SERMONS BY THE SEASHORE

LUKE 5:1-11

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PETER LEARNED SOME THINGS ABOUT HIS SERVICE [v. 1-5]

 

1. We Should Have a Great Desire for the Word [v. 1, 1 Peter 2:2]

 

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby :

 

2. Anything That Aids in Getting Out the Word of God is Service to God [v. 2-3, 2 Timothy 4:2]

 

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

3. To Serve God be Sure and Serve God by [according to] God’s Word [v. 4-5, 1 Sam. 15: 22-23]

 

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

 

II. PETER LEARNED SOME THINGS ABOUT HIMSELF [v. 5-8]

 

1. Without Him We Can Do Nothing [v. 5, John 15:5]  “without me ye can do nothing”

 

2. With Him We Can Do Something [v. 6-7, Philippians 4:13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

3. Do Not Be Without Him for Anything [v. 8, 1 John 1:7]

 

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.

III. PETER LEARNED SOME THINGS ABOUT HIS SAVIOUR [v. 1-11]

 

1. Ownership [v. 1-3, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23, Galatians 1:10]  

 

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

 

2. Mastership [v. 4-7, Matthew 6:24, John 13:13]

 

No man can serve two masters:

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

 

3. Lordship [v. 8-11, Philippians 2:10]

 

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CALVARY

JOHN 13:1

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I don’t know if you ever realized it but the Gospel of John is unique even among the other Gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels because of the similar vision they share. Not that there is a shred of contradiction in any of them of course but the Holy Spirit inspired John differently in his presentation of the greatest true story ever told. One of the differences is the amount of attention given to the last few days of Christ’s time on earth during His incarnation. For example, the night before the crucifixion [which by Jewish reckoning is the same day- i.e. sundown to sundown is Wednesday] to the ascension of Jesus is covered in less than 3 chapters by Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Nothing wrong with that. It is perfect for the purpose the Holy Spirit had in mind. John spends 9 chapters on the same period of time. Over a third of John’s Gospel is devoted to this relatively short period of time. Almost half the chapters [9 out of 21] of John cover the evening and day of the crucifixion.

 

What did the Lord discuss with the disciples in the hours prior to His passion? He had three main subjects as presented to us here in John.

 

I. JESUS REMINDED THEM OF WHO HE IS

 

1. He is the Victorious Lord [13:13-16, 14:27, 15:14-20, 16:33]

 

2. He is the Vicarious Saviour [13:8-10, 20, 31-33, 14:1-6, 16:16-22]

 

3. He is the Returning King [14:3, 28]

 

II. JESUS REMINDED THEM OF WHO HE WAS SENDING

 

1. The Person of the Holy Spirit [14:16-17, 26]

 

2. The Program of the Holy Spirit [14:26, 15:26-27]

 

3. The Prodding of the Holy Spirit [16:7-14]

 

III. JESUS REMINDED THEM OF WHAT THEY CAN DO

 

1. The Effectual Prayer of a Righteous Spirit-Filled Man [14:13-21]

 

2. The Effectual Prayer of a Submissive Scripture-Filled Man [15:3-7, 16]

 

3. The Effectual Prayer of a Seasoned Joy-Filled Man [16:19-33]

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOD SPEAKS

1 Samuel 1:24-28, 2:18-21, 26

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. MISTAKES IGNORANT PEOPLE MAKE [3:1-8]

 

1. Think it is the Voice of a Man [v. 1-5]

 

2. Fail to Recognize It For What it Is [v. 6-7]

 

3. Insist they are Right When They are Wrong [v. 8]

 

II. WORDS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE [3:8-23]

 

1. Listen to the Guide When the Point You to God [v. 8-9]

 

2. Listen to the Lord [v. 10-15]

 

3. Stay True to the Word of God [v. 16-21]

 

III. THE SPEECH OF THE CROSS

 

1. The Cross says God loves Me [Jn. 3:16]

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

2. The Cross says That God is In Control Even When it Doesn’t Look Like It [Acts 2:23]

 

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

 

3. The Cross says God Will Win [Romans 8:34-39]

 

