- John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Once people said to me, "Dr. Rice, you can't tell how your children will turn out." And I said, Well, we will just see about that. Mrs. Rice and I will turn them out ourselves, then we will know how they turn out." We did, and so they did, praise God! - John R. Rice [Success-prone Christians, pg. 28]

The Bible itself is the revelation of God. It perfectly makes known the will of God for men. In the Bible men learn not only how to be saved, but how to live after they are saved, how to please God, how to have the power of the Holy Spirit, how to get prayers answered, how to raise families, how to deal in business, how to preach the Gospel. And every Christian is to live "not by bread alone," but as Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3, "By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). - John R. Rice [Success-prone Christians, pg. 40]

Arguments may affect the head, but company affects the heart, the emotions, the preferences, and so gives a bias that largely controls the decisions of the mind. So in Galatians 5:24 the Scripture says, "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Unless we crucify the affections of the flesh we are not truly at one with Christ when we open the Bible. So Christians are commanded, " Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2). The wrong kind of love or friendship can lead one wrong. Men are led into sin or false doctrine or into complacent acceptance of evil by love for a sinful friend or for love for an Alma Mater or denomination whose influence is away from the Bible. - John R. Rice [Success-prone Christians, pg. 47]

It was Solomon's ruin when he "loved many strange women" (I Kings 11:1). And God's prophet Jehu challenged Jehoshaphat, "Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord?" (II Chron. 19:2). The wrong companionships, and hence the wrong affections, are Satan's best weapon in leading the Christians astray. Thus avoidance of bad company and delight in the Word of God are complementary conditions. Each requires the other and fits with the other for one to be God's blessed man. - John R. Rice [Success-prone Christians, pg. 47]

True fundamentalism must emphasize both separation and Bible authority. No man is to be trusted as a friend of the Bible who does not avoid bad company.

And Bible believers had just as well accept God's plan on this. Contending for the faith involves the reproach of coming out and being separate from the ungodly and from enemies of Christ and the Bible. One who avoids the reproach of scriptural separation also misses the promised blessing that "whatsoever he doeth shall prosper," promised in Psalm 1. - John R. Rice [Success-prone Christians, pg. 53]

I sat with Mrs. Rice on the rails of the Texas-Pacific railroad, away out in West Texas, and Dr. Sam Morris and his wife sat nearby. We had bought a nice watermelon in Weatherford. Everywhere else was muddy, so from the highway we stepped over the railroad track and cut the watermelon and ate it. But there was some whisper in my heart, no doubt the whisper of an angel, and I looked up and bearing down upon us at ninety miles an hour, I suppose, was a passenger train. On the long prairie miles there was not a crossing - why should the engineer be looking for trouble? There was no whistle, but I knew and I jumped from the track and pulled my wife and the train passed by within inches. I am certain it was an angel who some way warned me and we slipped away. Ah, the angel of the Lord protects his own. Why should anybody fear? - John R. Rice [Success-prone Christians, pg. 58]

Oh, don't fear to put God first in everything. "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine" (Prov. 3:9, 10). You can prove that it pays to serve the Lord. He takes care of His own who trust Him. The way of full supply is just simply the way of trusting day by day.

Not wild spending and calling that faith. No, not buying on credit, with monthly payments stacked upon you and then calling that faith! No, trust the Lord and live with what God gives you and be happy and content. How wonderfully sweet it is! - John R. Rice [Success-prone Christians, pg. 59-60]

HOW TO WALK AND PLEASE GOD

1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BY SANCTIFICATION [v. 3-5]

 

1. Abstain from Physical Relationships Outside of Marriage [v. 3]

 

2. Live a Life that Honors God [v. 4-5, 2 Peter 1:17]

 

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

 

II. BY HOLINESS [v. 6-8]

 

1. Be Upright [v. 6]

 

2. Be Holy [v. 7]

 

3. Be Aware [v. 8]

 

III. BY LOVE [v. 9-18]

 

1. Love the Brethren as God Does [v. 9-10]

 

2. Live Before the Lost as God Desires [v. 11-12]

 

3. Look for the Lord’s Return [v. 13-18, 2 Timothy 4:8]

 

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.

