THE FLESH’S STORMS – JESUS CONQUERS DEATH

MARK 5:21-24, 35-43

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

We who live in Florida know a thing or two about storms… or, at least, we think we do. The Bible has much to say about storms. God knows all about them. In the last two weeks we looked at “The Devil’s Storms” and “the World’s Storms”. This week, we will look at “The Flesh’s Storm” and conclude our mini-series from this section of the Gospel of Mark.

 

I. THE FLESH IS WEAK [Mark 14:38 The flesh is weak.]

 

1. The Flesh is Temporary [v. 21-23, James 4:14] What is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

 

2. The Flesh is Trying [v. 24-26, Job 14:1] Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

 

3. The Flesh is Transformable [v. 27-34, 1 Cor. 6:9-11, 2 Cor. 5:17, 12:9]

 

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.

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

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.

 

II. THE FLESH IS WICKED

 

1. The Flesh Seeks to Separate People from Christ [v. 35, Is. 59:1-3]

 

Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

2. The Flesh Seeks to Separate People from Faith [v. 36, Gal. 5:19-24]

 

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

 

3. The Flesh Seeks to Separate People from God’s Word [v. 37-40]

 

III. THE FLESH IS WORKING AGAINST GOD [v. 41-43, Gal. 5:16-17]

 

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

 

1. The Wages of Sin is Death [Rm. 6:23] The wages of sin is death.

 

2. The Last Enemy is Death [1 Cor. 15:26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

 

3. Christ has Conquered Death [v. 22-28, Romans 6:9]

 

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

 

 

 

 

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 The person who does not read the Bible is ignorant. A man may have a Ph. D. degree, but he is not truly educated if he is not familiar with the Bible.- John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 174]

Here then is a truth that everybody ought to know. Fortunetelling, divining, soothsaying, trying to foretell the future by signs, by palm reading, by tea leaves, by communication with evil spirits, or pretended communication with the dead, is of Satan. It is wicked, it is deceptive, it is ruinous. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 176]

If you are a child of God, then you ought to forever renounce all the horoscopes, all the spiritualist seances, all the palmists and other fortunetellers. They are abominable in God's sight! To deal with such things is to deny the truth of the Bible. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 182]

It always costs something to serve Jesus Christ. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 184]

One preacher said to me, "You talk about Satan being against your work. Why do you think Satan does not attack me and bother me?

I answered in the familiar cowboy language of my boyhood, "If you twisted the Devil's tail as much as I do, he would hate you, too." - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 187]

God takes the part of every Christian who is true to Him. Go on, my brother, my sister, and win souls at any cost! Take your plain stand against sin anywhere and everywhere. God never leaves one alone and ashamed and forsaken who is true to Him. Trouble may come in the will of God, but thank God, always God allows only what is best and then delivers His servant who is faithful! - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 193]

Christians ought to make things right that have been wrong. Christians ought to restore that which is stolen. Christians ought to go and make peace with those they have wronged. Christians ought to pay up bad debts. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 197]

BE AWARE… OF ANGELS

HEBREWS 13:1-3

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THEY ARE REAL

 

1. God Created them as “Angels” [Col. 1:16-17, Ps. 8:4-5]

 

“There's a golden street to walk upon, a bell I want to ring, a brand new angel in the choir I want to hear her sing”

 

-For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

- What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

 

“They are not, nor ever have been human. God brought forth angels on the ‘first day of creation’ after the time He created the heavens, and before He created the earth, Genesis 1:1.

- In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

I say that because God created all things in the SIX 24 hour days of creation, Exodus 20:11.