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather , that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written , For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Prophesying is what the disciples did after they were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. So Joel 2:29 plainly declared, as quoted by Peter at Pentecost. So prophesying is Spirit-filled witnessing for Christ, giving a message directly given from God and in the power of the Holy Spirit. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 189]

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
To prophesy would mean to speak with such power of God that even unbelievers would be convinced and judged and would see revealed the secrets of their hearts, and fall down before God and turn to Him. You see, prophecy is speaking with a special supernatural enablement and power, witnessing for God. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 189]

The wicked men who buffeted Jesus in the house of the high priest, before His crucifixion, blindfolded Jesus and then slapped His face, saying, "Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?" In other words, that meant that if Jesus were really filled with the Spirit of God and were what He claimed to be, God would reveal to Him who it was that tormented Him. For Jesus to prophesy to them would be to speak to them with a message from God, showing that God had re4vealed to Him their sin and who it was that struck Him. Prophecy would not necessarily be a foretelling of the future, but it would certainly be a message from God to the hearts of those present, a supernaturally given message, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Prophesying would not be speaking by natural human knowledge. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 190]

There is a clear Bible doctrine that, not only for the power of the Holy Spirit but also for many other things, God wants us to wait on Him, plead with Him, continue in prayer and supplication until the blessing comes. So Jacob wrestled all night with the angel of God before meeting Esau (Gen. 32:24). So the widow prevailed and pleaded before the unjust judge in the parable of Jesus in Luke 18:1-8. So the disciples waited in the upper room the ten days preceding Pentecost, and the pouring out of the Holy Ghost upon them. No one has a right to discourage people from persistent prayer for Holy Spirit power. No one has a right to promise short cuts that do not involve some measure of deep concern and heart searching and pleading, before one is filled with the Holy Spirit. If it is right to pray, it is right to keep on praying until the answer comes. If it is right to ask God for the enduement of power from on high, it is right to plead and continue in prayer and supplication, as did the disciples. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 417-418]

There have always been perversions of marriage. There have been cases of polygamy. There have been times of great spiritual darkness and wickedness in not keeping the laws of God about marriage as well as about other areas of morality. But mankind was made for marriage, and marriage was made for mankind, by the plan of an infinitely loving and wise God. - John R. Rice [The Home, pg. 14]

Nothing more important can be said on the question of marriage, it seems to me, than that Christian people should marry only Christians. Marriage is a divine institution, a holy trust from God. The duties of marriage necessarily involve Christian character. No one can really be the best husband or the best wife who is not willing to follow God's plan for a home. How could anyone be a good father or a good mother of children who does not know and does not love God? And how could anyone keep the vows of marriage adequately, spiritually, who does not love God and does not plan to please God? - John R. Rice [The Home, pg. 48]

The relationship of husband and wife is so intimate, so dear, as well as so permanent, that there is certain to be a continual heartache and continual clash of will and purpose between the husband and the wife, when one is saved and the other is lost. - John R. Rice [The Home, pg. 48-49]

THE PROPHET FOR PROFIT IS OF NO PROFIT TO GOD

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Ecclesiastes 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

Jeremiah 2:11 Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.

Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.

2 Timothy 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

 

Balaam is famous for having a donkey be smarter than himself. He is mentioned three times in the N.T. Each time can be considered a warning for all. The Bible mentions his way, his error, and his doctrine. Let’s check it out:

 

I. THE WAY OF BALAAM [2 Peter 2:15-16]

The way of Balaam is the covetousness of the one who does religious work for personal profit. - J. Vernon McGee

 

1. That Means He had the Wrong Root [1 Timothy 6:10]

 

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

 

2. That Means He had the Wrong Love [1 John 2:15]

 

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

 

3. That Means He had the Wrong Master [Matthew 6:24]

 

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

 

II. THE ERROR OF BALAAM [JUDE 11]

The error of Balaam is thinking you can get away with this kind of rebellion. - Warren Wiersbe

 

1. Sin will take you further than you want to go [Num. 22:1-22]

 

When the plain sense makes good sense- seek no other sense.

 

2. Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay [Numbers 24:25]

 

And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.

Numbers 31:8 And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.

