THE DEVIL’S FRIENDS, THE DEVIL’S FOES

THE DEVIL’S FRIENDS, THE DEVIL’S FOES

 

ACTS 16:16-34

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE WICKED WORLD [v. 16-24]

 

1. Benefits from Devilish Business [v. 16]

 

2. Belittles those Doing God’s Business [v. 17-18, Mark 11:22-33]

 

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

 

3. Believes the Devil’s Blatant Lies [v. 19-24]

 

II. THE GOOD SOLDIER [v. 25-32]

 

1. Prays [v. 25a]

 

2. Praises [v. 25b]

 

3. Prioritizes [v. 26-32, Mt. 6:33, 2 Tm. 2:3-4]

 

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

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.

 

III. THE GOOD CONVERT [v. 33-34]

 

1. Follows Christ in Baptism [v. 33]

 

2. Shares Christ with Others [v. 34]

 

3. Supports the Work of God [v. 34]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 'The middle wall of partition" (Eph. 2:14) was the wall that separated the Court of the Gentiles from the Court of Israel and the indication is that when Christ died that partition was was broken down the same time the veil in the temple was rent in twain. Certainly that was true symbolically and likely it was true physically. When the veil was torn down, then every barrier between God and man was removed for those who are willing to come through the torn veil (the crucified Saviour). - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 480]

Sunday is not a Sabbath. Sunday is the Lord's day, an entirely different day from the Sabbath. There is no Scripture anywhere commanding us to observe Sunday as Jews observed the Old Testament Sabbath. Our observing the Lord's day is a matter of grace and not of law, a matter or worship and not primarily a day of rest. We believe the day should be observed reverently as a day set apart, not like other days, yet we must be careful not to make it a matter of law as were the ceremonial Sabbath of the Jews. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 489]

Matthew 28:5-7 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Notice the message of the angel... First, there is comfort, "Fear not." Second, there is understanding, "I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified." Third, there is explanation, "He is not here: for He is risen." Fourth, there is rebuke, "He is risen, AS HE SAID!" Fifth, there is the same tender compassion and willingness to prove Himself that God has for troubled, inquiring, doubting hearts, "Come, see the place where the Lord lay." Sixth, there is urgent command, "Go quickly," etc. Seventh, there is a glorious promise, "Behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; THERE SHALL YE SEE HIM"! - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 494]

People who prattle about a "spiritual resurrection" talk willful or ignorant folly. Only the body was buried in Joseph's tomb and only the body could be resurrected. The spirit of Jesus He commended to the Father, "into thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46). To the penitent thief Jesus said, "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). So the spirit was not buried, and only a bodily resurrection would be a resurrection at all. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 494]

"Come, see the place where the Lord lay." God deliberately prevented the scribes and the Pharisees from seeing the resurrection of the Saviour. Wicked-hearted rebels against God who are not willing to do the will of God, He turned over to a reprobate mind that they might believe a lie and be damned (Rom. 1:28; II Thess. 2:11, 12). When people harden their hearts, God hardens the heart further. When people are not willing to do the will of God, God does not care to show them His will. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 494-495]

Thank God for the teaching which abounds in the Bible, that honest hearts, however doubting and fearful, may put God to a test and learn what they need to know. To the two disciples of John who followed Him, Jesus said, "Come and see" (John 1:46), and Nathanael came and Jesus proved Himself more than Nathanael had hoped to find! Often the best works new converts can do is to say like Philip, "Come and see," like the woman in Samaria who said to her companions, "Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ" (John 4:29). They that are willing to do His will shall know the truth (John 7:17). So here [Mt. 28:6] said, "Come and see." Later, doubting Thomas did not believe that the Saviour was resurrected, so Jesus offered the evidence of His wounded hands, feet, and side. - John R. Rice [Matthew, page 495]

You can know for a certainty whether the Bible is the Word of God, whether Christ is the Son of God, whether God's promises are true. Only accept the blessed invitation to "come and see." The Bible will stand the test of investigation. God's promises will prove themselves when you meet them. We may be sure that the only people in the world who doubt the resurrection of Jesus Christ are those who do not accept the invitation to "come and see." God will reveal Himself to all who seek Him with the whole heart. - John R. Rice [Matthew, page 495]

THE POWER OF CHRIST

LUKE 8:22-56                                                                     

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. OVER NATURE [v. 22-25]

 

1. The Will of God is the Place of Peace [v. 22-23a]

2. The Will of God Doesn’t Mean a Lack of Storms [v. 23b]

3. The Will of God is the Presence of the Saviour [v. 24-25, Matthew 28:20]

 

