SO MANY QUESTIONS, ONE SOLID ANSWER

 

 

LUKE 6:1-11

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. A QUESTION OF AUTHORITY [v. 1-5]                   Sounding right doesn’t always mean being right.

 

1. The Rules of Men [v. 1-2]

 

2. The Word of God [v. 3-4] Obviously don’t ignore Bible teachers [Eph. 4] but weigh what they say by the Bible [Acts 17:11]

 

3. The Person of Jesus [v. 5]

 

II. A QUESTION OF EXPECTANCY [v. 6-7]               

 

1. The Custom of Jesus [v. 6a, 4:16]

 

2. The Compassion of Jesus [v. 6b-7]

 

3. The Capability of Jesus [v. 7]

 

III. A QUESTION OF REALITY [v. 7-11]                      Looking right doesn’t mean being right.

 

1. Lack of Compassion [v. 7-8]

 

2. Lack of Convictions [v. 9-10]

 

3. Lack of Common Sense [v. 11, 2 Timothy 3:9] They doubled down in their sin.

 

But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

FAITH, FELLOWSHIP & FOLLOWSHIP

 

 

LUKE 5:1-39

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

You cannot have true fellowship without true followship.

 

I. THE GROWTH OF FAITH [v. 1-11]

 

1. The Friendliness of Small Faith [v. 1-3, John 15:14]

 

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

 

2. The Foolishness of Small Faith [v. 4-7, 12:28]

 

If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

 

3. The Forsaking of Small Faith [v. 8-11]

 

-Nothing wrong with the 1^st grade- you just shouldn’t want to stay there for too long.

 

II. THE GLORY OF FAITH [v. 12-26]

 

1. Faith Seeks God’s Willingness [v. 12-16, James 1:6]

 

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.

 

2. God Sees Faith’s Desire [v. 17-20]

 

3. Faith Glorifies God [v. 21-26]

 

III. THE GRACE OF FAITH [v. 27-39]

 

1. Christ Invites Christians to be Sold-Out [v. 27-28]

 

2. Christ Invites the Lost to be Saved [v. 29-32]

 

3. Christ Explanation to the Critics [v. 33-39] There is a time to feast & a time to fast.

DO WHAT YOU CAN

MARK 14:3-9

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

A lot of people don’t do anything for Christ because they think they can’t do anything worth noticing. Some people won’t give because they feel, compared to others, they can’t give much. I have been told that most of the great ministries of the world were supported almost entirely by small gifts. Do what you can. Some people don’t want to speak for Christ because they can’t speak to great crowds – most people are won to Christ on a one-to-one basis. And even those who have won multitudes, in most cases, were won by individuals. Despise not the day of small things. Do what you can. Some people don’t do anything for fear they will be criticized, besides the fact that they will be criticized for doing nothing I remind you of the words of Lee Roberson, “Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize!” So what of this woman in Mark 14? John 12 tells us the woman is Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. What can we learn from her?

 

I. HER LABOR WAS SPECIFIC

 

1. It was What She Had [v. 3, 5]

 

-too many claim they would serve God if they had more talent, more opportunity, more something

-if you won’t serve God with what you have, you probably wouldn’t serve Him if you had more

 

2. It was What She Could [v. 8] we may not can do some things, are we doing what we can?

 

-every Christian has a unique contribution only he can render

-God called us to make a contribution - not a comparison

-do what you can- be yourself!

 

3. It was What She Wanted [v. 3]

 

-she may have known of the other woman in Lk 7:36-40

-indeed, the other woman may have inspired her, your action may cause someone else to serve God

 

 

II. HER LABOR WAS SPURNED

 

1. By Greedy Judas [v. 4, Jn. 12:4-6]

 

-the lost don’t understand spiritual service

-this critic went out and sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver after this [Mt. 26:10-16]

-is Judas really who you want to follow on serving Jesus?

 

2. By Gullible Disciples [v. 5] criticism is contagious

 

3. But Not by Jesus [v. 6-7] “every work for Jesus will be blessed- but He asks of everyone …”

 

III. HER LABOR WAS SPIRITUAL

 

1. By it She Remembered Christ’s Word [Lk. 10:38-42- perhaps a telling of Lk 7]

 

2. By it She Recognized Christ’s Work [v. 8, John 12:7]

 

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

Matthew 26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

 

3. By it She is Rewarded Christ’s Way [v. 9, Rm. 14:7-13]

 

-We should give ourselves to Christ & His work- labor every day like it is our last.

