WHEN THE MASTER SAYS “TAKE HEED” …

MARK 13:5, 9, 23, 33                                            

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. TAKE HEED WHO YOU HEAR [v. 1-8] esp. v. 5

 

1. Listen to Jesus & His Message [v. 1-4]

2. Beware of False Christs & Their Messages [v. 5-8]

 

II. TAKE HEED WHO YOU FEAR [v. 9-20] esp. v. 9

 

1. The Reign of Men is Mercifully Short [v. 9-13]

2. The Reign of the Antichrist is Mercifully Shorter [v. 14]

3. The Reign of the Lord is Marvelously Unending [v.15-20]

 

III. TAKE HEED WHAT YOU BELIEVE [v. 21-37] esp. v. 23

 

1. False Christs seek to deceive [v. 21-23]

2. The True Christ seeks to Deliver [v. 23-31]

 

IV. TAKE HEED WHAT YOU DO NOT BELIEVE [v. 32-37] esp. v. 33

 

1. Do Not Believe Those who Say they know when Christ is Coming [v. 32-33]

2. Do Not Behave Like Those who Sleep when they should be working [v. 34-37]

THE ONLY THREE REASONS TO FEAR DEATH

PSALM 23                                                           

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Fear of death is a common theme in literature, the entertainment industry and, of course, life itself. It is common amongst all age groups, both genders, the so-called races and most religions. As common as the fear is there are only 3 reasons people are afraid to die. They are either Unsaved, Uninformed or Unconsecrated. What do you mean preacher? Let us open the Word of God and discover how to face death without fear.

 

I. THE UNSAVED

 

1. The Unsaved are Unprepared [Amos 4:12]

 

Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

 

2. The Unsaved are Unaware [Ps. 35:8]

 

Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.

 

3. The Unsaved are Unholy [2 Tm. 3:1-5]

 

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

 

4. The Unsaved are Unbelieving [John 3:18, 36]

 

-He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

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

 

5. The Unsaved are Unjust, Unclean & Unrighteous [2 Pet. 2:9-14]

 

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

 

6. The Unsaved are Ungodly [Jude 14-15]

 

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.

 

 II. THE UNINFORMED

 

These folks are saved but they are ignorant concerning the true nature of death for the Christian and therefore fear death erroneously. (Examples- people become angels, soul sleep, purgatory, limbo)

 

1. They don’t realize that Heaven for the Christian is Better [Phil. 1:20-23]

 

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. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour : yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

 

2. They don’t realize that Heaven for the Christian is Being with Christ [2 Corinthians 5:6]

 

-Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

 

3. They don’t realize that Heaven for the Christian is Being Like Jesus [1 Jn. 3:1-2]

 

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 

 III. THE UNCONSECRATED

 

These folks are saved as well but they are following Christ from afar off, saved but not serving.

 

1. They are afraid and rightly so for they will be Ashamed before His Coming [2 Th. 3:14-15, 2 Tm. 2:15]

 

-And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

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

 

2. They are afraid and rightly so for they will be Ashamed at His Coming [1 Jn. 2:28-29]

 

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

 

3. They are afraid and rightly so for they will be Ashamed after His Coming [2 Cor. 5:8-11]

 

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 The Bible says nothing about how much sorrow one must have before he can accept Christ so I have no doctrine about that. The Bible says that "godly sorrow worketh repentance" (II Cor. 7:10), so any time one honestly turns in his heart to Christ, he has had enough sorrow for sin to be saved. Of course no one turns from his sins and turns to Christ unless he is sorry for his sin and wants to be saved. But the Bible makes no issue about that and, of course, no one else ought to. There ought to be plain preaching against sin. People ought to be taught to turn from sin in genuine repentance. ― John R. Rice, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions

This world is only an anteroom of the next. This short life is incidental compared with eternity. This world is not home to the Christian.

― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

God is ready and waiting to receive sinners who put their heart's trust in Jesus and want to be saved, and to pretend that He requires a long period of mourning and sorrow before He will accept a sinner and save him is contrary to the teaching of the Bible.

― John R. Rice, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions

Jesus says that one is a fool to even be slow to "believe all that the prophets have spoken." And to prove His point, "beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." Jesus believed the Pentateuch, "all the prophets," and literally "all the scriptures," and knew that therein were divine prophecies concerning Himself. Jesus said that a man is a fool to be even slow to believe the Bible! - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 28]

So let every one who counts his blessings think of the unfailing favor of God who, day after day, has supplied food to satisfy the body, to delight the heart.

