Proverbs. But in the rest of the Bible each book is a consecutive whole, and each ought to be read chapter after chapter through the whole book. When you start on Genesis, then keep going right on through Genesis until you finish it. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 50]

Reading the Bible is not enough, and even memorizing much of the Bible is not enough. The Christian is commanded to "meditate therein day and night." Have the Bible often in your mind. Ask God to help you think about it and enjoy it and delight in it. For it is in meditating on the Word of God that the Holy Spirit does His blessed work of developing the Christian graces in your heart and in giving you faith and in showing you what is wrong with your life, or how to have your prayers answered, or which course you should pursue. So take time to think about the Bible and meditate upon its teachings, its promises and its blessings. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 51]

I need not say that any honest dealing with the Word of God will mean that the Christian is to live by what he finds therein. To read the Bible and not follow it would be hypocrisy. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 51]

If God shows you that your prayer is wrong, than ask Him to help you change it. But as long as you do not have clear evidence from the Word of God or by the Holy Spirit's leading that your prayer is wrong, then keep on praying.. Ask God to change your desires if your prayer is wrong, or to give you faith to expect the blessing you seek if your prayer is right. Keep on praying! - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 58]

Prayer is one of the greatest steps to a happy, prosperous, successful Christian life. Dear Christian, take time, take time, take time to keep up your prayer life and keep things settled up with God all the time. Confess to Him all your sins, take to Him all your burdens, thank Him for all your blessings! - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 59]

The Christian still has the old nature, but now being converted, he has also a new nature, and of this new nature, the newly-created person within, we read, "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not" (I John 5:18). That does not mean that a Christian never sins--but it means that that there is a new nature within the Christian, and this new nature, born of God, does not sin, but hates sin and cannot be content with sin. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 80]

ABRAHAM – FACE TIME FROM HELL

NEW TESTAMENT ADVENTURES OF OLD TESTAMENT HEROES #1

Pastor Rick Jackson

LUKE 13:28-29

I know that most of you are aware that many Old Testament saints are mentioned in the New Testament. Many times, they are quoted, or, referred to in past tense, or, referred to in future tense as in our opening text. But there are several times that Old Testament heroes have New Testament adventures. Right off hand I can think of 4 but there may be more which will require further study. As the title indicates, the first message in this mini-series is about Abraham.

There are times when someone will call me on my cell phone using “face time” – that is, they can see me, and I can see them. During this pandemic, teachers have been skyping their students which is a form of face time. It can be done on phones, computers, tablets and various other devices but all of these new-fangled means are old hat when we see in Luke 16 when Abraham was “face timed” by the rich man. Abraham was in Heaven and the rich man was in Hell. The curtain was drawn back for us to get this glimpse of the generally unseen but very real supernatural locations by none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

I. GENERAL TRUTHS OF THE AFTERLIFE [Luke 16:19-26]

1. Inhabitants of both Heaven and Hell can See

2. Inhabitants of both Heaven and Hell can Speak

3. Inhabitants of both Heaven and Hell can Hear

4. Inhabitants of both Heaven and Hell can Reason

5. Inhabitants of both Heaven and Hell can Remember

6. Inhabitants of both Heaven and Hell can Recognize People they Never Knew

7. Inhabitants of both Heaven and Hell can Feel

II. ABRAHAM’S IMPRESSIVE KNOWLEDGE

1. He knew the Rich Man was Jewish [v. 25]

2. He Knew the Status of the Saved and the Lost [v. 25]

3. He Knew the “Rules” of the Afterlife [v. 26]

4. He Knew the Scriptures [v. 29]

5. He Knew Human Nature [v. 31]

III. TRUTHS WE MAY GLEAN

1. Death does NOT “End it all” [no annihilation, no soul-sleep

2. The Sin debt must be paid – either by Christ or the individual sinner

3. “There is a way to keep a man out of hell, but there is NO way to get a man OUT of hell.” - Walter Lewis Wilson, M.D.

