THE FIXED HEART

PSALM 108

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE BROKEN HEART [v. 1]

 

Even though “fixed” here is not how we generally mean there is actually an application which is both Biblical and practical.

 

1. The Heart of Man is Inwardly Focused [Ps. 10:2-3]

 

2. The Heart of Man is Foolishly Flawed [Ps. 10:4-6]

 

3. The Heart of Man is Deceitfully Fooled [Ps. 10:7-13]

 

II. THE FIXER OF HEARTS [v. 3-7]

 

1. God’s Mercy & Truth [v. 3-4]

 

2. God’s Glory & Salvation [v. 5-6]

 

3. God’s Holiness & Revelation [v. 7]

 

III. CHARACTERISTICS OF A FIXED HEART

 

1. Songs of Praise [v. 2-4]              When you don’t sing- you rob yourself of joy and you rob God of Glory.

 

2. Supplications in Prayer [v. 3-6]

 

3. Rejoicing in God’s Holy Word & Work [v. 7-13]

POEM OF THE WEEK

PLURALITY

We'll begin with a box and the plural is boxes,

But the plural of ox should be oxen not oxes.

We speak of a brother and also of brethren,

But though we say mother we never say methren.

Then the masculine pronouns are he, his, and him-

But imagine the feminine she, shis, and shim.

The plural of mouse is mice,

But the plural of house is never a hice.

So English, I fancy, you all will agree,

Is the silliest language you ever did see.

-Author unknown

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

God wants "all men every where to repent." No one has a right to blame God if he goes to Hell. Any foolish preacher who makes it appear that God is not willing to save some people sins against the Gospel, sins against the loving heart of God, and perverts the Scriptures. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg.49]

Those hobby-riders who believe that God predestined some people to be saved and that they will be saved by God's coercive grace, and that others are predestined to be lost and cannot be saved because of God's deliberate choice, are foolishly wrong, desperately wrong. They are wrong in having a doctrine that cuts clear across so many emphatic Scriptures statements inviting all to be saved, showing that Christ died for all, that God is not willing that any should perish. But they are also wrong in that they go against great fundamental, logical, scriptural reasons inherent in the nature of God and of man, inherent in the nature of right and wrong. It is a moral impossibility for God to coerce man to do wrong and choose for man ahead of time that he must repent or that he cannot repent. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg.74-75]

There is the nature of man as it is pictured in the Bible and as it actually exists. God breathed into Adam's nostrils and he "became a living soul." He was made in the image of God. And what is this about man that is God-like? He is a reasoning creature with a moral responsibility, a conscience toward right and wrong, with the freedom of choice in right and wrong. Man is superior to beasts in mental powers, but the simple truth is that now man can make an electric computing machine which can go through complicated mental processes of adding, subtracting, remembering, judging, hundreds of time faster than man can do it! But the electronic brain, the Univac, has no will, no conscience, no consciousness of right or wrong. Hence it has no personality. It lacks the God-given moral nature of man. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg.75]

 Here is, I think, the strongest possible argument that God could not have predestined some to be lost and some to be saved. If God had predestined some to be saved, there would be no virtue in their love. Their righteousness would only be an outward formal righteousness with no heart virtue in it. But if God predestined some to sin, to reject Christ, to refuse repentance, to hate the Bible and God, then God Himself would be the creator of sin, would be partaker of man's sin and wickedness, and partner in that wickedness, God forbid! It is an unthinkable and wretched doctrine! - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg.77]

Hyper-Calvinists have a bad teaching, a false doctrine. And it comes from a misapplication and a misunderstanding of a very few Scriptures, and a total ignoring of many others. No Scripture ever said that God predestinates anybody to be lost. Not a verse of Scripture in the Bible says that some are predestined to be saved whether they choose to trust in Christ or not. No, such a teaching is only inferred by a misapplication of certain Scriptures. But God does teach that He has determined ahead of time to take all who trust Christ safe to Heaven. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg.85]

It is true that in Exodus we are told that "the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart." But from the context and the discussion in Romans 9:14-24, it is clear that Pharaoh was already a wicked rebel against God, a murderer, the enslaver of God's people, rejecting every call, every demand that God made. So God raised him up for destruction. He hardened Pharaoh's heart in his refusal to let the children of Israel go. But He did not harden Pharaoh's heart toward the matter of salvation and God. That was already done before God brought him to destruction. Pharaoh had hardened his own heart. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg.86]

I cannot fully understand God's foreknowledge of all things.