Lo, I am with you alway , even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

II. OVER DEMONS [v. 26-39]

 

1. The Devil’s Dirty Dealings [v. 26-27]

2. The Demon’s Dread [v. 28-32]

3. The Human Hatred of Holiness [v. 33-39, 16:13 John 3:19]

 

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

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

 

III. OVER ILLNESS [v. 40-48]

 

1. A Father‘s Little Faith [v. 40-42]

2. The Saviour’s Knowledge [v. 43-46]

3. A Woman’s Great Faith [v. 47-48]

 

IV. OVER DEATH [v. 49-56]

 

1. The Word of Encouragement [v. 49-50]

2. The World’s Derision [v. 51-53]

3. The Word of Authority [v. 54-56]

LIVING THE LIFE

LUKE 7:36-8:21

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LIVING THE LIFE IS INTERNAL [7:36-50]

 

1. The Gratitude of the Redeemed [v. 36-38]

 

2. The Grumbling of the Prideful [v. 39-47]

 

3. The Grace of the Saviour [v. 48-50]

 

II. LIVING THE LIFE IS INVESTING [8:1-15]

 

1. Individual Opportunities Abound [v. 1-3]

 

2. Everyone Starts at Ground Level [v. 4-8]

 

3. The Power of Patience Can Be Found [v. 9-15, 21:19]

 

In your patience possess ye your souls.

James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing .

James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience

 

III. LIVING THE LIFE IS IMPORTANT [v. 16-21]

 

1. The Importance of a Testimony [v. 16-17]

 

2. The Importance of Responsibility [v. 18]

 

3. The Importance of Obedience [v. 19-21]

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UNREALISTIC

LUKE 7:1-35

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 

I. THE GOOD [v. 1-10]

 

1. The Centurion’s Good Reputation [v. 1-5]

 

2. The Centurion’s Good Testimony [v. 6-7a]

 

3. The Centurion’s Good Saviour [v. 7b-10]

 

II. THE BAD [v. 11-17]

 

1. The Villainy of Death [v. 11-12a, 1 Cor. 15: 19-26]

 

 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

 

2. The Vileness of Death [v. 12b] death does not discriminate

 

3. The Victor over Death [v. 13-17] only One Being can turn death to victory

 

Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

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

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.

 

III. THE UNREALISTIC [v. 18-35]

 

1. Expecting God to Conform to Our Expectations [v. 18-23]

 

2. Expecting God’s Men to Conform to Worldly Expectations [v. 24-30]

 

3. Expecting God’s Approval on Man’s Childishness [v. 31-35]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Those who try to pry out signs of Christ's coming, whether they adduce their signs from falling meteors as did the Millerites, or from some manipulation of the figures in the book of Daniel, as have Seventh-Day Adventists and others sometimes, or from measurements of the Great Pyramid as have the British Israelites, or from wars, apostasy, and sin, are all mistaken. Jesus Christ plainly taught us that no one is to know the day nor the hour. People who look for such signs violate the plain intent of Deuteronomy 29:29. "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 392]

No man who rejects Christ can know to what awful depth of sin he will be led by Satan. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 431]

It must be understood that no one is saved by taking the Lord's Supper. All the power is in the Saviour Himself, not in the bread nor grape juice which pictures Him. God does not put it in the hands of priests or churches to pass out salvation through bread and wine. This is a holy rite, to be done in remembrance and showing forth Christ's death. We become real partakers of the body and blood of Christ through faith (John 6:27-58, noticing particularly verses 29, 35, 40, and 47). "This is my body" and "this is my blood" are intended to be figurative, as the context clearly shows. The passover lamb was not Christ's flesh but PICTURED His flesh. The blood on the doorpost was not the blood of Christ but PICTURED Christ's blood. All Jews were accustomed to this symbolism and would understand what Jesus said and meant. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 434]

The trial of Jesus was a fake trial. The chief priests did not impartially seek to find the truth. Rather "they sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death" (vs. 59). Malice and hate were their motives. Let this remind us that there can be no such thing as an honest rejection of Jesus Christ. The only reason anybody ever rejects Christ is from a wicked heart, loving sin and so hating Christ. See Matthew 6:24 and Luke 11:23. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 450]

John 3:18-21 plainly shows there can be no such thing as innocent unbelief. Behind all unbelief is love for sin and deliberate rejection of Christ, the Light of the world, because men love darkness. Thus God calls the man who says "no God," a "fool" (Ps. 53:1), and the man who is even slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken," a "fool" (Luke 24:25). The evidence that there is a God, that the Bible is His holy, inspired, and infallible Word, that Jesus Christ is His Son, is so overwhelming to any honest mind that only wicked malice could keep one from gladly accepting it. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 450-451]