How fitting that, with bowed heads and reverent hearts, every home at mealtime should thank God for the food. What wicked ingratitude it is to eat like pigs with both feet in the feed trough, without a heartfelt thank-you to the Giver of every good and perfect gift! - John R. Rice [Count Your Blessings, pg. 21]

Thanksgiving day should only be one day to make official and public the praise that should resound in our hearts and testimonies throughout the year. By divine inspiration, David wrote, "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth"! (Ps. 34:1). Again he said, "And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long" (Ps. 35:28). - John R. Rice [Count Your Blessings, pg. 2]

THANKSGIVING FOR THE OBVIOUS AND THE OBSCURE

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THANK GOD FOR FOOD [Matthew 15:36-37]

 

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

 

II. THANK GOD FOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIPS [1 Thessalonians 1:2]

 

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

 

III. THANK GOD FOR CHRISTIAN FUTURESHIPS [Romans 1:7-13]

 

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. First , I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto ,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

 

IV. THANK GOD FOR CHRISTIAN FRIENDS [2 Timothy 1:2-3, Philemon 1-4]

 

To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

 

V. THANK GOD THAT GOD HEARS OUR PRAYERS John 11:41

 

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

VI. THANK GOD FOR CHRISTIAN ENCOURAGEMENT [Acts 28: 14-15]

 

Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

 

VII. THANK GOD FOR THE ASSURED VICTORY FOR CHRISTIANS [Rm. 7: 24-25]

 

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

 

VIII. THANK GOD FOR KEEPING US OUT OF TROUBLES WE ARE IGNORANT OF [1 Cor. 1:14-17]

 

I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

 

IX. THANK GOD FOR ALL THINGS [Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18]

 

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

X. THANK GOD FOR GOD [Rev. 11: 15-18]

 

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

THEY COULD NOT, THEY CAN NOT

Luke 14:1-6

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Isn’t it amazing what “THEY” say? “THEY” say the Bible is full of contradictions… “THEY” say Jesus couldn’t have been God in the flesh. “THEY” say all roads lead to heaven. If you start to look at Christ and what “THEY” say you will find a great gulf fixed between His reality and their claims. “THEY” are so limited and always have been. Let’s examine a few things THEY COULD NOT in relation to the Lord Jesus.

 

I. THEY COULD NOT KILL HIM WHEN HE WAS BORN [Mt. 2:2-3, 7-9, 11-23]

 

II. THEY COULD NOT KILL HIM IN HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY [Lk. 4:18-30, 19:47-48]

 

III. THEY COULD NOT MAKE HIM SIN [Heb. 4:15, Jn. 8:46]

- For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

- Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

 

IV. THEY COULD NOT KEEP HIM OFF THE CROSS [Mt. 16:21-23, 26:1-5, Is 53:10]

- From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

-And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.

- Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

 

V. THEY COULD NOT KEEP HIM IN THE GRAVE [Mt. 27:62-28:6]

 

But wait, it’s not just true that THEY COULD NOT but praise His Dear Name, it is equally true, THEY CANNOT!

 

VI. THEY CANNOT PREVENT HIM FROM SAVING WHOSOEVER CALLS ON HIM [Rm. 10:9-13]

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

 

VII. THEY CANNOT PREVENT HIM FROM COMING BACK [Jn. 14:1-3, 2 Th. 1:7-10, Rev. 1:7, 19:11-21]

YOU ENDURE IT, I AM GOING TO ENJOY IT

PS. 118:21-24, 1 Th. 5:16

 

I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Rejoice evermore.

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Far too many Christians seem to endure their faith rather than enjoying it. Some think God delights in the dour, somber, and pathetic displays of sadness. That's NOT what the Bible teaches! I think we should enjoy our faith as the Bible says. What about when things go bad? I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says. What about when loved ones go to be with Jesus? I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says. What about when people don't understand you? I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says. What about when people leave the church? I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says. What about "blah blah blah"? I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says. God helping me I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says

 

I. GOD HELPING ME I AM GOING TO REJOICE IN SALVATION

 

1. Rejoice in the Relationship with Him [Lk. 1:47, 10:20, Phil. 3:1]

 

- And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

-Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

-Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

 

2. Rejoice in the Fellowship with Him [Rm. 5:1-2, 1 Jn. 1:3-4]

 

- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

-That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

 

3. Rejoice in the Lordship of Him [Psalm 35:9, 40:16; Isaiah 25:9, Habakkuk 3:18]

 

-And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

-Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

-And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

-Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

 

II. GOD HELPING ME I AM GOING TO REJOICE IN TRIBULATION

 

1. For His sake [Mt. 5:11-12]

 

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake . Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

 

2. For His work [Ph. 2:17-18]

 

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

 

3. For Him [1 Pet. 4:12-13]

 

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

 

III. GOD HELPING ME I AM GOING TO REJOICE IN EXPECTATION

 

In some ways it’s mind over matter. If you don’t mind- it doesn’t matter.