 

3. Sin will cost you more than you want to pay [Joshua 13:22]

 

Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them

 

III. THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM [Rev. 2:14-16]

The doctrine is to teach you can violate your separation and get away with it. - Wiersbe

 

1. There can be no Common Fellowship [2 Cor. 6:14]

 

2. There can be no Common Ground [2 Cor. 6:15]

 

3. There can be no Common Worship [2 Cor. 6:16-18]

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

 

                                                                                                                               Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Exodus 11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

JUDE 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

After a storm a boy noticed thousands of starfish had been stranded on shore. He went out and started putting them back in the water. A man passing by noticed what the boy was doing and knowing he couldn't possibly save them all said, "Son, you may as well quit. You can't get them all in time. It won't make a difference." The boy looked at the man, looked at the starfish in his hand, looked back at the man and said, "It will to this one" and placed it back in the ocean.

 

I. PURITY THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

 

1. The Purity of Salvation [1 Peter 1:22]

 

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

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

 

2. The Purity of Scripture [Psalm 12:6]

 

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psalm 119:140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him

 

3. The Purity of Sanctification [Proverbs 15:26]

 

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Proverbs 21:8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

II. PRAYERS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

 

1. Not The Amount [Matthew 6:7]

 

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

 

2. Note the Access [Hebrews 4:16]

 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

3. Notice the Attitude [Ps. 17:1, James 5:16]

 

Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

III. PURPOSE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

 

1. Daniel Purposed His Heart [Daniel 1:8]

 

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

 

2. David Purposed His Mouth [Ps. 17:3] Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

 

3. Paul Purposed His Life [Acts 19:21] After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Acts 20:3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

ACTIONS and REACTIONS

LUKE 13:10-17

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 

I. JESUS BEING JESUS

 

1. Teaching the Word [v. 10, 4:42-44]

 

And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them , I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

 

2. Tackling Satan [v. 11-13, 16; 1 John 3:8]

 

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

 

3. Rebuking Hypocrites [v. 15-16, 6:42]

 

Luke 6:42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

Luke 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

Luke 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

 

II. CHRISTIANS BEING RESPONSIVE

 

1. Faithful to the Service of God [v. 11, 1 Corinthians 4:2]

 

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

 

2. Thankful to God [v. 12-13, 17:17] And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

 

3. Rejoicing in the Work of Christ [v. 17, 10:20]

 

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

Luke 19:37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

 

III. THE ADVERSARIES BEING HYPOCRITES

 

1. Indignant Without Cause [v. 14a, Matthew 21:15]

 

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,

Matthew 26:8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

 

2. Misrepresenting Without Care [v. 14b, John 8:33]

 

They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou , Ye shall be made free?

 

3. Ashamed Without Excuse [v. 17, 1 Peter 3:16]

 

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 10:11-13 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 The Holy Spirit dictated the Bible. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (II Pet. 1:21). We are told that the things God has prepared for us are not known by eye, nor ear, nor heart of man; "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit" (I Cor. 2:10). And even the very words of divine revelation are given by the Holy Spirit. "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (I Cor. 2:13). The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible. So the Word of God is fittingly called, "The sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17). - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 112]

When we come to read or study the Bible then, we should be conscious of the Spirit's presence. We should always ask Him to teach us the Word of God. Many times when I write an article or preach a sermon, I earnestly pray for the Spirit to bring to my remembrance the Scriptures on the subject and to help me understand them. And strangely, often when I am in the pulpit, in the midst of a sermon, Scriptures come to mind that I did not think about when I prepared the sermon. And oftentimes after I have read the Scriptures in the pulpit, there comes to me such light on the Word of God as I did not have in the study and preparation. But that only happens, of course, as I am led by the Spirit of God and when I am surrendered to Him and have an open receptive heart. He is the Comforter, the Guide, and the Teacher of the Christian. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 117]

