AIN’T THE BIBLE GOOD?

2 TIMOTHY

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

    Paul was a mentor to Timothy. Paul knew he would be going to Heaven soon and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he wrote his last letter to Timothy, but not to Timothy alone- but by the providence of God- to all of us. These are not just the words of a great man about be “far better” but instructions from God Himself using the aged apostle as His ready writer.

   In this closing letter the Bible and Christ take center stage. John R. Rice said, “If the Bible is the very Word of God, then Jesus is the very Christ of God. If the Bible is not infallibly inspired and correct, then there is no way to know about the deity of Christ, His virgin birth, bodily resurrection, His miracles and blood atonement: there is no way to know about Heaven or Hell or salvation. Christ and the Bible stand or fall together, and no one is true to Christ who does not accept Him as He appears in the Bible and who does not accept the Bible as Jesus Christ Himself accepted it.” It’s all about the Word, ain’t the Bible good?

 

I. HOW HAVE WE LEARNED THE BIBLE?

 

1. We Learn the Bible through the Help of Others [1:5, 11]

2. We Learn the Bible through the Hard Work of Study [2:14-15]

3. We Learn the Bible through the Holy Spirit of God [3:14-17, 2 Pet. 1:20-21]

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.

II. HOW SHOULD WE LOVE THE BIBLE?

 

1. We Must Hold Fast to the Bible [1:13] possess it

2. We Must Continue in Its Teachings [3:14] abide in it, live in it

3. We Must Spread Its Truth [4:2]

 

III. WHO MUST WE LOOK OUT FOR?

 

1. Teach the Bible because of Lusters  Foolishness [4:3]

2. Teach the Bible because of Lovers of Fables [4:4]

3. Teach the Bible because of Losers of the Future [4:14-15]

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE OR NOT?

JOHN 3, 4

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. COULD THEY BE ANY MORE DIFFERENT?

 

1. Gender [3:1, 4:7]

2. Religion [3:1, 4:20]

3. Name Recognition [3:1, 10; 4:7, 9, 21]

4. Reputation [3:1, 4:9, 42]

5. Timing [3:2, 4:6-7]

6. Approach [3:1-2, 4:7]

 

II. COULD THEY BE ANY MORE SIMILAR?

 

1. Both were Sinners [4:16-19, 29]

2. Both Needed a Saviour [3:10-18, 4:20-26]

3. Both Received Christ and Served Him [3:19-21, 4: 39-42]

 

John 7:50-51 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them, Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?)

John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

 

III. WHAT ABOUT YOU?

 

1. Have You Realized You are a Sinner? [Rm. 3:23]

2. Have You Realized You Need a Saviour? [Rm. 6:23]

3. Have You Received Christ and Are You Now Serving Him? [Rm. 10:9-13]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Dr. H. A. Ironside, long pastor of Moody Memorial Church, once said in my presence, "The Lord didn't say all things work SEPARATELY but all things work TOGETHER for good." He said, "I like biscuits, but I don't like just plain flour. And just soda-that tastes bad. And I don't want to eat just salt or lard. But mix them all up together into biscuits, cook them in a hot oven, take them out while they are hot and steamy and put butter on them! What good eating!"

When God gets done making His biscuits, they, too, are going to be good.

So we can thank God in everything. "In every thing give thanks," for we know that is good. Praise the Lord for His mercy! - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 31]

"Quench not the Spirit." [1 Th. 5:19]

Every Christian has the Holy Spirit living within. We ought to so live that He will be content to tell us which way to go, and content to give us an uneasiness if we are not in the will of God. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 31]

Sweet Spirit of God! Oh, listen to Him always. He will take care of us and things will always turn out right if we listen to the Spirit of God.

But we can quench the Spirit. The Lord says, "Do this," and you say, "No, I don't want to do that." You quench the Spirit. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 31]

If the Bible is the very Word of God, then Jesus is the very Christ of God. If the Bible is not infallibly inspired and correct, then there is no way to know about the deity of Christ, His virgin birth, bodily resurrection, His miracles and blood atonement: there is no way to know about Heaven or Hell or salvation. Christ and the Bible stand or fall together, and no one is true to Christ who does not accept Him as He appears in the Bible and who does not accept the Bible as Jesus Christ Himself accepted it. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels about the Bible, pg. iii]

