ENEMIES OF CHRIST # 2 : BETRAYED FROM WITHIN [part 2]

Philippians 3:17-19, 1 JOHN                                                                                                                                       

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Last week we saw “FOUNDATIONAL FAITH FACTS” from [1 JOHN 1]

 

1. 1 John is Written to Christians [v. 1-4]

2. God is 100% Light [v. 5-7]

3. Christians Still Sin [v. 8-10]       - we have a sin nature [v. 8]         -we have a solution [v. 9]              -we sin still [v. 10]

 

and “FURTHER FAITH FACTS” from [1 JOHN 2]

 

1. We have an Advocate for When We Sin [v. 1-2]

2. We have an Assurance When We Don’t Sin [v. 3-5] JRR note

3. We have an Anointing [v. 6-29]                                                                             

 

This week we follow the thread we started with:

 

FIGHTING FAITH FACTS [1 JOHN 3]

 

 I. IN CHRIST THERE IS NO SIN [v. 1-5]

 

1. This is a Present Reality [v. 1-2a, Rm. 5:1]

 

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

 

2. This is a Future Promise [v. 2]

 

3. This is a Purifying Truth [v. 3-5]

 

II. THE NEW NATURE, WHICH IS “IN CHRIST”, NEVER SINS [v. 6-10]

 

1. “In Him” [v. 6] not “in the church”        not “in baptism”               not “in good works: but “IN HIM”!

 

-Rom. 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

-Rom. 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

-1 Cor. 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

-1 Cor. 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

-1 Cor. 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

 

2. “Is Righteous” [v. 7, 2:29]

 

-Rom. 5:19 … by the obedience of one [Jesus] shall many be made righteous.

-1 Jn. 3:12 compared with Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh

 

3. “Born of God” [v. 9-10] by his very nature the new man cannot sin

 

III. THE OLD NATURE, WHICH IS “OF THE DEVIL” IS ENMITY WITH GOD AND CAN NEVER PLEASE GOD

 

1. The Originator of Sin is the Devil (Lucifer, Satan) [v. 8, John 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.

 

2. Christ came to Destroy the Works of the Devil [v. 8, Luke 19:10]

 

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

 

3. The Old Nature must be Put Down Until it is Eradicated by Christ [v. 10-24, 2]

WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO LOSE?

Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

What will you lose if you decide to sin? Sin is a losing proposition and it does not matter who you are. You cannot sin and get by with it. It simply cannot be done. Consider if you will:

 

I. FIRST LOSSES

 

1. Lucifer Lost Position [Ez. 28:14-19]

 

2. Adam Lost Place [Gen. 3:23-24] Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

 

3. Both Lost Perspective [Jeremiah 17:9] The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

 

II. UNIVERSAL LOSSES

 

1. Health [Ps. 32:1-4, Pr. 23:29-35, Rm. 8:18, 22]

 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

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

 

2. Hope [Ez. 37:11] Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts

 

3. Heaven [Is. 59:2]

 

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

 

III. CHRISTIAN LOSSES

 

1. Rewards [1 Corinthians 3:15]

 

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

 

2. Testimony [Matthew 5:13]

 

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

 

3. Fellowship [1 Jn. 1:5-10]

 

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another , and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 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. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 Why should Jesus die if men are not sinners? Why should anybody try to save sinners if men are not sinners? And if they are only small sinners, and if they can correct and atone for their own sins, why the horrible sufferings of Jesus on Calvary? The death of Christ was a stupid blunder, a terrible, senseless crime, unless men are sinners doomed to an awful Hell just like the Bible teaches. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 54]

The Bible teaching about sin is the only safeguard against false religions. Only the blood of Christ can solve the sin question. Self-righteousness, lodge membership, religious rites and ceremonies, human priest-craft and other fake remedies will never satisfy the heart that has learned the truth about the awful depravity of the human heart--the fact that "there is no difference: for all have sinned." That is why God's Holy Spirit inspired this passage in the third chapter of Romans, that "all the world may become guilty before God" (verse 19). "By the law is the knowledge of sin," says verse 20. So Paul preached the law to show men they were sinners and to stop the mouth of every self-righteous boaster, to stop alibis and excuses until all should see themselves guilty, condemned before God! - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 54]

