GOD, ISRAEL, & AMERICA

HOSEA 4

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE LORD’S CONTROVERSY WITH THE LAND [v. 1-2]

 

1. No Truth [v. 1-2] look at the sin being promoted, the truth being denied

 

Zechariah 8:16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

 

2. No Mercy [v. 1-2] think of the millions aborted

 

Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

 

3. No Knowledge of God [v. 1-2, Hosea 6:6] the proliferation of atheism, cults, isms, and heresies

 

Malachi 2:7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

 

II. SIN’S CONSEQUENCES TO THE LAND [v. 3-19]

 

1. Languishing [v. 3-5, Isaiah 24:4]

 

The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.

 

2. Rejection [v. 6-11, 9:17]

 

My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.

1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

2 Kings 17:15, 20 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.

 

3. Shame [v. 12-19, Zephaniah 3:11]

 

In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.

 

III. GOD’S PERSONAL & NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION [5:15] I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

 

1. Acknowledgement of Sin [Confession] Proverbs 28:13

 

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

 

2. Forsaking of Sin [2 Chronicles 7:14]

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

 

3. Seek The Lord

 

Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Isaiah 34:16 Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

Mt. 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

THE CHURCH IN TROUBLE [v. 4-8]

2 Corinthians 1

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE CHURCH CHALLENGED [v. 1-3]

 

1. The Will of God [v. 1]

-Paul, an apostle by God’s Will – Service- Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

-Timothy, a brother by God’s Will – Salvation- 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.

-Saints, to be holy by God’s Will – Sanctification- 1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

 

2. The Work of God [v. 2-3]

-Grace – Receiving good that you do not deserve [v. 2, Rm. 11:6] And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

-Peace – Reconciliation that you don’t deserve [v. 2, Romans 5:1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

-Mercy – Release from punishment you do deserve [v. 3, 1 Peter 1:3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

-Comfort – Receiving comfort/consolation from the God we serve [v. 3ff.] used 10+ times in this epistle

 

3. The Worship of God [v. 1-3, 22; 11:31]

v. 3 Blessed = eulogetos;  adorable [adoration]:--blessed.

 

II. THE CHURCH CHANGING [v. 4-8]

 

1. God Working On Us [v. 3-4]

-A faith that only good during “good times” is not Bible faith. If it isn’t good for “dying” it isn’t fit for “living.”

 

2. God Working In Us [v. 4-6]

-Christ is both our Example and our Strength [v. 5]

-There is purpose in suffering even if we do not know at the time what that purpose is [v. 6]

3. God Working Among Us [v. 7-16]

-Stedfast hope [v. 7]

-Stedfast trust [v. 8]

-Stedfast Subject of our Faith [v. 9-10] what is death to one who is trusting One who raises the dead?

-Stedfast Grace [v. 11-12]

-Stedfast Joy [v. 12-14]

-Stedfast Fellowship [v. 15-16]

 

III. THE CHURCH CHAMPIONED [v. 17-24]

 

1. God Establishes the Church in the Rock [v. 17-21, Matthew 7:24-25]

 

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

 

2. God Seals the Deal with the Earnest in Our Hearts [v. 22, 5:5, Eph. 1:12-14]

 

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

 

3. God Sends Helpers to Aid Our Joy [v. 23-24, Eph. 4:11-15]

SO, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

EPHESIANS 2                                      

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. SO, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE IN DESIGNATION? [Eph. 2:1-10]

 

1. The Nature of a Lost Man [v. 1b-3]

 

2. The Nature of a Saved Man [v. 1a, 4-7]

 

3. The Nature of the Change in Designation [v. 8-10]

 

II. SO, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE IN DETERMINATION? [Eph. 2:11-22]

 

1. The Sad Condition of the Lost Gentile [v. 11-12]

 

2. The Glad Condition of the Saved Gentile [v. 13]

 

3. The Condition that Changed Lost Gentile & Lost Jew into Saved Christian [v. 14-22]

 

III. SO, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE IN DESTINATION? [Eph. 2:7]

 

1. Death -            Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of   the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

                                Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

 

2. Destiny-          Luke 16:22-23 the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments

                                2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

 