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord , every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 If you are frightened and worried by wind, rain, lightning, and other such matters, then confess it to God as a sin and ask Him to take the fear out of your heart. Christians ought to take normal precautions for safety, but in every matter a Christian ought to have sweet peace and "be careful for nothing: since the remedy for every worry and care is given us (Phil. 4:6,7; I Pet. 5:7). - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 135]

He has promised, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in the" (Isa. 26:3). It is sweet to know that all the circumstances - whether threatening weather, poverty, angry men, sickness, or any work of Satan - all are subject to the control of the dear Saviour. Let us trust Him and have peace in any circumstance. - John R. Rice {Matthew, pg. 135]

Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Jesus said that no man ever born was greater than John the Baptist. The last of verse 11 does not mean that John will miss the kingdom of Heaven. Rather, it means that in the heavenly kingdom of Christ on earth when all have resurrected, glorified bodies, each one will be greater than John the Baptist was on earth, even though he was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. - John R. Rice {Matthew, pg. 167]

There is no room for compromise or peacemaking on a religious basis with anybody in the world who does not acknowledge the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ. For this reason, no Christian ought ever to remain in Christian fellowship with a man who is a modernist, that is, who denies the deity of Christ, His blood atonement, and His right to exact obedience of every one. The Lordship of Christ is a fundamental of all the fundamentals. - John R. Rice {Matthew, pg. 177-178]

Be sure to first bring your talents or supplies to Jesus (Mt. 14:18). he only can make that which would feed one, feed five thousand. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 213]

The multitude was "commanded" to sit down in orderly groups and ranks by fifties (Mt. 14:19; Luke 9:14). Proper organization, avoiding confusion, is scriptural.
- John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 213]

Jesus never ate without blessing the meal. We should never eat without returning thanks and asking God to bless the food. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 213]

THE SPIRIT-FILLED SAVIOUR

 

LUKE 4:14-44

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE SPIRIT-FILLED SAVIOUR FACES NEGATIVITY IN NAZARETH [v. 14-30]

 

1. The Custom of Jesus [v. 14-16]

 

2. The Commission of Jesus [v. 17-21, Isaiah 61:1-2]

 

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

 

3. The Critics of Jesus [v. 22-30] “Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize!” – Lee Roberson

 

II. THE SPIRIT-FILLED SAVIOUR FORGES A CENTER IN CAPERNAUM [v. 31-37]

 

1. The Astonishment of the People [v. 31-32]

 

2. The Argument of the Possessed [v. 33-35]

 

3. The Authority of the Powerful [v. 36-37]

 

III. THE SPIRIT-FILLED SAVIOUR FINDS THE SICK AT SIMON’S HOUSE [v. 38-44]

 

1. Their Prayer [v. 38]

 

2. His Power [v. 39-41]

 

3. His Purpose [v. 42-44, 19:10] For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

CHRIST THE TRAILBLAZER

LUKE 4:1-13, 1 Peter 2:21                                             

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

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

 

I. THE PATTERNS OF TEMPTATION [1 John 2:16]

 

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 

1. Lust of the Flesh- physical appetite [v. 1-4, Gn. 3:6] And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food…

 

2. Lust of the Eyes-aesthetic nature [v. 5-8, Gn. 3:6] … and that it was pleasant to the eyes,

 

3. Pride of Life-spiritual ambition [v. 9-13, Gn. 3:6, 1 Timothy 3:6] …a tree to be desired to make one wise

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

 

II. THE PERVERSION OF TWISTING

 

Satan questioned the Father’s love when he tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread. He questioned His hope when he offered Jesus’ the world’s kingdoms this side of the cross. Satan questioned the Father’s faithfulness when he asked Jesus to jump from the temple and prove that the Father would keep His promise. Thus, the enemy attacked the three basic virtues of the Christian life- faith, hope, and love. - Warren W. Wiersbe

 

1. Satan Twists Normal Desires [v. 3, Romans 1:27]

 