"There is none that seeketh after God" (Rom. 3:11). Man is not righteous, does not understand God and His ways, and worse yet, does not even seek after God nor try to find the goodness of God. What is wrong with man is not only that he is a sinner by nature, but that he is a sinner by choice as well! - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 56]

"They are all gone out of the way" (Rom. 3:12). Here we find that the sinner not only does not seek God, he does deliberately go away from God. People are not LED away from God, do not primarily DRIFT away, but GO away of their own choice. Satan tempts us, but we have a wicked nature that gladly listens and cooperates with Satan's efforts to get us to sin. Sin comes from the heart, not from outside. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 56]

"They are together become unprofitable" (Rom. 3:12). Man is so far gone as to be unprofitable to God. God will never get back His investment in man, man can never pay his way since by nature men are such sinners. Therefore any kind dealing toward man must be on the basis of God's unmerited mercy. There is no ground of justice by which man could claim anything but condemnation and destruction. So when a Christian worker does all he can do, even to dying for the Saviour who loves him, he must say, "I am an unprofitable servant" (Luke 17:10). - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 56]

"There is none that doeth good, no, not one" (Rom. 3:12). Men do not think this is so. They think that men do good in some respects, even unsaved men, heathen men. But God says, "No, not one!" All man's goodness is a fake goodness just as Satan's minister appear as angels of light. Men often, like the Pharisees, "outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity," Jesus said (Matt. 23:28). In God's sight even "the plowing of the wicked, is sin" (Prov. 21:4). Even the prayer of the wicked is an abomination (Prov. 28:9). "The flesh profiteth nothing" (John 6:63). - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 56]

"Destruction and misery are in their ways" (Rom. 3:16). This is not EVOLUTION, it is DEVOLUTION. It is not man climbing upward; it is man degenerating. Human government, human culture, human morals, have an inescapable tendency toward destruction and ruin. The whole world is getting farther from God, with governments less stable, life and property less secure, homes less happy, and ruin inevitable for the race as a whole. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 56-57]

ENEMIES OF CHRIST # 2 : BETRAYED FROM WITHIN

Philippians 3:17-19, 1 JOHN 1-3

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. FOUNDATIONAL FAITH FACTS [1 JOHN 1]

 

1. 1 John is Written to Christians [v. 1-4]

 

2. God is 100% Light [v. 5-7]

 

3. Christians Still Sin [v. 8-10]

- we have a sin nature [v. 8]

-we have a solution [v. 9]

-we sin still [v. 10]

 

II. FURTHER FAITH FACTS [1 JOHN 2]

 

1. We have an Advocate for When We Sin [v. 1-2]

 

2. We have an Assurance When We Don’t Sin [v. 3-5] JRR note

 

3. We have an Anointing [v. 6-29]

 

III. FIGHTING FAITH FACTS [1 JOHN 3]

 

1. In Christ is NO Sin [v. 1-5]

 

2. The New Nature, which is “In Christ”, Never Sins [v. 6-9]

 

3. The Old Nature, which is “of the Devil”, Never Can Please God, is at Enmity with God [v. 8, 10]

THE JEWISH KING AND THE GENTILE MOTHER

Mark 7:24-30

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The account of this mother and the Lord Jesus is told in the first 2 Gospels we come to in the New Testament. In Matthew 15:21-28 there is a more detailed account than in the other, mainly because Matthew presents Christ as the King of the Jews and the Holy Spirit had him highlight Jesus treatment of this Gentile woman. Mark, who presents the Saviour as the Perfect man, the man Adam should have been, the man we should strive to be, gives a shorter account. We can learn many lessons from the Master Teacher if we but open our ears, our eyes, and our hearts.

 

I. WRONG IS NEVER RIGHT [Mt. 15:21-22]

 

1. She had Heard [Mk. 7:24-25, Rm. 10:17]

 

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

2. She had Hope [Mt. 15:22]

 

3. She had Honesty [Mt. 5:22b] you may as well tell God your heart- He knows it anyway

 

How have others approached the Lord- Pharisee, Cain, etc.