3. Decision-        John 1:9-13 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 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.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Oh, reader, if you are a child of God, I beg you to have your mind set on heavenly things. Have you unsaved loved ones? Then will you dawdle and idle and neglect your opportunities to win them? Until Jesus comes and takes us away, leaving behind in this ruined world your dear ones who are unprepared to go? Will you occupy yourself with business or pleasure or the ordinary routine of living when you might win souls for that glad time, souls that would go with us and miss the horrors of the tribulation, and be received with us into the Father's presence? In Jesus' name, I beg you, let us win the souls of those about us, for "night cometh when no man can work." Our opportunities for soul winning may be, yea almost certainly will be, soon over. - John R. Rice [World-wide War and the Bible, pg. 120]

You wonder whether you may have committed the unpardonable sin. No, you have not. First, the unpardonable sin is the sin of a lost person, one who has never accepted Christ, one who has never been saved. One whose sins are forgiven cannot commit the unforgiveable sin. Second, the fact that you are burdened and concerned and want God's blessing is proof that you have not committed the unpardonable sin. One who had committed the unpardonable sin would have no conviction, no burden, and would not want God and salvation. The unpardonable sin is a sin of rejecting Christ, after great enlightenment. Anyone who is trouble about it and trying to be right with God has not committed the unpardonable sin.

― John R. Rice, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions

The rich man in Hell looked with the deepest concern upon the affairs of the earth and said, "I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldst send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment." He knew that his brethren had not repented. Abraham in Heaven knew more about it than the rich man did and said, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." How strange that both Heaven and Hell look on with such intense concern for the conversion of the wicked here on earth while we who have an opportunity to warn them do so little about it!

― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

Fretting is a sin. Worry is a wicked sin of unbelief. I know it is a very popular sin; it is a very respectable sin, but in God's sight it may be worse than getting drunk because the great sin of worry means unbelief and lack of faith, which is the base and core of all sin. A Christian ought to pray and have his worry settled forever so he can have peace of heart. ― John R. Rice [Why Pray?, pg. 15]

Oh, there are too many withered-leaf Christians [Ps. 1:1-3], too many sourpuss Christians, too many horse-faced Christians, too many down-in-the-dumps Christians. You ought to say, "I don't have to fret. I can be happy and good. God is going to take care of me." Listen to Romans 8:28: ". . .all things work together for good to them. . .who are called according to his purpose." If you belong to God you can pray for everything. God is going to work it out for my good, He said. And a Christian ought to have green leaves, a smiling face, a happy heart, a song in his heart. ― John R. Rice [Why Pray?, pg. 16]

A Christian can be happy and content all the time. What are you going to do about it? Pray through. The Scripture said, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." That is the answer. Do you mean I can take things to God in prayer and stay there and beg God until I can thank Him and have contentment and go my way happy with assurance? That is right. And a Christian need never be bowed down with a burden where he cannot be happy. A Christian can be happy all the time, content all the time, unworried all the time. ― John R. Rice [Why Pray?, pg. 16-17]

If you want peace of mind, take it to God. Beg Him until your heart can thank Him, until you claim it and go away happy and content. You can be happy all the time. "With thanksgiving." And the "peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Keep you? Yes, a garrison of angels around the city to keep out everything wrong and hurtful, and the sweet angels of God guarding your own spirit so you can always be happy, with no fret, no worry at all, because you have taken everything to God in prayer and have peace about it. ― John R. Rice [Why Pray?, pg. 18]

HOW TO CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING IN JUNE

PSALM 116:1-2, 17                                                         

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

As we mentioned last week, we are, for the most part, familiar with “Christmas in July.”  I am almost positive that was a retailer’s idea to boost sales. Far more scriptural is the idea of Thanksgiving in June. We celebrate Christmas in December. We celebrate Thanksgiving the month previous so if we are going to tolerate Christmas in July, we should certainly honor Thanksgiving in June.

 

I. REVIEW YOUR BLESSING [v. 3-5]

 

1. Why You Became a Child of God [v. 3] Conviction

 

2. When You Became a Child of God [v. 4, John 1:12] Reception

 

3. How You Became a Child of God [v. 5-6] Redemption

 

II. RECLAIM YOUR BLESSING [v. 7-16]

 

1. Live for Him Who Died for You [v. 7-9]

 

2. Speak to Him Who Spoke to You [v. 10-13]

 

3. Serve Him Who Set You Free [v. 14-16]

 

III. REJOICE OVER YOUR BLESSINGS [v. 17-19]

 

1. With Your Lips [v. 17, Hebrews 13:15]

 

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

2. With Your Life [v. 18, Romans 12:1]

 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

3. With Your Love [v. 19, 1

THE CHURCH IN TROUBLE

2 Corinthians 1

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE CHURCH CHALLENGED [v. 1-3]

 

1. The Will of God [v. 1]

-Paul, an apostle by God’s Will – Service- Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

-Timothy, a brother by God’s Will – Salvation- 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.