Anyone who rejects Christ may be expected to have false reasons. There are no good reasons for rejecting Christ nor for not believing the Bible. Insincere hearts are behind all infidelity and all Christ-rejection. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 451]

"The middle wall of partition" (Eph. 2:14) was the wall that separated the Court of the Gentiles from the Court of Israel and the indication is that when Christ died that partition was was broken down the same time the veil in the temple was rent in twain. Certainly that was true symbolically and likely it was true physically. When the veil was torn down, then every barrier between God and man was removed for those who are willing to come through the torn veil (the crucified Saviour). - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 480]

THE SERMON ON THE PLAIN

LUKE 6:17-49

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Most people will see a direct correlation between this message and Mt. 5-7, commonly called “The Sermon on the Mount”, because the Scripture says in Mt. 5:1 Jesus taught it on the mountain. But verse 17 here clearly has Jesus teaching it on a plain. Is it contradiction in the Bible? Balderdash and tommyrot! Jesus preached all over Israel. He repeated messages to different crowds all the time. There is nothing unusual about that. R. G. Lee preached his famous “Payday Someday” sermon over 1200 times. The only exercise these tiny-minded individuals get is jumping to conclusions. The Bible is right, and they are wrong. Every. Single. Time.

With that in mind, let us get to the message our Lord has for us.

 

I. IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR ATTITUDE [v. 17-26]

 

1. The Attitude Service is the Attitude of Christ [v. 17-19, Mark 10:45]

 

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

 

2. The Attitude of Faith is the Attitude that Wins [v. 20-23, Luke 9:24]

 

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

 

3. The Attitude of Self is the Attitude that Loses [v. 24-26, Luke 17:33]

 

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

 

II. YOUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES YOUR ALTITUDE [v. 27-36]

 

How high you go is determined how low you are willing to bend to the will of God.

 

1. Love the Unlovable [v. 27-28]

 

2. Rise above the Norm [v. 29-34]

 

3. Follow the Example of the Father [v. 35-36]

 

III. YOUR ATTITUDE & ALTITUDE DETERMINES YOUR APTITUDE [v. 37-49]

 

Aptitude refers to capability or ability; either innate or acquired capacity for something; a readiness or quickness in learning

 

1. An Aptitude for being Gracious [v. 37-38]

 

2. An Aptitude for being Real [v. 39-45]

 

3. An Aptitude for being Obedient [v. 46-49]

WHAT YOU HAVE IS ENOUGH

2 KINGS 4:1-7

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

A man had gone into debt, mortgaged his two sons, died in that debt and then the creditor came to collect. A widow in Bible times was in trouble. This one had no husband, no brothers or other family that could help apparently and her sons were too young to work off the debt. She came to Elisha and he asked, “What do you have?”

Try to imagine the conversation. He says, “What do you have?” Something?” “Nothing.” “You must have something.” “Just a little oil.” “What you have is enough to do what God wants you to do!”

My friends, what you have is enough to do everything God Almighty is going to hold you responsible for doing! What I have is enough to do everything God Almighty is going to hold me responsible for doing! What we have is enough to do everything God Almighty is going to hold us responsible for doing!

 

I. WHAT DID SHE HAVE? [v. 1-2]

 

She had a little olive oil. In those days if you had olive oil you had everything! Medicine for wounds [the good Samaritan teaches us that] both externally and internally. You had something to fry your eggs in. You even had something to grease your wagon axles with so they would turn.

Olive oil is an illustration, a type of the Holy Spirit. That’s why the priests and the kings were anointed with it- to illustrate their need of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to do what God wanted them to do. If you are saved, YOU have the Holy Spirit and that’s what you need.

 

II. WHAT COULD SHE DO? [v. 3-4]

 

He said, “What do you have?” “A little oil.” It is enough to do what God wants you to do. Listen, you may not have enough to do what God wanted Paul to do- but if you don’t have it- He won’t expect you to do it and He won’t hold you accountable for it!

You may not have enough to do what God wants Ed Frampton of IBJM to do but you have enough to do everything God wants you to do! You may not have enough to do what God wants the Evangelists at the Bill Rice Ranch to do but you have enough to do everything God wants you to do! You may not have enough to do what God wants our missionaries to do but you have enough to do everything God wants you to do!