Christians who accept Jesus as eternal God, accept the Bible as the eternal, infallible Word of God, as Jesus said it is. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels about the Bible, pg. iii]

We sincerely try to "earnestly contend for the faith," as we are commanded to do in Jude 3. It seems as silly to talk about "contending without being contentious," as it would be to plan to go to battle but not hurt anyone, or preach on sin without offending anyone. So true Christians break fellowship with those who do not accept the authority of the inspired Word of God. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels about the Bible, pg. iii-iv]

There is no other book like the Bible, no book that even remotely compares with the Bible. No other book has been printed in so many copies, in so many languages, but I mean more than that. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels about the Bible, pg. 9]

BE A GOOD MINISTER

 1 TIMOTHY 4                                      

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

By God’s grace, I have been preaching for 48 years. Until I sat down and started this message I hadn’t realized how varied a ministry the Lord has allowed me to have over the years. I have pastored 3 churches for 38 of those 48 years. I have preached in homes, schools, churches, Sunday Schools, nursing homes, military bases, funeral homes, restaurants and fairgrounds. I have preached over an hour and have preached for a few minutes. I have preached in person, on the radio and on the internet. I have driven to preach, walked to preach and once I even flew to preach. I have preached to 1 or 2 and I have preached to thousands. I have been boring and hopefully I have been interesting. Any good that has come from my preaching is to the Lord’s credit, any bad is mine.

I was fortunate that when God called me to preach He had already taught me what to preach, His Word. It is a great relief to me to not have to pour through encyclopedias and other reference books to find something worthy to preach I just reach for the Book, God’s Holy Word, the Bible. It is a great shock to me that some Christians complain when a preacher preaches the Bible. What should we expect any preacher to declare? Every preacher should declare:

 

I. THE GOSPEL OF GOD [1 Cor. 1:17]

 

1. It is the power of God unto salvation [Rm. 1:16]

2. Lost people need to hear it [Rm. 10:8-17]

3. Saved people need to hear it [1 Peter 1:3-9, 25]

 

II. THE WORD OF GOD [Acts 20:27-32]

 

1. The example of Jesus [Mk. 2:2]

2. The example of the apostles [Acts 8:4, 25; 13:5, 14:25, 15:35-36, 17:13, 20:27]

3. The admonition of the Scripture [2 Tm. 4:2, Titus 1:3]

 

III. AS LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD [Micah 3:5-8]

 

1. We need Him [John 14:16-17, 15:26, 16:7-15]

2. We need His direction [Acts 13:1-5, 16:6-11]

3. We need His power [1 Cor. 2:1-5]

JEHOVAH-JIREH & Abraham

GENESIS 22:1-18                                            

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The term "JEHOVAH-JIREH" only appears once in the Scriptures and that is right here in our text. In the strictest sense it is the name of a place not a title for God but Abraham's intent was to name a place bearing testimony of who God is and what He will do. Jehovah, or more properly, Yahweh is the eternal, self-existent One without beginning or end. "Jireh" is a form of the verb "to see" and is usually translated "see" or "appear" in the Old Testament. How it became synonymous with "God will provide" should be made clear during this message.

 

I. UNDERSTAND WHAT GOD WAS NOT DOING!

 

1. GOD WAS NOT: Approving Human Sacrifice- He knew what He was going to do! [v.8-9]

 

Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

"It was not Isaac's life that God wanted; it was Abraham's heart, and He got it!" Lehman Strauss

 

2. GOD WAS NOT: Tempting Abraham to do evil [Gn. 22:1, Daniel 1:12, James 1:13]

 

-Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

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

 

3. GOD WAS NOT: Proving Abraham’s faith to Himself - He was testing/proving Him before men. [Jm. 2:18-24, Rm. 4:1-3]

 

Did Abraham love Yahweh as much as the heathen loved their false gods? (remember Job and Satan, the test was good for Job, proved something to Satan and us)

-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. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith , Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only

-What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

 

"God never puts us to the test until: we are ready for it and He has made preparation for our victory." -L.S.

 

II. THE SUCCESS OF ABRAHAM    Abraham was not a success because he was some super-perfect Christian

 

1. Abraham didn't fully understand but he fully trusted. [Heb. 11:17-19]

 

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

 

2. Abraham didn't fully understand but he fully submitted [James 2:23, Is. 41:8, John 15:14]

 

-And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

-But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

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

 

3. Abraham didn't fully understand but he fully worshipped [Gn. 22:5,  

 

1st use of English "worship" in the Bible, Hebrew word twice before as “bowed” 18:2, 19:1

 

"When the heart is right in God's sight, no sacrifice is too great to offer Him, and this is the only kind of worship He accepts." -L.S.