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

 

2. Satan Twists the Word of God [v. 10-11, Ps. 91:11-12, 2 Peter 3:16]

 

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

3. Satan Twists the Plan of God [v. 5-8, Acts 13:10]

 

And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

 

III. THE PATHS TO TRIUMPH [2 Corinthians 2:14]

 

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

2 Samuel 23:12 But he [Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite] stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

1. Jesus Was Spirit-filled [4:1, Ephesians 5:18]

 

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

 

2. Jesus Was Scripture-filled [4:4, 8, 12, Colossians 3:16]

 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith

 

3. Jesus Was Fully Surrendered [4:1, Colossians 3:17]

 

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

“HE MUST INCREASE”

 

[WORDS TO LIVE BY – JOHN THE BAPTIST]

 

JOHN 3:30          He must increase, but I must decrease.

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HE MUST INCREASE BECAUSE OF HIS PERSON [John’s Gospel]

 

1. Jesus is the Lamb of God [1:29, 36; 3:36]

 

2. Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah [3:28-30]

 

3. Jesus is God Incarnate [1:14-15, 30; 3:31-35]

 

II. HE MUST INCREASE, I MUST DECREASE BECAUSE OF MY PERSON [John’s Gospel unless noted otherwise]

 

1. John was Not the Christ [1:19-21, 3:28]

 

2. John was Not Worthy [1:26-27, Mt. 3:13-15]

 

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

 

3. John, like Abraham, was a “Friend” of Christ [3:28-29, 15:14]

 

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

 

III. HE MUST INCREASE, I MUST DECREASE BECAUSE OF MY LIFE’S PURPOSE [John’s Gospel unless noted otherwise]

 

1. My Life’s Work is to Live as Clean as a Sinner Can [Lk. 1:13-17]

 

2. My Life’s Work is to Be a Voice [1:23, 1 Peter 3:15]

 

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

3. My Life’s Work is to Give a Clear Witness [1:6-9, Lk. 1:76-79, Acts 1:8]

 

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 In the Garden of Gethsemane, Satan tried to kill Jesus before He could go to the cross. His soul was "exceeding sorrowful, EVEN UNTO DEATH" (Matt. 26:38). Only by praying through did Jesus escape death in the Garden that night as you will see from Hebrews 5:7. Death in the Garden, missing the cross, was the cup that Jesus begged might pass from Him, and His prayer was answered. An angel came and ministered to Jesus and strengthened Him (Luke 22:43) that He might go to the cross. Satan hates the cross above all things. God grant that every Christian may glory continually in that which is our victory (Gal. 6:14). Our victory is in a crucified Saviour and our testimony to the cross (Rev. 12:11). - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 72]

Compare the testing of Jesus in the wilderness and in Gethsemane in Matthew 4:11 with Luke 22:43, Jesus received strength for His poor, frail, fainting body in both cases when He resisted temptation. So every one of us may have all we need if we faithfully resist Satan. What a glorious Example for us poor sinners. Hallelujah! - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 72]

Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Do not lose sight of the idea of restitution here. Verse 42 does not mean that to the first man who asks me for my car I ought to give it. It does mean that if I owe a man something and cannot pay it without giving up my car, I ought to do it quickly and gladly; or if he thinks I owe him, I ought to satisfy his claim. There are sometimes people to whom we ought not to give, since it would do them harm, and there are people to whom we ought not to loan money since it would lead them to sin, extravagance, and folly. But a Christian should go to any legitimate length to pay what he owes and to make restitution for his sin. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 99-100]

Matthew 6:1-4

Important phrases in understanding these verses are "to be seen of them" (vs. 1) and "as hypocrites do" (vs. 2). The important thing about giving is its motive. God looks on the heart. Any religious act, if it is to please God, must not be done with the thought of pleasing men or having their praise. Praying, giving, preaching, singing or living with the purpose of securing the favor and praise of men instead of pleasing God is hypocritical and wrong. This was the special sin of the Pharisees (Matt. 23:5, 14, 23, 25-28). - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 101]

Prayer is so important that Satan makes it one of his principal grounds of attacking and misleading the Christian. Since prayerfulness is such a great virtue, all of us would like to be known as faithful men and women of prayer. So almost unconsciously Christians are tempted to increase the eloquence and length of their public prayers while they decrease in sincerity. So public prayer may become a snare. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 103]