-Saints, to be holy by God’s Will – Sanctification- 1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

 

2. The Work of God [v. 2-3]

-Grace – Receiving good that you do not deserve [v. 2, Rm. 11:6] And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

-Peace – Reconciliation that you don’t deserve [v. 2, Romans 5:1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

-Mercy – Release from punishment you do deserve [v. 3, 1 Peter 1:3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

-Comfort – Receiving comfort/consolation from the God we serve [v. 3ff.] used 10+ times in this epistle

 

3. The Worship of God [v. 1-3, 22; 11:31]

v. 3 Blessed = eulogetos;  adorable [adoration]:--blessed.

 

II. THE CHURCH CHANGING [v. 4-8]

 

1. God Working On Us [v. 3-4]

-A faith that only good during “good times” is not Bible faith. If it isn’t good for “dying” it isn’t fit for “living.”

 

2. God Working In Us [v. 4-6]

-Christ is both our Example and our Strength [v. 5]

-There is purpose in suffering even if we do not know at the time what that purpose is [v. 6]

3. God Working Among Us [v. 7-16]

-Stedfast hope [v. 7]

-Stedfast trust [v. 8]

-Stedfast Subject of our Faith [v. 9-10] what is death to one who is trusting One who raises the dead?

-Stedfast Grace [v. 11-12]

-Stedfast Joy [v. 12-14]

-Stedfast Fellowship [v. 15-16]

 

III. THE CHURCH CHAMPIONED [v. 17-24]

 

1. God Establishes the Church in the Rock [v. 17-21, Matthew 7:24-25]

 

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

 

2. God Seals the Deal with the Earnest in Our Hearts [v. 22, 5:5, Eph. 1:12-14]

 

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

 

3. God Sends Helpers to Aid Our Joy [v. 23-24, Eph. 4:11-15]

 

 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness , whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

THE FIRST FATHER’S FOLLY

Genesis 3:1-20                                                 

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Adam and Eve found knowledge that clouded their minds, broke their hearts, and changed their nature.

 

I. CLOUDED THEIR MINDS [v. 7-10]

 

1. Clouded their Understanding of God & His Grace [2 Corinthians 3:14]

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them

 

2. Clouded their Understanding of What is Important [all of Ecclesiastes, esp. 12:13]

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

 

3. Clouded their Understanding of Truth [John 18:38, 17:17, 14:6]

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

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

 

II. BROKE THEIR HEARTS [v. 16-17]

 

1. By Inducing Separation from God [v. 24, Is. 59:2]

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

 

2. By Involving Sorrow in Labor [v. 16, John 16:21] change of pregnancy labor and manual labor

A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

 

3. By Introducing Sorrow – guilt & the results of physical death [v. 17, 1 Thessalonians 4:13]

 

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

 

III. CHANGED THEIR NATURE [Gn. 3, Eph. 2, Rm.]

 

1. Their World was Changed [Eph. 2:2 “course of this world”, Romans 8:22]

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

 

2. Their Master was Changed [Eph. 2:2]

“according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”

 

3. Their Persons were Changed [v. 22, Eph. 2:3]

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

 

THIS IS WHY WE NEED A NEW:

BIRTH: John 3:3, 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

NATURE: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

1 Corinthians 15:45-50 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

ALL THINGS: Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 As the sparkling diamond glitters with the purest rays when displayed on black velvet, so Calvary and the death of Jesus Christ, God's Son, can never be understood or appreciated except by the background of a poor, sinning, helpless, hopeless, warring, condemned race! One reason that I preach so much on sin is that one who does not acknowledge himself as a sinner never feels the need of a Saviour. The doctrine of sin is the base of all Bible doctrine. Sin is taught in the Bible before redemption, and one who denies the awful prevalence of damning sin, the universality of sin in a depraved, fallen race, will never honor Calvary. Our so-called "Christian Science" friends who say that sin is not a fact, that what men call sin is simply "an error of mortal mind"- naturally they know nothing of the atonement, do not preach a new birth. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 81]