 

II. WAITING IS NOT REJECTION [Mt. 15:23-24]

 

1. Jesus did not Respond to her prayer [v. 23a]

 

2. Jesus did not Respond to the disciples’ prayer [v. 23b]

 

3. Jesus did Respond with Instruction [v. 24]

 

David learned this with the ark, Paul with the thorn in the flesh, thief on the cross

 

III. THE WAY IS NOT RACIST [Mt. 15:25-28]

 

1. She Changed her Approach [v. 25]

 

2. Jesus Challenged Their Thinking [v. 26]

 

3. Jesus Cares for People [v. 27-28, 2 Timothy 2:13]

 

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 Jesus says [Luke 24:25-27] that one is a fool even to hesitate about believing all the Bible, all that the prophets have spoken! And He speaks here of all of the Old Testament, beginning with the writings of Moses, that is, beginning with Genesis. Of course, what He said here is equally true about the New Testament. However, most of the enemies of the Bible attack first the Old Testament. But Jesus says that any man is a fool who is slow to believe the Bible. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 38]

The only reason anybody does not believe the Bible is that he has not honestly investigated it, has not given God's Word a chance to prove itself, as it will prove itself to every sincere, surrendered heart that intelligently investigates it. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 38]

Scientists have learned many things in the last century, but they have never yet caught up with the Bible. The Bible is absolutely scientifically accurate. The theory of a scientist may be out of date in ten years, though it be acclaimed from the housetops today. But the Word of God stands forever. "The law of the Lord is perfect" (Ps. 19:7). - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 40-41]

The power of God is what we need. You cannot explain Billy Sunday with education. You cannot explain Billy Sunday with brains. His sermons were good sermons. Most of them he did not write himself but hired a man to work with him getting material. Then this man helped write out the sermons and Billy Sunday memorized most of them. But even at that, they were not profound. It was not Billy Sunday's brains. It was not education. He had a good personality, but it was not personality. The truth of the matter is, there came a time that when Billy Sunday preached he did not have the crowds, he did not have the power, he did not have people saved. I knew him in those days. What I am saying is that the secret of the great revivals always has been one thing, a supernatural enduement of the power of God on His people. God's people had the power of the Holy Spirit. They were filled with the Holy Ghost. That is the point. I say, that is God's secret for revival. - John R. Rice [The Scarlet Sin, Chapter 11]

There is light for all who want the light. The Bible will prove itself to all who honestly explore its storehouse of wisdom. But people who love their sins and hate the light, will be turned over to a reprobate mind to believe a lie. It is not education that makes infidels and agnostics; but it is sin, the sin of self-will, the sin of pride, the sin of rejecting Christ as Saviour, the sin of deliberately seeking an explanation for the world that will discredit the Bible. Such sin, black-hearted, Christ-rejecting sin, is back of all unbelief in the world. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 49]

Let us reverently acknowledge that the Bible is the perfect Word of God, infallible in science or history as well as religion, and that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable" (II Tim. 3:16). - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 49]

"Christian Science," so-called, is like the guinea pig which is neither pig nor guinea; or like grapenuts which contain neither grapes nor nuts; it is neither Christian nor scientific. Unwilling to accept the fact of sin, "Christian Science" sees no need of the atoning blood and denies it. Since it says there is no reality to sin, it thinks also there is no reality to Hell and judgment. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 53-54]

THE BIG FISHERMAN CHANGES

JOHN 1:35-40

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 

I. THE CHANGE BEGINS [John 1]

 

1. No Real Change Occurs Without the Spirit of God [Lk. 1:15-17, Gn. 6:3, 1 Jn. 5:6]

 

2. No Real Change Occurs Without the People of God [v. 6-8, 15, 35-37, 40-41]

 

3. No Real Change Occurs Without the Word of God [v. 23, 33, 39-40]

 

4. No Real Change Occurs Without the Son of God [v. 36-42]

 

II. THE CHANGE CONTINUES [John 1]

 

1. The Change of a Name [1:42, Acts 11:26]

 

2. The Change of Plans [Matthew 4:19, 8:22, 9:9, 16:24, 19:21]

 

3. The Change of Occupations [Mt. 6:24, 4:10, 19]

 

III. THE CHANGE CONTINUES

 

1. Our Future Has Changed [1 Pet. 1:3-5]

 

2. Our Present Has Changed [1 Pet. 1:6-9]

 

3. Our Motivation has Changed [1 Pet. 1:13-23]

DO YOU KNOW MY JESUS?