Quotes of the Week

 When you win an old man, you have won a cipher; when you win a child you have won a multiplication table. - Gypsy Smith [How to Have a Revival, pg. 21]

God does not tell sinners to go to church. Sinners are not children of God. God does not order the devil's "kids" around. All that God does is say to a sinner, "Come here and let Me save you. I love you. I want to save you." God orders His own children around. God does not tell sinners to go to church. God tells the church to go to sinners. You do not have to complain about sinners not coming to church if your church goes to sinners. You are commissioned to go. He does not expect us to sit down and just play the pipe organ or recite a creed. That is what is the matter with us. This is what ruined us. - Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. [How to Have a Revival, pgs. 87-88]

If you are not fruitful, you are not faithful. If you are not faithful, it is because there is unconfessed, unrepented of, unforgiven sin in your life.  - Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. [How to Have a Revival, pg. 105]

The "called evangelist" will have success as he obeys his call and abides in the Lord. God has no unsuccessful servants who are called and chosen and faithful.  - Jesse M. Hendley [How to Have a Revival, pg. 111]

Preaching Christ is the biggest job in the world.  - Hyman J. Appelman [How to Have a Revival, pg. 131]

THE DAY OF PENTECOST – GOD’S METHOD

ACTS 2:1-21

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE MIRACLE [v. 1-13]

 

1. The Unity of the Believers [v. 1-3]

 

2. The Utterance of the Spirit [v. 4-11]

 

3. The Ignorance of the Multitude [v. 12-13]

 

II. THE MEANS [v. 14-21]

 

1. God’s People Must Be the Ones to Explain God’s Workings [v. 14, 1 Corinthians 2:11-16]

 

Example  - Think of the movie Noah with Russell Crow - Russell Crowe stars as Noah in the timeless story of courage, sacrifice and hope. This visually stunning, action-adventure is hailed as "one of the most unforgettable Biblical epics ever put on film." - Amazon

“this version of the story centered on Noah (Russell Crowe), the man entrusted by God to save the  innocent animals of Earth as the rising floodwaters cleansed the planet of mankind's evil.”  - IMDB

 

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

 

2. God’s Word Must Be Used to Examine God’s Workings [v. 15-20, Joel 2:28-32, Zech. 12:10, Is. 13:10, Eze. 32:7, 1 Cor. 2:3-10]

 

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written , Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

 

3. God’s Saviour Must Be Presented [v. 21, Rm. 1:16, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2]

 

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

 

III. THE MEANING [v. 16-21]

 

1. The Emphasis of The Last Days [v. 16-18, Hebrews 1:2, 2 Pet. 3:1-3]

 

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

 

2. The End of The Last Days [v. 19-20] still future in our day

 

3. The Evangelism of The Last Days [v. 21]

STANDING THE HEAT

DANIEL 3

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THEIR FAITH WAS CHALLENGED

 

1. By the Government [v. 1-3]

 

2. By Peer Pressure [v. 4-5, Ps. 1:1]

 

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.

 

3. By Threats [v. 6 Acts 4:15-21]

 

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

 

II. THEY WERE TEMPTED TO COMPROMISE

 

1. They were Tempted to Compromise To Not Be Considered Peculiar [v. 7-13, Exodus 19:5]

 

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

Deuteronomy 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

1 Samuel 8:5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

1 Samuel 8:20 That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.

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

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

 

2. They were Tempted to Compromise To Not Offend Someone [v. 14]

 

3. They were Tempted to Compromise To Not Be Killed [v. 15]

 

“Do not be afraid that you will ever lose by obedience to the Book.” - H.A. Ironside

 

III. THEY WERE CONFIDENT IN GOD

 

1. They Believed in the Power of God [v. 16-17, Rm. 1:16]

 

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.