John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

 

III. THE PROVISION OF GOD

 

The word "provision" comes from two words [pro=before, vision=to see] and thus means to see beforehand. God sees all things beforehand (an attribute we call foreknowledge) and then He prepares and provides beforehand (ex. the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world). So Abraham was saying "the Lord will see to it", i.e., "the Lord will provide!"

 

1. He provided Abraham a glimpse of Jesus. [Gn. 22:8, 14 future tense, Jn. 8:56]

 

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

 

2. He provided us examples of behavior [1 Cor. 10:11, 2 Pet. 2:6]

 

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

-And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

 

3. He provided all with the means of for pleasing Him [Heb. 11:6, 39-40, Rm. 8:28, 32]

 

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

-And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

-And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

-He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

THE GREAT WHITE THRONE

REVELATION 20:11

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THERE ARE SOME THAT ARE NOT ON THE DOCKET

 

1. All the Saved of All the Ages [Rm. 8:1]

 

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

 

2. Satan & His Demons [Rev. 20:10, Mt. 8:28-29]

 

- And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

- And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

 

3. The Good Angels [1 Corinthians 6:3]

 

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

 

II. THE JUDGE IS NOT ON THE TAKE

 

1. God is On the Throne [Rev. 20:11-12]

 

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

 

2. Christ, God Incarnate, to be Specific [John 5:22, Romans 8:3, 1 Timothy 3:16]

 

-For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

-For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

-And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

 

3. God is On Time [Jude 11-12, 2 Timothy 4:1, Romans 2:16]

 

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.

-I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

-In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

 

III. THE RIGHTEOUS OUTCOME IS NOT IN QUESTION

 

1. The Unsaved Dead are Judged by Their Works [Rev. 20:5, 11-13]

 

-But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

-And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

 

2. The Unsaved Dead are Judged by Their Witnesses [Luke 11:29-32]

 

And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

 

3. The Unsaved Dead are Judged by Their Will [John 5:39-47, Revelation 22:17]

 

-Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another , and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

-And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

 

 

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 One of my songs says:

In the morning, at the noontime,

And when come ev'ning shadows,

I love Thee, my Jesus,

I love Thee, my King.

In rejoicing and in sorrow,

In lightness and burden

I love Thee, my Saviour and Lord.

- John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 29-30]

If you can't be happy when it is dark, then you are no better than the heathen. Neither can they. A Christian always has something to be happy about. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 30]

If you are not happy, there are two or three reasons. One, you don't quite believe those promises. You don't really believe that all things work together for good. You don't really believe that God is going to take care of you and never leave you alone. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 30]

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." [1 Th. 5:18]

Give thanks when we are well, and give thanks when we are sick. The truth is, when God gets done, you will find that what He had in mind is a lot better than what you would have chosen. So thank God for some trouble; thank Him for some pain. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 30]

I had a heart attack about two years ago [written in early 1980, by late Dec. Dr. Rice would be with the Lord- editor] and I am a bit limited. I can't walk up the stairs, nor carry baggage. I must rest certain hours each day. So what shall I do? I have seen so many healed in answer to prayer who were sick. But shall I be different from others? As far as holy living is concerned, yes. But shouldn't a Christian suffer like other Christians suffer? The Lord has told us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 30-31]

I am no better than other people, so I can't expect the Lord to make me thirty-five again. I will ask him for daily help, and I am getting it, too. And the Lord watches over me and keeps me. Praise the Lord! - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 31]

I am saying, a Christian ought to be willing to suffer some for Jesus. So whatever comes is good. If you don't know it now, you will later when it all comes out. "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose."

So every one can rejoice. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 31]

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

 

I. GOD’S FAITHFULNESS WILL MAKE US BLAMELESS IN THE FUTURE

 

1 Cor. 1:4-9 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Th. 5:23-24 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

 

II. GOD’S FAITHFULNESS WILL NOT ALLOW US TO BE OVERPOWERED BY TEMPTATION

 

1 Cor. 10:12-13 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

 

III. GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IS BASED ON GOD'S ATTRIBUTES SO IS UNWAVERING

 

2 Tm. 2:11-13 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Heb. 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Heb. 2:16-18 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

 

IV. GOD’S FAITHFULNESS HAS GIVEN US A BIBLE WE CAN TRUST

 

Heb. 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 11:11 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.

