FOUR KINGS

1 SAMUEL 21                                      

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 I. THE KING DAVID FEARED [v. 1]             David wasn’t the only one- this king:

 

1. Took Their Peace [Proverbs 28:15] As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

 

2. Took Their Joy [Proverbs 29:2]

 

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

 

3. Could Take Their Lives [20:3, 33]

 

II. THE KING DAVID LOVED [v. 2-9, Ps. 24:7-8]

 

1. For His Purpose [v.2, “Is there not a cause?]

 

2. For His Provision [v. 3-6, Mk. 2:28-32]

 

3. For His Protection [v. 7-9]

 

III. THE KING DAVID WAS [v. 10-11]

 

1. David Fled [v. 10]

 

2. David Feared [v. 10]

 

3. David Famous [v.11]

 

IV. THE KING DAVID FOOLED [v. 11-15]

 

1. David Attentive [v. 11-12a]

 

2. David Acting [v. 12b-13]

 

3. David Awarded [v. 14-15] the Academy award- but some valuable lessons learned

 

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Now we have seen 4 historical kings but they also can illustrate to us 4 kings we all know…

 

The King David feared was Saul- Saul represents the world- many Christians are afraid of the world

 

The King David was- this represents self- too often we have self on the throne- what we want

 

The King David Faced was Achish- Achish and his people worshipped idols [1 Cor. 10:19-20]-Achish represents the Devil

What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

 

But it’s the fourth King we must acknowledge, serve and love. King Jesus! Is He king of your life? He should be.

 

As S.M. Lockridge declared - The Bible says my King is a seven-way king, He's the King of the Jews- that's a racial king, He's the King of Israel- that's a national King, He's the King of Righteousness, He's the King of the Ages, He's the King of Heaven, He's the King of Glory, He's the King of kings, and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King. Well....I wonder, do you know Him?

David said, "The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings. He's enduringly strong, He's entirely sincere, He's eternally steadfast, He's immortally graceful, He's imperially powerful, He's impartially merciful. Do you know Him?

 

He's the greatest phenomenon that ever crossed the horizon of this world. He's God's Son, He's a sinner's Saviour, He's the centerpiece of civilization, He stands in the solitude of Himself, He's august and He's unique, He's unparalleled, He's unprecedented, He's the loftiest idea in literature, He's the highest personality in philosophy, He's the supreme problem in higher criticism, He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology, He's the cardinal necessity for spiritual religion, He's the miracle of the age, He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him, He's the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour. I wonder if you know Him today?

 

He supplies strength for the weak, He's available for the tempted and the tried, He sympathizes and He saves, He strengthens and sustains, He guards and He guides, He heals the sick, He cleanses lepers, He forgives sinners, He discharges debtors, He delivers captives, He defends the feeble, He blesses the young, He serves the unfortunate, He regards the aged, He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. I wonder if you know Him?

 

Well, my King is the King. He's the key to knowledge, He's the wellspring to wisdom, He's the doorway of deliverance, He's the pathway of peace, He's the roadway of righteousness, He's the highway of holiness, He's the gateway of glory. Do you know Him?

 

Well- His office is manifold, His promise is sure, His light is matchless, His goodness is limitless, His mercy is everlasting, His love never changes, His word is enough, His grace is sufficient, His reign is righteous and His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He's indescribable, He's incomprehensible, He's invincible, He's irresistible.

 

Well, you can't get Him out of your mind, You can't get Him off of your hand, You can't out live Him, and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him, and the grave couldn't hold Him. Yea!!!, that's my King, that's my King.

"Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever"....And ever...and ever...and when you get through with all the forevers, then.... AMEN! AMEN! Do you know Him?

CALAMITY & COMFORT

ISAIAH 40:1-14                                                  

Pastor Rick Jackson                                       

 

I. GOD THE FATHER IS A COMFORTER [v. 1-2]

 

1. It is Part of Who He Is [2 Cor. 1:3]

 

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

 

2. It is Part of What He Has Given [Ps. 119:50, 76, 82; Rm. 15:4]

 

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

 

3. It is Part of What He Has Planned [Zech. 1:17, Rev. 7:17, 21:4]

 

…and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

 

II. GOD THE SON IS A COMFORTER [v. 3-6, 10-12]

 

1.  By His Presence [Ps. 23:1-4]

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 

2. By His Promise [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.

 

3.  By His Position [1 John 2:1] parakletos,  par-ak'-lay-tos;  an intercessor, consoler:--advocate, comforter.

 

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

 

III. GOD THE SPIRIT IS A COMFORTER [v. 7-9, 13-14; Acts 9:31]

 

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

 

1. “Tailor-made” [John 14:16-17]

 

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 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.