But with God there is no past or future, but an eternal present. Before the world began, He knew every person who would be born and what they would do. The future He knows perfectly; the past He remembers perfectly. The past is as clear to God as the present. But the future is also as clear as the present. So before the world began, God gave His Son, and in the mind and plan of God, Christ was a Lamb slain before the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). Did God know when every sinner would trust in Him? Yes, He knew that before the world began, and He knows it now. And the only predestination regarding salvation is that God has determined that those who trust in Him will be carried on straight through to Heaven! Briefly that is the sum and substance of predestination, foreordination, and election as far as they relate to salvation at all. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg.91-92]

TWO OF THE SWEETEST WORDS IN THE BIBLE

MATTHEW 6:7-9

 

Pastor Rick Jackson*

 

There are many sweet words found in the blessed Word of God. Words like: love, joy, peace, grace, mercy, salvation, forgiveness, Heaven come to mind quickly and or course there are many others. Two of the sweetest words in the Bible are found in our text, the words, “Our Father.” This simple powerful phrase is made sweeter still in that the words are a reference to Almighty God. You might think this phrase appears all through the Bible but in reality, it is found less than 25 times in the Bible. Only twice in the Old Testament, in one book, Isaiah. Twice in the Gospels, and almost 20 times in the epistles of Paul.

 

This phrase, when applied to God and used correctly designates certain truths, it demands certain actions, and it delivers in certain ways. Let us explore this.

 

I. IT DESIGNATES CERTAIN TRUTHS

 

1. “Our Father” Designates the Truth of Relationship [Matthew 6:9] After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

 

2. “Our Father” Designates the Truth of Companionship [2 Thessalonians 2:16] Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

 

3. “Our Father” Designates the Truth of Ownership [Isaiah 63:16]

Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

 

4. “Our Father” Designates the Truth of Stewardship (or responsibility) [Isaiah 64:8]

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

1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

 

II. IT DEMANDS CERTAIN ACTIONS

 

1. “Our Father” Demands We Know Him [1 Thessalonians 1:1]

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We know THE Way to God [Jn. 14:6] without God, without Christ- man is lost

We Know the Love of God [Heb. 12:5-10] chastening us, guiding us

We Know the Power of God [2 Tm. 1:2, 12] Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

 

2. “Our Father” Demands We Talk to Him [Luke 11:2]

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Rest on His Promises- 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Meet His Requirements- Jn. 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

 

3. “Our Father” Demands We Walk with Him [1 Thessalonians 3:11-13]

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

 

We Walk to Him – Salvation – 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.

We Walk With Him – Separation - 2 Cor. 6:17-18  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

We Walk For Him – Expectation – 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.

 

III. IT DELIVERS IN CERTAIN WAYS

 

1. “Our Father” Delivers Power [Romans 1:7, 16]

 

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

 

Jn. 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Mt. 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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.

Acts 1:7-8 - And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

 

2. “Our Father” Delivers Peace [1 Corinthians 1:3]

 

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon 1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

3. “Our Father” Delivers with Prayer [Matthew 6:6-13, Luke 11:1-4]

 

2 Cor. 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

ARE YOU IN THE “IN” CROWD

EPHESIANS 1:1-2                                             

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

There is a great tendency among people of all ages to want to be part of the “in” crowd. Studies have shown that people will say what they know to be untrue to not stick out. Some people will go to great lengths to be part of the “in” crowd. There are “In” crowds and there is THE “In” Crowd.

 

I. THE “IN” CROWD IS BLESSED [v. 3]

 

One of the reasons people want to be a part of the “In” crowd is for the benefits. Here the benefits are ALL spiritual blessings in Christ!

 

II. THE “IN” CROWD IS CHOSEN [v. 4]

 

One of the reasons people want to be a part of the “In” crowd is to be “chosen”. What a thrill to be picked. With being picked comes responsibility. Stan Lee wrote that “With great power comes great responsibility” but remember, Lee wrote fiction. Luke 12:48b declares truthfully, For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

 

Of course, there are those who wish to make an issue of "chosen" here as if free will has no part in salvation. Remember the account in Judges 7 where Gideon is told by God, he has too many soldiers. In verse 3 God says, Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

 

Here you have God’s sovereignty and man’s choice working in complete harmony. But God stills tells Gideon he has too many warriors so in verses 4-7 recounts:

 

And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water. And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.