[The Basics of Christianity #9]

 

1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

We believe in the deity, virgin birth, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

I. THE DEITY OF THE CHRIST

 

Obviously we could prove the deity of Christ in many places in the Scripture. John 1, 8; Col. 1, Heb. 1 come to mind immediately but then so does Isaiah…

 

1. In Isaiah the Deity of Christ is Clearly Stated [Is. 9:6]

 

2. In Isaiah the Deity of Christ is Logically Defended [Isaiah 42:8]

 

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

1 Corinthians 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

 

3. In Isaiah the Deity of Christ is Amply Attested [Isaiah 43]

 

v. 1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

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

v. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

v. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:

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

v. 10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

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.

v. 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

Titus 2:10, 13 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

v. 14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

 

II. THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF CHRIST [Isaiah 7:14]

 

1. The Prophecies of the Virgin Birth [Gn. 3:15, Jer. 31:22]

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.

 

2. The Purpose of the Virgin Birth [Is. 7:14, 1 Tm. 3:16, Mt. 1:21]

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

 

3. The Person of the Virgin Birth [Is. 9:6]

 

III. THE BODILY RESURRECTION OF CHRIST [ISAIAH 53]

 

1. The Suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ [v. 1-3]

 

2. The Substitionary Death of the Lord Jesus Christ [v. 4-9]

 

3. The Satisfaction of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ [v. 10-12]

IF I WAS A RICH MAN

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. A MAN WHO HAD HIS RICHES BUT NOT SATISFACTION [LUKE 12]

 

1. He had His Own Plans, but No Regard for God [v. 16-19]

 

2. He had Riches, but He was not Satisfied [v. 19-20, 1 Timothy 6:17]

 

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

 

3. He needed God, but was not Interested [v. 21-31, Ps. 107: 8-9]

 

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

 

II. A MAN WHO HAD GREAT RICHES BUT NOT SECURITY [Lk. 18]

 

1. He Had Riches but Not Eternal Life [v. 18, 23b]

 

2. He Knew Who to Go to for the Answers [v. 17-21, Mk. 10:17] “came one running, and kneeled to him”

 

3. He knew the Commandments, but Not the One Who Gave Them [v. 22-27]

 

III. A MAN WHO HAD GREAT RICHES BUT NO SPIRITUAL SENSE [LUKE 16]

 

1. The Beggar for Crumbs [v. 19-21]

 

2. The Beggar for Common Comfort [v. 22-26]

 

3. The Beggar for Uncommon Counsel [v. 27-31]

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 When we speak of verbal inspiration we mean that God gave the very words originally to the Bible writers, and as they put them down in the original manuscripts the very words were the words of God.That means the Bible is the infallible Word of God, reliable in religion, reliable and perfectly accurate in science, infallibly correct in history, true in every particular. "The law of the Lord is perfect." "Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." "Thy word is true from the beginning." - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 19]

Notice [in I Peter 1:10-12] these very prophets "who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you," inquired and searched diligently into their own prophecies, into the Scriptures they themselves had written, "searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." These prophets search their own writings, earnestly desiring to find out what the Holy Spirit meant when He, the Holy Spirit, testified through their pen of the first and second coming of Christ and such matters written down in the Bible!
These human writers knew (vs. 12), had it revealed to them from God, that they were simply agents ministering to us and not unto themselves the things which the Holy Ghost gave them to write down. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 21]

The words of the Bible are God's words. Those who believe the Bible must believe in verbal inspiration. The only intelligent alternative is complete repudiation of the Bible -- infidelity; and yet that, God knows, is not very intelligent. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 29-30]

There may be some things about the Bible you cannot explain. But your ignorance is a sorry excuse for criticizing the blessed Word of God. Other men, more devout than you, more scholarly than you, older in experience than you, greater soul winners than you, have been able to believe in the Bible. Do not let your youth or your ignorance or your pride or your friendship for modernists and unbelievers lead you into the terrible sin of adding to or taking from the words of the Bible. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 34]