Many people use "vain repetitions," repetitions that are vain because they no longer represent the sincere desire of the heart. It is a sin to fall into forms of prayer while we lose the substance. It is a sin to pray as the hypocrites do, to be heard of and seen of men (Mt. 6:5). Those who pray that way already "have their reward," that is, the only reward they will get - the applause of men. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 103]

VAIN repetition is wrong in prayer, but sincere repetition itself is not. Jesus prayed three times saying the same words (Matt. 26:39, 42, 44). The poor widow of Luke 18:1-5 was commended by the Saviour for her persistence, and Christians are urged to do likewise in prayer (Luke 18:7). We are told in Luke 11:8 that the friend got the three loaves or more, "because of his importunity." Jacob got victory by his persistence in prayer (Gen. 32:26-29). Words one does not mean are "vain repetitions." As long as the heart calls out to God sincerely, it is proper to repeat a prayer until the answer comes. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 104]

STEPS AND MIS-STEPS

MARK 12:18-27                                                 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The Sadducees had made several errors. They didn’t know the Scriptures. They didn’t know the power of God. They didn’t know the Saviour.

In recent days I had two different people comment on the status of a Christian who had passed away but they kind of missed the boat with their remarks. The one said they “are in a better place, soon to see our Lord.” Well, I am soon to see our Lord, they have already seen the Lord.

The other said the deceased was “resting peacefully, without pain, asleep, awaiting Christ’s return.” That’s the same mistake the thief on the cross made.“

 

What’s the answer then for this error and other errors?

 

I. BE SURE YOU KNOW THE SAVIOUR [1 COR. 2:9-16]

 

1. Listen to the Saviour [Luke 23:42-43]

 

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.

 

2. Learn the Meaning [Mt. 9:10-13]

 

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house , behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 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. Look Behind the Curtain [Luke 16:22-31]

 

II. BE SURE YOU KNOW THE SCRIPTURES [MARK 12:24] And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

 

1. Search the Scriptures [John 5:39]

 

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

 

2. See the Saviour [John 5:39, Acts 7:54-59]

 

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart , and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

 

3. Simplify the Separation [2 Cor. 5:1-8]

 

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

 

III. BE SURE YOU KNOW THE POWER OF GOD [MK. 12:24]

 

1. Study to Rightly Divide [2 Tm. 2:15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

2. Dividing Body & Soul/Spirit [Genesis 25:8] Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

Genesis 35:29 And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

Genesis 49:29 And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,

Genesis 49:33 And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

 

3. Dividing What is With Christ and What is With Us [1 Thess. 4:13-18]

 

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. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

LESSONS FROM THE TOWERS

 

LUKE 13:1-9                                                        

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of one of the great tragedies ever to happen in our country- the attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. In our Scripture today we see a smaller tragedy involving a tower. What are some of the lessons of the towers?

 

I. THE TRAGEDY OF TRAGEDIES [v. 1-3]  

The fact that we have tragedies is in itself a tragedy. Where do they come from?

 

1. Some are Caused by Men [v. 1] 9-11, abortion, terrorism, communism,

 

2. Some are So-called Acts of God [v. 3a]

 

3. All are a Result of Sin [Romans 8:18-22]

 

II. THE JUDGEMENT OF JESUS [v. 2-5]

 

John 8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

 

1. The Challenge to Man’s Thinking [v. 2-3a, 4-5a]

 

2. The Correction to Man’s Thinking [v. 3, 5] All men are sinners

 

3. The Caution to Man’s Thinking [v. 2-5] Death comes to all- don’t think it can’t happen to you!

 

III. THE HEART OF THE HUSBANDMAN [v. 7-11]                 

John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

 

1. The Desire of Jesus [6-7] Fruit = Conduct, converts, character.

 

Luke 3:9 And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Luke 6:43-44 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

Luke 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Luke 8:14-15 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

John 4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Philippians 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

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.

James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

 

2. The Delay of Judgment [v. 8, John 15:2]

 

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

 

3. The Danger of Judgment [v. 9]

 

John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

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

GOD IS NOT

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Matthew 22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. GOD IS NOT DEAD!