Is the Bible a trustworthy book, or is it meant to deceive? Must humble Christians approach the Bible with wary caution, feeling that God in the Bible means to trap them into false teaching, that it cannot be believed and taken at simple face value? Do you believe that the Bible does not literally mean what it says, and that it cannot be taken at face value? Well, I for one believe nothing of the kind. I believe it is meant to be understood, that the Bible may be taken at honest face value. I believe that the Holy Spirit can be trusted, and that what He has written down for us was written honestly, with frankness, with simplicity, for believing heats, and is worthy of all acceptation. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 192]

False teachers have written that they would hate a God who would send a sinner to Hell to be tormented forever. And others have said that God is too good to send a sinner to Hell. Well, we know nothing about how good God is except by the Bible. I had rather one line from Jesus Christ about what kind of Hell sinners go to than to have all the theories in the world formulated by men as to what they think God would do or would not do. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 193]

Satan hates the idea that sin must be punished. Men everywhere condone sin and shun the ideas of judgment and punishment and eternal ruin for Christ-rejecting sinners. BUT BACK TO THE BIBLE! To every believing, humblehearted person of childlike faith the Bible speaks with awful solemnity and terrible certainty about the fact of eternal torment for sinners who will not repent, will not turn from their sins to God nor trust in the Saviour God has provided. Men who go by their own theories may believe something else, but all who are willing by childlike faith to receive God's Word on the subject must believe in eternal torment in Hell. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 193]

If you find any Scripture that, to you, seems to teach that God will reconcile lost sinners in Hell to Himself one day, then you are perverting that Scripture, because you are making it contradict the plain and emphatic statement of passage after passage scattered throughout the whole Bible. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 199]

The Bible, God's Word, never contradicts itself. When it appears to do so, it is because the Scripture is misinterpreted by men who have twisted Scripture to make it prove what it does not mean. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 199]

DAVID’S PRAYER, OUR PATTERN

PSALM 17

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE PLACE OF HIS PRAYER

 

1. The Place of Unfeigned Lips [v. 1, John 1:47]

 

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

 

2. The Place of the Focused Heart [v. 3-4, Psalm 51:10]

 

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

 

3. The Place of God’s Love, Grace, & Mercy [v. 6-8, 2 John 1:3]

 

Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

 

II. THE PETITION OF HIS PRAYER

 

1. “Do Something Now” [v. 1-2]

 

2. “Help Me Be Right” [v. 3-6]

 

3. “Protect Me” [v. 7-9]

 

III. THE POINT OF HIS PRAYER

 

1. The Temporal Goal of God’s People [v. 10-13]

 

2. The Total Goal of “Men of the World” [v. 14]

 

3. The Eternal Goal of God’s People [v. 15]

NOT TO THE SWIFT

Ecclesiastes 9:11

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I have never been that swift. Even the periods of my life when weight was not an issue, I was still flat-footed and clumsy. But that is okay. Because the Bible says “that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill”

 

I. THE PROBLEM WITH ABILITY

 

1. The Swift can be Ignorant [2 Sam. 18:19-33]

 

2. The Swift can be Arrogant [Is. 30:15-16]

 

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

 

3. The Swift can be Evil [Pr. 6:16-18]

 

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

 

II. THE PROPERNESS OF THE ALMIGHTY

 

1. The Lord is a Swift Witness [Malachi 3:5]

 

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

 

2. The Lord is a Swift Judge [2 Peter 2:1]

 

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

 

3. The Lord desires Swift Hearers [James 1:19-22]

 

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

 

III. THE PROSPECTIVE OF THE AVERAGE PERSON [1 Cor. 1:26-31]

 

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence . But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

 

1. The Growth of Maturity [1 Peter 2:2, 3:18]

 

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby :

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever . Amen.

 

2. The Growth of Witnessing [1 Corinthians 3:6-7]

 

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

 

3. The Growth of Righteousness [Ps. 1]

 

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

THE JUST JUDGE COMETH

LUKE 18:1-8

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

SomeOne might wrongly assume that the title is a mistake, that it should be “The Unjust Judge” but my friends, the title refers to the One telling the parable,

 

I. THE PARABLE’S INTENT [v. 1-5]

 

1. The Positive Purpose of the Parable [v. 1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17] Pray without ceasing.