I have considered prayerfully for years all the so-called contradictions alleged to be in the Bible, and little by little by faith and prayer and the Holy Spirit's leading and careful study of the Word of God I have found the apparent discrepancies and difficulties fade away. those who do not believe the Bible are simply those who have not given it a chance to prove itself what it claims to be, the verbally inspired, infallible Word of God, true from the beginning, perfect, written "not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but that which the Holy Ghost teacheth." - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 34-35]

Man-made and false, dear reader, the Bible cannot be.The Bible has proven itself. Its prophecies have come to pass in countless cases. Its promises have proven true to millions who trusted them. The God who revealed Himself in the Bible has revealed Himself through salvation to millions of believers. After all, dear reader, it is not the BIBLE that is on trial but the READER of the Bible. Let God's Word be true and every man a liar. The critics damn not the Bible but themselves. Unbelievers prove not their wisdom but their folly. Those who will not believe the Bible lose comfort day by day, lose assurance in the heart, lose the answer to their prayers, and God pity them, lose everlasting life and the joys of Heaven! - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 35]

I have heard even friends of the Bible say, "The Bible is not a book of science." But infidels and timid Christians are both wrong on this matter. The Bible is a book of science. It plainly deals with many scientific matters. And wherever the Bible mentions matters of science, it does it with the absolute authority of the infallible Word of God. God made the world, and God made the Bible.So when God speaks in the Bible about the world which He made, He tells the exact truth. In fact, the Bible is the only absolutely scientific book in the world. All other books of science eventually are outgrown and found out of date and inaccurate. Now century after century finds the Bible still infallibly correct. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 37-38]

RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING

[The Basics of Christianity #8]

 

PSALM 119:11

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE RIGHT WORD

 

1. The Word of God [1 Thessalonians 2:13] For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

 

2. Not the Word of Satan [Jn. 8:44]

 

Jesus said of the Devil, “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.”

 

3. Not the Word of Men [Romans 3:4] let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written,

 

Charles Wesley said,  The Bible must be the invention either of good men or angels, bad men or devils, or of God.

It could not be the invention of good men or angels; for they neither would or could make a book, and tell lies all the time they were writing it, saying, “Thus saith the Lord,” when it was their own invention.

 It could not be the invention of bad men or devils; for they would not make a book which commands all duty, forbids all sin, and condemns their souls to hell to all eternity.

Therefore, I draw this conclusion, that the Bible must by given by divine inspiration.

 

II. THE RIGHT PLACE

 

No one can “reason” God with their minds {though they can reason with God] Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

 

1. To Protect it from the Devil [Luke 8:11-12]

 

2. To Protect it from the Flesh [Luke 8:13]

 

3. To Protect it from the World [Luke 8:14-15]

 

III. FOR THE RIGHT REASON

 

1. Sins of Commission [1 John 3:4]

 

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Mt. 19:16-18] And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

 

2. Sins of Omission [Mt. 19:19-22]

 

Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

 

3. Sins of Ignorance/Doubt [Romans 14:23]

 

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

ENEMIES OF CHRIST # 1 : AGENTS OF SATAN

2 COR. 11:13-15

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: - Philippians 3:18

 

I. THEIR TARGETS – CHRISTIANS (THE CHURCH)

 

1. Paul’s Care [2 Cor. 11:1-2a, 5-12, 28]

 

2. Paul’s Cause [2 Cor. 11:2b]

 

 Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

3. Paul’s Concern [2 Cor. 11:3]

 

II. THEIR TACTICS – CHRISTIANIZE LIES

 

1. Counterfeit Jesus [2 Cor. 11:4, Gal. 1]

 

2. Counterfeit the Holy Spirit [2 Cor. 11:4, 1 John 4:1]

 

3. Counterfeit the Gospel [2 Cor. 11:4, Gal. 1:6ff.]

 

III. THEY ARE TERRORISTS – DENY THEM

 

1. They are Deceptive [v. 13]

 