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

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

Revelation 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

 

V. GOD’S FAITHFULNESS HAS GIVEN US A SAVIOUR UPON WHOM WE CAN DEPEND

 

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

WAIT, THAT’S A MILLENNIUM THING?

REVELATION 20:1-7

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE MILLENNIUM BEGINS AFTER A BATTLE [Rev. 19:11-20:3]

 

II. THE BUSINESS OF CLEAN-UP IS BOOMING [Ez. 39:1-16]

 

III. THERE WILL BE A MAN SHORTAGE [Is. 4]

 

IV. NO WORSHIP? NO RAIN! [Zech. 14:16-18]

 

V. THE OLD NATURE VS. THE ROD OF IRON [Psalm 2:9, Revelation 2:27, 12:5, 19:15]   

-Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

-And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

-And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

-And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

 

VI. CHRIST’S KINGDOM EXTENDS TO THE BEASTS OF THE EARTH [Isaiah 11:1-9]

 

VII. JOY IN JERUSALEM [Is. 65:17-19]

 

VII. LIFE EXPECTANCY EXTENDED [Is. 65:20]

 

IX. A CENTURY TO TRUST CHRIST PERSONALLY [Is. 65:20]

 

X. THE MILLENNIUM ENDS AFTER A BATTLE [Rev. 20:7-10] What could top the millennium? Eternity.

WHAT THOU MUST DO

ACTS 9:1-6                                                           

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

“What must I do to be saved?” “What must I do after I am saved?” [“What will thou have me to do?”] Two great questions. If you are a saved individual you should realize that salvation is akin to High School Commencement exercises. “Commencement” does not mean an end but a beginning. Yes, the old life is over BUT now the new life has begun. When Paul got saved he was told there were certain things he must do, certain things ahead of him, not to be saved- that’s settled- but because he is saved!

 

I. LIVE A LIFE OF SERVICE

 

1. Devotion [v. 6-11]

 

2. Obedience [v. 12-18]

 

3. Testifying [v. 19-21] Had he not obeyed in the so-called little things [v. 15] he would never have done the big things.

 

II. PREPARE FOR PROBLEMS AHEAD

 

1.  Problems Because of Our Former Crowd [v. 22-25]

 

2. Problems Because of Our Current Crowd [v. 26]

 

3.  Problems Because of Our Target Crowd [v. 27-29]

 

III. LOVE, LIVE & LAY UP [2 Tm. 4:6-8]

 

1. Fight the Good Fight [v. 6-7a, 1 Cor. 9:24-27]

 

2. Finish the Course [v. 7b, 1 Cor. 15:58]

 

3. Keep the Faith [v. 7c-8, Jude 3]

 

Don’t dip your colors. Remain loyal. Be not guilty of treason against the King of Kings.

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you." [1 Th. 5:12]

A Christian ought to "know" those who work with him. Call your pastor on the phone and tell him, "I thank God for you. I am praying for you and I am backing you up." - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 28]

"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you." [1 Th. 5:12]

You ought to "know" those who labor among you and over you and admonish you in the Lord. The Lord says on this matter in Hebrews 13:7, "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." Then verse 17, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 28]

I hope you will today make some contact with people whom God has given to teach you and have some rule over you spiritually. And you should love them and pray for them. Christians should want to make their pastor happy.

..."And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. " - [1 Th. 5:13]

Some of you may have a pastor who does something you don't like. That is not surprising. Your pastor, being human, has his frailties and weaknesses. But you must love him and all Christians. This is your duty. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 28]

"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men." - 1 Th. 5:14.

"The feebleminded" doesn't mean one who is partly insane or not very smart, but those who are not well settled about doctrine and the Truth. You are to comfort and encourage them. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 28]

A Christian must love people and not try to get even. The Lord says, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" (Rom. 12:19). Grudges are a bitter thing. Unforgiveness is a bitter thing. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 29]

The Scripture warns us not to hold grudges and not to try to get even with others. Don't render evil for evil but set out to pursue peace, to love people and help them. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 29]

"Rejoice evermore" [1 Th. 5:16]

Be happy all the time. It is a sin not to rejoice. A Christian ought to be happy, for he has so much to be happy about. You ought to be happy on good days, and on bad days, too. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 29]

One of my songs says:

In the morning, at the noontime,

And when come ev'ning shadows,

I love Thee, my Jesus,

I love Thee, my King.