 

2. They Believed in the Purpose of God [v. 17-18, 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.

 

3. They Believed in the Presence of God [v. 19-30, Psalm 139:7-10]

 

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Poem of the Week

 Counted Worthy

This weighty burden thou dost bear,

This heavy cross,

It is a gift the Lord bestows,

And not a loss;

It is a trust that He commits

Unto thy care,

A precious lesson He has deigned

With thee to share.


Rejoice that He so honors thee

And so esteems

Of highest worth; the crown of thorns

With Him to wear,

And all the suffering of that crown

With Him to bear,

That by and by His glory, too,

With Him thou’lt share.

Annie Johnson Flint

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

Bible questions are not settled by men's experiences but by the Word of God. - John R. Rice [Speaking with Tongues, pg. 7]

We are expressly taught to seek prophesy. That means speak for God, witness for God, in the power of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8 we are told, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me. . . ." That part we are taught to week. We are supposed to "covet earnestly the best gifts," but we are never taught to covet the gift of tongues. - John R. Rice [Kindly, Clear Bible Answers About Speaking in Tongues, pg. 13-14]

First Corinthians, chapter 14 is a strange chapter, strange because it goes into the whole matter of a tongues heresy they had at Corinth. You say, "Was that a heresy?" Yes. You say, "Didn't they talk in tongues?" They talked in different NATURAL languages. It is very clear in this Scripture. Now they have to be given some restraint and some rules about it, in I Corinthians 14.

Had it been of God, you wouldn't have to have any restraint. Nowhere in the Bible does God say to people, "I have given you the power to work miracles but take it easy. Don't do it so often." The Bible never says, "You who have a gift of healing, don't two of you heal people at the same time."

But God does say that about the kind of tongues they had here in this chapter. Why? Because they were natural tongues being misused, trying to copy after the gift of tongues. So there is restraint and rebuke for what they were doing at Corinth. Now, why would you seek to have what they had at Corinth when the Bible says what they had was wrong, and God is rebuking them for it? - John R. Rice [Kindly, Clear Bible Answers About Speaking in Tongues, pg. 20-21]

I want Christians to be filled with the Spirit of God. I want them to be endued with power from on high. I want them to have all the blessings that God has for them. I want Christians, myself included, to have all the power and fruitfulness that New Testament Christians had. I believe that misunderstanding of the question of speaking in tongues hinders revival and hinders soul winning. With this honest motive, then, I seek to help readers see what the Bible teaches about speaking with tongues. - John R. Rice [Speaking With Tongues, pg. 4]

I am an evangelist, both by calling and choice. My passion, my burden is to see God's saints revived and to see the mighty power of Bible Christianity felt again in America and all the world. We do not seek here to build any denomination. We do not seek here to oppose any movement of godly people. We do not seek a quarrel with Christian brethren. Rather, we seek simply to help men understand the Word of God and to clear away the hindrances to revival, showing them what God wants them to do and what He does not want them to do; showing them what they need in order to do God's work and what they do not need. - John R. Rice [Speaking with Tongues, pg. 4]

Where in the Bible did God ever give a miracle and allow it to be misused, used for an evil purpose? I challenge the reader to find even one such case in the Bible.

God does give us talents, and we sometimes misuse them. But a talent is a gift we have from birth, which is left to us, and we may use it or not. If I have a talent for music, and sing, that is not a miracle. And when I sing with natural talent, it is not God singing. God may bless my singing if I sing for Him. He may despise my singing if I do not sing to please Him. But it is not a miracle and God is not manifest in a purely natural talent. The Holy Spirit may anoint my singing and may by filling me with the Holy Spirit make it useful. But the voice itself is a natural talent. So one may misuse a talent for making money, a talent for public speech, a talent for art. Those are natural gifts. But a miracle is an entirely different matter. When God allows any man to work a miracle, it is God Himself working, even more than the man. - John R. Rice [Speaking in Tongues, pg. 41]

The Psalmist says in Psalm 119:63, "I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts." And if we are to have the wonderful power of God come upon His people to bring great revivals, such as we need, then we must come back to the same kind of brotherly love and fellowship which prevailed before Pentecost (Acts 1:14), at Pentecost (Acts 2:1), and after Pentecost (Acts 2:46; Acts 4:24). - John R. Rice [Speaking in Tongues, pg. 41]

UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE WILL OF THE LORD IS

Eph. 5:17

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The will of the Lord has been a fascination with me for decades - some time before I was saved as the Holy Spirit let me know something was needed in my life and then even more so after I was saved- what does God want me to do, what is God’s will for my life.