-For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

-Job 38:4-7 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

When the earth was created the angels shouted for joy. The "angels" had to be there at that time. – Jimmy DeYoung

2. God Created “Bunches” of Angels [Heb. 12:22, Ps. 68:17]

 

- But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

- The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

 

Mt. 26:53 “more than twelve legions of angels” 6000 x 12=72,000 

Rev. 5:11 “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” that’s over 100 million

 

3. God Created Angels with Personalities & Interests [1 Pt. 1:11-12, Job 38:7, Lk. 15:10]

 

-Searching what , or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow . Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

- When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

- Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

 

II. THEY DO APPEAR

 

1. In the Old Testament [Gn. 16:7, 18:2, 19:1ff, 28:12]

 

2. In the New Testament [Mt. 1:20, Lk. 1:26ff, Acts 27:23]

 

3. In this Life [Heb. 1:7, 13-14; 13:2, missionary accounts, etc]

 

III. THEY CAN ACT ON OUR BEHALF

 

1. Protect Us From Spiritual Harm [Ps. 34:7, Dan. 10:12-13, 12:1]

 

2. Protect Us From Physical Harm [Dan. 6:22, 2 Kings 6:8-17]

 

3. Guide the Dead to their Place [Lk. 16:22, Mt. 13:41-42]

 

IV. THEY ARE LIMITED

 

1. They Do Not Know Everything [Mt. 24:36, Job 4:17-19]

 

2. They Are Not to be Worshipped [Rev. 19:10, 22:8-9]

 

3. They Are Not Saviours [Col. 2:18, Gal. 1:6-8]

THE HARD WAY BACK FOR THE BACKSLIDER

1 SAMUEL 28, 31

 

 Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 I. THE ISOLATION OF SIN [28:1-6]

 

 1. From the Fellowship of God’s People [v. 1-2]

 

 2. From the Leadership of God’s Preachers [v. 3]

 

 3. From the Fellowship of God’s Presence [v. 4-6]

 

 II. THE DEGRADATION OF SIN [28:7-25]

 

 1.  Sinful Things Become Our Solutions [v. 7-10] (he couldn’t guarantee God’s judgment would not fall)

 

 2. Spiritual Things Become Our Enemies [v. 11-19] (note he was still saved even though backslidden)

 

 3.  Good Things Become Our Drudgeries [v. 20-25] (people bored with life often foolishly commit suicide)

 

 III. THE DESTINATION OF SIN [31:1-13]

 

 1. Sin Brings Destruction [v. 1-3]

 

 2. Sin Brings Death [v. 4-6, Rm. 6:23, James 1:15]

 

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

 

3. Sin Brings Disgrace [v. 7-13]

THE DEVIL’S STORMS – JESUS CURES THE DEMONIAC

MARK 5:1-20

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

We who live in Florida know a thing or two about storms… or, at least, we think we do. The Bible has much to say about storms. God knows all about them. Last week we looked at “The World’s Storms”. Next week, Lord willing, we will look at “The Flesh’s Storm” all from this section of the Gospel of Mark. Today we examine – The Devil’s Storms.

 

I. THE DEVIL’S DEVICES [v. 1-2, 2 Cor. 2:11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

 

1. Deception [Revelation 12:9, Jn. 14:6, 17:17]

 

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

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

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

 

2. Oppression [Acts 10:38] “to exercise dominion over”

 

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

 

3. Possession [Mark 5, 1 Jn. 4:1-4]

 

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 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.

II. THE MISTAKES OF MANKIND

 

1. The World’s Weak Ways [v. 3-5, Heb. 10:11, Mt. 7:21-23]

 

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them , I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 

2. The Flesh’s Faulty Focus [v. 5, Isaiah 64:6]

 

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

 

3. The Devil’s Dirty Dealings [v. 2-5, Luke 11:24-26] Do you think he thought he would come to this?

 

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

 

III. THE SAVIOUR’S SOLUTION

 

1. Recognition [v. 6-7a]

2. Reception [v. 6-15, Jn. 1:12, Philippians 4:7]

 

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:

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

3. Reigning [v. 16-20]

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

People of all races are children of Adam. We are brothers in blood. Those who have been converted, who have personally trusted Christ as Saviour and have been born into the family of God, are all children of God alike and are spiritual brothers in Christ. Yes, we can thank God that in Christ there is neither bond nor free, neither male nor female, neither Jew nor Gentile. There is a wonderful and sweet equality before God, and all of us who are Christians want it to be that way. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 157]