 

2. Teacher [John 14:24-26, Romans 15:4]

 

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

 

3. Treasure [John 15:26, 16:7]

 

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:

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Dr. John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 No difference, all have sinned! So says Romans 3:22,23. And now, thank God, we read that there is no difference, all may be saved! All of us are sinners; we are all in the same boat. But, thank God, Jesus Christ will save the whole boatload if we will let Him! If sin is universal, then salvation is offered just as freely and universally. "But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Rom. 5:20). John R. Rice, All Have Sinned 

Paul had hoped that the Macedonian Christians would give money to help the saints in Jerusalem who were in such dire poverty and distress. But they did far more than Paul had hoped. They not only gave their money; they gave themselves first. If a man gives himself, then, of course, his pocketbook is included. You see, the real thing that pleases God always in this matter of giving is that people shall give themselves, their love, their devotion, their trust, their service, and all they have. After one has given himself thoroughly to Christ, out and out, lock, stock, and barrel, then the giving question is pretty easily settled. All one needs to know, then, is simply what will please God.
May God make those who read into Macedonian Christians! May we give ourselves afresh to the Lord Jesus Christ. - John R. Rice

Almost always when a person insists that he believes tithing was only for Old Testament saints, was ceremonial law and is not required of Christians today, it is not that he has a better way of giving than the tithe, it is not that he gives more, it is not that he loves God more, or has a more blessed way. People who do not believe in tithing almost always believe in giving less than the tithe, not more! Arguments against tithing are usually from people who give less than a tithe and who, with covetous hearts, would withhold from God the larger gifts which the tithe and offering basis would require. - J. R. Rice [from the book- All About Christian Giving]

Do not misunderstand me here: the tithe is not a part of the plan of salvation. People are saved by grace alone. They are not saved by giving tithes nor by any other righteous deeds. People are not saved by the Ten Commandments, are not saved by church rites and ceremonies, not saved by baptism. However, the moral commandments are proper standards for Christians. Christians should do right, and one matter of righteousness still expected of Christians is that, from a loving heart, we should bring to God not less than the tithe. This is a matter of Christian duty, not part of the plan of salvation. - Rice, from the book- All About Christian Giving

More than once people have asked me to pray that oil would be discovered on their land, and then they said, "If oil is discovered on my land, I promise God I will give one-tenth to Him." To one such man I said, "You promise God that if He will give it to you, you will spend nine-tenths of the income on yourself and you offer Him only one-tenth. I cannot see that that is any spiritual incentive to me to pray, nor any incentive to God to grant your request. It is obviously nine-tenths selfish." - John R. Rice [from the book- All About Christian Giving]

A secretary of a British missionary society called on a Calcutta merchant and asked him to help in the work. He drew a check for $250 and handed it to the visitor. At that moment a cablegram was brought in. the merchant read it and looked troubled. "This cablegram," said he, "tells me that one of my ships has been wrecked and the cargo lost. It makes a very great difference in my affairs. I shall write you another check." The secretary said he understood perfectly and handed back the check for $250. The check book was still open and the merchant wrote another check and handed it to him. He read it with amazement. It was drawn for $1000.

"Haven't you made a mistake?" the secretary asked.

"No," said the merchant, "I haven't made a mistake." Then, with tears in his eyes, he said, "That cablegram was a message from my Father in Heaven. It read, 'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth!' "

The honest reaction of the consecrated heart in such a case was to give an offering that would testify to God and men that God's will was good, and that he would not set his heart upon money. - John R. Rice [from the book- All About Christian Giving]

The fundamental truth back of all Christian giving is that all authority in the world belongs to Jesus Christ; that to every Christian Jesus Christ is absolute Lord. His will is law. The Christian belongs to Jesus Christ lock, stock, and barrel; hook, line, and sinker! The Christian ought to say, "For me to live is Christ." The Christian ought to count himself crucified with Christ and raised to live in newness of life with Him. The Christian not only looks to Jesus Christ alone for salvation, but looks to Him for instructions. And every Christian should know that he must personally give an account to Jesus Christ.