The will of the Lord for a lost person, an unsaved person, the natural man is that they be saved. 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.

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

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

 

But what is the will of God for a saved person? He may have a different place of service for you than someone else, a different ministry, but there are certain things that are true for all Christians:

 

 

I. THE WILL OF THE LORD IS TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT [5:17-18]

 

II. THE WILL OF THE LORD IS TO BE FILLED WITH PRAISE & THANKSGIVING [5:19-20]

 

III. THE WILL OF THE LORD IS TO FOLLOW HIS PATTERN FOR FAMILY LIVING [5:21-6:4]

 

IV. THE WILL OF THE LORD IS TO SERVE GOD IN YOUR DAILY LIFE [v. 6:5-9]

 

V. THE WILL OF THE LORD IS TO BE STRONG IN THE LORD [6:10-20]

 

BENEDICTION [6:21-24]

THE WITNESSES

ACTS 1:1-8

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE WITNESSES’ COMMANDMENTS [v. 1-4]

 

1. The Promise of the Father [v. 4, Luke 24:49]

 

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

 

2. The Proclamation of the Son [v. 4, 8]

 

3. The Power of the Spirit [v. 8]

 

II. THE WITNESSES’ COVERAGE [v. 8]

 

1. To Jerusalem and Judea (Home area)

 

2. To Samaria (“Hated” area) [Jn. 4:3-10]

 

He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water

 

3. To the Uttermost Part of the Earth (Hallowed area) [Jn. 3:16, 20:21]

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.

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

 

III. THE WITNESSES’ COMMISSION [v. 8-11]

 

1. The Person of Christ [v. 8, Is. 43:10-15]

 

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

John 4:25-26 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

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

Titus 1:3, 2:10, 3:4 … God our Saviour;

Titus 1:4, 3:6 … from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

12-15 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel;  I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.

Titus 2:13-14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Mark 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

Col. 1:14-16 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

 

2. The Gospel of Christ [Rm. 1:16, Luke 24:46-48]

 

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.

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things

 

3. The Promise of Christ [v. 9-11]

THE FIVE BETRAYALS OF JUDAS

MARK 14:41-46

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Most, if not all, of us are familiar with Judas’ betrayal of Jesus to His enemies but have you ever considered that this betrayal was just one in a long line of betrayals? Judas was guilty of betrayal several times as given to us in the Holy Scriptures.

 

I. THE BETRAYAL OF AN EARTHLY TRUST [John 12:1-6]

 

Then Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard , very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Have you been given an earthly trust? What have you done with it?

John 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

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

 

II. THE BETRAYAL OF A SACRED TRUST [Luke 6:13-16]

 

And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

2 Timothy 3:1-5, This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

 

III. THE BETRAYAL OF A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY                 -Judas let Satan in several times but never let Jesus in once

 

Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

John 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 

IV. THE BETRAYAL OF THE SOVEREIGN SAVIOUR [Mt. 26:46-50]

 

Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

Luke 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

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.

 

V. THE BETRAYAL OF THE SAVIOUR’S MERCY [Mt. 27:1-5]

 

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Ps. 116:12-14 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

Lk. 23:39-42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

We suppose that in Heaven there are two concerns: first, the unceasing joy and glory of a blessed salvation in the presence of Christ and the Father; and second, an interest in the salvation of men on this earth. And so in Hell, we suppose there are two concerns: first, the awful realization and torments of the wages of sin; and second, a concern about those left behind on this earth. It becomes clear to the prayerful student of this account by Jesus, in Luke 16:19-31, that soul winning is a principal concern of those in Heaven and those in Hell!- John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 105-106]