2. They Are Devilish [v. 14, Jn. 8:44]

 

3. They are Doomed [v. 15]

 

IV. THEY ARE TEMPTERS – DEFEAT THEM

 

1. Look at Yourself Carefully [2 Cor. 13:5-6]

 

2. Live By the Book [2 Cor. 13:7-8]

 

3. Live for the Lord [2 Cor. 13:14] Grace, Love, Fellowship

PATIENCE MAY NOT BE WHAT WE THINK BUT IT IS SOMETHING WE NEED

JAMES 5:7-11                                                                    

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PATIENCE IS NOT INSTANTANEOUS     “Lord give me patience, but hurry!”

 

1. Patience is a Premium [1:1-2] that is, it is something to be desired

 

2. Patience is a Process [1:3-4] that is, it is something to be directed

 

3. Patience is a Product [Rm. 5:3] that is, it is something to be developed

 

“we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience”

 

II. PATIENCE IS NOT IMMEDIATE                               (why does God make us wait?)

 

1. The Desire may be fine but we are not really ready [1 Tm. 3:1-6] i.e shaving, driving, pastoring

 

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

 

2. The Motivation may be wrong [4:3, Acts 8:9-24] Simon the sorcerer

 

3. The Problem of Uncleanness [Ps. 66:18] “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me”

 

4. The Waiting Itself is Instructional [Ps. 27:14] teaching us dependence on God

 

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

5. The Waiting will Benefit Others [Phil. 1:12-20]

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 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.

 

6. The Purpose of God for our lives is at Stake [2 Cor. 12:7-10]

 

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

 

7. The Adventure of Faith needs to be Savored [Rm. 8:18-25]

 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

 

III. PATIENCE IS NOT IRRELEVANT             There is a purpose!

 

1. It will Profit [1:2-3]

 

2. It will Perfect [1:4]

 

3. It will Produce [Rm. 5:3-5] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 John 20:21-23 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

I have the authority from God to tell a man how he may have his sins remitted and assure him it is done when he trusts the Lord. I have authority to tell a man he is doomed and going to Hell when he refuses to take Christ as Saviour. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 196]

Christians, the personal seeking, wooing, winning of Christ's lost sheep is God's balm of Gilead to restless, worrying, unhappy hearts. To win souls is the greatest glory to Jesus, the greatest gain in Heaven, the greatest growth to the winner, and the highest joy on earth. - John R. Rice, A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 204]

The Great Commission is basic to any understanding about Holy Spirit power. Anywhere the Lord talks about enduement of power, it is in connection with carrying out the Great Commission. He didn't say, "Do you want to feel light as a feather? Then be filled with the Spirit." "Do you want to talk in tongues? Then be filled with the Spirit." He didn't mean that. "Do you want to have some sign to prove to everybody you have what they don't have?" He didn't say that. No, "You are to go and preach the Gospel, that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
Oh, but he said, "Tarry . . . until ye be endued with power from on high. You are witnesses. You are supposed to tell it, but tarry until ye be endued with power from on high." . - John R. Rice, A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 206-207]

There are good people who say that if you just surrender to the Lord, then you have all the power that God has. But that is not what the Bible teaches. That is not what the disciples did before Pentecost. That is not what they did in Acts 4:31. Surrender is not enough. One should ask the Lord and ask persistently for Holy Spirit power. . - John R. Rice, A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 232]

The Christian should make a definite, once-for-all surrender of himself to Christ. Promise the Saviour that you here and now resolve to follow His will at any cost the rest of your life. Resolve that in every particular, large and small, as soon as you know the will of Christ you will try to do it. Nothing less than that could satisfy Jesus Christ. Oh, I cannot say that I have lived up to that vow. But with all my heart I made it! I want to do the will of Jesus Christ. Oh, if He but give me grace, I will, I will do what He wishes me to do, when He shows me His will. He wants souls saved! - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 311-312]

What did Spurgeon and Moody and Torrey and Carroll and Haldeman and Scarborough and the Bible institutes and multitudes of Christians mean --what do they mean when they say they believe in the "verbal inspiration" of the Bible? VERBAL inspiration means WORD inspiration, from the Latin term for WORD. They mean that God gave the very words to the writers that they were to write down. God did not give the general thought and allow the human authors to put the thought in their own words. God did not simply superintend the writings so that the writers would be kept from error. No, by verbal inspiration we mean that God gave the words in the Bible. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 18]