 

III. WHAT DID SHE DO? [v. 5-7]

 

If you ought to do it – you can do it. Phil. 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. God would not ask us to do something we can’t do- He knows us better than we know ourselves.

Think of Moses- raised in Egypt, ran from Egypt, raised sheep for forty years, saw the burning bush, what did he have? A staff? He was given a job… the plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea, 40 years God provided in the wilderness… What he had was enough.

Think of David- wanted to see a battle but there was no fight but there was a giant. David’s cause. Hey, David, what do you have? “A sling.” What he had was enough.

What you have is enough! I don’t know what God has for you to do… but what you have is enough!

 

She (the widow) borrowed. Imagine at home with her boys and the borrowed vessels. She asked for the small vessel first. Then another. Then another. Then she probably started getting excited. Bring me a big one. And another…

What you have is enough if you have enough faith to take God at His Word and use it!

Moody ran into Philip Bliss and said I have been looking for you for years. You need to be in full-time gospel work! “I have a family.” “Where’s your faith?” “I don’t have any.” “Borrow some of mine!”

 

Naaman dipped 7 times in muddy Jordan by borrowing the “faith” of his servants, complaining the whole time until the 7^th time.

David said, “Is there not a cause?” God sent helpers along side of Moses to help him when his faith was weak. Paul had helpers in the ministry. The widow went to Elisha and said what do I do now?” “Pay your debts!”

 

Do what is right, give God what you have, use it by faith and God will take care of you today and in the days ahead. What you have is enough!

note:I found this message which I had preached in 1990 in Dunlap, Tn. and in Florida in 1999. I know I have heard the title used elsewhere but as far as I know this message was influenced but not copied from many similar messages I have heard over the years.

ONLY THE LORD

ROMANS 10:8-13

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE OFFER ONLY THE LORD CAN TRULY MAKE – “WHOSOEVER”

 

1. Only Christ has the Power [John 14:6] “I am the Way”

 

2. Only Christ has the Knowledge [John 14:6] “I am the Way, the Truth”

 

3. Only Christ has the Capacity [John 14:6]    to exclude no-one

 

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

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

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

II. THE OPTION ONLY THE LORD OFFERS – “CALL”

 

1. “Call” Indicates Distance [Is. 59:2, Eph. 2:13] But your iniquities have separated between you and your God

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

 

2. “Call” Indicates Danger [Matthew 5:21-22]

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

 

3. “Call” Indicates Desire [Rm. 10:8-13]

 

III. THE OMNIPOTENCE ONLY THE LORD POSSESSES – “THE NAME OF THE LORD”

 

1. No Other but He Can Save You [Acts 4:12

 

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 

2. No Offering but His Can Save You [1 Tm. 2:3-6]

 

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

 

IV. THE OUTCOME ONLY THE LORD PROVIDES – “SHALL BE SAVED”

 

1. An Instant Salvation [Rm. 5:1] Not “in Heaven at the last” but NOW

 

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

 

2. An Everlasting Salvation [John 3:16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you , He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Matthew 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

Verse 6 refers to the way the Jews mistreated God's prophets; they "entreated them spitefully, and slew them." It also shows us the heart of a Christ-rejector. Those who turn down Christ are murderers at heart and guilty of the death of Christ. A sinner who will not receive Christ as Saviour, if Jesus were with him in person and persistently pressed the matter, would hate Him and crucify Him just as did these Jewish leaders who were outwardly moral. We think of rejecting Christ as a very respectable sin, but it is worse than murder and is the very sin that led to the crucifixion of Christ. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 336]

Hell is so terrible that there are many phases of its torments, "Many are called," that is, everybody is invited to the wedding supper. "Few are chosen"; no one can attend the wedding supper but those who are willing to take by faith the wedding garment ahead of time. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 339]

Notice the flattery in [Mt. 22] verse 16. They meant to please Jesus and to cause Him to talk freely so they could trap Him and get Him killed. Beware of flatterers! They usually mean evil and the Scripture warns often against them (Prov. 20:19; 26:28; 28:23; 29:5). - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 340]

Long prayers in public are often insincere. The more eloquent they are with high-sounding language, the less likely they are to be sincere and pleasing to God. Preachers often sin in this matter, laymen just as often, and we have known women called "able in prayer" who offended. Preachers should teach their people to beware of this sin of hypocrisy in prayer and should insist on short, simple, sincere public prayers, prayers intended for God and not for men. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 354]