If you have taken Christ as your own Lord and Saviour, then be sure to confess Him openly before men (Matt. 10:32); get in with the people of God, read your Bible daily, let the Lord Jesus be the Master of your whole life, and set out to be a soul winner for Him. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 114]

Jesus Himself also said, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life" (John 3:36). When you trusted Jesus Christ, He saved you. I will pray for you that you will believe God and quit depending on your feelings and emotions. It would be wrong for me to be praying for God to give you the kind of feeling you want. That is not the way we are to know we are saved. We know we are saved because God said it and we have faith to believe it. Faith takes God's Word as true and relies upon it. ― John R. Rice, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions

You say, "But over in I Corinthians 14 Paul said, 'I would that ye all spake with tongues.'" Yes, "I would you all could talk in different languages like I do." He did not talk there about a miracle, he didn't talk about the gift if tongues. What Paul rebuked there was not a gift of tongues; he was rebuking ordinary languages used in services where people did not understand them. - John R. Rice [Kindly, Clear Bible Answers About Speaking in Tongues, pg. 10]

There is not a single command in the Bible to talk in tongues. Not only that, but there is not even a promise in the Bible that certain people will talk in tongues. There is not even a hint in the Bible anywhere that if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, the initial evidence is speaking in tongues. In the first place, you do not need any evidence. If you are filled with the Spirit of God to win souls, and win souls, that is its own evidence. Why should I need some evidence of the power of God when I see a multitude of people saved? - John R. Rice [Kindly, Clear Bible Answers About Speaking in Tongues, pg. 10]

 No, the Bible doesn't talk about the "initial evidence." That is a man-made doctrine. That is a philosophy of a cult, made up by some, to claim themselves a little better than others, and that is not Bible doctrine. There is not one command in the Bible to speak in tongues or to seek to talk in tongues. That is not what God is talking about. The command is that we should have the fullness of the Spirit to witness for Jesus. And that is what I want. - John R. Rice [Kindly, Clear Bible Answers About Speaking in Tongues, pg. 10]

You say, "Don't you think God can work miracles today?" Yes He can, and I believe He does; but I don't think anybody goes around having a miracle before breakfast. It is not just a plaything of someone who wants to put on a show to prove he is better than someone else. The Lord didn't tell anybody to go ahead and let some snake bite him so he could get miraculously healed. I have seen some amazing, miraculous healings, but I say they only happen occasionally. - John R. Rice [Kindly, Clear Bible Answers About Speaking in Tongues, pg. 11]

LEARNING TO WALK

EPH. 5:1

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Back in the 1970s while I was visiting the Bill Rice Ranch, I had the opportunity to see Evangelist Ronnie Rice do imitations of several preachers. I saw him a few years later do some other imitations at Tennessee Temple University. My favorites were Dr. John R. Rice, Dr. Lee Roberson and Dr. Cliff Robinson. You say “Brother Rick, we have heard many people do imitations. We’ve even heard you do them.” That is true, but Ronnie has a unique style in his imitations because he has never heard a single one of these people speak. Brother Ronnie is deaf. Brother Ronnie’s imitations are almost completely visual. He would gesture like these men, makes facial expressions like these men, and WALK like these men.

Many people have distinctive walks.  Many actors have noticed this and incorporate it into their work. Now, you may or may not be able to do many imitations but if you are a Christian, as I am, Eph. 5:1 says there is one imitation we should do, and we should work on it until we have it down perfectly. The word “follower” is mimetes in the Greek; an imitator:--follower.

Some has pointedly said, ““Your walk talks and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.” Recently I heard a man say we should listen to what people say but we should be more interested in what they do. Of course, he is right. As Christians, our words and walk should be the same.