Of course copyists occasionally made mistakes in copying by hand the Scriptures. But we have so many hundreds of manuscripts of both the Old and New Testaments that by comparing them we find there is not one word in ten thousand of the original manuscripts that cannot be reproduced as it was first given in the original languages. And so many earnest scholars have made so many careful translations of the Bible in our own language, through hundreds of years of time, that we can depend with confidence upon our English translations of the Bible. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 18-19]

JESUS – THE GREATEST HERO OF ALL TIME

NEW TESTAMENT ADVENTURES OF OLD TESTAMENT HEROES #4

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

That Jesus is the greatest hero of all time should come as no surprise to any Bible believer, serious student of history or the humblest child who ever lived. He fought and won the greatest battle, He paid the highest price, secured the greatest prize, defeated the strongest foe, loved with the greatest passion, exhibited the gentlest demeanor and spoke the greatest words this old world ever heard. His love is limitless, His grace is amazing, His mercy is delightful, His wrath is terrible, His justice is undeniable, His holiness is unmatchable, His love is unspeakable. Boxers have claimed to be the greatest but Christ is the Greatest. Wrestlers have claimed to be the king of kings, but Christ is THE KING OF KINGS. Someone has said “it isn’t bragging if you can do it” and brother, He did it, does it and will never fail. He is, in short, the greatest hero of all time.

 

Obviously, we can not adequately show, in our limited time, in one message, what He has done. The books of the world cannot contain the history of what He accomplishes. What can we do? Given our premise, NEW TESTAMENT ADVENTURES OF OLD TESTAMENT HEROES, let me just give you a few examples of His greatness.

 

I. HE COMMUNICATES IN THE MOST SUBLIME OF PLACES – A GARDEN

 

As God, he communicated with Man in Eden. As man, He communicated with God in Gethsemane.

Gn. 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:

Jn. 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

 

II. HE CONDUCTS IN THE MOST SEDENTARY OF PACES – HE WALKS

 

Gn. 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden

Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

1 Jn. 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another

 

 

III. HE COMMUNICATES IN THE MOST SIMPLE OF POSSIBILITIES – HE SPEAKS

 

Gn. 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God

Luke 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

Exodus 3:4 God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

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

Isa. 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Joel 2: 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered:

Rm. 10:9, 13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. . . . For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

IV. HE CRAFTS THE MOST SATISFYING OF RELATIONSHIPS – BELONGING

 

Ps. 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

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

Ps. 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever .

1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

 

HE COMMUNICATES IN THE MOST SUBLIME OF PLACES – A GARDEN, HE CONDUCTS IN THE MOST SEDENTARY OF PACES – HE WALKS, HE COMMUNICATES IN THE MOST SIMPLE OF POSSIBILITIES – HE SPEAKS, HE CRAFTS THE MOST SATISFYING OF RELATIONSHIPS – BELONGING … a man by the name of Charles A. Miles put it this way over 100 years ago in 1913:

 

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

 

Refrain:

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

 

He speaks, and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

 

Refrain:

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

 

I’d stay in the garden with Him,

Though the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.

 

Refrain:

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

PATIENCE IN THE LIGHT OF THE SECOND COMING

 

[The Basics of Christianity #7]                   

 

James 5:8            Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE COMING OF CHRIST MEANS:

 

1. The Judgment of the Unsaved [v. 1-6]

 

2. The Just Will Be Rewarded [v. 7]

 

3. The Just Can Be Patient in this Troubled World [v. 8]

 

II. THE COMING OF CHRIST REMINDS US:

 

1. Christians Will Be Judged [v. 9]

 

2. Follow the Faithful in their Example of Endurance [v. 10]

 

3. Don’t Worry, Be Happy [v. 11]

 

III. THE COMING OF CHRIST EXHORTS US:

 

1. Watch Your Mouth [v. 12]

 

2. Watch in Prayer [v. 13-18]

 

3. Witness for Christ [v. 19-20]

WHERE DO YOU FIND JOY?