4. We do not need to communicate with the dead- the Scriptures are sufficient [v. 31]

5. The Flames of Hell will not consume the resurrection bodies of the damned [v. 24, Rev. 19:20, 20:10]

6. Salvation is a “this life” situation [v. 26, Jn. 8:21] Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come

THE STRANGE BUSINESS OF DYING

[The Basics of Christianity #5]

Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

Ecclesiastes 8:8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE DEATH SENTENCE [Rm. 5:12]

Wherefore , as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

1. Brought on by man [Rm. 5:12a]

2. Birth of world-wide destruction [8:22]

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

3. Bolstered by individual responsibility [Rm. 5:12b]

II. THE DEADLY EARNINGS [6:23]

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1. Spiritual Death [Gn. 2:17, Eph. 2:1-6]

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

2. Physical Death [Eccl. 8:8, Jn 19:30-33]

There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

3. Second Death [Rev. 20:4-15]

III. THE EMBRACING OF DEATH

1. The Death of the Substitute [Is. 53, 2 Corinthians 5:21]

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

2. The Death of Self [Jn 12:24, 1 Corinthians 15:31]

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

3. The Death of Separation [Phil. 1:20-26]

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour : yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

WATCH OUT FOOL!

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

When I was an elementary boy I had a friend named Pete. Pete was a funny kid and I like humor so we naturally got along pretty good! He had this silly way, without meaning any harm I suppose, of saying, “You fool!” Kind of like someone would say, “You silly goose!” Well, I started using it. Once I get something in my head I pretty near beat it to death and I have to watch myself closely. Even today I can get carried away with this. Well, Mom got tired of this “fool” business pretty quickly and shared some Bible with me and I kind of, with her help, broke that habit. But when God calls somebody a “fool” we’d best pay attention and make sure He doesn’t consider us a fool. Here are some things to watch out for.

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. WATCH YOUR STEP! [v. 1, 2 Tm. 4:1-4, Mt. 5:23-24]

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

“Going to some churches is not only a waste of time; it is wrong. It is wrong to give your approval to a liberal pulpit. It is wrong when you do not give your support to a fundamental pastor who is giving out the Word of God.” - J. Vernon McGee

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

II. WATCH YOUR MOUTH [v. 2-3, James 1:19, Matthew 6:7]

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

III. WATCH YOUR PROMISES [v. 4-7]

Psalm 66:13-14 I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.

IV. WATCH YOUR HEART [Ps. 14:1, Jer. 17:9-10]

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

V. WATCH YOUR SPEED [Luke 24:25]

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

[as shared daily on the Facebook page found at https://www.facebook.com/Dr-John-R-Rice-1589630474596652/

If America is to have the blessing of God in the future as it has had by mercy in the past, then Christians should return to the historic Christian faith. It is still true that "the Bible is the bulwark of our liberties" as General Grant, President Lincoln, Daniel Webster, President Woodrow Wilson, President Theodore Roosevelt and many another great Americans believed. American greatness is based on the Bible as the very Word of God. The way to God's continued blessing is for those who take the name of Christ to go back to the Bible and to the Christ of the Bible. - John R. Rice [Great Preaching on Patriotism, pg. 77]

Someone says, "I can live as well outside the church as in the church." No, you cannot! How could anyone live as well running with the Devil's crowd as he could running with the Lord's crowd? - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 43]

I have found that many love the Lord who do not join churches. But they are irresponsible Christians. They do not have anybody in authority over them whose word they eminently respect and follow. They do not hold themselves to some strict schedule of serving God, or of worship, or of giving. They feel no responsibility for getting the Gospel out to others about them. It is important that every Christian should get in with other Christians, have fellowship with other Christians, feel a responsibility to a local church and be ministered to by a local church. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 44]

I urge every convert, for your own happiness and for the good of the cause of Christ, to find a church that believes the Bible; a church where the Gospel is preached and souls are saved; and help to make that church stronger by your membership and by your prayers and your example and testimony and gifts. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 44]

I once helped a young man find peace and joy after he had backslidden and lost his joy and assurance. Then I said to him, "You must set out now to read the Word of God and use it."
He answered hastily, "But I do! I read a verse of the Bible every day!" A VERSE of the Bible! Do you think that young fellow really strained himself in reading the Bible, a whole verse of it nearly every day? That kind of reading of the Bible will not do. That is childishly inadequate. It is foolish to suppose that anyone who treats the Bible like that, reading only a verse a day, can have its full strength and blessing. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 49]

I once helped a young man find peace and joy after he had backslidden and lost his joy and assurance. Then I said to him, "You must set out now to read the Word of God and use it."
He answered hastily, "But I do! I read a verse of the Bible every day!" A VERSE of the Bible! Do you think that young fellow really strained himself in reading the Bible, a whole verse of it nearly every day? That kind of reading of the Bible will not do. That is childishly inadequate. It is foolish to suppose that anyone who treats the Bible like that, reading only a verse a day, can have its full strength and blessing. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 49]