Romans 2:21-23 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

 

I. LEARN TO WALK IN LOVE [4:31-5:2]

 

1. The Example of God [4:31-32]

 

2. The Example of Loving Children [5:1] (agapetos)

 

3. The Example of Christ [5:2, 1 Peter 2:21]

 

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

 

II. LEARN TO WALK AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT [5:3-8]

 

1. Avoid Dark Acts [v. 3] (Walk saintly)

 

2. Avoid Dark Speech [v. 4] (Talk appropriately for a saint)

 

3. Avoid Dark Companions [v. 5-8] (Live in the light)

 

III. LEARN TO WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY [v. 9-17] (walking barefoot with broken glass on the floor)

 

1. A Separated Walk [v. 9-12]

 

2. A Shining Walk [v. 13-14, 1 Jn. 1:5-7]

 

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

“That is what is needed. Just turn on the light and it will show up everything that is contrary to it. In other words, you live the pure, holy, Christlike, godly, devoted life, and that in itself will be reproof enough of the iniquity abounding upon every hand.” - H. A. Ironside

 

3. A Wise Walk [v. 15-17]

IT IS NOT FOR YOU

ACTS 1:6-7                                          

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

You ever come in the house and your mother or your wife is cooking something that smells really good and just as you reach for one, she says, “Those aren’t for you! They are for the church ladies” or some other such thing? Or perhaps you see a present near Christmas or your birthday and pick it up only to see that the tag has someone else’s name on it. Not everything is for you. Not everything is for me. The disciples had to learn that and so do we.

 

I. THERE ARE THINGS THAT ARE NOT YOURS TO KNOW OR HAVE [v. 6-7]

 

1. There are Things that are God’s [v. 7, Dt. 29:29] Let God be God.

 

The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

 

2. There are Things that are Wrong [Mark 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:5]

 

For John had said unto Herod , It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

 

3. There are Things that are Delayed [John 13:7]

 

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

 

II. THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN KNOW [v. 7, Matthew 13:11]

 

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

 

1. The Works and Words of Blessed Son of God [v. 1, 3]

 

2. The Works and Words of the Sweet Spirit of God [v. 2, 5]

 

3. The Works and Words of the Eternal Father [v. 3-4]

 

III. THERE ARE THINGS THAT SHOULD BE CLAIMED AS YOURS

 

A preacher friend of mine wrote to his friends this past week, “We are privileged to live in perilous times.” It may not be the privilege we would have thought to ask for, but it is the privilege God has given us. It reminds me of the attitude of the Apostles in Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Or the words God gave us in Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake ;

 

1. We Should Claim as Ours the Power of the Holy Spirit [v. 8]

 

2. We Should Claim as Ours the Responsibility to be a Witness [v. 8]

 

3. We Should Claim as Ours the Word of God [v. 1-4, 8-9]

THE GREATNESS OF GOD

Gn. 1:1-2

2 Samuel 7:22 Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. GOD IS GREAT IN HIS PERSON

 

1. He is Preeminent [v. 1, Colossians 1:18 …that in all things he might have the preeminence.]

Psalm 77:13 Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?

 

2. He is Powerful [v. 1-3]

In 2 Chronicles 2:5-6, Solomon said, “And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?”

 

3. He is Personal [v. 1 Creative, v. 2 Active, v. 3 Verbal, v. 4 Visual, etc.]

 

Psalm 48:1 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

 

II. GOD IS GREAT IN HIS POWER

 

1. Power to Create [v. 1, Jer. 10:10-16]

 

But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.

 

2. Power to Control [v. 2-4, 6, 9]

Matthew 14:32-33 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

 

3. Power to be Considered [v. 10-12, 21-28]

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

III. GOD IS GREAT IN HIS PLURALITY

 

1. God the Father [v. 1, 26]

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

 

2. God the Holy Spirit [v. 2]

Job 26:12-14 He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud. By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?

 

3. God the Son [Heb. 1:1-2]

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Jn. 1:1-5, 10-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 The soul-winner's feet are to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. The good news is so sweet that the soul winner must enjoy it himself. The messenger of a king may carry a package or a letter whose seal he dare not break, but it is not so with God's messengers. The soul winner must know the gospel that he is to take to the sinner. He must be able to say, "I have tried it myself." If you seek sinners, you must be saved yourself, and the sweet gospel that won you must be fresh in your heart. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 99]