Some men have been getting too good, they think, to need the fountain filled with blood of which our fathers and mothers sang, and in which they trusted, and into which millions of poor sinning souls have plunged, to come out pure and clean, regenerated, headed for Heaven! Many have talked about Jesus as a great teacher, as a martyr, as the Great Example for the race, but there is no regeneration in teachers and martyrs and examples. Men must have a SAVIOUR because man is a hopeless, helpless, incurable sinner. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 81-82]

England and America are not Israel. Neither history nor the Bible can possible connect Anglo-Saxon people with Israelites. And evidence is totally lacking in language, traditions, sabbaths, circumcision and religion. England is not Israel.

Some people believe that Tarshish of the Bible was England. But in that case, the wish is father to the thought without any evidence. Tarshish, except as a name for four different men in the Bible, refers always to "mighty ships fitted for long voyages" (Young's Analytical Concordance). See First Kings 10:22, for instance, where King Solomon's "navy of Tarshish" came once in three years, "bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks." It is manifest that they did not get ivory (elephant tusks) nor apes in England. Patriotic English and Americans speak of "the young lions" as if they described the British dominions and America, but for this, evidence is lacking. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 87]

The day of Christ's glorious reign over the earth cannot come, that Scripture [2 Th. 2:2-9] says, until there is first a falling away and the Man of Sin be revealed (vs. 3). Then verses seven and eight say that there is a Person, evidently the Holy Spirit, who hinders so that the Man of Sin can not be revealed, until that Person be taken out of the way. This refers, no doubt, to the rapture of Christians. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. We will be taken out to meet Christ in the air. In that sense, His headquarters, His temples, will be taken out of this world. Through saved people, who are the light of the world under Christ, and the salt of the earth, the Holy Spirit has held in check the steadily growing wickedness. The Man of Sin cannot be revealed until after the rapture (we use the joyous term "rapture" for that event when Christians, living and dead, will all be changed in a moment, and taken to Heaven with Christ). Of course, the Holy Spirit will still work on earth as He did in Old Testament times, but His work through the present generation of Christians, of course, will be stopped when they are caught away to meet Christ. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 102-103]

Let no one deceive you then - no one knows who is the Antichrist. He has not been revealed. He will not be revealed until after the rapture. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 103]

All this foolish talk about "the mark of the beast" is beside the point. No one can possibly know what the mark is until the beast himself is made known. It will certainly be more than the Italian fasces on the dime, more than the blue eagle. It will certainly not be the observance of Sunday as our Seventh Day Adventist friends claim. The beast himself has not been revealed and there is not a thing in the Bible by which Bible students can identify his mark. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 103]

The Saviour said in Mark 13: 32, 33:

"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is."

No man knows when Jesus is coming. Jesus Himself, when He was on earth, did not know the time of His second coming. (Doubtless He does now know). The angels in Heaven do not know the time, so let no man pretend to know. We know neither the day, the hour nor the time. Seventh-day Adventists in the day of Miller and Mrs. White, set the time, as many others have done, by making Daniel's seventieth week (Daniel chapter 9) mean 2,520 years. But they missed the time and caused great confusion and reproach on the Bible doctrine of the second coming. Anglo-Israel teachers, and others, have claimed to see in the Great Pyramid in Egypt an inspired revelation of the end of the age. They made an inch mean a year, and set various times for the coming of Christ and the end of this age. But their speculations were in vain, their calculations have failed in the past, and will fail in the future. Jesus Himself plainly warned that no man knows the time of His second coming. Others have taught that the entrance of General Allenby into Jerusalem in 1917 marked the beginning of the generation that would see the Saviour's coming. But all the calculations of men have failed in the past and cannot be relied upon in the future. Nobody knows when the Saviour is coming! - John R. Rice [World-wide War and the Bible, pg. 107]

THANKSGIVING IN JUNE?

PSALM 100:4                                                      

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

We are, for the most part, familiar with “Christmas in July,” which I am almost positive was a retailer’s idea to boost sales. Far more scriptural, as we shall see, is the idea of Thanksgiving in June. We celebrate Christmas in December (which, as we have shown numerous times, is not only tradition but is actually scripturally correct). We celebrate Thanksgiving the month previous so if we are going to tolerate Christmas in July, we should certainly honor Thanksgiving in June.