JOHN 15:11

                                                               

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BIBLE CHRISTIANS FIND JOY IN THE PROPHETIC WORD OF THE LIVING GOD [John 15:11]

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

John 17:12-17 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

 

II. BIBLE CHRISTIANS FIND JOY IN PROVIDENTIAL LEADING [Matthew 2:10]

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Romans 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

 

III. BIBLE CHRISTIANS FIND JOY IN THE PROMISE OF PARADISE [Matthew 25:21]

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

 

IV. BIBLE CHRISTIANS FIND JOY IN PERSECUTIONS & PROBLEMS [Luke 6:21-23]

Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

 

V. BIBLE CHRISTIANS FIND JOY IN THE POWER OF GOD [Luke 10:17]

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

 

VI. BIBLE CHRISTIANS FIND JOY IN THE PERMANENCE OF SALVATION [Luke 10:20]

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

 

VII. BIBLE CHRISTIANS FIND JOY IN PEOPLE PASSING FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE [Acts 15:3]

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Luke 15:7, 10  I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. . . . Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

 

VIII. BIBLE CHRISTIANS FIND JOY IN THE PLAN & PROGRAM OF GOD [Luke 24:51-53]

And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace 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.

 

IX. BIBLE CHRISTIANS FIND JOY IN THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER [John 16:24]

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Philippians 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

 

X. BIBLE CHRISTIANS FIND JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD [Acts 2:28] “For this I have Jesus”

Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

All the dealings of Christ with the human race were intended to result in souls being saved. To this end the Bible was written. To this end Christ came into the world, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross and rose from the dead and now intercedes for us at the right hand of God as our High Priest--all this for the one purpose of saving sinners. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 124-125]

A famous preacher has a way of saying, "Why should one person hear the Gospel twice when others have not heard it once?" That sounds like a smart saying but really it is not. The simple truth is hardly anybody is ever saved the first time they hear the Gospel. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 116-117]

How are we to abide in Christ without abiding in His Word? In the Bible we have all His commands, all His desires expressed. In the Bible we have the entire story about how Jesus lived and died, how He overcame Satan and lived a holy life as our pattern. The will and character of Christ are revealed in the Bible, and so daily feeding on the Word of God, judging self by the Word, claiming the promises of God, following the instructions of the Word, are necessary if we are to abide in Christ and bear fruit. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 127]

Everything good for the Christian is involved in abiding in Christ. This is the central thought of the entire passage in John 15:1-17. In some sense Bible reading and prayer are a part of abiding in Christ, but besides these, there should be a very deliberate effort to be conscious of the continual presence of Christ. To read the Bible is not enough. We should read it in the presence of Christ, with Him pointing out the meaning and speaking to our hearts as we read. To pray is not enough. We should be conscious of the very near presence of Christ as we pray, talk to Him personally and have Him speak to us just as definitely as we speak to Him. We should practice the presence of Christ. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 127]

Part of God's program for a long successful life is this, "Honour thy father and thy mother." Personal and national spiritual prosperity depend upon a proper relationship between godly parents and obedient, reverent children. A good Christian cannot be a rebel in the home. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 138]

Christians ought not to give Christian recognition to those who are not Christians. They ought not to call those "brethren" who are not really spiritual brethren. One who does not hold the historic Christian faith, does not accept the deity of Christ, the infallible inspiration of the Bible and has not trusted Christ personally as Saviour, is not a Christian and ought not to be called a Christian. The yoke is unequal when born-again people and unconverted cultists or liberals and modernists are in the same organization, calling each other brethren. - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 155]

What a picture that is when one is baptized! One who has trusted Christ and has a new heart now follows Jesus down into the watery grave. He counts the old sinner already dead: now symbolically the old sinner and the old life are buried. Then he is raised up "to walk in newness of life." That means he believes Christ rose from the dead. It also means that the Christian expects one day to be raised from the dead or marvelously changed when Jesus comes. Still it means more: The Christian now says, "I am going to live a new life. I belong to God. Christ lives in me and I live for Christ!" - John R. Rice [A Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 184]