Set out to read the Bible. I mean read all of it. I mean read it like you read other books, to enjoy it, to learn it, to absorb it, to be educated by it. I do not mean just a careless and piecemeal reading, but a thorough reading of the Bible. I suggest that every Christian set out to read the Bible through at least within a year. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 49]

I suggest that every Christian set out to read the Bible through at least within a year. And that is a very simple and easy thing to do if you mean business. It will only require that you read one chapter a day in the New Testament or Psalms, and three chapters every day from the Old Testament, and you will read the entire Bible through in a little less than eleven months. It will require only a few minutes a day, it will help to develop a lifetime habit of orderliness and self-discipline. But best of all, it will acknowledge that God's Word is for you to know and it will certainly make it so God can help you to learn the Bible. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 49]

THE BOOK OF THE LIFE

 [Rightly Dividing the Great White Throne Judgment]                     

REVELATION 20:12-15

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. WHAT WE KNOW FOR A CERTAINTY

1. At Some Point All Names of All People are in the Book Of Life [Daniel 12:1-2, Ex. 32: 30-33, Revelation 3:5]

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

2. At Some Point Some Names are Removed from the Book of Life [Ex. 32: 30-33]

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

3. At Some Point Some Names are Permanently Retained in the Book of Life [Revelation 3:5]

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

II. THOSE PERMANENTLY RETAINED ARE OVERCOMERS [Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21]

1. Christ is the Great Overcomer [John 16:33, Revelation 3:5, 5:5]

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.

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

2. Believers are Overcomers because they have a Relationship with God [1 John 2:13]

I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

3. Believers are Overcomers because they Believe the Bible [1 John 2:14, Philippians 4:3]

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4. Believers are Overcomers because they have the Indwelling Holy Spirit [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. Believers are Overcomers because they have been Born-again by Trusting Christ [1 John 5:4-5,  Revelation 12:11]

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

III. THOSE REMOVED ARE UNBELIEVERS

1. They Have Made a Clear Decision Against Christ [Revelation 13:8, 17:8]

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

2. They Have Made a Clear Decision Against God & His Word [Ex. 32:33, Rev. 22:19]

And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

3. Those Removed are Treated Fairly and Judged according to Their Works [Revelation 20:12, 15]

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

HAMAN’S HORRIBLE MISTAKES

ESTHER 3:1-2

Pastor Rick Jackson

Here we will see 3 big mistakes made by Haman. But the mistakes of Haman were the same as those of Pharaoh, Hitler, and if they are not careful- modern politicians as well.

I. HE THOUGHT POSITION WAS MOST IMPORTANT

1. God is Not Impressed with Man’s Position [v. 1-2]

2. Haman was Easily Manipulated [v. 3-4, 2 Corinthians 2:11]

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

3. Haman allowed His Emotions to Rule Him [v. 5, Proverbs 25:28]

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

II. HE THOUGHT THE JEWS WERE UNIMPORTANT

1. It is a Mistake to Discount God’s Promises [Gen, 12:1-3, Gal. 3:16-18]

2. It is a Mistake to Discount God’s Prophets [Rm. 3:1-3, 9]

3. It is a Mistake to Discount God’s People [Rm. 9:3-5]

III. HE THOUGHT HE WAS IN CHARGE

1. His Gall [3:6]

2. His Gloating [5:9-12]

3. His Guilt [5:13-14, 6:11-14, 7:6, 9-10]

Character is more important than position, the Jews are particularly important in God’s economy, God rules not man.

PSALM 96

TWO OLD SOLDIERS, ONE SET OF RULES

2 TIMOTHY

Pastor Rick Jackson

One of the greatest generals to live in the last 100 years or so was General Douglas MacArthur, commander of the Allied Forces in the Pacific during World War II. Perhaps best known for his, “I shall return” promise to the Philippines. MacArthur made a list of “4 RULES OF SUCCESS” in military battles. I do not know if he was basing them on Scripture (he professed to be a Christian) but his list is indeed Scriptural. In fact, God used the Apostle Paul to describe them almost 2000 years before MacArthur.