 

1. God's leading [Mt. 2:10, 1 Co. 13:6, 2 Jn. 4, 3 Jn. 3]

 

- When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

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

- I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

- For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

 

2. God's Working [Lk. 10:21, 19:37, 2 Cor. 7:7]

 

- In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

-And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen

-And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

 

3. God's Glory [Jn. 3:29, 8:56, 14:28, Ps. 126:5-6, Jn. 15:8]

 

- He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

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

- They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

- Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 It is clear that men did not write what they could copy down from records. Men did not write down nor put in writing so-called "oral traditions." Men did not write down things they learned from eyewitnesses. You understand, those who wrote might have been familiar with records or they might have known eyewitnesses, or they might have seen some of the things recorded. But when they wrote they did not write on the authority of eyewitnesses or human records or their own understanding. They wrote the matter which God gave them in the words which God Himself gave. So the Bible clearly teaches, and so a believing Christian is glad to believe. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 24-25]

The Bible is called the Word of God. Jesus also is called the Word of God (John 1:14, Rev. 19:13). There is a divinely intended similarity, almost identity, between Jesus, the Word made flesh, and the Bible, the Word written down in human language. Jesus is the God-man, both divine and human. He is not half God and half man. He is wholly God and wholly man. In Jesus, deity and man are perfectly combined. But that does not mean that His humanity limited His deity. The Lord Jesus Christ has all the perfection of deity, though He took on Himself the form of a servant and became obedient to death, even to the death on the cross. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 25]

God in mercy selected certain men, prepared them, and these holy men wrote the Bible as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But human frailty no more enters into the writing of the Bible than human frailty entered into the incarnation of Jesus Christ. As Mary did not decide when nor how the body of the Lord Jesus would be formed within her, did not decide any of the processes by which God worked His miracle, using some human means, so men who wrote the Bible did not decide what was written, did not decide what words to use. They participated gladly, sometimes, and in varying degrees. They sometimes understood and sometimes did not understand. Sometimes the words fitted with their normal vocabularies and sometimes they did not. But though men had part in the writing of the Scriptures, it was God who made the decisions and the result is the perfect, infallible, supernatural, wonderful Bible! - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 25-26]

There are those who pretend a love for Jesus Christ though they do not believe that the Bible is all true, and do not regard it as the authoritative, perfect Word of God. They do not attack the Lord Jesus Christ, but they do attack the Bible. But do not be deceived by such men. Those who attack the Bible thus attack Jesus Christ. Those who do not believe the Bible do not believe the historic Christian faith. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 26]

The Bible is the only rule by which a Christian may safely go. Right or wrong, for the Christian, is settled by the will of God as expressed in His Word, the infallible Bible. - John R. Rice [World-Wide War and the Bible, pg. 36]

The words of Jesus in Matthew 5:17, 18, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Jesus did not come to destroy the law, but not one jot nor tittle shall pass away even till heaven and earth pass away, Jesus said! Jesus here indicates the eternal and perfect character of the Word of God. Jesus said it will fit all generations, it will never be out of date, it will be good in all languages and climates and ages, and will never pass away till all be fulfilled. That means Jesus puts His deity back of the supernatural perfection of the Bible. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 27]

In Matthew 24:35 Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Here Jesus plainly says that His own words could never pass away. But in truth, the only record we have of His words is in the New Testament. So, actually Jesus is here guaranteeing the supernatural preservation of the New Testament, saying that the life of God is in the Bible. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 27]

WEIGHTY MATTERS

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THERE IS THE MATTER OF ACCESS [Eph 2:18] We have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

 

1. Think about God and His Attributes

 

"God is holy" [1 Peter 1:16]    He is "the mighty God" [Isa. 9:7]        He is "the eternal God" [Deut. 33:27]

 

2. Remember we are to "fear God" [1 Peter 2:17] Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

 

It is no wonder that we all feel so unworthy to come to God. [Heb. 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.

 

3. Learn that "the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities" [Rom. 8:26] and gives liberty, "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." [2 Cor 3:17] to have access unto the Father.