 

Here again you have God’s sovereignty and man’s choice working in complete harmony. Who decided to drink a particular way- the men or God? The men. Who decided which group would go with Gideon? God did. When it comes to salvation who has the choice to trust Christ or not trust Him? Who decides where people go depending on their choice? Free will and the sovereignty of God in perfect accord.

 

A former member of one of the three churches I have pastored was somewhat of a hyper-Calvinist so we’ll call them HC for our purposes here. HC had a real problem with free will [i.e., for some reason HC believed free will took away God's sovereignty]. After a message I preached I got a note from HC. HC's note said, “John 6:44 the Father draws us

John 10:29- the Father gave us to Jesus

We cannot be saved apart from God drawing us. Since God is drawing He is the one (sic) choosing us for salvation.”

 

I replied, of course. But who does He draw? According to John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. God draws all to salvation according to that verse and not that verse alone.

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Many other verses teach the same.

 

HC - If we are the ones choosing, then where is the Sovereignty of God?

 

Where it always is... in Him! God in His Sovereignty gave man a choice. If you think about it, to say that God cannot give man a choice is to limit His Sovereignty. God can do what He wants. That is what Sovereignty is all about and God gave man a choice (many choices actually but one choice when it comes down to salvation). God's Sovereignty is intact because He, in His Sovereignty, chose that whosoever trusts Christ will be saved and whoever rejects Christ will be lost. God, in His Sovereignty, gave man free will- the ability to choose, as in "choose you this day whom ye will serve..."

 

My viewpoint allows God the Sovereignty of giving man a choice. HC’s interpretation limits God and says He cannot give man a choice. In which is God really Sovereign? If I as a parent took my youngest child to her favorite fast food place (Taco Bell) and said choose anything on the menu and I will get it for you. Does my giving her a choice take away my parental sovereignty? NO! Of course not. I, in my role as a parent gave her the choice without giving up one iota of my authority or, if you will, "sovereignty" and gave her free will in the matter. Why cannot God do the same? Of course, He can and furthermore, I believe the Bible teaches He did!

 

HC - Election doesn't mean salvation- it means chosen- angels were chosen, Jesus was chosen, we are chosen to be saved and to serve Him.

 

Interesting... HC said Jesus and angels were chosen but then says "we are chosen to be saved..." so he locks in his pet interpretation. Why didn't he do the same when talking about Jesus and the angels?

Because that would be silly.

It's silly to not be consistent too.

Christians are chosen to serve God as are the angels and Jesus. That is consistent.

All those who trust Christ are chosen to be Christians. That is also consistent.

God has always given man a choice. Since Adam & Eve. Man must face the consequences of his choice. But a choice he has.

 

We choose to be saved in response to God's loving and kind offer of salvation or we reject it. Christians choose to serve God or they don't and they pay the price. Else why would Joshua say, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

 

III. THE “IN” CROWD IS ACCEPTED [v. 5-6]

 

One of the reasons people want to be a part of the “In” crowd is to be accepted. To be accepted in the Beloved is to be adopted. Adoption Biblically was more than just being a part of the family, it was to shoulder the responsibility of a family member.

 

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:23 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.

Romans 9:4 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;

Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

 

IV. TRUSTING IN CHRIST ALLOWS US TO BE IN THE “IN” CROWD [v. 7-14]

 

compares with 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

 

God chose to save those who trust Christ. He predestinated all who trust Christ to become like Jesus. He chooses for all His children to serve Him.

THE DEVIL’S DECEITFUL DIRECTIONS

 

                                     HEBREWS 12:14-29                                          

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I recall seeing a Bugs Bunny cartoon where Bugs led some hunting dogs away from a fox. One overweight dog kept saying, “Which way did he go? Which way did he go?” And of course Bugs always led him astray.

Now what happens today is people ask, “Which way do we go to get to Heaven?” or “Which way do we go to be successful?” and the Devil always leads them astray.

 

I. WHICH WAY DO WE GO TO GET TO HEAVEN?

 

1. The Only Way to Heaven is Holiness [v. 14]

 

Where Satan misleads people is how holiness can be attained

 

2. The Wrong Way is Away from Grace [v. 15-21]                -thinking works can produce holiness [v. 15]

-putting fleshly, temporary things over spiritual, eternal things     [v. 16-17]

-thinking the Law is a means of salvation [v. 18-21]

 

3. The Right Way is through Christ and Christ Alone [v. 22-27]

 

II. WHICH WAY DO WE GO TO BE A FAILURE AS A CHRISTIAN?

 

If Satan fails to keep a person from being saved his next goal is to have them be a failure as a Christian- and he uses all his wiles to accomplish this goal. He even uses Christians. [remember Simon Peter and the Lord- “Get thee behind me Satan…”]

 

1. The Way to Failure is the Way of Disinterest [1 Thessalonians 5:19-20]                Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings.