I. “A CAUSE TO DIE FOR” [2 Timothy 2:1]

On July 4^th we should remember those who fought for our freedoms. Freedom is not free. All gave some, some gave all. In 1 Samuel 17:29 David asked the question near a battlefield, “Is there not a cause?” Paul gave a cause in 2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Was this something he was willing to die for? He gave the answer to some Christians who were worried about his safety in Acts 21:13

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Many have given their lives for the promotion of the freedom that Christ offers, [John 8:36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

II. “AN ADEQUATELY TRAINED AND EQUIPPED ARMY” [2 Timothy 2:1-19, 3:16-17]

1. Training [v. 1-5]

2. Endurance [v. 6-13]

3. Knowledge [v. 14-19, 3:16-17]

III. “AN ADEQUATE MEANS OF SUPPORT” [2 Timothy 1:6-18]

1. Equipped by God [v. 6-14]

2. Example of Others [v. 5, 11-18]

IV. “KNOWING YOUR ENEMY” [2 Timothy 2:19-26]

1. Self [v. 19-22]

2. Sinners [v. 22-25]

3. Satan [v. 26]

In short, the enemies are internal, external & infernal – the flesh, the world, & the Devil

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Prophecy is sometimes foretelling the future and sometimes not, but it is always a supernatural message given in the power of the Holy Spirit. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 191]

Prophecy does not mean simply preaching. It means a witness, whether public or private, in the power of the Holy Spirit, in the fullness of the Spirit; a message that God has particularly given for the ones who hear. It may be a foretelling of the future, or it may not foretell the future. But always it gives a message from God to those present, and gives it in the mighty power of the Holy Spirit. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 191-192]

I have heard people pray, "O Holy Spirit, come and dwell within us!" But that prayer is out of place, for the Holy Spirit already dwells in the body of every Christian. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 282]

Thank God, we are not orphans! Thank God, we are not left in this world without anyone to whom we may turn for power and wisdom and everything else that we need! The Holy Spirit lives in my body. He loves me! He is at hand to be a comforter and a teacher. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 282-283]

I have no doubt that the Lord Jesus wanted souls saved more than He wanted anything else when He came to the earth. And the dear Heavenly Father who gave His Son felt the same way. And I cannot imagine that Jesus would have left Heaven to found schools or hospitals or orphan's homes. I cannot imagine that the Lord Jesus would have left Heaven to build nice church buildings with Gothic windows and lovely pipe organs and carpeted aisles and oak pews and reverent congregations, with robed choirs and scholarly ministers. I say, the secondary and incidental byproducts of Christianity were not what Jesus primarily had in mind when He came to this world. He came to die for sinners! Oh, how dear to His heart are the poor lost souls for whom He died! And He feels today, I know, just as He did when He was here. He wants souls saved! - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 300]

I have no doubt that the Lord Jesus wanted souls saved more than He wanted anything else when He came to the earth. And the dear Heavenly Father who gave His Son felt the same way. And I cannot imagine that Jesus would have left Heaven to found schools or hospitals or orphan's homes. I cannot imagine that the Lord Jesus would have left Heaven to build nice church buildings with Gothic windows and lovely pipe organs and carpeted aisles and oak pews and reverent congregations, with robed choirs and scholarly ministers. I say, the secondary and incidental byproducts of Christianity were not what Jesus primarily had in mind when He came to this world. He came to die for sinners! Oh, how dear to His heart are the poor lost souls for whom He died! And He feels today, I know, just as He did when He was here. He wants souls saved! - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 300]

Bad company ruined Samson, the Spirit-filled judge of Israel, and led him to commit terrible sins so that the Spirit of the Lord departed from him. Bad company ruined Solomon. In his old age he married heathen wives and they led him into idolatry. Bad company caused Simon Peter to lose his courage, to deny the Lord and to curse and swear! Oh, young Christian, you cannot possibly live at your best as a Christian unless you seek the company of other Christians. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 43]

THE BOOKS OF THE FINAL JUDGMENT

  [Rightly Dividing the Great White Throne Judgment]

REVELATION 20:12-13

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. BOOKS OF PERSONALIZED INFORMATION [V. 12]

1. No More Secrets [Luke 8:17] For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Luke 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

Hebrews 4: 11-13 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

2. What  has been “Heard” [Luke 8:18] Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Luke 12:47-48 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 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.

3. What has been said [Matt. 12:36-37] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

4. Hypocrisies [Luke 12:1-2] Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

5. Thoughts [Matt. 5: 21-22] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

5:27-28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

II. BOOKS OF WORKS [v. 12-13]

1. Books of Works [v. 12-13] including the personalized information already noted

2. Books of Injustices to God’s People [Ps. 56: 4-8] In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God. Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

III. THE BOOKS THAT MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

1. THE BIBLE [John 5:45-47] Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

12:48-50 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

Rm. 2:11-16 For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another ;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Gal. 3:10-12 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

2. THE BOOK OF LIFE [v. 11-15]