 

2. The Negative Purpose of the Parable [v. 1, 2 Corinthians 4:1] Don’t Quit!

 

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

 

3. The Presentation of the Parable [v. 2-5]

 

II. THE PRAYERS INVOKED [v. 6-7]

 

1. The Prayers of the Hearers [v. 6, Luke 6:47-49]

 

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

 

2. The Prayers of the Hurt [v. 7, Hebrews 10:30]

 

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

1 Peter 2:14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

 

3. The Prayers of the Heart [v. 7] bo-ah'-o; i.e. shout (for help or in a tumultuous way):--cry.

 

III. THE PROSPECTS IN MIND [v. 8]

 

1. The Surety of His Coming [v. 8, Jn. 14:1-3]

 

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

 

2. The Specificness of His Coming [v. 8, 3, 5]

 

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Revelation 19:2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

 

3. The Sigh of His Coming [v. 8, 1 John 2:28]

 

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Men will not come to Christ and receive Him, because He will only receive them as confessed and Hell-deserving sinners! And this is the explanation of modernism. Foolish, wicked, self-righteous men wish to be known as Christians but they do not accept the Bible as infallibly inspired, nor Christ as very God, nor the death of Christ as an atonement for sin because this would mean they would have to confess to be fallen, guilty and black-hearted sinners, fully under the condemnation of an angry God! Christ-rejectors love their sin but hide it and deny it. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 71-72]

All the sacrifices picture Christ. The lamb pictured Him as the innocent one suffering for the guilty. The young bullock pictured Him as our burden-bearing Saviour. The scapegoat pictured Him as taking our blame, carrying away our sins from the presence of God. The mourning turtledove pictured Him as the man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, who bare our sickness and our sorrows. The pure white pigeon pictured Him as the sinless one. The offering of fine flour pictured Christ, our bruised Saviour. It was anointed with oil, picturing Christ filled with the Holy Spirit. It was offered with frankincense, picturing how He intercedes for us with the Father and how pleased God is with the offering of His own Son, how satisfied with the payment of our debt. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 79]

Christ is pictured in the priesthood. He alone can enter into the Holy of Holies to make intercession for us according to the will of God. He alone can be our mediator, our priest, our Saviour. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 79]

The tabernacle pictured Christ. Its boards of acacia wood pictured the humanity of Christ. They were covered with gold which pictured His deity. The inner veil pictured His flesh, torn on the cross (Matt. 27:51; Heb. 10:20). The white linen covering of the tabernacle pictured His righteousness. The blue covering pictured His heavenly nature, His deity. The ramskins dyed red pictured His atoning blood. The badger skins which were the outer covering pictured how He is unlovely to those of the outside world, who do not perceive His beauties. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 79]

In the tabernacle the table of shewbread continually pictured Christ as the bread of life. The seven golden lamps pictured Christ as the light of the world, not an incomplete or imperfect light but the perfect light, perfection being pictured by seven. These lamps were fed by olive oil which pictured the Holy Spirit. Christ in His human ministry was completely filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit. The altar of incense before the veil which separated it from the Holy of Holies pictured Christ in His perfect mediatorial work, His prayer, His intercession of us before the Father and how pleased God is with His offering.

The high priest pictured Christ, our own High Priest, who has now entered into the Holy of Holies in Heaven for us and has made atonement with His own blood (Heb. chapters 9 and 10). - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 79-80]

Jesus was a favorite theme of the prophets who wrote the Psalms. Psalm 2 tells how kings and rulers would set themselves together to take counsel against God's Anointed. (The word "Anointed" is translated "Christ" in Acts 4:26.) In Psalm 2:7 God says, "Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." And in verse 12 the sinners are exhorted, "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."

Psalm 22 plainly tells of the Saviour's death on the cross, even the words of His prayer. Psalm 16:10 tells of His resurrection. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 80-81]

All the prophets teach exactly the same plan of salvation, by faith in Christ.