 

1. God, as God, Cannot Die [Rm. 6:23, 10:3, James 1:13]

 

For the wages of sin is death;

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Let no man say when he is tempted , I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

 

2. God, as Man, Did Die [Hebrews 1:1-2, 8; 2:9-18]

 

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;

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

 

3. God the Saviour Has Conquered Death [Rev. 1:5, 17-18]

 

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore , Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

 

II. GOD IS NOT DISTANT!

1. God is Interested [Ps. 8:1-9]

2. God is Involved [Jn. 3:16, Philippians 1:6]

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.

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:

3. God is Indwelling His People [Eph. 1:13-14, 4:30]

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.

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

 

III. GOD IS NOT IRRELEVANT!

 

1. Salvation is Necessary [Heb. 2:3]

 

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

 

2. Direction is Needed [Prov. 3:5-6]

 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

3. Edification is Nurturing (Nourishing) [Eph. 4:11-16]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 "Fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken" - Jesus said that. We are reminded that "the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God" (Ps. 14:1; 53:1). So only a fool is slow to believe the Bible, too. The evidences for the supernatural accuracy and authority of the Bible are so obvious to every seeking heart that only a perverse spirit, only a wicked determination to go on in sin, would keep people from knowing that the Bible is the Word of God and that it is true. - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 555]

John 17:17, "If any man will do his will [or chooses to do His will], he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." Those who draw nigh to God find that God draws nigh to them and makes the truth clear. Those who have sinned and hate the light, do not come to the light (John 3:19-21). Any man with an honest, open heart who sets out to find for himself whether or not the Bible is the Word of God and whether or not Christ is the Son of God, will certainly find out that They are all They claim to be. God will not leave a seeking heart in darkness, but a perverse and wicked heart has no claim on God for light. - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 555]

Some would say that the Great Commission is given officially to the church and therefore it is not the individual responsibility of Christians to win souls. But they are wrong. Churches do not win souls: individual Christians do. And you will note that not in a single instance where Jesus gave the Great Commission did He mention the church as a body, nor were the people assembled as a church. - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 560]

Verse 49 [Luke 24] settles what the meaning of Pentecost is: the apostles and others tarried till they were "endued with power from on high" to witness and win souls. And what those people needed - the power of God - is exactly what all of us need and what we can have on the same terms. It we tarry and seek the power of God to obey Jesus Christ and get out the Gospel, we may have that power. - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 562]

Let it be understood also that I do not believe God has ever had more than one plan of salvation nor that He will have any other. Unsaved Jews who died without Christ are lost without remedy, just as is every other person who has died without Christ. The plan of salvation to be offered Jews through the tribulation time and afterward will be exactly the same as offered Jews and Gentiles today. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 13-14]

If Matthew copied anything, he did it only under the clear instruction of the Holy Spirit, and we have not a hint in the Scriptures themselves that Matthew copied. The Holy Spirit gave the matter; the Holy Spirit gave the words, so Matthew did not need to rely upon his own judgment, his memory, the testimony of eyewitnesses, upon manuscripts before him, or any other human source. If he used any human source, he did it by divine inspiration which would correct all the mistakes and make a perfect, infallibly accurate part of the divine revelation, the Word of God. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 17-18]

Why did not Jesus make bread out of stones? He certainly had power to do so. But it would have been wrong

(1) because it would be putting self first when God had Him there for another purpose.

(2) It is always wrong to listen to any suggestion of Satan. If Satan tells you to do something that seems right, still you had better flee.

(3) What man needs, any man, in the most desperate time of temptation, is not bread first, but the will of God. I do not agree with those who say you must first give poor people bread and then the Gospel. The Gospel is always more important than bread, and to be in the will of God is better than any human prosperity. If Jesus had chosen bread here, then He could not have later given in Matthew 6:33 the command, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." If the poor have Christ first, then they can get daily bread. The heathen do not need civilization first, with higher standards of living; they need the Gospel first, then other needed things follow. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 67-68]

GOD’S CAUSE

LUKE 3:15-38

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 

I. JOHN’S MINISTRY [v. 15-20]

 

1. John’s Ministry Was Causing Expectation [v. 15]

 