When a Christian gives, he ought to give as if he placed his gift in the nail-scarred hand of Jesus Christ. To withhold anything from Christ is rebellion and sin. To let anyone come between the Christian and Christ and take part of the authority which belongs to Christ is sin. - John R. Rice [from the book- All About Christian Giving]

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

Rev. 21                               

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE NEW JERUSALEM [v. 1-5]

 

1.  The Thirsty [v. 6, 22:17; John 4:13-15, 6:35, 7:37]

 

2. The Overcomers [v. 7, 1 Jn. 4:4-5]

 

3.  The Saved [v. 24, Acts 4:12, 16:31, Rm. 10:9-13]

 

II. THE LAKE OF FIRE [v. 8]

 

1. The Fearful                                                                                  

2. The Unbelieving

 

3. The Abominable                                                            

4. Murderers

 

5. Whoremongers                                                              

6. Drug Addicts

 

7. Idolaters                                                                           

8. All Liars

 

III. THE SAME IN BOTH PLACES

 

1. Sinners

 

2. Souls for Whom Christ Died

 

3. Choosers

BUILD A SOLID FAITH FOR THE TOUGH TIMES THAT ARE COMING

1 SAM. 20

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE CHAOS CONVERSATION [v. 1-13]

 

1. Things Go Wrong Even If You’re Right [v. 1]

 

2. People Go Wrong Even When We Love Them [v. 2-4]

 

3. God Is Never Wrong So Always Follow Him [v. 5-13]

 

II. THE CHRISTIAN COVENANT

 

1. Base a Covenant on God’s Will [v. 13-16]

 

2. Bolster a Covenant with Brotherly Love [v. 17]

 

3. Believe in God’s Way [v. 18-23]

 

III. THE CLEAR CONCLUSION

 

1. A Day of Doubt [v. 24-26]

 

2. A Day of Discovery [v. 27-34]

 

3. A Day of Departure [v. 35-42]

BIG MISTAKES YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAKE

 

 Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Mark 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

Hebrews 3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

 

I. IT IS A BIG MISTAKE FOR AN UNSAVED PERSON TO NEGLECT SALVATION [Hebrews 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;

 

1. The Mistake of Ignoring Warnings [Proverbs 29:1]

 

He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

 

2. The Mistake of Unjustified Security [1 Thessalonians 5:3]

 

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

 

3. The Mistake of Wrong Decisions [Proverbs 16:25]

 

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

 

II. IT IS A BIG MISTAKE FOR A SAVED PERSON TO LIVE LIKE THEY ARE NOT

 

1. The Mistake of a Wasted Life [Mark 8:35]

 

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

 

2. The Mistake of a Weary Life [Jeremiah 12:5]

 

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

 

3. The Mistake of a Watchless Life [Matthew 24:42]

 

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

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

 

III. IT IS A BIG MISTAKE TO NOT START NOW

 

1. Tomorrow is Not Guaranteed [Proverbs 27:1]

 

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

 

2. Today is the Acceptable Time [2 Corinthians 6:2]

 

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

 

3. Later May Not Be an Option [1 John 2:28]

 

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming

GOD HAS YOUR BACK

1 SAMUEL 19

 

 Pastor Rick Jackson

 

It is important in this life to know there are those who have our back. Those who look out for us in areas we may be blind to, unaware of or confused about. For the Christian there can be no greater thought that Almighty God has your back. This is illustrated in the life of David in this chapter. We can see five of the many ways that God has our back.

 

 

I. GOOD CHRISTIAN FRIENDS [v. 1-7, Proverbs 18:24]

 

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

 

II. GOD-GIVEN ABILITIES [v. 8-10, 1 Corinthians 4:7]

 

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive °? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

 

III. OUR FAMILIES [v. 11-17, Genesis 50:20]

 

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

 

IV. GOD’S MAN [v. 18, Ephesians 4:11-15]

 

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

 

V. THE HOLY SPIRIT [v. 19-24, 10:10-12, 1 John 4:4]

 

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES

LUKE 16:19-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. 3 THINGS A DEAD MAN CAN’T DO FROM HELL

 

1. A Person in Hell Cannot Obtain Mercy [v. 24-25]

 

2. A Person in Hell Cannot Leave [v. 26]

 