Some foolish people have supposed that God had various plans of salvation down through the ages. It has been taught that some were saved by keeping the Ten Commandments. Others have believed that Jews were saved through the blood of the sacrifices of animals. But Hebrews 10:4 says, "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." No, no, all those sacrifices only pointed toward the salvation which is offered freely, purchased for us by the blood of Christ, and received by those who trust in Him. Others have supposed in the days of John the Baptist people were saved in the act of baptism. But John the Baptist himself plainly said in John 3:36, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." That is exactly the same plan as that in John 3:16; Habakkuk 2:4; Acts 16:31; and Romans 3:28. No, there are no different plans of salvation. The testimony of all the prophets is this, that "through his name whosoever believeth in him should have remission of sins." - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 82-83]

THE BIG FISHERMAN CHARGES [part 2]

1 Pet. 2

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Having been changed himself, and having been given a commission concerning feeding the lambs and sheep, by the Great Shepherd of the Sheep- the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (2:25), the Big Fisherman, the Apostle Peter, writes to keep that charge by charging Christians to be changed themselves.

 

I. THE CHARGE BEGINS WITH A FACT – CHANGE REQUIRES ACTION [1 Pet. 2:1-3]

 

1. Somethings to Go [v. 1]             2. Somethings to Grow [v. 2]       3. Some One to Know [v. 3, 2 Pet. 3:18]

 

II. THE CHARGE CONTINUES WITH HELPFUL INFORMATION – REAL CHANGE REQUIRES ACCESS [1 Pet. 2:4-6]

 

1. Personal [v. 4]               2. Corporate [v. 5, Eph. 4:11ff.]                  3. Biblical [v. 6]

 

III. THE CHARGE DEMANDS ACCEPTANCE - CHANGE CONTINUES WITH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT [v. 12-25]

 

THE CHARGE DEMANDS ACCEPTANCE - CHANGE CONTINUES WITH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT [v. 12-25]

 

I. Concerning the Lost [v. 7-8]

 

1. To Believers Christ is Precious [v. 7]

 

2. The Disobedient Reject Him Who Is Saviour Still [v. 7, Ps. 2]

 

3. Disobedience to the Word of God Comes with its own Appointment [v. 8]

Luke 12:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

 

II. Concerning the Saved [v. 9-10]

 

1. Distinctively Different from the Disobedient [v. 9a]

John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

 

2. Distinctive Duties [v. 9b]

 

3. Delivered from Darkness [v. 10]

Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up .

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.

Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

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.

Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

1 Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

1 Thessalonians 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

 

III. Concerning the Spiritual [v. 12-25]

 

1. Abstain [v. 11-12]

Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

 

2. Do Well [v. 13-17]

 

3. Follow In His Steps [v. 18-25]

THE PROMISES OF GOD

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. TO ISRAEL [I KINGS 8:56] Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

-Jeremiah 32:42 For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.

-Jeremiah 33:14 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.

 

1. The Promise of a Saviour [Romans 1:1-4, 9:1-5] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

 

2. The Promise of a Sovereign [1 Kings 9:5, Is. 9:6] Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.

 

3. The Promise of a Kingdom [1 Kings 9:5] Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.

 

II. TO THE CHURCH [2 Peter 1:4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

 

1. The Promise of the Spirit [Ephesians 1:13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

 

2. The Promise of Eternal Life [1 John 2:25] And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

-Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

 

3. The Promise of the Second Coming [Jn. 14:1-3]

-2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

-2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

 

III. TO THE LOST [Heb. 10:26-31] For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

 

1. The Promise of Justice [Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

-Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord , every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

-Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

 

2. The Promise of Judgment [Rev. 20:11-15]

 

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 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 the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

3. The Promise of Jesus [Mt. 11:27-30]

 

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

THE PROMISE OF HIS COMING

2 PETER 3:4

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE DENIAL OF HIS COMING [v. 1-7]   We are told, in the first two verses to be mindful of God’s Word.