 

I. WE MUST REALIZE THAT WE AREN’T THANKFUL BY NATURE

 

Anything we have to be taught to do is NOT part of our nature. Fish swim because it is their nature to do so.

 

1. Belief in God is Inherent, Thankfulness is Not [Romans 1:21]

 

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

 

2. Heaven is Thankful that God is God, Earth is Not [Rev. 11:16-18]

 

And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

 

3. Unthankfulness is a Characteristic of the Last Days [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.

 

II. WE MUST REALIZE THAT THANKFULNESS INVOLVES RECOGNITION

 

1. God’s Kindness is Not Always Realized [Luke 6:35]

 

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

 

2. God’s Kindness is Not Always Remembered [Ps. 103:1-2]

 

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

 

3. God’s Kindness is Not Always Recognized [James 1:17]

 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

 

III. WE MUST REALIZE THAT THANKFULNESS IS AN ATTRIBUTE OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

 

1. The Person [Eph. 5:18-20]

 

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

 

2. The Purpose [Rm. 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. The Pattern [1 Thessalonians 5:18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

Matthew Henry was once robbed of his wallet- he wrote in his journal that he was thankful for 4 things. “I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.”

GOD CHANGES NOT

 

                                                   Malachi 3:6                                         

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHAT IT MEANS TODAY

 

1. Every Good Gift is from God [James 1:17, Matthew 5:45]

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

“There is a benevolence is this world that proves there is an ever watching and unfailing God Who gives and gives, and loves to give, and never quits giving!”

Blessings do not accidentally happen. Rain, wind, health, life, etc.

 

2. Every Perfect Gift is from God [Jn. 3:16, Psalm 19:7]

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.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

 

3. Everything Good in our Lives is from God [James 1:17]

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

When God sees a Christian He is saying in effect, “That’s my child. I want them to be like Jesus. I will send things in their life to help mold them into the image of My dear Son.”

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son

1 Corinthians 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

 

II. WHAT IT MEANS YESTERDAY AND TOMORROW

 

1. We All Fall [1 Jn. 1:8, 10]

Man, Without a Sin Nature and in a Perfect Environment Fell

 

2. Most Things Fall [Rev. 16:18-19]

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. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Businesses, institutions, local churches, cities, nations, buildings, trees, giants…

 

3. God has not Failed, Does not Fail, and Will Not Fail [Malachi 3:6]

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

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

 

III. WHAT IT MEANS FOR OUR LIVES

 

1. Ingratitude Does Not Cause God’s Kindness to Vary [Luke 6:35]

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Jesus continued healing even after 9 out of 10 lepers He healed did not thank Him.

 

2. Our Unprofitableness Does Not Cause God to Vary or Change [Lk. 17:10]

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

God’s mercy does not depend on man- God’s mercy depends on God.

Like the woman who said, “You don’t have to hold the door for me just because I am a lady.” and got the reply, “I didn’t hold the door for you because you are a lady. I held it for you because I am a gentleman.”

 

3. Hard Times Cannot Affect God’s Abundant Unvarying Care [Philippians 4:19]

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

During many of the plagues in Egypt the Israelites could continue their daily lives. God’s grace never fails.

Romans 6:1-4 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid . How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

BE SINGLE-MINDED

1 Corinthians 2:2

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE MESSAGE OF THE SINGLE-MINDED

 

1. It is a Message of Christ for the Individual [1 Corinthians 1:13] No one can do for you what Christ did.

 

Is Christ divided ? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

 

2. It is the Message of the Christ of the Cross [1 Corinthians 1:23] The Message doesn’t change for anyone.

 

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock , and unto the Greeks foolishness;

 

3. It is the Message of the Christ that Matters [1 Corinthians 2:2] Sin must be dealt with.

 

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

 

II. THE PURPOSE OF THE SINGLE-MINDED [Phil. 3:13-14]

 

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.