People of all races are children of Adam. We are brothers in blood. Those who have been converted, who have personally trusted Christ as Saviour and have been born into the family of God, are all children of God alike and are spiritual brothers in Christ. Yes, we can thank God that in Christ there is neither bond nor free, neither male nor female, neither Jew nor Gentile. There is a wonderful and sweet equality before God, and all of us who are Christians want it to be that way. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 157]

Bartimaeus was helpless. He was blind, a beggar. There was nothing he could do. His case was hopeless. How like a poor lost sinner that is! A man cannot save himself. A man has no remedy for his wickedness unless God will change his heart. A man has no sense of forgiveness for his sins unless he can rely on Jesus Christ that they are paid for, and trust Christ to forgive them, as He promised. So the healing of Bartimaeus must be an act of mercy, undeserved. There is nothing he can pay. So it is with every poor sinner who comes to Jesus. - John R. Rice [Here We Are In Bible Lands With John R. Rice, pages 156-157]

While all equal before the law, and all are equal so far as the need for salvation and the opportunity for salvation and the privileges of Christian life are concerned, yet that does not make everybody alike.
Here a man and wife are both saved. But the woman is still a woman and the man is still a man. The man is still accountable to God as the head of his home.
Here a father and a son are both saved. But the son is still to give allegiance and submission to the father's rule.
Here a teacher and a pupil are both Christians, both going to Heaven, and brothers in Christ. But the teacher has a responsibility that the pupil does not have, and the pupil owes an obedience that the teacher does not owe.
Suppose I employ two men. Both are citizens of the United States. Both have the same rights before the courts, and both have the same rights to vote or run for office. But one man may have skills the other does not have. One man may earn a dollar an hour and the other may earn three dollars an hour. You see, equality before the law and equality in standing before God do not mean that all the differences between people are done away with. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 157-158]

In the United States Army, there is a difference between officers and enlisted men. Do you say there ought not to be that difference? There is a difference between the sexes. Do you think that men and women ought to dress alike? Do you think they ought to meet exactly the same standards, and have exactly the same privileges? Of course they ought to do right, but a woman ought to be a good woman and a man ought to be a good man. They are not the same. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 158]

Suppose here at the Sword of the Lord office we need workers and two young women come to offer themselves for work. One is a Christian, the other is not a Christian. Would you say that I have no right to choose whether I hire a Christian or a non-Christian? Socialists and communists would say so, but that is not the American way, and not the Christian way. To compel Christians and non-Christians to work together whether they want to or not and to compel employers to hire them whether they wish to or not is certainly not the American way and it is not fair either to Christians or to non-Christians. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 158-159]

 In America there are some who make a great fight for pacifism, trying to stop war between nations. But I was deeply impressed some time ago when one of these leading pacifists got divorced from his wife. He wanted peace between the nations but he couldn't have peace in his own home because of his sin. The poor human heart needs help. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 172]

BE IN TENSE WITH JESUS

 

BE IN TENSE WITH JESUS

 

JOHN 11:1-19

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. MARTHA HAD FAITH FOR THE PAST

 

1. They Had a Personal Relationship with Jesus [v. 1-5]

2. She Had a Personal Faith in Jesus [11:20-21, 27]

3. She Believed Jesus Could Have Kept Lazarus from Dying [v. 3, 21]

 

II. MARTHA HAD FAITH FOR THE FUTURE [v. 24]

 

1. It was a Powerful Faith “I know”

2. It was a “Personal” Faith [Lazarus personally, not through children, being remembered, etc]

3. It was a ”Personified” Faith [based on Jesus’ eventual reign]

 

III. MARTHA HAD A FAITH FOR THE PRESENT

 

1. She Believed in the Power of Jesus’ Prayers [v. 22]

2. She Believed in the Permanence of Jesus’ Position [v. 25-27]

3. She Believed in the Preeminence of Jesus’ Person [v.28]

 

IV. MARY HAD FAITH FOR ALL TIMES

 

1. Mary Waited for Jesus [v. 3, 20, 28-31]

2. Mary Heeded Jesus [v. 28-31]

3. Mary Worshipped Jesus [v. 32]

THE EASY WAY BACK FOR THE BACKSLIDER

1 SAMUEL 30

 

 Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 I. LESSONS FOR BACKSLIDERS [v. 1-7]

 

 1. Sin Has Consequences [v. 1-5] both natural and supernatural

 

 2. Sin Has Companions [v. 6a] distress, grief, chastisement, or punishment

 

 3. Sin Has a Cure! [v. 6b-7, 1 Corinthians 11:31-32]

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

 

 II. LESSONS FOR BATTLE [v. 8-20]

 

 1.  Heed the Word of God  [v. 8]

 

 2. Allow for the Limitations of the Flesh [v. 9-10, Mark 14:38]

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

 

 3.  Lean on the Providence of God  [v. 11-20]

 

 III. LESSONS FOR BELIEVERS [v. 21-31]

 

 1. Acknowledge the Weaker Brethren [v. 21]

 

 2. Acknowledge the Lord’s Position [v. 22-25]

 

 3. Acknowledge the Lord’s People [v. 26-31]

THE WORLD’S STORMS – JESUS CALMS THE SEA

MARK 4:35-41

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

We who live in Florida know a thing or two about storms… or, at least, we think we do. The Bible has much to say about storms. God knows all about them. Did you know that insurance companies sometimes call storm related damage “acts of God”? That’s not entirely accurate. Before man’s sin there were no storms. There wasn’t even rain. Genesis 2:6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. Man’s sin changed the “very good” creation of God to the point where Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. God, in His mercy and grace, has made it so rain can be a blessing [Rm. 8:28] but storms remind us of the curse of sin. So, technically storm related damages are “acts of creation cursed by man’s sin” but I doubt the insurance companies will cover that.

   Next week, Lord willing, we will look at “The Devil’s Storms” and the week following, “The Flesh’s Storm” all from this section of the Gospel of Mark. Today we examine – The World’s Storms.

 

I. WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW CAN SINK YOU (the Titanic)

 

1. We Don’t Know the Season of the Storm [v. 35-37a] (hurricane path projections – George Winterling)

 

2. We Don’t Know the Strength of the Storm [v. 37]

 

3. We Don’t Know the Severity of the Storm [v. 37-38]

 

II. WHO YOU KNOW CAN SAVE YOU

 

1. Have Faith in God [v. 38, Mark 11:22, Jn. 14:1]

 

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

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

 

2. Have Faith in  the God Who Answers Prayer [v. 38]

 

3. Have Faith in  the God Who Gave His Word [v. 35, 40, Rm. 10:17]

 

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

 

III. WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW CAN COMFORT YOU

 

1. Jesus Cares [v. 38, 1 Peter 5:7]

 

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 

2. Jesus Can [v. 39]

 

3. Jesus Calms [v. 39-41, Jn. 14: 27]

 

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

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

Let me say here and now that the man who is not a good citizen is not a good Christian. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 67]

The first lie of the Devil recorded in the Bible is, "Ye shall not surely die." From that time to this the Devil has tried to defeat justice, tried to tell men that sin would not be punished, but the Word of God stills says, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezek. 18:4), and, "The wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23), and "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Num. 32:23). Gal. 6:7 says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 68]

Preachers everywhere should preach that sin will be punished; YEA, AS SURE AS THERE IS A GOD SIN WILL BE PUNISHED! - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 68]

Any government that cannot punish crime, cannot stop crime. If crime is not adequately, swiftly and justly punished, then inevitably crime will increase, wholesale lawlessness will occur, the expense of government will become unbearable, and national deterioration, disorganization and the fall of government is certain. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 79]

 Let every mother who has an unsaved boy bathe her pillow with tears and bombard Heaven with prayer until her boy is saved. Let every father with a prodigal boy or girl continue in plain warning and unfailing prayer until the prodigal returns. Mother, father, you are producing the criminals in America. There is no hope of true righteousness without a personal, born-again acquaintance with the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour who regenerates the heart and makes the wicked good. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 85]