 

2. The Way to Failure is the Way of Distraction [2 Timothy 4:8-10]

 

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

 

3. The Way to Failure is the Way of Discouragement [2 Corinthians 2:6-7, Phil. 3:12-17]

 

Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

 

III. WHICH WAY DO WE GO TO BE A SUCCESS AS A CHRISTIAN?

 

1. The Way of the Cause [1 Samuel 17:29, Colossians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 2:13]

 

And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

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. The Way of the Cross [Luke 9:23]

 

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily , and follow me.

 

3. The Way of the Christ [the Gospel of John]

 

1:43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me;

14:1 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way , the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 There is a Bible doctrine of God's foreknowledge, predestination, and election. Most great bodies of Christians, not strictly Calvinists, or not Calvinists at all, agree that God has His controlling hand on the affairs of men. They agree that, according to the Bible, He selects individuals like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and King Cyrus, as instruments to do certain things He has planned. He raised up Pharaoh who was already "a vessel of wrath," with many years of hardened heart and wicked rejection, to make him an example of punishment. Christians agree that God may choose a nation, particularly that He did choose Israel, through which He would give the law, the prophets, and eventually through whom the Saviour would come. It is a Bible doctrine that God foreknows who will trust in Christ, and that He has predestined or purposed to see that they are justified and glorified. He will keep the saved, will glorify those He saves. You see, Calvin did not originate those teachings. They are taught in the Bible, believed by multitudes who are not Calvinists. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg. 8]

The doctrine that God predestined some men to Hell, that some cannot be saved, that they are born to be damned by God's own choice, is a doctrine of Calvinism, a philosophy developed by John Calvin. It is a sectarian tenet strictly followed by hyper-Calvinists. It is a radical heresy, not taught in the Bible. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg. 8]

The Arminian language about "probation" is unscriptural. The idea that man is not ever really saved while on earth but is simply "on probation," and that any time he may fall in his probation and then be damned, is an unscriptural doctrine. And the terminology itself is not Bible terminology. The Bible never anywhere says that a Christian is on probation. The language is human language because the doctrine is a human philosophy. You see, Arminianism, like hyper-Calvinism, is a human philosophy. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg. 27]

Why not just be a Bible Christian instead of being an Arminian or Calvinist? Why should any man follow either Calvin or Arminius? Why should anybody let his doctrine be settled, on the one hand, by the Westminster Catechism, or, on the other hand, by the teachings of John Wesley? - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg. 27]

Every lost sinner who rejects God's offer of mercy, who turns down the Saviour, who refuses to repent of his sins, will eventually stand before Christ at the great white throne judgment. God will there make a public example of that sinner. There the books will be opened and he will be judged out of the things written in the books according to his works. And there God Himself will be vindicated. Every person who ever lived, every angel, every devil, will see that God has done right in letting the wicked, Christ-rejecting sinner go to Hell for his sins when he would not accept the offer of mercy. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg.38]

It seems obvious that Pharaoh had already settled himself and crystalized his will against God. He had chosen: should he continue his murderous enslavement of God's people or release them? Right or wrong, he would continue. He would reject the true God. He would not repent. We believe he had already committed the unpardonable sin. So God made him stubborn in the matter of the release of the children of Israel from bondage, and made him a public example of God's wrath. Really, God did this in lovingkindness to all who would hear, "that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us . . ." as Romans 9:23, 24 tell us. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg.38]

Christ is the propitiation FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD! Every person ever born had his sins paid for. He could have had them forgiven if he would. He could have been a child of God if he would. The atonement of Jesus Christ on the cross paid for the sins of every poor sinner ever born! No reader can look up to the bleeding Saviour on the cross and then say that God intended that reader to go to Hell! His sins are paid for; he could be saved and ought to be saved. - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg. 41]

THE GOOD NEWS IS AS GOOD AS THE BAD NEWS IS BAD

NAHUM 1:1-7                    

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BAD NEWS FOR CHRIST REJECTORS [v. 1-2]

 

1. God is Jealous [v. 2, Exodus 20:2-5]

 

I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

 

2. The LORD Revengeth [v. 2, Deuteronomy 32:43]

 

Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.