In rejoicing and in sorrow,

In lightness and burden

I love Thee, my Saviour and Lord.

- John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 29-30]

WHEN JESUS COMMANDS THE DEAD

LUKE 7:11-16                           

Pastor Rick Jackson

By way of introduction here are several surprising truths about the various times Jesus raised individuals from the dead:

-During his earthly ministry Jesus resuscitated individuals in their normal bodies- He did not give them a glorified body.

-Jesus never raised someone for themselves- it was always for someone else.

-It was not specifically requested per se.

 

I. THE WIDOW’S SON [Luke 7]

 

1. The Plight of the Woman [v. 11-12]

 

2. The Passion of the Saviour [v. 13]

 

3. The Praise of the People [v. 14-16]

 

II. THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS [Lk. 8]

 

1. The Original Request [v. 41-42, Mt. 9:18]

 

2. It was For the Parents [v. 49-55]

 

3. It was Not for Publicity [v. 56]

 

III. THE BROTHER OF MARY AND MARTHA [John 11]

 

1. For the Glory Of God [v. 1-4]

 

2. For the Family and Friends [v. 5-40]

 

3. For the Salvation of Souls [v. 41-45, 12:9-11]

THE DECLARATION OF GOD

MALACHI 3:6

 

 Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 I. THE DECLARATION OF IDENTITY “For I am the LORD”

 

 1. The God of the Word [v. 1]

 

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

 

3. The God of Redemption [v. 3-4]

 

 II. THE DECLARATION OF IMMUTABILITY “I change not”

 

 1. His Perfection Does Not Change [v. 5]

 

2. His Person Does Not Change [v. 6, Hebrews 13:8]

 

3.  His Purpose Does Not Change [v. 17-18, Luke 19:10, Rev. 22]

 

 III. THE DECLARATION OF OPPORTUNITY “therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed”

 

1. The Opportunity to Return [v. 7]

 

2. The Opportunity to Repent [v. 8-10]

 

3. The Opportunity to Rejoice [v. 11-16]

GET OUT OF THE BOAT!

MATTHEW 14:22-33

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Simon Peter has been both eulogized for walking on the water and criticized for sinking but one thing is for sure – he got out of the boat. You are never going to walk on water if you don’t get out of the boat. The other disciples did not even get out of the boat. They missed that particular blessing. There are blessings in this life that you can only have if you get out of the boat. I don’t know what that might be for you. It might be witnessing. It might be singing. It might be giving a public testimony. It might be going to the mission field, answering God’s call for service, volunteering to serve God in some specific way… I don’t know. But I do know this- if you don’t get out of the boat it is not going to happen.

 

I. IF YOU ARE GOING TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT – FOCUS ON CHRIST!

 

1. Talk to the Lord [v. 28, Lk. 18:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 1:5]

 

“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint”

Pray without ceasing.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 

2. Listen to the Lord [v. 29, Isaiah 34:16, Mt. 7:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:20]

 

Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Despise not prophesyings.

 

3. Step Out on Faith [v. 29, Acts 16:9-10] “Be sure you’re right- and then go ahead.” – Davy Crockett

 

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him , saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

 

II. IF YOU ARE GOING TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT – IGNORE THE CRITICS!

 

Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize!” – Lee Roberson

 

1. Die to Criticism! [Isaiah 50:7, Ezekiel 3:9]

 

For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

Thomas – “He’ll never make it. We’re all going to die.” [John 11:16 similar thought]

The test of your character is what it takes to stop you.” — Bob Jones, Sr

 

2. Die to Compliments! [Colossians 2:4]

 

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

 

3. Die to Self! [Jn. 12:24-25, 1 Corinthians 15:31]

 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily .

 

III. IF YOU ARE GOING TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT – EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE & REFOCUS ON CHRIST!

 

1. Christ Makes the Impossible Possible [Philippians 4:13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

2. Christ Works Through Us to do His Work [2 Corinthians 12:9,  Galatians 2:20]

 

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.