In the sight of God there is no respect of persons. So I am glad to call every person who knows Christ as Saviour and who loves and follows Him my brother or my sister. I find the warmest Christian love springs up in my heart when I meet one who is clearly a child of God and I find this love is the same with people of other races, as with my own race. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, published 1958, pg. 148]

When the Devil can't get you do something wrong, he'll try to get you to do something right- but in the wrong way!
I tell you, we had better begin to live in this Book. - John R. Rice [Ten Messages That Changed Ten Thousand Lives, pg. 126]

THE FAITH WE NEED FOR THE TIMES IN WHICH WE LIVE

HEBREWS 11:6

Pastor Rick Jackson                       

 

I. IN DAYS OF UNCERTAINTY WE NEED TO HAVE A BIBLE FAITH

 

There's not a single thing in this world that you need more as a Christian than simple everyday Bible faith. - Lee Roberson

 

1. Faith in God [Mark 11:22]                                       

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

 

2. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ [John 14:1]           

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

 

3. Faith in the Word of God [Matthew 5:18]

 

In the hour when your heart is broken, you are not concerned about philosophies of Dale Carnegie or Norman Vincent Peale. You want the Word of God and to know that He is by your side. – Roberson

 

II. IN DAYS OF UNCERTAINTY WE NEED TO HAVE A BELIEVING FAITH

 

1.  A Believing Faith is the Key to Assurance of Salvation [1 John 5:13]

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

 

2. A Believing Faith is the Key to Answered Prayers [Mark 11:24]

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

 

3.  A Believing Faith is the Key to the Abundant Life [John 10:10]

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 

It's faith in God that gives you roses in December. - Lee Roberson

 

III. IN DAYS OF UNCERTAINTY WE NEED TO HAVE A BOLD FAITH

 

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to an all-knowing God. - J.R. Faulkner

 

1. A Bold Faith Will Lead to a Sanctified Life [James 2:18]

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

 

2. A Bold Faith Will Lead to a Satisfied Life [2 Tm. 4:7-8]

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

 

Someone has said, "The man who walks with God always gets to his destination." - Lee Roberson

 

3. A Bold Faith Will Lead to a Soul-conscious Life [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.

 

Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold ° their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

 

You get in God's business and you'll have God's blessing. - Lee Roberson

THE BACKSLIDER

1 SAMUEL 27:1-28:2, 29:1-11

 

 Pastor Rick Jackson                       

 

 I. THE BACKSLIDER’S LOSS [27:1-11]

 

 1. The Loss of Intimacy [v. 1-3]

 

 2. The Loss of Intercession [v. 4-7]

 

 3. The Loss of Integrity [v. 8-11] like a person who steals another’s mate- how can either trust?

 

 II. THE WORLD’S LOSS OF A CLEAR TESTIMONY [27:10-12, 28:1-2, 29:1-2]

 

 1. The Bible Reveals What Happened – a true & shameful accounting

 

 2. The Bible Reveals What Didn’t Happen – a true & sad accounting (note- no reference to God, prayer, faith)

 

 3.  The Bible Reveals Who & Who Did Not Believe – a true and simple accounting

 

 III. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD [29:1-11]

 

 1. A Recognition of Being Out of Place [v. 1-5]

 

 2. A Rejection of Belonging [v. 6-10]

 

 3. A Return of Shame [v. 11]

ONLY A FOOL MOCKS AT SIN

Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

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

 

Pastor Rick Jackson                                       

 

I. ONLY A FOOL MOCKS SINS OF COMMISSION

 

1. They are Sins Against God (not neutral) [Gn. 39:9]

 

There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

 

2. They are Sins Against Christ [1 Cor. 8:12, Jude 14-17]

 

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against HIM. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

 

3. They are Sins Against the Holy Spirit [Eph. 4:30]

 

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

 

II. ONLY A FOOL MOCKS SINS OF OMMISSION

 

1.  They are Sins Against God [1 Sam. 12:23, James 4:17]

 

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 

2. They are Sins Disappointing Jesus [Lk. 17:17]

 

And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

 

3.  They are Sins Against the Holy Spirit [1 Thess. 5:19]

 

Quench not the Spirit.