2. John’s Ministry Was Carefully Explained [v. 16-18]

 

3. John’s Ministry Was Condemning Executive Sin [v. 19-20] Sin for the commoner is sin for the king.

 

 

II. JESUS’ BAPTISM [v. 21-22]

 

1. The Endorsement of John’s Forerunnership [v. 21, Mt. 3:13-14]

 

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

 

2. The Endorsement of Jesus’ Future Work [v. 21, Mt. 3:15]

 

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

 

3. The Endorsement of Jesus Fully [v. 22]

 

III. THE GENEALOGY OF THE SON OF MAN [v. 23-38]

 

1. Care Taken for the Son of Mary [v. 23]

 

2. Coniah Avoided for the Blood Line [v. 24-34a, Mt. 1:11-12, Jeremiah 22:28-30]

 

And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

 

Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not? O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the LORD, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.

 

3. Connection Made for the Son of Man [v. 34b-38, 19:10]

 

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

WHEN GOD CALLS

LUKE 3:1-14

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

One of the greatest achievements of this modern age is “caller ID.” Just think of that… we used to answer a phone- not knowing who was on the other end. Over the years I have gotten calls meant for others. I have gotten calls at the wrong time. I have gotten calls in the wrong place (personal calls while at work). I have made calls and not gotten an answer. But my friends, when God calls, you better believe none of those accidents happen.

 

I. CONSIDER THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD [v. 1-2]

 

1. God Knows the Right Time (WHEN) [v. 1-2a]

 

2. God Knows the Right Person (WHO) [v. 2b, Esther 4:14]

 

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

 

3. God Knows the Right Place (WHERE) [v. 2c]

God have any trouble finding Moses? Phillip, Joseph, Paul, you?

 

II. CONSIDER THE MESSAGE OF GOD [v. 3-6]

 

1. Preaching for Results [v. 3]

 

2. Proclamation of Righteousness [v. 4-5, Psalm 116:5]

 

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

 

3. Presentation of the Redeemer [v. 6, 2:26-30, Isaiah 44:6]

 

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

 

III. CONSIDER THE EXPECTATION OF GOD [v. 3, 7-14]

 

1. God Expects Saved People to be Baptized [v. 3] “the criminal was executed for his crimes”

 

2. God Expects Saved People to have a Change of Attitude [v. 7-9]

 

3. God Expects Saved People to have a Change of Actions [v. 10-14, Eph. 2:8-10]

 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

THREE DECLARATIONS FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN

ROMANS 1:1-13

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

There are certain things that are true of a few people, there are some things that are true of many people, there are even things that are true of all people [3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-13]. But here we see, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul gives us something that is true of all Christians and two things that ought be true of all Christians.

 

I. “I AM DEBTOR” [v. 14] I owe it to others for them to hear the same message I have heard.

 

1. I am Debtor to All Races [v. 14, 16b, Mark 16:15]

 

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

 

2. I am Debtor to All Levels [v. 14, Luke 4:18, Jn. 20:21]

 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

 

3. I am Debtor to All His Will [v. 14, Genesis 4:9]

 

And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?

 

II. “I AM READY” [v. 15]

 

1. I am ready because I am Saved [1 Corinthians 1:18]

 

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

 

2. I am ready because I am Certain [2 Timothy 1:12]

 

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

 

3. I am ready because I am Sanctified [Romans 15:16]

 

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

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

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

 

III. “I AM NOT ASHAMED” [v. 16]

 

1. I am Not Ashamed of the Gospel [v. 16, it’s God’s plan]

 

2. I am Not Ashamed of Christ [v. 16, He is THE Saviour, Mark 8:38]

 

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

 

3. I am Not Ashamed of God [v. 16, 2 Timothy 1:7-12]

 

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 God has no different way of salvation for little children or for hardened sinners. How young, then, can a child become conscious of sin and his need and honestly turn his heart from sin to trust in Christ? Some people have set the age as twelve, but there is no Biblical foundation for that. In fact, the Bible sets no age limit. Let us say that as early as the child knows himself to be a sinner and that he needs forgiveness, then he should be taught to look to Jesus and trust Him for forgiveness and salvation. - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 435]

It is a part of God's plan and promise, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (Jas. 4:8). He said to Israel and He says to every penitent sinner, "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:13).