3. A Person in Hell Cannot Testify [v. 27-28]

 

II. 3 THINGS A DEAD MAN CAN’T DO FROM HEAVEN

 

1. A Person in Heaven Will Not Be Recycled/reincarnated [v. 23]

 

2. A Person in Heaven Cannot Comfort Those in Hell [v. 26]

 

3. A Person in Heaven Cannot Testify on Earth [v. 28]

 

III. 3 THINGS WE CAN DO THAT PEOPLE IN HEAVEN/HELL CAN’T DO

 

1. Testify [v. 28, Ps. 107:1-2]

 

O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

 

2. Change Our Eternal Destiny [29-31, 1 Cor. 6: 9-11]

 

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be? not deceived: neither: fornicators, nor, idolaters, nor, adulterers, nor, effeminate, nor, abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 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.

 

3. Live to Leave A Testimony [v. 27-28, Heb. 11: 4]

 

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Dr. John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 As a Christian should be for good literature, secular as well as sacred, so a Christian should be for good music, secular as well as sacred. A Christian should be interested in architecture that is in beautiful buildings, whether church buildings or other buildings. A Christian should be interested in beautiful pictures, whether it be a sacred picture of Christ on the cross, or a picture of flowers and birds and trees and mountains and rivers.

We do not bring credit on the Lord Jesus Christ when we despise all knowledge but religious knowledge, and all art but religious art, and all music but religious music. All really good things are from God.

But let us make sure that all the arts and sciences are made subject to Christ and are used carefully for His glory and for the good of men. - John R. Rice

Home is a place where all the true, beautiful virtues are cherished. A man and woman loving each other purely, with loyalty and a bond that is lifelong, where respect for authority must be developed, where the ordinary matters of living right, getting along with people, paying honest debts, having respect for government and for God-- those things have to be settled in a Christian home. You can get a man converted, but it takes rearing and a godly home life to make a gentleman out of him. Oh, how we need Christian homes! - John R. Rice

I have known men to say, "I wouldn't vote. This world does not belong to God." You don't do right, then. Christians ought to take part in government where they can do it and influence it for God.

You say, "But you can't make everything right." That doesn't mean I ought not to get everything right I can. That doesn't mean I ought not to use my influence for God, as far as I can reach with that influence. Christians ought to be good citizens. - John R. Rice

Oh, all things about us are from God. As Dr. Bob Jones has well said, "For a Christian, life is not divided into the secular and the sacred. To him all ground is holy ground, every bush a burning bush, every place a temple of worship." Since God has things under perfect control and His infinite love constantly remembers His dear ones, we can rejoice in whatever God sends, whether we understand it or not. To the Christian, that which tastes bitter will turn out to be sweet, and that which seems great loss will turn out to be rich gain. - From the book "ALWAYS REJOICING" by Evangelist John R. Rice

One very lonely and dreaded Christmastime turned out to be one of the sweetest I ever had. I was about sixteen when for the Christmas holiday all the family went off to visit relatives and left me on the stock farm to milk cows, feed the horses, and take care of the place. I anticipated a lonely, sad week while others went away to celebrate. But I was a Christian and fortunately I got started reading the Bible. How wonderfully sweet it was! I reveled in it for days and I regard that as one of the happiest and best Christmases I ever spent. No Christian ever need be lonely when he has the Word of God. "Thy words were found and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." Christians ought to rejoice in the Bible every day and find there its treasures. - from the book "ALWAYS REJOICING" by Evangelist John R. Rice

Oh, it is better to have trouble and have Christ prove Himself the ever-present friend, the answer to every need, the satisfaction of every hunger and thirst, than not to have the trouble. - J.R. Rice "Always Rejoicing"

O God, give us again some of the reproach and persecution of New Testament Christianity! The servant is no better than his Lord. If the Lord Jesus was hated and crucified, surely God's people ought to be persecuted. There is a curse of God on our popular Christianity, for Jesus said, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26).

Oh it is blessed to be persecuted! It is blessed to suffer for Jesus' sake. - J.R. Rice "Always Rejoicing"

WHAT Are YOU Making?

1 SAMUEL 18

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. ARE YOU MAKING FRIENDS?