 

III. WHY IS MOCKING SIN FOOLISH?

 

1. Mocking Sin is Foolish Because of the Results of Sin [Rm. 2:12, 3:23, 5:12, 6:23, 7:5, 11, 13-14]

 

2. Mocking Sin is Foolish Because of the Reality of Sin (Sin is a master- not a servant) [Rm. 3:9, 5:14, 6:12-18, 20]

 

3. Mocking Sin is Foolish Because of the One Remedy for Sin [Rm. 3:10, 20, 25; 4:7-8, 5:8, 16, 19-21, 8:2-3, 10:9-13]

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 Envy of others who have more than we have is a natural trait of the depraved human heart. Unfortunately, for the last twenty-odd years [published in 1958] America has abounded in propaganda against the men who have earned and saved money. The socialistic New Deal under Roosevelt set out to "redistribute the wealth." By this, Roosevelt meant simply to take, by law, money from those who earned it and give it to others who had not earned it, in order to get their votes for the New Deal administration. This is a fundamental principle of Karl Marx, the father of socialism and communism. He insisted that higher income taxes for rich people, higher inheritance taxes, should be levied to take money from those who had earned it, and give it to those who were the party members, or to those who did not earn it, but wanted it. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 42]

There is much in the Bible against the oppression of the poor, and blessed rewards are promised to those who are kind to the poor. But we are equally warned to not follow the multitude, not to follow after the crowd, and not to "countenance a poor man in his cause."
Anybody who puts the poor man before the rich man sins just as much as he who puts the rich man before the poor man. If it is right to take twenty per cent income tax from a poor man, then it is right to take only twenty per cent income tax from the rich man. If it is wrong to seize the property of the poor, it is equally wrong to seize the property of the rich, though by legal means, to give it to others. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 43-44]

If America is to have the blessing of God in the future as it has had by mercy in the past, then Christians should return to the historic Christian faith. It is still true that "the Bible is the bulwark of our liberties" as General Grant, President Lincoln, Daniel Webster, President Woodrow Wilson, President Theodore Roosevelt and many other great Americans believed. American greatness is based on the Bible as the very Word of God. The way to God's continued blessing is for those who take the name of Christ to go back to the Bible and to the Christ of the Bible. - John R. Rice, [Great Preaching on Patriotism, pg. 77]

Not all unconverted people become criminals, of course. Sometimes there is enough discipline in the life to keep down outward appearance of sin. But inwardly, always, the deadly work goes on. Sin hardens the heart. Sin enslaves the will. The man who could have quit liquor yesterday cannot do so tomorrow. The person who could have turned unto Christ and repented, tomorrow will be so dead in his sins that he will mock at the Bible and Christ. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 54]

The tendency of sin to grow and master the sinner is indicated in Psalm 1:1. The sinner first walks in the counsel of the ungodly, then stands in the way of sinners, then finally sits in the seat of the scornful. His association is first with unconverted people, then with gross sinners, and finally with the scorning infidel. His touch with them is at first casual, then deliberate, then final and permanent.
This course of sin is illustrated in Samson. Delilah first cost him his Christian integrity, then his hair, then his power from God, then his eyesight, then his life! - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 54]

The progress of sin in the case of Achan is described thus, "I saw . . . then I coveted them, and took them, and behold they are hid." First, people look on sin and keep company with it; then they want it; then they take it; then they excuse it and cover it. So, sin enslaves and damns. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 54]

Whoever gained by sin? Whoever got away with crime? Did Hitler? It seemed that he had the best chance of doing it that anybody in a hundred years had. But he died with his paramour in the bunkers, died by his own hand, it is said, and his body was burned to avoid being taken in the last Allied assault on Berlin.

Did Mussolini gain by his sins, his crimes? Did he get away with them? Look at the pictures of the poor dictator hanged head downward with the lewd woman who shared his flight from the mobs and who died with him!