 

1. It is a Purpose that Forgets the Past [v. 13]

 

2. It is a Purpose that Focuses on the Present [v. 13-14]

 

3. It is a Purpose that Forges the Future [v. 13-14]

 

III. THE NEED OF THE SINGLE-MINDED [Luke 10:38-42]

 

1. It is a Need that Supersedes Others [v. 40-42]

 

2. It is a Need that Solicits Choice [v. 42]

 

3. It is a Need that Satisfies Christ [v. 42]

 

-it pleases Christ [Galatians 1:10, 2 Tm. 2:3-4]

 

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.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

 

-it promotes Christ [John 3:30]

 

He must increase, but I must decrease.

 

-it personalizes Christ [Galatians 2:20]

 

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 

-it praises Christ [1 Peter 4:11]

 

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

 

-it gives Christ the preeminence [Colossians 1:18]

 

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Prayer is always proper; it is double proper in time of trouble. The Word of God says, "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me" (Ps. 50:15). - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 54]

Exodus 20:13 says, "Thou shalt not kill," clearly meaning that no individual has the right to take killing into his own hands, for a personal grudge. But the same passage of Scripture continues, and in the following chapter, verse 12, the Lord says, "He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall surely be put to death." God plainly commands the death penalty in the next chapter after He gave the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." See Exodus 21:15-17. So it is quite clear that God put the death penalty in the hands of organized society. And the New Testament teaches exactly the same thing. Romans 13:4 tells us that the ruler "is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid: for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath on him that doeth evil." - John R. Rice [Dr. Rice, Here is My Question, pg. 81]

In Genesis 9:6 God commands, "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." The government should act for God in executing murderers, says the Scripture. Again in Exodus 21:12 God commands, "He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall surely be put to death." And in the New Testament the same God, who has not changed His principles a particle, says the rulers are God's agents in executing punishment on criminals, that the ruler is "the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath on him that doeth evil" (Rom. 13:4). This is why we pay taxes to the government. God says, "For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing" (Rom. 13:6). You should not go by your ideas about whether it is right to put murderers to death, but go by the Word of God. - John R. Rice [Dr. Rice, Here are More Questions, pg. 528-529]

A war-torn world sighs with its burdens and sins. Come, Lord Jesus, Come! The Saviour must take away His own for a honeymoon in Heaven. Then upon the earth shall be great tribulation. The greatest armies and the greatest battles and the greatest persecution, the greatest suffering will take place with half the population of the earth being killed. And then Christ shall return to fight the last battle and reign on the earth and we shall have at last, at long, long last, peace on the earth! - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 55-56]

When I find that I am part of this sinning, warring, hating, dying world, then I cry out like David, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Ps. 51:5). David meant no slur at his mother's name. It was no sin when David's parents in the holy bonds of marriage came together and David was conceived and later born. These parents were fulfilling the divine command to multiply and replenish the earth. David means no reflection on marriage or parenthood, but simply that despite the love and tenderness of his godly mother and the integrity of his great father, Jesse, yet the taint of sin was impregnated with the horrible wickedness of the race of which he was born!

So it is with me, and with you, doubtless, dear reader. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 70]

What is wrong with the world? It is not social maladjustment, not economic dislocation, it is not that certain classes are "underprivileged." What is wrong with the world is SIN---black, hellish, Christ-rejecting, God-hating, Bible-denying, Holy-Spirit-blaspheming, hating, murdering, thieving, lying, adulterous SIN! - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 76]

What man needs is not a New Deal. What man needs is a NEW HEART. The social gospel saves no souls, patches together no families broken by divorce, makes no criminals honest, makes no harlots pure, makes no drunkards sober. Those things require a change of heart. The so-called social gospel would put perfume on a skunk, but would not change his nature. It would teach a rattlesnake etiquette but would not change the poison of his bite. The so-called social gospel would tie a pink ribbon around a mad dog's neck, but would not cure his hydrophobia! The so-called social gospel would feed a man's belly and clothe man's back when what man needs is a refuge and cleansing and new life for his sin-cursed soul! - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 76-77]

The new-fangled, man-made, so-called "social gospel" does not meet man's needs. The man who preaches it and pretends to preach the Bible is a lying hypocrite and ought to be dragged from the pulpit. Any reader of this message who sits in the pews and listens to it and supports such folly should "come out and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing" (II Cor. 6:14-18). He bids Godspeed to the evil deeds of such unbelievers and is sinning against the Bible and against God and against the souls of men! The only Gospel that will do this sinning race any good is the Gospel of individual redemption by Jesus Christ, who died to save all who will trust in Him. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 77]