Christians in this church age are taught to look forward to the time when Christ will come, at any moment, to catch us up in the air with Him for the wedding supper in Heaven with all the saved of all ages, which must come before He returns with us to reign on the earth. Christ must come FOR His saints before He returns WITH His saints. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 373]

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. [Mt. 24:36]

Jesus perfectly knew the Old Testament and so, we suppose, do the angels. Therefore there is nothing in the Old Testament Scriptures from which anyone can find any signs that will indicate when Jesus will return. It is folly, then, to count dates in Daniel, or to make a day mean a year, as many heretics have done. What angels do not know and what Christ Himself did not know when in the flesh, surely we are not intended to know. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 392]

In Acts 1:6 and 7 we learn that, after the resurrection of Christ, the apostles asked Him, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" He answered, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power." Here we are clearly told that it is plainly not intended for Christians to know the future, particularly about Christ's return and the setting up of His kingdom. Those things are secret. God has planned it that way. Christians are not to know them. There are no Scriptures, no signs, no methods of computation by which a Christian can know when Christ will return. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 392]

THE FAITH THAT CONTINUES IS BIBLE FAITH

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BIBLE FAITH KEEPS ON [2 TM. 4]

 

1. Bible Faith Keeps Working [v. 1-2]

 

2. Bible Faith Keeps Watching [v. 3-5]

 

3. Bible Faith Keeps Waiting [v. 6-8]

 

II. BIBLE FAITH IS SOLIDLY BUILT [2 TM. 4]

 

1. Bible Faith is Built on Christ’s Person [v. 1]

 

You can have Buddhism without Buddha, Confucianism without Confucius, but you cannot have Christianity without Christ

 

2. Bible Faith is Built on Bible Principles [v. 2-3]

 

3. Bible Faith is Built on Christian Perseverance [v. 5-8, 2 Pet. 3:17-18]

 

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever . Amen.

 

III. BIBLE FAITH IS A HELPING FAITH [2 TM. 4]

 

1. Bible Faith Helps Us to Stand when Others Fall [v. 3-8]

 

2. Bible Faith Helps Us to See When Others Flee [v. 9-18]

 

3. Bible Faith Helps Us to Serve When Others Flounder [v. 2-5, 10, 14, 16-18]

WE WOULD SEE JESUS

JOHN 12:20-22

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

They knew they needed more than religion. They knew Jesus was the One to see. They weren’t sure how to go about seeing Jesus, but they were honest seekers.

 

I. WE DON’T NEED TO SEE JESUS BY SIGHT [Luke 9:9, 23:8-11]

 

1. Herod saw Him but did not Understand Who Jesus Is

 

2. Herod saw Him but did not Understand What Jesus Could Do

 

3. Herod saw Him but did not Understand What Jesus Would Do

 

II. WE MUST SEE JESUS BY FAITH [Luke 19:1-10]

 

1. Zacchaeus Came to Understand Who Jesus Is [Heb. 2:9]

 

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.

 

2. Zacchaeus Came to Understand What Jesus Could Do for Him [Heb. 12:14]

 

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

 

3. Zacchaeus Came to Understand What Jesus Would Do for Him [1 Pet. 1:3-9]

 

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, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

 

III. IN THE FUTURE EVERYONE WILL SEE JESUS

 

CHRISTIANS [1 Jn. 3:2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

[Rev. 22:3-4] the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

NON-CHRISTIANS [Rev. 1:7] Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

[Mt. 24:30] And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

 

1. All People Need to Understand Who Jesus Is [Creator, Saviour, Judge]

 

2. All People Need to Understand What Jesus Will Be Doing [Judging]

 

3. All People Need to Understand What Jesus Will Do Now [John 1:12, 1 Jn. 1:9]

 

FOR THE LOST - 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:

FOR THE SAVED - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

 

JESUS IS COMING AGAIN!

JOHN 14:3 “I will come again”

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The Bible has a clear, unmistakable, undeniable message for any who are open to receive it – Jesus is coming again! There may be unbelievers who deny it but it is true just the same - Jesus is coming again! There is no way in one message or even is a series of messages I can cover everything about this Bible doctrine but we will scratch the surface again today. The First Coming of Christ covered a period of over 30 years – from His conception in the womb of the virgin to His ascension. Likewise, the Second Coming of Christ is a multiyear series of events beginning at the Rapture of the Church and continuing until the Great White Throne Judgment over 1000 years later so there is a lot of ground to cover. Add to this, there are many different preachers calling the same event by different names – they are not necessarily disagreeing on the doctrine, they just might use different wording to describe the same event.  In the 1860s there was a war in North America which went by many names – primarily the Northern historians call it “The American Civil War” while Southern historians call it “The War Between the States.” Same event, different names.