 

3. The LORD is Furious [v. 2, 2 Kings 22:13, 17]

 

Go ye, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

 

II. REASONS THIS IS REALLY BAD NEWS [v. 3-6]

 

1. The LORD is Slow to Anger [v. 3, 6, Deuteronomy 6:15, Gn. 6:3] so if He is at this point – you are pretty much done

 

(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man

 

2. The LORD is Great in Power [v. 3-6]

 

3. The LORD Will Not Acquit the Wicked [v. 3, Exodus 20:7]

 

The LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Pr. 6:29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

Pr. 11:21 The wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

Pr. 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: … he shall not be unpunished.

Pr. 17:5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Pr. 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

Numbers 14:18 The LORD is longsuffering , and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.

Jeremiah 2:35 Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.

 

III. GOOD NEWS FOR CHRIST TRUSTERS [v. 7]

 

1. The LORD is Good [v. 7, 2 Chronicles 7:3

 

And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalm 25:8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

 

2. The LORD is a Strong Hold in the Day of Trouble [v. 7, 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.

 

3. The LORD Knoweth Them that Trust in Him [v. 7, Genesis 18:19, John 10:11-18, 27-30]

 

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

SOME TRUTHS FROM JOB

Job 36:1-5

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. TRADE ILLUSIONS FOR TRUTH [Rm. 12:2]

 

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

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

 

II. WE LIVE IN AN UNSAFE WARZONE [Job 1-2, Eph. 6:12]

 

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

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

“We tend to think we are noncombatants living in peacetime. That’s not how Satan views us. To him, we are military targets.” - Ray Stedman

 

III. THE STABILITY OF FAITH [Job 13:15]

 

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

 

IV. OUR “GOODNESS” IS BORROWED [Job 40:3-4, 42:5-6]

 

Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Isaiah 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Romans 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

 

V. THE SITUATION OF SUFFERING [Job 5:7]

 

Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

 

VI. THE REALITY OF SATAN [2 Corinthians 2:11] 14 times in Job 1 & 2

 

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

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 

VII. THE TRANSCENDANCE OF GOD [Job 7:17]

 

What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?

Job 34:12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

Psalm 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Psalm 144:3 LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!

THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SOUL

ROMANS 1                                                          

Pastor Rick Jackson [adapted from a Dave Breese message]

 

On June 11, 2001 Timothy McVeigh was executed for the 1995 murder of 168 people in Oklahoma City. Like, Jared Loughner, he was a professing atheist- McVeigh no longer is. McVeigh refused any visits by ministers and chose as his final statement, the words of the 19th century poet William Ernest Henley to express his unrepentant atheism.

 

In the fell clutch of circumstance                                                                               …It matters not how strait the gate,

I have not winced nor cried aloud.                                                                            How charged with punishments the scroll,

Under the bludgeonings of chance                                                                           I am the master of my fate:

My head is bloody, but unbowed.                                                                            I am the captain of my soul.

 

To some degree, before a lost person trusts Christ or dies in his fallen state, I suppose there is some truth in that. They are, by God’s permission, the captain of their own soul. But what does that mean? How far will that take them? What will their end be? As is our custom, let us find the answers together in God’s Word. Consider if you will:

 

I. THE CAPTAIN’S CHOICES

 

1. He can Choose to Be an Atheist -          but he cannot escape the consequences of his unbelief [Rm. 1:18-32]

 

2. He can Choose to Reject the Bible -     But he cannot choose to not by judged by It! [Lk. 6:47-49, John 12:48]

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.

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

 

3. He can Choose to Reject Christ as Saviour -      But he cannot choose his fate if he rejects Christ [John 3:16, 18, 36]

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

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.

 

Indeed, a ship’s captain may plot a course, but he cannot control elements beyond his control- rocks, weather, enemy ships, obstructions, etc. Ask Edward Smith- Captain of the Titanic.

 

II. THE CAPTAIN’S CAPTAIN

What if the captain, seeing the way is treacherous, decides to turn the helm over to a better Captain? A Captain who has sailed these seas, conquered the obstructions and the enemies, and actually has control over the weather. Where could we find such a One? Ah, look to Jesus- the captain’s Captain.

 

1. Captain of the Lord’s Host [Joshua 5:13-15]

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

 

2. Master of the Seas [Mk. 4:39-41]

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly , and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

 

3. Captain of Our Salvation [Heb. 2:3-18]

 

III. THE CAPTAIN’S COMMANDS

Having placed the helm at His control- the wise person would then obey His commands- knowing they were for the good of the vessel. What commands has He given?