 

1. With Faithful Life [1 Sam. 17]

 

2. With Faithful Lips [v. 1]

 

3. With Faithful Love [v. 2-5]

 

II. ARE YOU MAKING ENEMIES?      

[You are going to make enemies no matter what – so make them the right way]

 

1. Do Your Job Well [v. 6-9]

 

2. Maintain a Right Relationship with God [v. 10-12]

 

3. Behave Wisely and Maintain a Good Testimony [v. 13-15]

 

III. ARE YOU MAKING TROUBLE?

 

1. By Dishonesty [v. 16-19]

 

2. By Shallowness [v. 20-21]

 

3. By Wickedness  [v. 22-30]

MAKE BIBLE DECISIONS

Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. MAKE BASIC BIBLE DECISIONS

 

1. Make the Decision to Trust Christ as Saviour [Acts 16:30-31, 26:28-29]

 

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost , and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

 

2. Make the Decision to Trust Christ as Saviour Now [Isaiah 1:18, 2 Cor. 6:2]

 

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

 

3. Make the Decision to Trust Christ as Saviour Public [Rm. 10:9-13]

 

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

II. MAKE BETTER BIBLE DECISIONS

 

1. Make the Decision to Serve Christ Happily [Jn. 13:13-17]

 

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

 

2. Make the Decision to Serve Christ Humbly [Micah 6:8]

 

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

 

3. Make the Decision to Serve Christ Holily [1 Th. 2:10-12]

 

Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you , as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

 

III. MAKE BOLD BIBLE DECISIONS

 

1. Make the Decision to Live for Christ Earnestly [James 5:17, Jude 1:3]

 

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

 

2. Make the Decision to Live for Christ Energetically [Acts 18:25,  Romans 12:11]

 

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

 

3. Make the Decision to Live for Christ Expectantly [Titus 2:13,  Jude 1:21]

 

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

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Dr. John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Notice, too, that it is "the prayer of faith" that shall save the sick, not the oil. Oil may be a fitting symbol of the blessed Holy Spirit who raised up Christ from the dead and who dwells in the body of the Christian and can heal the body. But oil does not heal. It is the prayer of faith that saves. If God gives faith, one may expect healing. If God does not give faith, as sometimes He certainly does not, then one need not so confidently expect healing.

It is not always God's will to heal, and so God does not always give faith. - John R. Rice [from the book "ALWAYS REJOICING"]

The best thing that God could ever do for sinful men is to give them a Saviour. Do you want a job or education or income or security or happy marriage or success or public office or fame? Beside the glad and precious boon of a Saviour for sinners, these are nothing! Paul rightly said, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." (1st Timothy 1:15). - from the book "ALWAYS REJOICING" by Evangelist John R. Rice

There is a moral wickedness in unbelief. It is not that men cannot believe-- but that they will not believe. Men who choose to come to Christ find that they can trust Him. Men who will not come do not believe, but it is the result of their own wicked choice. Men who love their sins do not come to Christ because they do not want their sin rebuked. - John R. Rice - from the book "ALWAYS REJOICING" by Evangelist John R. Rice

Not long ago I heard a preacher say, "God promises to supply our needs, but not our wants." How wrong he was! God promises to supply both our needs and our wants. In the passage we are now studying, Mark 11:24, Jesus plainly says that we should pray for "what things soever ye desire." We are to ask for anything we want! ...

But suppose one's desires are wrong? Suppose one wants that which he has no right to have? Is it wrong to pray about it? Well, if one knows his desires are wrong, he should confess them as a sin to God and get forgiveness and cleansing. But if a person has a right to work and plan to obtain things by any means, he has a right to pray for them. And if one is not sure whether his heart's desires will please God, it is still right to bring the request to the Lord with the earnest desire that either God will give you the heart's petition or change the desire. - John R. Rice - from the book "ALWAYS REJOICING"

Sometimes men rebuke us for asking, asking, asking from God. Modernist Harry Emerson Fosdick, in his book, The Meaning of Prayer, says God is not a Santa Claus, that prayer is not supposed to get things from God. But he is wrong in supposing that God cannot do more wonderful things than little children suppose Santa Claus can do. Men would discourage us from calling on our omnipotent Heavenly Father, but the Bible never does. Again and again the Bible encourages us to ask great things of God. - from the book "ALWAYS REJOICING" by Evangelist John R. Rice