   Before the Tribulation the Lord Jesus will come for Christians, the world will not see Him but the Christians will. This event is called by most solid Bible teachers “The Rapture.” At the end of the Tribulation, approximately seven years later, the Lord will appear to the whole universe to stop the destruction of the world caused by the antichrist and other ungodly forces. Many Bible teachers call this “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” but I feel this is somewhat confusing even though I understand its usage. I prefer the term, “The Touchdown Coming” because the Lord will actually touch down on the earth once again (Zechariah 14, Acts 1). Enough introduction, lets get to it.

 

I. THE RETURN MENTIONED So you would surely expect so great a doctrine as the Second Coming to be mentioned multiple times in the Bible, right? Actually it is mentioned more times in the Old Testament than the First Coming of Christ is mentioned. But let me just give you a sampling of New Testament mentions:

1. By Christ Himself [John 14:1-3]

2. By Angels [Acts 1:11] Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

3. By the Apostle Paul [1 Th. 4:16-17] 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.

4. By the Apostle Peter [1 Pet. 5:4] when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

5. By the Apostle John [1 Jn. 3:2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

6. By Jude [Jude 14] And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints.

-and many, many other mentions all through the New Testament.

 

II. THE RAPTURE MANDATES Certain truths surround the Rapture of the Church.

 

1. There will be a Rejoining of Spirt and Body [1 Thess. 4:14, 16]

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. . . 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:

2. There will be a Change of the Living Christians as well. [1 Cor. 15:51-52]  

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

3. There will be a Closeness to Christ Unparalleled in our experience. [Jn. 14:3, 1 Th. 4:16b-17]

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

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.

 

III. THE REJOICING MANIFESTED

 

1. Rejoicing will be Manifested over the Re-creation [1 Jn. 3:2, Psalm 17:15]

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

2. Rejoicing will be Manifested over the Reunions [1 Th. 4:16b-17]

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.

3. Rejoicing will be Manifested over the Rightness of It All [2 Pet. 3”13]

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

The saints will praise Christ forever for redemption by the blood (Rev. 5:8-10). - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 256]

Don't think of Heaven as a ghostly, unreal, indefinite state. It is a real place, a place as literal and concrete as the house you sit in today, as physically real as the city where you live. ― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

The stubborn blindness of the apostles was because they had a preconceived idea of the kingdom without crucifixion. They did not know about Christ's second coming, so did not see how He could have a kingdom if He died. Beware, reader, less preconceived opinion blinds you to the plain statements of the Bible. The highest and best truth, repeated again and again by the Saviour, cannot be comprehended by those who have their minds made up. So multitudes of good men are utterly ignorant about the second coming of Christ so plainly and literally foretold, of His reign on earth, and of kindred truths. So multitudes who think of salvation by works cannot conceive of the eternal security of a Christian and a salvation wholly of grace, though the Scriptures are full of statements that prove them. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 309]

No part of the Bible really contradicts any other part. There are no mistakes in the Word of God. If there seems to be, then the seeming so is only because of our ignorance or unbelief. In so many incidents in these thousands of years the Word of God has so proved itself infallibly correct that it would be folly now to have a doubt because in some few cases our ignorance leaves us in the dark. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 314-315]

Jesus won the woman at the well while the disciples wondered why He talked with her (John 4, especially vs. 27). When they were absorbed in food, Jesus would not eat, but had His eyes on the throng coming out of the city and begged them to lift up their eyes and look on the harvest (John 4:31-35). The disciples would have sent the Canaanite woman away with her poor helpless daughter still possessed with a devil (Matt. 15:23), but Jesus was better than the disciples. Today He is better than Christians. He is better than we preachers. Praise His name, He always cares for the troubled, the sinning, the beggars who want mercy! Hallelujah, what a Saviour! - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 317]

Parables are simply illustrations. Jesus originated His own. He probably told the same parable repeatedly to different crowds and on different occasions, varying it to suit the occasion, just as preachers today repeat sermons upon the same subjects and vary them as occasion requires. Jesus did so much teaching that not all of it could be given in any one of the Gospels nor in all of them (John 20:30, 31; 21:25). - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 333]

THE RAPTURE IS THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST FOR HIS CHURCH

I TH. 2:19

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE RAPTURE IS:

 

1. Important [Mt. 24:44]

 

2. Inevitable [Ps. 2]

 

3. Imminent [1 Th. 4:13-18]

 