Poor Christ-rejecting sinner, do you think you can get by with this rebellion against God? Do you think you can escape Hell and judgment? Do you think you can escape the wasted life, the burning conscience, the certain punishment that comes on Christ-rejecting criminals? - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 59]

DUAL CITIZENSHIP

Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The Greek word translated “conversation” in this verse is not the same as any other verses using the English word “conversation”. In most of those- the term conversation means “lifestyle”, but not so here. The word is politeuma, and means- a community, i.e. citizenship.

 

I. WHAT THE DUAL CITIZEN SHOULD DO BECAUSE OF THEIR HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP [Philippians]

 

1. Behave [1:27-29] – not to be saved, but because you are saved

 

2. Be Similar [2:1-7]

 

3. Be Submissive [2:8-17]

 

II. WHAT THE DUAL CITIZEN SHOULD DO FOR THEIR EARTHLY COUNTRY

 

1.  Should Pray for Leaders [1 Tm. 2:1-3]

 

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

 

2. Should Pay Taxes [Rom. 13:1-6]

 

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God : the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

 

3.  Should Perform Civic Responsibilities [Rom. 13:7]

 

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

 

III. WHAT THE DUAL CITIZEN SHOULD REMEMBER WHEN THE KINGDOMS ARE IN CONFLICT

 

1. Remember We Have A Higher Priority [Acts 5:27-29]

 

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

 

2. Recognize We Have A Higher Patriotism [Heb. 11:8-16]

 

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age , because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

 

3. Realize We Have A Higher Purpose [2 Cor. 5:17-21]

 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

LIVING LIFE ARTFULLY

1 SAMUEL 26

 

 Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 I. THE ART OF WAR [v. 1-11]

 

 1. Know Your Enemies [v. 1-5, 1 Pt. 5:8-9]

 

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

 

2. Know Your Allies [v. 6-7, 1 Pt. 5:1-5]

 

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

 

3. Know The Lord [v. 8-11, 1 Pt. 5:6-7]

 

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 

 II. THE ART OF PROTECTION [v. 12-16]

 

 1. The Protection of the Lord [v. 12, 1 Pt. 5:10-11]

 

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while , make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

 

2. The Protection of Distance [v. 13]

 

3. The Protection of the Flesh [v. 14-16] weak

 

2 Chronicles 32:8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

 

 III. THE ART OF CONVERSATION [v. 17-25]

 

 1. Conversing Without Real Expectation [v. 17-20, Psalm 146:3]

 

Put not your trust in princes

 

2. Confession Without Repentance [v. 21]

 

3. Confidence Without Reserve [v. 22-25, Proverbs 3:5-7]

 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

BEWARE LEST THOU FORGET THE LORD

Dt. 6:1-12 [especially 2, 6-7, 12]               

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Israel was warned but Israel forgot. In America we started out with people whose intent was to serve God and worship Him- the puritans, the pilgrims, the early colonists, the founding fathers… but America has forgotten. America has left and laughed at the fundamentals of the faith [salvation by grace, Heaven, Hell, the second coming, etc.]. America has desecrated God’s day. Sunday is a holyday not a holiday. It is the Lord’s Day. America has come to worship two idols - money and pleasure. We need to remember to-

 

I. BEWARE LEST THOU FORGET THE WORD OF THE LORD [Teach it, believe it, preach it, practice it, share it!]

 

1. Don’t Forget to Love His Will [2 Peter 1:19-21]

 

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Bible is the rock on which this Republic rests. - Andrew Jackson

 

2. Don’t Forget to Study His Truth [2 Tim. 2:15]

 

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.  - Theodore Roosevelt

 

3. Don’t Forget to Live His Truth [2 Tim. 3:16-17]

 

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works

Hold fast to the Bible. To the influence of this Book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization and to this we must look as our guide in the future. - Ulysses S. Grant

Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.  - Ronald Reagan

II. BEWARE LEST THOU FORGET TO SPEAK TO THE LORD IN PRAYER

 

1.  It is the Way of Obedience  [Lk. 18:1, 1 Thess. 5:17]

 

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

Pray without ceasing.