DIVINE DELAYS ON THE ROAD OF LIFE

Psalm 70                                                              

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 

I. GOD IS WAITING UNTIL WE ARE SPIRITUALLY READY TO HANDLE IT

 

1. As Shown in the Life of Jacob [Gen. 28:10-15] God delayed 20 years before bringing him back into his land.

 

2. As Shown in the Life of David [2 Sam. 5:3-5] Anointed as a teen, became king at 30]

 

3. As Shown in the Life of Saul/Paul [Acts 9:15, 11:25-30, 12:25-13:3]

 

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability , determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said , Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

 

Someone has said, “The right thing given at the wrong time can be a curse to us.”

 

II. GOD MAY TEST THE SINCERITY OF OUR DESIRE BY WITHHOLDING THE OBJECT

 

1. Are you Double-Minded? [James 1:6-8] How bad do you want it?

 

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

 

2. Are You Rightly Minded? [James 4:3] George Mueller of Bristol prayed in millions through his hand but none stuck

 

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

 

3. Are You Purely Motivated [James 4:8] Why do you want it? How does it fit with God’s will for your life?

 

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

 

III. GOD USES DELAY TO STRENGHTEN THE QUALITY OF OUR CHARACTER [James 1:3-4]

 

 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing .

People pray for extra money but abuse their credit cards and then misuse the money when they get it. You know, God can give us more or He can teach us to live on less.

God used a 25-year delay in Abraham’s life to draw him into a closer communion with Himself.

 

1. Do Not Try to do God’s Part [Psalm 131:1]

 

LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

 

2. Do Try to Be Right Vertically & Horizontally [Acts 24:16]

 

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

 

3. Do Strive to be Spiritually Well-fed, Spiritually Discerning, and Spiritually Active [1 Timothy 4:6-8]

 

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little : but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

 

Has God delayed in granting your request? Grant God the acceptance of knowing what to give us, when to give it, and in whatever fashion He deems best.

3 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

 MARK 4:35-41                                                    Pastor Rick Jackson

 

During my 13 years of teaching 7^th & 8^th grades I was asked a lot of questions. I had told my students as long as they really wanted to know, as opposed to trying to get me off topic or something, I would do my best to answer their questions. There are no stupid sincere questions. All that changed when Tammy came to my class. Tammy was a fairly new Christian and was super excited and had a lot of questions. A lot of questions. I finally had to limit Tammy to 3 questions per class and she learned to save them for her most important questions. In our Scripture today we find the answers to three very important questions.

 

I. DOES JESUS CARE? [v. 35-38]

 

1. Asked in Ignorance [John 13:7, 15:13]

 

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

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

2. Answered in Advance [v. 34-35]

 

3. Answered in Action [v. 39, Jn. 3:16, Rm. 5:8-11]

 

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.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

 

II. WHY SHOULD A CHRISTIAN IN THE WILL OF GOD FEAR? [v. 39-40]

 

1. The Power of God [Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:24]

 

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.

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

 

2. The Peace of God [Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27, 20.21]

 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

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

 

3. The Purpose of God [Rm. 10:17, Philippians 1:6]

 

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

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

 

III. WHAT MANNER OF MAN IS JESUS? [v. 41]

 

1. He is the Master in the Storm [v. 35-38]

 

2. He is the Master of the Storm [v. 39]

 

3. He is the Master to be Obeyed [John 13:13-17, Luke 6:46]

 

"Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You cannot withstand the storm.' The warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm." The original quote of "I am the storm" is thought to have been written by Jake Remington, a new Indie writer.

“YOU” are not the storm.

 

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Let us be unsparing in our attitude toward sin, whether in ourselves or in our beloved families or in others. Let us make no compromise with evil. Yet let us love sinners with a holy love and compassion and go after them like Paul, "night and day with tears." - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 29-30]

The only thing that keeps a sinner from God is his sin. It is not just the fact that he HAS sinned. It is the fact that he LOVES sin, holds on to sin. God's mercy is unmeasured, but He cannot have mercy on the sinner who will not repent, who will not turn his heart away from the love of sin, to love Christ and trust Him., Will you, unsaved reader, repent today and be saved? If so, then I beg you, tell God so in your heart. Confess your guilt! Ask God for mercy! And trust Him today for full forgiveness and salvation. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 32]