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

 

3. Christ is There When We Falter, Fall, or Fail [v. 30-33, Hebrews 4:16]

 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 The Bible explicitly says it is not for you to know the times and seasons of the second coming, which God has left in His own power. We don't know about that; but aren't we glad Paul knew Jesus was coming and that it might happen in his lifetime! It may be in our lifetime. It may even be today, tonight, maybe tomorrow morning before I wake. I don't know when, But Jesus is coming. It may be in 500 years. I don't know. Nobody knows, but He is coming. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 25]

He is coming. And it will be sudden and unexpected. And, oh, what a glad time when we all see our loved ones and meet the Lord and them in the air!

Jesus is coming. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 26]

"The day of the Lord" [1 Th. 5] has reference in the Bible to the time when Christ returns; not primarily the first phase of His coming, but the whole matter of the second coming. Jesus has the battle of Armageddon and sets up His kingdom on earth. All the kingdoms of the earth will be torn down and Christ will take over these kingdoms. That is called "the day of the Lord." - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 26]

Christians will have been raptured and taken away before the battle of Armageddon, before the Man of Sin is revealed, before the mark of the beast comes. Christians will not see that; that is for those people left after we have gone. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 27]

Some Christians are afraid they might go through the tribulation time. So many have set dates and times and say they have figured out when the last days will be. For example, , the sings of World War I, of World War II, the rise of communism, the National Council of Churches, the great apostasy among Christian denominations. . . . People say these must mean this age is about done. But those are not signs. There is no way for anyone to know when Christ will come. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 27]

Somebody sent an ad for the SWORD OF THE LORD which advertised survival kits. It contained packages of rice and other things to use and eat in the tribulation time. I did not accept the ad because he doesn't know when the tribulation will be. It comes after the rapture.

You are not of the night but of the day. And he goes on to say, "Let us [who are of the day] watch and be sober. . .putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." God has not appointed us for wrath, nor for the tribulation time. We Christians will have been taken out before that. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 27]

So the whole phase of the second coming, the tribulation, the battle of Armageddon, the destruction of the nations, then Christ setting up His kingdom to reign will come after the rapture, when Christians are caught up to meet the Lord. We are not of the night but of the day. These things will not come suddenly upon Christians, but we will be taken out at the rapture. - John R. Rice [Comments on 1st Thessalonians, pg. 27]

THREE LIES OF DEVILISH WISDOM

JAMES 3:13-17

 

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LIES THE DEVIL TELLS ABOUT SIN [GEN. 3]

 

1. “Ye shall not surely die” [v. 4]

 

In other words- “God doesn’t mean what He says – the Bible is not true- you CAN sin and get by with it”

 

2. “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened” [v. 5a]

 

In other words- “God is trying to keep you from enjoying life- sin is beneficial”

 

3. “ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” [v. 5b]

 

In other words Satan says - “God is selfish- sinning will make you like God”

 

II. FACTS WE LEARN ABOUT SIN [GEN. 3:6-7]        These are non-negotiable truths.

 

1. Sin will take you further than you want to go. [John 8:34]

 

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you , Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

 

2. Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay. [Rm. 7:22-25]

 

3. Sin will cost you more than you want to pay. [Romans 6:23]

 

For the wages of sin is death

 

III. THE TRUTH ABOUT SIN

 

1. Man Cannot Successfully Cover His Sin [Luke 12:2]

 

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

 

2. Man Cannot Control His Sin [Rm. 7:14-25]

 

3. Man Cannot Conquer His Sin [Rm. 8:1-8, 37]

ISRAEL’S FEARFUL & FABULOUS FUTURE

ZECHARIAH 1:12-17

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE CUPS

 

1. The Cup of the Messiah [Zech. 11:12-13, Jn. 18:11]

 

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

 

2. The Cup of Trembling [Zech. 12:1-3, Is. 51:17-23]

 

3. The Cups He Offers [Ps. 116:12-19, Matthew 20:22]

 

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people, In the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

 

II. THE FOUNTAINS

 

1. The Pouring of the Spirit [Zech. 12:10-14]

 

2. The Power of the Fountain [Zech. 13:1]

 

3. The Promise of the Living Waters [Zech. 14:4-8]

 

III. THE REMNANT

 

1. Two-thirds Down [Zech. 13:8]

 

2. One-third Refined [Zech. 13:9, Rm. 11:26-27]

 

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

 

3. “All Israel” Explained [11:26-27, 9:1-6, 4:9-25]