II. THE RAPTURE WILL CHANGE:

 

1. Our Bodies [1 Cor. 15:50-55]

 

2. Our Location [1 Th. 4:13-18]

 

3. Our Minds [1 Jn. 2:28]

 

III. THE RAPTURE REMAINS:

 

1. Scriptural [Jn 14:1-6]

 

2. Secret (its time) [Mt. 24:35-42]

 

3. Special [1 Jn. 3:1-3]

THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER’S HAND

LUKE 6:12-16                                     

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS [v. 12]

 

1. A Place of Prayer [v. 12, Matthew 6:6]

 

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

 

2. A Priority of Prayer [v. 12, 18:1]

 

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

 

3. A Purpose of Prayer [v. 12-13a, 11:3-4]

 

Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

 

II. THE APOSTLES OF JESUS [v. 13-16] All comparatively young, John may have even been a teen

 

1. Simon [v. 14, nicknamed Peter or Cephas, Rock] John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

-professional fisherman

-Andrew’s brother

-somewhat impulsive, many think they are like Peter but rarely are their impulses that good

-inner circle [Mark 5:37] And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

-son of Jonah [not of the whale’s fame]

-author of two New Testament books [1 & 2 Peter]

 

2. Andrew [v. 14, could have been nicknamed “the witness“]

-professional fisherman

-Pete’s brother, son of Jona [John 1:40-41] One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

-very good with individuals

 

3. James [v. 14, with his brother John nicknamed “Sons of thunder”  [Mark 3:17]

-son of Zebedee - And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

-professional fisherman

-inner circle [Mark 9:2] And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

-first Apostle to be martyred [Acts 12:1-2] Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

 

4. John [v. 14, nicknamed “Sons of thunder” with his brother James]

-son of Zebedee

-professional fisherman

-inner circle [Mark 14:33] And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy

-tortured but not martyred

-author of 5 books [the Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Revelation of Jesus Christ]

 

5. Philip [v. 14, friend of Andrew, could have been nicknamed “the pragmatist“] led Nathanael to Christ [Jn. 1:43-45, 6:5-7, 12:21-22, 14:8-9]

 

6. Bartholomew [v. 14, called also called Nathanael John 21:2] John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

 

7. Matthew [v. 15, also known as Levi]

Luke 5:27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me

Matthew 9:9] And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

-Possible brother of James & Judas, not Iscariot -Mark 2:14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

Mark 3:18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

 

8. Thomas [v. 15, called Doubting Thomas by history] John 20:24-25 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

-the Eeyore of the group [John 11:16] Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus [twin], unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

-unafraid to admit his ignorance [John 14:5] Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

 

9. James [v. 15, historically called “James the Less” possibly shorter than James the brother of John, he may not have actually been “James the Less” but yet another James]

-brother of Judas (not Iscariot) and possibly Matthew

-thought to be the one in Mark 15:40  There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

 

10. Simon [v. 15, called Zelotes [Zelotes,  a Zealot, i.e. (specially) partisan for Jewish political independence]

-Matthew 10:4 Simon the Canaanite

 

11. Judas [v. 16, brother of James the less and possibly Matthew] Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

John 14:22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

 

12. Judas Iscariot [v. 16, the traitor or betrayer, never saved Mt. 7:21-29]

 

III. THE TOUCH OF JESUS [Acts 4:13]

 

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

 

1.The Touch of Jesus can Give Boldness [Eph. 3:11-12] According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

 

2. The Touch of Jesus can Give Learning [2 Timothy 3:15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

3. The Touch of Jesus can Give Knowledge [1 Cor. 1:3-5]

 

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

The Touch of the Master’s Hand                                Myra 'Brooks' Welch

Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer thought it scarcely worth his while to waste much time on the old violin,

but held it up with a smile; "What am I bidden, good folks," he cried, "Who'll start the bidding for me?" "A dollar, a dollar"; then two!" "Onlytwo? Two dollars, and who'll make it three? Three dollars, once; three dollars twice; going for three.."

But no, from the room, far back, agray-haired man came forward and picked up the bow; Then, wiping the dust

from the old violin, and tightening the loose strings, he played a melody pure and sweet as caroling angel sings.

 

The music ceased, and the auctioneer, with a voice that was quiet and low,

said; "What am I bid for the old violin?" And he held it up with the bow.

A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two? Two thousand! And who'll make it three? Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice, and going and gone," said he. The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We do not quite understand what changed its worth." Swift came the reply: "The touch of a master's hand."

 

And many a man with life out of tune, and battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, much like the old violin,

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine; a game - and he travels on.