The Bible is the only rule by which a Christian may safely go. Right or wrong, for the Christian, is settled by the will of God as expressed in His Word, the infallible Bible. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 36]

Some foolish and some wicked men say that the death penalty, when assessed by the court and executed in the electric chair, is only legalized murder. But they do err, not knowing the Scriptures. God has plainly commanded that organized society shall kill murderers and those guilty of certain other crimes. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 40]

There are some things that are worse than war. In God's sight, sin is always worse than bloodshed. Many thousands of the best men this world has ever seen have resolved that it were better to go to war than be slaves; that it is better to die than to lose freedom. In the words of Patrick Henry, they said, "Give me liberty or give me death!" War is not necessarily the worst thing in the world. There are times when nations ought to fight. There are times when Christian men ought to go to the army, shoulder arms, obey orders, and if need be, die for their country. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 44]

Consider the men of the Bible, the greatest men of God mentioned in His Word were soldiers. Abraham took three hundred and eighteen men, reared in his own household, and pursued after the five kings and defeated them in the night. (Gen. 14:13-16.) Moses, Joshua, Gideon, David, Asa-these were great men of God, men of faith, and yet they were all soldiers. And history furnishes some shining examples of great Christians who were soldiers. Lincoln was a soldier in the Black Hawk war and President of the United States during the Civil War, commander-in-chief of the armies. Stonewall Jackson was a devout Christian, greatly loved and respected. Robert E. Lee was one of the greatest Christian gentlemen that America has ever produced, without a flaw in his character. In his case there was no matter of hate or animosity, but of generous love and daily prayer as he tried to do what seemed to him right. General Lee said, "I have fought against the people of the North because I believe they were trying to wrest from the South dearest rights. But I have never cherished towards them bitter or vindictive feelings, and have never seen the day when I did not pray for them." And George Washington, the father of his country, whose brilliant and noble character is admired around the world, was a great soldier, but he was a great Christian soldier. I have no doubt that George Washington, kneeling in the snow to pray at Valley Forge, did more good to free America from the heel of the tyrant than he did in any one battle. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 53]

Prayer is always proper; it is double proper in time of trouble. The Word of God says, "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me" (Ps. 50:15). - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 54]

THE NEED FOR REVIVAL

2 CHR. 29:1-5

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

In these verses we find there was a great need for revival. Judah needed revival. This is a lesson for our nation. This is a lesson for our churches. This is a lesson for our homes. This is a lesson for our lives.

Someone says, “But wait, this is talking about the Jews. This is talking about Israel and Judah. This is not for us.”

1 Cor. 10 says, “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”

 

I. THERE IS A NEED FOR REVIVAL WHEN WE HAVE TURNED OUR BACKS TO GOD

 

1. There is a Need for Revival When We Have Turned From His Way [v. 6a, Isaiah 53:6]

 

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all

 

2. There is a Need for Revival When We Have Turned from Him [v. 6b, 30:9, John 6:66]

 

From that time many of his disciples went back , and walked no more with him.

 

3. There is a Need for Revival When We Have Turned from His House [v. 6c-7, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Peter 4:17]

 

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

 

II. THERE IS A NEED FOR REVIVAL WHEN GOD TURNS OUR CIRCUMSTANCES [v. 8-9]

 

1. There is a Need for Revival When God Turns Our Circumstances to Trouble in God’s eyes [v. 8-9]

 

He removes His protecting hand to some degree, He removes the hand of blessing, He allows trouble to find us

 

1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

 

2. There is a Need for Revival When God Turns Our Circumstances to Astonishment in Our Eyes [v. 8-9]

 

we’re astonished at the bad things happening to us

 

3. There is a Need for Revival When God Turns Our Circumstances to Hissing in the Eyes of Others [[v. 8-9, Jer. 19:8]

 

And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.

 

III. THERE IS A REVIVAL, A REFRESHING WHEN THERE IS A TURNING BACK TO GOD

 

1. There is Revival when There is Restoration of Purity [v. 4-5, 11, 15-16, 1 Jn. 1:9]

 

2. There is Revival when There is Rendering of Praise [30:21, 26; Psalm 85:6]

 

Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

 

3. There is Revival when There is Renewing of Practice [31:1, 10 cp. To 29:7]

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. – 2 Chr. 7:14

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. – 1 Cor. 10:11