 

1. Occupy [Lk 19:10-13ff]

 

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

 

3. Keep Watch [Matthew 24:42] Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

 

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Revelation 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 The furniture of the tabernacle was made of wood, to picture Christ's humanity, and covered with gold, to picture His deity. The pure white linen over the tabernacle pictured His sinless purity. The ram's skins dyed red pictured His atonement. The badgers' skins, dull and unattractive to the world, pictured Him as this outer world sees Him. And the blue curtains pictured Him as deity, a heavenly being. - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 195-196]

When I went to Canada in a revival effort, a pastor told me, "You won't have the kind of results here that you had in Chicago. We are Britishers. We are conservative. We do not move as quickly here as people do down in the States." I told him that yes, we had that kind of people down South where I grew up, too, only we called them backsliders. Then, thank God, I remember with what joy the distinguished pastor called me back to his study one night after we had some fifteen adults come to Christ. He had his arms around a gray-headed man, and could hardly talk for weeping, and he said, "I have been praying for this man for twenty years and now, Brother Rice, here he comes!"

The plain, simple truth is that the soul winner's harvest is white. There are always souls who can be won. - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 214]

Oh, we cannot win everybody, but we can win somebody! The birds of the air get some seed, and some seed falls on stony ground, but some seed falls on good ground and brings forth fruit, if we keep sowing and if we keep on going after sinners with the Gospel! - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 217]

It is the unanimous teaching of the Scriptures that always there are people who can be won to Christ, that the harvest is always white. Brother, there is great fishing! The fish are biting! - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 217]

Various groups seek what they call the fullness of the Spirit in order to have the old carnal nature destroyed, or in order to help in their problems, and daily joy. But these have all missed the point. They do not see what God has promised and what is involved in the fullness of the Spirit. The fullness of the Spirit is simply an enduement of power from on high for witnessing and winning souls. Anyone who claims to be filled with the Spirit and does not win souls is not using the term with its Bible meaning, and he does not have what Christians in Bible times had when they were filled with the Spirit. The fullness of the Spirit is given for witnessing for Christ. - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 284-285]

I am poor in this world's goods. I preach so plainly against sin, modernism, and unbelief that some people hate me and many think it would be a blessing to the country if I were dead. I am slandered and abused, , yet my heart is lifted up beyond measure by the love and confidence and gratitude of thousands who have come to Christ under my ministry. The soul winner's joy is above the other joys that men may have. - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 295]

Does God really predestinate some people to be saved and predestinate others to go to Hell, so that they have no real choice? Absolutely not! Nobody is predestinated to go be saved, except as he chooses, of his own free will, to repent of sin and trust Christ for salvation.

No one is predestined ahead of time to go to Hell. Christ died for the sins of the whole world. God is not willing that any should perish. Salvation is freely offered to "whosoever will." - John R. Rice [Predestined for Hell? No!, pg. 5]

THE END OF JOB

THE END OF JOB

 

JOB 41-42

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

When we call this message, “THE END OF JOB,” we mean the book – not the person. Job himself explains why it is not the end of Job the man in 19:25-27, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”

The book of Job is true history, but God often uses true history as examples and lessons to us. With that in mind let us look at 3 great pictures in THE END OF JOB.

 

I. LEVIATHAN - BY MAN UNMASTERED [41:1-34, Is. 14, Ez. 28] Man cannot conquer Satan, sin or even self

 

1. Untamable by Men [v. 1-9]

 

2. Undefeatable Save By God [v. 10-11]

 

3. Unmanageable by Men [v. 12-34]

 

II. JOB – BY MAN UNMOVED [42:1-6] only God can reach the heart

 

1. His Consideration [v. 1-2]

 

2. His Confession [v. 3-4]

 

3. His Contrast [v. 5-6, James 5:11]

 

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

 

III. BLESSINGS – BY MAN UNDESERVED [42:7-17]

 

1. Rebukes [v. 7-8, Hebrews 12:5-6]

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

 

2. Forgiveness [v. 9-10, Hebrews 10:4-10]

 

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

 

3. Blessings [v. 11-17, Eph. 2]

 

1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR PLACE?

1 Corinthians 1:1-3                                                           

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PLACES THAT CAN’T KEEP THEIR WORD

 

1. “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” - 2002 slogan [Luke 12:1-2]

 

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

Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

 

Las Vegas looks the way you'd imagine heaven must look at night. -Chuck Palahniuk

Las Vegas: all the amenities of modern society in a habitat unfit to grow a tomato. -Jason Love

 

2. “It’s New Orleans - You're different here!” [Romans 3:22-23]

 

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 10:12 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.

Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

 

3. The "happiest place on Earth" -Disneyland [John 13:17] If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Psalm 26:8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

 

II. PLACES YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

 

1. The Place of Salvation [Psalm 18:19]

 

He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

Psalm 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

 

2. The Place of Sanctification [John 17:17]

 

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

John 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

 

3. The Place of Service [Acts 7:7]

 

And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not ° to speak any thing.

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

 

III. ONE PLACE LEADS TO ANOTHER [Ecclesiastes 3:20]

 

All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

 

1. Pay Your Own Way to the Pit of Hell [Rm. 6:23, Luke 16:28]

 

For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

 

2. Receive a Free Pass to the Celestial City [Jn 14:1-6]

 

3. “Grand Central Station” is Limited [Joel 3:14]

 

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

ASKING FOR TROUBLE

ZEPHANIAH 3:1-2

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. GOD GAVE THEM FAIR WARNING [v. 1]

 

1. Woe to the Filthy - speaks of rebellious pride, self- will [Job 39:18]

 

What time she [the ostrich] lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.

 

2. Woe to the Polluted - speaks of defiling oneself [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.

Malachi 1:7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible.

 

3. Woe to the Oppressor - [Exodus 22:21]

 

Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Leviticus 19:33 And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.

Leviticus 25:14 And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another:

Leviticus 25:17 Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the LORD your God.

 

II. GOD EXPOSED THEIR WILLFUL FAILURES [v. 2]

 

1. Failure to Obey the Voice of God [v. 2, Haggai 1:12]

 

Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.

Zechariah 6:15 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.

 

2. Failure to Received Correction [v. 2, Jeremiah 7:28]

 

But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.

Jer17:23 But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.

Jeremiah 32:33 And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.

Jeremiah 35:13 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the LORD.

 

3. Failure to Trust in the Lord [v. 2, Proverbs 3:5-8]

 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

 

4. Failure to Draw Near to God [v. 2, James 4:8]

 

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

 

Basically two sins of Commission [shutting their ears to God and turning their backs on Him] and two sins of omission [failing to trust and failing to draw near].

 

III. GOD GRANTS US FAITHFUL WORDS [1 Corinthians 10]

 

1. Be Aware [v. 1-6]

 

2. Be Warned [v. 7-12]

 

3. Be Wise [v. 13-15]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Romans 8:15, 16: "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."

Here we have the great fact that should make us bold in appealing for guidance, for wisdom, for leadership every day. God is our Father! And the term here, Abba, is the Aramaic term that a little child would call his papa, his daddy, and not the rather austere term father. And the little child has a right to say, "Daddy, where are you?" He has a right to day, "Daddy, which way shall I go?" And the Christian has a right to say, "O Heavenly Father, let me have my hand in yours and You lead me in a plain path and never let me get out of Thy will!" - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 181]

One has read very carelessly the Old Testament who has not learned that the great hero of the law and the prophets and the Psalms is the Lord Jesus Christ, that He is the central theme, and that the salvation of sinners is everywhere joined to that theme by implication and often by direct statement. - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 194]

Christ is the seed of the woman promised to Adam and Eve. He is the prophet like unto Moses, promised to Israel. He is the suffering servant of Isaiah 50 and 53. He is the one crying out on the cross in Psalm 22. He is the child born, the Son given, of Isaiah 9:6 and 7. He is the virgin-born child of Isaiah 7:14. He is the seed promised Abraham. He is the Son of David who is promised to sit on David's throne. He is "the Lord our righteousness" in Jeremiah. He is the second David who will reign over both the houses of Israel, promised in Ezekiel. - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 194-195]

Jesus is symbolized and pictured by object lessons throughout the Old Testament. He is the Passover Lamb. Yea, He is the scapegoat bearing blame which is not His. He is the mourning turtledove picturing the man of sorrows. He is the bullock, the burden-bearing Saviour. He is the white and stainless pigeon. Every bloody sacrifice, from Abel to the Passover Lamb killed the day Jesus was on the cross, pictured the atoning death of Jesus Christ. - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 195]

The high priest anointed with oil pictured Jesus our High Priest filled with the Spirit. Young David, anointed to be king, pictured the Lord Jesus Christ anointed and filled with the Spirit to reign on David's throne one day. The golden candlestick, a lamp stand, pictured Christ the Light of the World, burning in the power of the Holy Spirit. The shewbread, twelve loaves placed fresh every Sabbath day in the tabernacle or temple, pictured Jesus the Bread of Life. The manna which fell in the wilderness is Christ also, the manna from Heaven. - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 195]

The brazen serpent on a pole to whom the snake-bitten Israelites could look and be healed, is Jesus on the cross, as He Himself told Nicodemus.