Was it a happy coincidence that the man who sought Jesus found Him easily? Jesus came to the sycamore tree and stopped and looked up. Ah, it was not only that Zacchaeus sought Jesus but Jesus sought Zacchaeus. He knew his name, knew the hunger of his heart and said, "To day I must abide at thy house." When a sinner seeks the Saviour, he finds that the Saviour has been seeking him, too. - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 454-455]

All who listened to John [the Baptist] willingly would listen to Jesus. All who trusted in the Saviour John preached, trusted in Jesus and loved Him. So He asked these religious leaders, "The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?" That meant not only John's baptism but his preaching repentance, his announcement of the coming Messiah, the John the Baptist revival. They dared not answer-they would convict themselves. If John's message and announcement and baptizing were from Heaven, why did they not believe John? But they dared not say it was not from Heaven. The overwhelming conviction of the multitude was that John was the prophet of God.

They would reject every proof that Jesus gave, and even when He arose from the dead, they would bribe the soldiers to say that someone had stolen His body (Matt. 28:12-14).

In moral and spiritual matters, the intellect is controlled and blinded by deliberate, wicked rejection of truth. - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 474]

In wonderful ways, beyond the knowledge of men, the joys, the associations, the fellowships in Heaven will be perfect and complete among sinless beings. Abraham in Heaven will still be "Father Abraham" to Jews (Luke 16:22-24). - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 484]

So that Sabbath [Luke 23:54] was not the usual weekly Sabbath but the annual Sabbath of the passover, "for that sabbath was an high day" (John 19:31). So, as we understand the Scriptures, Jesus was crucified on Wednesday. He was buried and in the grave Thursday, Friday and Saturday (the day beginning at sundown and ending at sundown). Then sometime Saturday night He arose from the dead and was in the grave, as he had specifically said, "three days and three nights" (Matt. 12:40). - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 546]

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

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ [Luke 24:1-12]. This story is told also in Matthew 28:1-6; Mark 16:1-8; and John 20:1-17.

Now it is the first day of the week. We understand that Jesus was in the grave Thursday, Friday and Saturday, that is, with the "high Sabbath," the annual Sabbath, on Thursday, and the weekly Sabbath on Saturday. As Dr. R. A. Torrey said, Jesus could have remained in the grave more than seventy-two hours but He could not be in the grave less than seventy-two hours and fulfill literally the exact prophecy of "three days and three nights" of Matthew 12:40. - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 548]

"Fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken" - Jesus said that. We are reminded that "the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God" (Ps. 14:1; 53:1). So only a fool is slow to believe the Bible, too. The evidences for the supernatural accuracy and authority of the Bible are so obvious to every seeking heart that only a perverse spirit, only a wicked determination to go on in sin, would keep people from knowing that the Bible is the Word of God and that it is true. - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 555]

TRUST THAT WILL NOT BE BETRAYED

 

WEDNESDAY’S WORDS OF WISDOM 

 

PROVERBS 3:1-8

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHO TO TRUST [v. 5]

 

1. Trust in the LORD [v. 5, Heb. 11: 6, Mark 11:22, Jn. 14:1]

-the LORD, the God of the Bible, the Word of God

-the Christ, Son of the Living God, God Incarnate, the Saviour of the World

-the Spirit of God,  

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

 

2. Trust Not Your Own Understanding [v. 5, Proverbs 14:12, Is. 55:8-9] “well, I think”

 

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

3. Trust Not the Limited Understanding of Others [Psalm 146:3-6]

 

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:

II. HOW TO TRUST IN THE LORD [v. 5-6]

 

1. With All Your Heart [v. 5]

 

2. With All Your Mind [v. 5, Matthew 22:37]

 

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

 

3. With All Your Actions [v. 6, 1 Corinthians 10:31]

 

Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

 

III. WHEN YOU TRUST… [v. 7-8]

 

1. When You Trust - Recognize Your Limitations [v. 7a] humility, John 15:5]

 

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing .

 

2. When You Trust - Reverence the Lord [v. 7b, Nehemiah 1:5]

 

And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

 

3. When You Trust – Reap the Life [v. 8, Mt. 6:33]

 

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