A preacher never understands other parts of the Bible as well as that portion of the bread of life which God has led him to break for others. The sweetest verses in my Bible are those used when I have preached with tears and power, and others have been blessed. It is a gospel of peace that you carry, and part of the soul-winner's preparation is the sweet enjoyment of the assurance of his own salvation. One who rejoices that his name is written in Heaven may get other names written there, too. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 100]

One of the most moving passages in the Bible is Luke 16:19-31, where Jesus tells us of the rich man who died, and was buried, "and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments." If we believe the Bible, we must take this account at face value. Jesus did not call it a parable. He gives the name of Lazarus, who lay at the rich man's gate full of sores. Lazarus was a real person and the story is not fiction. The rich man was a real person. Doubtless, Jesus would have given his name too, but for the loved ones or friends of the rich man who would be grieved or embarrassed. The account is a true story of what happened to two men, one who went to Heaven and the other who went to Hell. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 103]

Many say they do not like deathbed stories, but such men will have one of their own some of these days. It is foolish not to face the fact of death, and the eternal certainties that are beyond death for the saved and the lost. Preachers should preach as Jesus did about a Paradise where the saved are comforted and consciously happy, and about a Hell where the unrepentant are "tormented in this flame," as the rich man said he was. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 103]

Those who would be Christians must believe, as Christ did, in a literal Hell of eternal, conscious torment for those who do not repent of their sins and seek salvation. No argument against a literal and eternal Hell of torment can weigh against the plain statement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who do not believe what Christ said should certainly not call themselves Christians, nor pretend to believe the Bible. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 104]

Those who would win souls must carry in the background of their minds this fundamental fact, that men without Christ are lost, Hell-deserving and Hell-bound, and will lift up their eyes in Hell, tormented in flame, if they are not led to repent, to turn and trust Christ before they, like the rich man, die unsaved. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 104]

We are all mightily interested in the unseen world. Our interest in those we love does not cease when they die. We know from the Bible that the soul does not cease to exist at death. There is life beyond death. Even savages instinctively know that this is true and only the hardened, perverted, embittered and wicked cynic denies the eternal existence of the soul. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 104]

THE LITTLE BIG MAN & THE BIG LITTLE MAN

2 SAMUEL 15:10-12, 31

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. Ahithophel, the Big Man with the Little god (himself) [2 Samuel]

 

1. His Reputation was Great [15:12, 31-37; 16:23]

 

2. His Advice was Excellent [17:1-4]

 

3. His Pride (and David’s prayer) was His Downfall [17:5-14, 23; Proverbs 16:18, 1 Corinthians 3:19]

 

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

 

II. Paul, the Little Man with the Big God [Acts 27]

 

1. His Standing Was Not Prominent [v. 1-11]

 

2. His Advice Was Not Pleasant [v. 12a]

 

3. His Advice Was Not Popular [v. 12b-20]

 

III. The Invisible Made the Difference [1 Timothy 1:17,  Hebrews 11:27]

 

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

 

1. Paul’s Purpose was Not Men’s Applause [v. 21, Galatians 1:10]

 

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

 

2. Paul’s Purpose was to Please God [v. 22-25, 2 Timothy 2:4]

 

3. Paul’s Persistence was Godly [v. 26-36, Phil. 3:12ff] advice

THE ANGEL’S FIRST EASTER

MATTHEW 28:1-8

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE ANGEL’S MISSION [v. 1-2]

 

1. A Mission For a Heavenly Person [v. 1-2]

 

2. A Mission with an Earthly Purpose [v. 2]

 

3. A Mission Requiring Great Power [v. 2]

 

II. THE ANGEL’S MENACE [v. 3-4]

 

1. A Demonstration of Power [v. 2, 4]

 

2. A Demonstration of Light [v. 3-4, Revelation 4:5]

 

And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

16:18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

 

3. A Demonstration of Derision [v. 2, Psalm 2:1-7]

 

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee

Acts 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

 

III. THE ANGEL’S MESSAGE [v. 5-8]

 

1. A Message of Fulfillment [v. 5-6]

 

2. A Message of Responsibility [v. 7, 18-20]

 

3. A Message of Joy [v. 8, Matthew 2:10]

 