 

2. It is the Way to Get Our Needs [James 4:2]

 

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

 

3.  It is the Way to Have Revival [2 Chr. 7:14]

 

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

 

III. BEWARE LEST THOU FORGET TO SERVE THE LORD

 

1. Serve God Willingly [Hebrews 12:28]

 

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

 

2. Serve God Lovingly [Dt. 6:5, 1 Cor. 13]

 

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

 

3. Serve God Joyfully [PS. 100:1-3] I don’t have to serve God, I get to serve God

 

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 I remember with what godly fear I regarded my saintly father. I can remember only once or twice when he whipped me and the whipping was severe, but I was not primarily afraid of chastisement. But to feel that I had been unworthy of my father, that I had grieved him, that I had disappointed and shamed him - such a thought was terrifying to me. I had such reverence for his goodness and his wisdom and his high standards that I would have ridden the wildest horse before I would let him think I was afraid, and I would have attempted the impossible task before I would let him think I was a quitter! Fear, the right kind of fear, is a noble motive. And a holy God should inspire fear in the breast of every thoughtful and reasonable person. O dreadful God! O great and terrible God! - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 15-16]

Hell is not only an absolute essential of the historic Christian position. It is the most awful fact in the universe of God! Christianity stands or falls on the Bible fact of Hell. If there is no Hell, there is no Heaven. If Hell is not true, then the Bible is not true. If Hell is not true, then Jesus Christ is not true for He had more to say about it than any prophet of the Old Testament or any apostle of the New. If there is no Hell, then the atonement is a farce and the death of Christ would be the stupidity of God! Any so-called Christianity that leaves out Hell is not philosophically intelligent, is not morally respectable and could not claim to be historic Bible Christianity. But Hell is so awful that it should make every thoughtful person shudder. Hell is a sign of the fury of a terrible, dreadful God who hates sin and must punish it! - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 25-26]

You may quibble about the fire [in Hell]. I do not. Jesus said fire, and I am not one to change the words of Jesus. He said a "furnace of fire" (Matthew 13:42, 50). He warned people to avoid at any cost being "cast into everlasting fire" and "cast into hell fire" (Matt. 18:8, 9). - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 27]

It is true that Nehemiah called God "Terrible," and Daniel called Him "Dreadful." But both of them said, ". . . keeping the covenant and mercy for them that love him and to them that keep his commandments. . . ." In the death of Jesus Christ we see, not only the demanding God, but the loving, merciful God. We see not only a holy God with burning indignation against sin, but we see God so moved with holy compassion for ungodly sinners that He would pay the torments of the damned Himself, in the person of His Son, to keep sinners out of Hell! - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 33]

Infidels cannot move me with their foolish cavilling about the flood in which the Bible says that God blotted out all the human race but eight souls in the ark. I know that Mercy had cried with a broken heart to every one of those sinners and that they would not hear. I know that Mercy had offered every pleading argument that even a holy God could give, and they would not repent. And I know it was God's mercy to cut off little children before they should go into the same hardened wicked attitude. Thank God He could take the innocent little ones to Himself, and He could stop the poisoned, rebellious race from further propagating. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 33-34]

How can God be a great and terrible God, a consuming fire, and yet be a loving God offering mercy and forgiveness freely to every penitent sinner? That question is answered in Jesus Christ. Jesus bore the wrath of God. In His own body, He bore our sins on the cross. He made it so God could be just and at the same time be the justifier of wicked sinners who put their trust in Jesus! - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 36]

The Psalmist foresaw the coming Saviour when he said, "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Ps. 85:10). God's truth and righteousness that punish sin and God's mercy to save sinners are met together in Jesus Christ. God's righteousness to condemn sinners and God's peace granted freely to those sinners when they turn to trust Jesus Christ are united at the cross. Oh, in Jesus, mercy and truth are met together. In the sacrifice on the cross, righteousness and peace have kissed each other! Thank God, the believing sinners conscience is purged from sin and he stands without fear before God. A holy God but a forgiving God. And I stand with my sins blotted out, forgiven. I am not afraid of judgment, though I properly fear God. I rejoice in mercy because my sins are paid for. - John R. Rice [Is God A "Dirty Bully"?, pg. 36-37]