"He is going" once, and "going twice, He's going and almost gone."

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd never can quite understand the worth of a soul

and the change that's wrought by the touch of the Master's hand.

 

 

The apostles were ordinary men chosen by an Unordinary Man to live lives that were extraordinary. They had power and problems, faith and faults, triumphs and troubles. In short, they were a lot like… us. The question is, can we be a lot like the eleven- for these men, turned the world upside down.

FAITH & FOLLY WILL MAKE YOUR FUTURE

GENESIS 16

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE FOLLY OF HUMAN REASONING [v. 1-6, Proverbs 14:12]

 

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

 

1.Human Reasoning Denies Spiritual Realities [v. 1-2]

 

2. Human Reasoning Delivers Soiled Results [v. 3-4]

 

3. Human Reasoning Deals Selfishly  [v. 5-6]

 

II. THE FAITH IN DIVINE REVELATION [v. 7-9, 13]

 

1. Faith Realizes God Sees Me [v. 7, 13]

 

2. Faith Realizes God Knows Me [v. 8]

 

3. Faith Realizes God Wants Me [v. 9, 13]

 

III. THE FUTURE IN RETROSPECT [v. 10-16]

 

1. Hold to God’s Promises [v. 10-12]

 

2. Hold to God’s Presence [v. 13-14]

 

3. Hold to God’s Program [v. 9, 11, 15-16]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Jesus had them save all the fragments left over (John 6:12). There was no waste. Waste would be a sin. The home that wished Jesus to provide should save the leftovers and carefully use them out of love and gratitude to Christ. Jesus who made food for thousands by a thought commands it not be wasted. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 213]

There were twelve baskets of fish and bread left, indicating the infinite supply. Jesus could have fed a million as well as five thousand. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 213]

After a feast of bread and fish, Jesus constrained the disciples to get in the ship and go before Him back across the little Sea of Galilee "while he sent the multitudes away." It seems that Jesus wished His disciples to have rest. We suppose He had brought them into the desert place, to rest and pray, but the crowds had thronged them. Other people do not realize the terrible strain on the nerves of Christian workers. Every church should insist that its pastor and other paid workers have vacation time, time to rest, play, pray, and read. If Jesus needed it, and His twelve disciples needed it, so do others. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 214]

Our regard for God should be greater even than for our parents, but duties never conflict. God is best honored by those who properly honor their father and mother. Those who properly take care of mother and father from the proper motives will be the ones also who support the Lord's work properly, and God will enable them to do so. [Matt. 15:1-9] To do one good thing is never a proper excuse for failing to do the good thing which the Lord commands in His Word. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 220]

When any other writing is put equal with the Bible, the Bible is discredited. This is the sin of Catholics with their teaching about the church and its authority, of Mormons or Latter-day Saints in heeding the Book of Mormon, of Seventh-Day Adventists who believe the writings of Mrs. White inspired, of Christian Science, falsely so-called, in relying on the writings of Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, etc. In every case where one accepts any other authority as equal with the Bible, the Bible is discredited. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 223]

Modernists say they do not believe in Christ's deity because of lack of scientific evidence. They lie. There is overwhelming evidence for every humble and contrite heart that Jesus is all He claimed to be - God, Creator in human form; evidence that the Bible is all Jesus said it is - the infallible Word of God. It is not lack of evidence that makes unbelief, but willfully sinful, biased hearts that are resolutely closed against Christ. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 236]

Pride and others sins often make it so God turns them over to a reprobate mind that they may believe a lie and be damned (Rom. 1:28; II Thess. 2:10-12). Notice that God gives such delusion, such a blindness and reprobate mind only to such people "because they received not the love of the truth" (II Thess. 2:10), and because "they did not like to retain God in their knowledge" (Rom. 1:28). People's heads get wrong because their hearts are wrong. - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 241]

Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration [Matthew 17:1-8]

Moses and Elijah were present. Why? They were talking with Jesus (vs. 3). Their conversation was about Christ's "decease" (or death) which He should accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). the heavenly world knew about the death of Christ for sinners which was coming. It was the absorbing topic of their thoughts and conversation there, and Moses and Elijah were allowed to come and meet Jesus and the apostles on the Mount of Transfiguration there to discuss with Jesus His death! Calvary and the love shown there and the blood spilled there are the themes of Christians' songs, the topic of Christians' praises, the foundation of a Christian's assurance. How grand that in Heaven the saints and angels marveled and longed to discuss that all-surpassing event! - John R. Rice [Matthew, pg. 255-256]