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

Psalm 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 A certain preacher said about my preaching against sin, "That man knows nothing about grace at all." I know something about grace, but I tell you that one way I know about grace is that I know what an awful Hell-bound, Hell-deserving sinner I was and am. I know how God saved me from the torments of the damned in Hell. There is no grace unless there is first sin. There is no room for grace, no use preaching grace, unless first men know that they are awful sinners, wicked, Hell-bound sinners. Only the grace of God can save, but grace saves only convicted, confessed sinners. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 77]

O preacher-brethren, what we need is power, power with God and power with men! Any theology, however orthodox otherwise, that leaves out the need for a holy enduement of the Spirit's power as manifested in the soul winning of the New Testament, is a barren desert with rainless clouds, a dry waterhole and a broken cistern! It is wicked presumption, modernism of the heart, infidelity in practice! - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 89]

A certain preacher said about my preaching against sin, "That man knows nothing about grace at all." I know something about grace, but I tell you that one way I know about grace is that I know what an awful Hell-bound, Hell-deserving sinner I was and am. I know how God saved me from the torments of the damned in Hell. There is no grace unless there is first sin. There is no room for grace, no use preaching grace, unless first men know that they are awful sinners, wicked, Hell-bound sinners. Only the grace of God can save, but grace saves only convicted, confessed sinners. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 77]

It is well enough to enclose tracts in letters. Every way to get out the gospel is good, but some people will never be reached without the clasp of a warm hand, and the earnest, searching gaze and the quiet word, and sometimes the tear of one whose trudging feet have carried the gospel in person. Strangely enough, the gospel goes better by retail than by wholesale. I believe in mass evangelism, but do not misunderstand mass evangelism. The great revivals are made up principally on the human side by thousands of details, steps taken, planning, inviting, advertising, sweating, crying and praying; and then the public preaching and singing often get all the credit! - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 96]

Preachers have usually accepted the Roman Catholic teaching that He was crucified on Friday and have never investigated what the Bible teaches on that subject. All Bible evidence proves that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, buried that night, and arose from the dead some time Saturday night, before sunrise Sunday morning. Remember that the Jewish day began at sundown and the night was counted a part of the following day.

Matthew 12:40 plainly says that Jesus would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, or the grave, like Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly. If Jesus were crucified Friday and raised Saturday night, or before sunrise Sunday morning, He would have been in the grave one day and part of two nights. Certainly that would not fulfill His plain promise.

Many people have supposed that John 19:31 was evidence that Jesus was crucified on Friday since the Jews wished to take His body down before the Sabbath. Notice, however, that "that Sabbath day was an high day." It was not an ordinary weekly Sabbath, but an annual Sabbath, the one mentioned in Exodus 12:16. It was a day of rest, the first of seven days of eating of unleavened bread, the day on which the Passover lamb was eaten.

So Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, was taken down from the cross before sunset Wednesday (John 19:31)... Jesus stayed in the grave fully seventy-two hours, three days and three nights, and arose then some time Saturday night, that is, part of Sunday, the first day of the week which began at sundown. - John R. Rice [Dr, Rice, Here is My Question, question 55]

So if you want to win souls, put your shoes on your feet every day. That means to store your mind and heart with Bible verses that you can take to those whom you seek to win. That means to plan your work. Depend upon the Holy Spirit to direct where you should go, whom you should see, and what you should say. Watch for the "breaks" in the game. Many a football game has been decided because an alert player blocked a punt, or fell on the ball, or snatched a pass not intended for him. I have known preachers who were unprepared when suddenly called upon to preach, and I have always thought it was shocking and wicked that any preacher should not have bait on his hook and his gun loaded all the time. The Christian's mind should be so set on soul winning, and his heart so prepared for soul winning, and his will so surrendered to the Spirit's leadership, that he can win souls at every opportunity. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 96]

O my dear Christian, take time to get ready every day for soul winning! Study your Bible, ask God to cleanse your heart, seek divine wisdom in your plans. Secure the right tracts to give out, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the right words to say. - John R. Rice [The Soul Winners Fire, pg. 98]