The Word of God says, "all things are lawful, but all things do not edify." Paul says, "All things are lawful, but all things are not expedient." So we as Christians have a responsibility to other Christians as well as to the world. While our conscience may not be offended about a certain thing, yet it becomes a sin if this thing causes our brother to stumble. Paul tells us that we do things which injure our brother, it is sin. While we have liberty, we do not have license. - John Rice

The Bible never condemns music. The Bible never condemns literature as such. If literature is bad in its teaching and bad in its results on people, then of course the literature is bad. Likewise if songs have dirty words or false teaching in the words, then the songs are wrong. But since love, the proper and true love between a man and a woman is God's plan, then a good love song like "I Love You Truly" is not wrong. Hillbilly music is not necessarily wrong. Some of it is indeed very good in its influence on people. Some of it is pretty cheap music and poor poetry, and so has very little literary quality. - John R. Rice

THE ULTIMATE SUFFICIENCY

1 SAMUEL 17

 

2 Cor. 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE INSUFFICIENCY OF THE WORLD [v. 1-11]

 

1. Political & Military Might [v. 1-3]

 

2. Flesh & Finery [v. 4-7]

 

3. Promises & Prowess [v. 8-11]

 

II. THE INSUFFICIENCY OF THE RELIGIONISTS [v. 12-44]

 

1. Family Ties [v. 12-29]

 

2. Worldly Wisdom [v. 30-42]

 

3. Religious Observation [v. 43-44]

 

III. THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE SAVIOUR

 

1. The Object of Faith [v. 45-47, Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.]

 

2. The Action of Faith [v. 48-51, James 1:21-27]

 

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

 

3. The Expectation of Faith [v. 51c-58, 25-27]

BIBLICAL BIBLE STUDY

ACTS 17:10-14

 

Adapted From Lehman Strauss by Pastor Rick Jackson

 

2 Tm. 2:15 commands Christians to study the Bible. Most Christians do not read the Bible, let alone study it, but that does not change the command of God. In Acts 17 we have a simple pattern that may help us to know how to study the Bible.

 

I. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DEVOTIONALLY [v. 11] “they received the word with all readiness of mind”

 

That means we study it for our edification & growth in grace. The result of devotional Bible study is THANKSGIVING.

 

II. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DILIGENTLY [v. 11] “searched”

 

This is not as easy as just reading but it is rewarding. It is the result of TOIL.

 

III. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DOCTRINALLY [v. 11] “Searched the Scriptures… whether these things were so”

 

This means to study the great doctrines and the great themes of the Bible. This involves using some TOOLS to aid in your study to understand the Bible. Build your library [or at least your PC skills]. 2 Tm. 4:13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

 

IV. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DAILY [v. 11] “daily”

 

“Read your Bible every day, praying as you read it. It will guide you all the way, if you’ll only heed it.”

This, of course, necessitates TIME.

 

V. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DEVOUTLY [v. 11]

“Received the word… ready mind… whether those things were so”. This indicates a deep TRUST in the Author of the Scriptures.

 

VI. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DEPENDENTLY [v. 11]

 

We need others to TEACH us. We can all learn from others, but we must compare what they say to what we can read.

 

Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

 

1 Corinthians 12:28 And ° God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

 

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

 

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

 

Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

 

Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

 

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

INGREDIENTS OF THE ABUNDANT LIFE

ROMANS 12:1-12 [Espec. v. 12]

John 10:10 - I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LIVE A LIFE OF REJOICING [v. 12]

 

1. The Example of Abraham [Jn. 8:56, Rm. 4:18, Heb. 11:8-19]

- Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

- Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

 

2. The Example of Jesus [Heb. 12:2]

- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

3. The Example of Paul [1 Corinthians 13:6, Phil. 3:1, 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16]

- Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

-Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

- Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

- Rejoice evermore.

 

II. BE PATIENT IN TRIBULATION [v. 12]

 

1. For Others’ Sake [2 Tm. 2:10]

-Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

 

2. For Christ’s Sake [ Tm. 2:12, Heb. 12:2-3]

-If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

-Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

 

3. For Your Sake [James 1:12, 5:11]

- Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried , he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

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

 

III. BE INSTANT IN PRAYER [v. 12]

 

1. For the Meat of the Word [Acts 6:4]

- But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

2. For the Master of the Word [Acts 10:1-5, 21-23, 30-33]

 

3. For the Ministry of the Word [Col. 4:2-4]

- Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.