Oh, the spiritual heart can find Jesus on nearly every page of the Old Testament. That is why the law was David's delight. Even before the law Abraham saw Christ's day and was glad and believed on Him as we do. He saw in the offering of Isaac, the crucifixion; in the sparing of Isaac, the resurrection. - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 195]

The furniture of the tabernacle was made of wood, to picture Christ's humanity, and covered with gold, to picture His deity. The pure white linen over the tabernacle pictured His sinless purity. The ram's skins dyed red pictured His atonement. The badgers' skins, dull and unattractive to the world, pictured Him as this outer world sees Him. And the blue curtains pictured Him as deity, a heavenly being. - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning [pg. 195-196]

SAY WHEN

JOB 40

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHEN GOD REVEALS HIMSELF [v. 1-5]

 

1. To Argue with God Requires Omniscience [v. 1-2]

 

The story is told of a person who passed out. As a woman tried to help the unconscious person a man pushed her out of the way declaring, “That’s okay lady, I’ll help them. I’ve had CPR training!” The woman replied, “Fine. When you get to the part where you call the doctor- I’ll be standing right here.”

 

2. The Appearance of God Reveals Sin [v. 4, Ex. 3, Is. 6, Luke 5:8]

 

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

 

3. The Appreciation of Silence can Show Wisdom [v. 5, 23:3-4, 31:37]

 

II. WHEN MAN IS REVEALED [v. 6-14]

 

1. Should a Man Try to Outdo God? [v. 6-8]

 

2. Can a Man Be God? [v. 9-13]

 

3. Can a Man Save Himself? [v. 14]

 

III. WHEN DINOSAURS ARE FOUND [v. 15-24]

 

1. The Creation of Behemoth [v. 15, Gn. 1:24-25]

 

2. The Power of Behemoth [v. 16-19]

 

v. 19 suggests this was the largest land animal God had made.

 

3. The Care of Behemoth [v. 20-24]

 

*If people saw dinosaurs, you would think that ancient historical writings, such as the Bible, should mention them. The King James Version was first translated in 1611. Some people think that because the word “dinosaur” is not found in this or other translations, the Bible does not mention dinosaurs.

 

It was not until 1841, however, that the word “dinosaur” was invented. Sir Richard Owen, a famous British anatomist and first superintendent of the British Museum (and a staunch anti-Darwinist), on viewing the bones of Iguanodon and Megalosaurus, realized these represented a unique group of reptiles that had not yet been classified. He coined the term “dinosaur” from Greek words meaning “terrible lizard.”

 

Thus, one would not expect to find the word “dinosaur” in the King James Bible—the word did not exist when the translation was done.

Is there another word for “dinosaur”? There are dragon legends from around the world. Many dragon descriptions fit the characteristics of specific dinosaurs. Could these actually be accounts of encounters with what we now call dinosaurs?

Just as Flood legends are based on a real global Flood (Flood of Noah)— dragon legends are possibly based on actual encounters with real animals that today we call dinosaurs. Many of these land-dragon descriptions do fit with what we know about dinosaurs.

 

In Genesis 1:21, the …Hebrew word here for …“whales” … is the word translated elsewhere as “dragon” (Hebrew: tannin). So, in the first chapter of the first book of the Bible, God may be describing the great sea dragons (sea-dwelling, dinosaur-type animals) that He created.

 

So what kind of animal was “behemoth”?

Bible translators, not being sure what this beast was, often transliterated the Hebrew, and thus the word behemoth (e.g., KJV, NKJV, NASB, NIV). However, in many Bible commentaries and Bible footnotes, “behemoth” is said to be “possibly the hippopotamus or elephant.” Besides the fact that the elephant and hippo were not the largest land animals God made (some of the dinosaurs far eclipsed these), this description does not make sense, since the tail of behemoth is compared to the large cedar tree (Job 40:17).

Now an elephant’s tiny tail (or a hippo’s tail that looks like a flap of skin) is quite unlike a cedar tree. Clearly, the elephant and the hippo could not possibly be “behemoth.”

No living creature comes close to this description. However, behemoth is very much like Brachiosaurus, one of the large dinosaurs.

*from Answers in Genesis [https://answersingenesis.org/]