 

1. The Scoffers have their Arrogance [v. 3] and plenty of it!

 

2. The Scoffers have their Ignorance [v. 4-5] and plenty of it!

 

3. The Scoffers have their Comeuppance [v. 6-7]

 

II. THE DELAY OF HIS COMING [V. 8-12]

 

1. The Lord’s Person [v. 8]

 

-Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

-John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

-Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

-1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

-1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

 

2. The Lord’s Promise [v. 9-10]

 

3. The Lord’s Purpose [v. 11-12]

 

A song lyric says, “There's nothin' in this world Worth turnin' around to see - My eyes are on the prize That's awaitin' me by and by, And I'm a gonna keep on workin' Til he comes”

 

III. THE DELIGHT OF HIS COMING [v. 13-18]

 

1. The Dwelling of Righteousness [v. 13]

 

Rev. 21: 22-27 And I saw no temple therein : for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

 

2. The Diligence of Response [v. 14-18, 1 Jn. 3:1-3]

 

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

 

3. The Desire of All Nations [v. 18, Haggai 2:6-9]

 

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 "And the way of peace have they not known" (Rom. 3:17). Man in himself does not know the secret of peace. "there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked" (Isa. 57:21). Sin in the heart is responsible for all the unrest in homes and nations. War is the natural result of human nature. Man can have no peace except he gets it from above, from outside himself. Men strive for peace, but world peace is a delusion as long as men are sinners. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 58]

"There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Rom. 3:18). The growing climax of man's wickedness is that he does not fear God. Man does not do God's will, does not understand God, does not seek God, but goes headlong into sin and destruction. And in the midst of sin and ruin, man still does not fear God, mocks at the thought of judgment, scorns the idea of Hell and retribution! How wicked is man! - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 58

One came running to Jesus and said, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God!" (Mark 10:17, 18). "There is none good but one, that is, God!" Jesus meant that He should not be called Master or Rabbi, but God, or the Son of God, what He claimed to be--God, in human form. Unless Jesus was the very Son of God, then He was not good, for there is none good but God. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 59]

Some man says, "Well, Brother Rice, I know I am not perfect, but I really try to live up to the Ten Commandments, and I believe I will get by." In the first place, why did you say, "I try?" Because you know very well you do not succeed! You do not keep the commandments and neither did any other person that ever lived except Jesus Christ. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 62-63]

The rich young ruler claimed to have kept all the commandments from his youth up. But when Jesus told him to go and sell his goods and give to the poor and come and follow Him, he turned away sorrowfully. He had great riches and his riches were his god. He had not even kept the first commandment" "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." He did not love God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength, and he did not love his neighbor as himself. And neither do you! - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 63]

Perhaps you say, as many have said to me, "Well, I do the best I can." But even that is not true. You do not do what you know to do. When you were angry the other day, did you really not know better? When you neglected to read your Bible or pray, did you really do the best you could? Have you done the best you could about giving, about loving? If you are honest, you will have to say that you have not even done the best you could and the best you knew. - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 64]

The fact of sin, as so clearly taught in God's Word and witnessed on every hand by history and observation and the human conscience, explains why many men turn away from Christ. Men hate the Bible because it brands them as guilty sinners! Men will not come to Christ and receive Him, because He will only receive them as confessed and Hell-deserving sinners! - John R. Rice [Twelve Tremendous Themes, pg. 71]

THE BIG FISHERMAN CHARGES

1 Pet. 2

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Having been changed himself, and having been given a commission concerning feeding the lambs and sheep, by the Great Shepherd of the Sheep- the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (2:25), the Big Fisherman, the Apostle Peter, writes to keep that charge by charging Christians to be changed themselves.

 

I. THE CHARGE BEGINS WITH A FACT – CHANGE REQUIRES ACTION [1 Pet. 2:1-3]

 

1. Somethings to Go [v. 1]

 

2. Somethings to Grow [v. 2]

 

3. Some One to Know [v. 3, 2 Pet. 3:18]

 

II. THE CHARGE CONTINUES WITH HELPFUL INFORMATION – REAL CHANGE REQUIRES ACCESS [1 Pet. 2:4-6]

 

1. Personal [v. 4]

 

2. Corporate [v. 5, Eph. 4:11ff.]

 

3. Biblical [v. 6]

 

III. THE CHARGE DEMANDS ACCEPTANCE - CHANGE CONTINUES WITH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT [v. 12-25]

 

1. Concerning the Lost [v. 7-8]

 

2. Concerning the Saved [v. 9-10]

 

3. Concerning the Spiritual [v. 12-25]