 

"This is a reality as we 'walk in the Spirit.' Everything in the Christian life depends on us depending on the Holy Spirit to live the normal Christian life. If you are struggling in your prayer life, you are probably not 'consciously' depending on and 'walking' in the Spirit. We are invited to 'come boldly (not brashly) to the throne of grace that we may obtained mercy and find grace to help in the time of need' Heb 4:12. We have 'access by the Holy Spirit to the Father.' That is not just religious talk, it is the essential ingredient to coming to God in prayer and seeing answers to your prayer." - Sumner Wemp

 

II. THERE IS THE MATTER OF BEING ACCESSIBLE [Eph 2:21-22]

 

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

 

1. Remember You Have been bought with a price! [1 Cor. 6:20]

 

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

"Your body is a royal palace! You are the Buckingham Palace in the spiritual realm. God, the King of Kings, lives in your mortal body. Isn't that awesome! You and your body are sacred. Now doesn't that sober you and make your body and every place you go sacred?" - Sumner Wemp

2. "Glorify God in your body"

 

Glorify God through your eyes in what you see, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes" [Psalm 101:3] "Look at the things that are eternal" [2 Cor. 4:18]

 

Glorify God through your ears in what you hear on radio, CD's or tapes! Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

 

Glorify God through your mouth in what you say, "let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth" [Eph. 4:29]

 

3. Glorify God through your mind in what you think about [Phil. 4:8]

 

"Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, think on these things"

 

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night -Josh 1:8

 

Sumner Wemp watched an hour long television program showing all that is done when her Majesty. the Queen comes to the Windsor Castle. He said, "Of course, the palace was a clean as a hounds tooth. It was spic and span, 'fit for a Queen.' Everything was done so Her majesty would be comfortable there, feel at home. How much more should our 'castle' our bodies be kept pure and in order so God will feel at home."

 

III. THERE IS THE MATTER OF PLEASING GOD           You and I can please God!

 

"This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased' Lk 3:22. You are His son, is He well pleased?

 

1. The carnal minded can't please Him [Rm. 8:6-7]

 

2. They that are walking the flesh cannot please God. [Rm. 8:8-12]

 

3. Enoch PLEASED GOD AND SO CAN WE [Hebrews 11:5-6]

 

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Do you want to please God? Deep down inside, do you want to PLEASE GOD? Jesus did it in the "power of the Holy Spirit." We too must PLEASE GOD, by the power of the Holy Spirit. YOU CAN! Are you walking in the flesh, producing the "works of the flesh" lusting for things or "walking in the Spirit" producing "the fruit of the Spirit"?

 

"The goal of every true disciple is to please God. The Bible is our guidebook, showing us how to do that." - Elisabeth Elliot

 

Know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come "For men shall be lovers of their own selves" 2 Tim 3:1, 2. "selfishness"

 

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. [Jer. 6:15, 16]

 

We as Christians must be ashamed of our sins, confess them, forsake them and make apologies and amends for those we have offended to please God. -Sumner Wemp       

Most of this material was "borrowed" with permission from Sumner Wemp

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 The Scripture does not simply claim that God breathed on men and these inspired men wrote out the Bible. But God's claim is much stronger and more definite than that. What God says is that He breathed out the Scripture. God used men to write it down, of course, but the Scripture itself came directly from God. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 10]

People go wrong in their fellowships before they go wrong in their doctrine. - John R. Rice

Prophets who wrote the Old Testament did not themselves make the decision that they would write the books they wrote. They did not decide what to write. The Word of God did not come "by the will of man." Instead, "holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

The men used of God to write the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, wrote "as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." God then, working through human agents, wrote the Bible. It is God's Word, not man's. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 11]

If the Bible be not the very Word of God, it is a book of the most extravagant lies ever written. Either the Bible is what it claims to be - the very Word of God - or it is not myth, not legend, not fairy tale, not inaccurate history, but bold, deliberate, willful falsehood with false morals, a false Christ, a false religion. The Bible must be accepted as what it claims to be - the very Word of God - or it must be rejected as forgery and falsehood. Thank God, devout Christians who have tried it know that the Bible is what it claims to be - the very Word of God. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 12]

We have said that the Bible expressly claims to be the Word of God. That is true. It does make that claim definitely and repeatedly. But even more impressive, perhaps, is the fact the Bible from one end to the other ACTS like the Word of God. It claims for itself the authority, the qualities, the perfections which could only be true of the very Word of God, supernatural and perfect. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 12]

The Bible speaks on matters which only God could know. For example, the first chapter of Genesis tells of the creation of the world, the land, the sea and the skies, the heavenly bodies, plants, animals, and man. No one else could have been there to see it all. So the Bible speaks on the assumption that it is from God who did these things and who alone would know how to describe them.

Throughout the Bible we find the same assumption, a freedom to speak about things where only God could possibly know the exact truth. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 13]

The Bible expressly says, not once but hundreds of times, that the man writing is writing the very words of God. In any other book in the world except the Bible, such talk would be counted purest nonsense. But it is not nonsense in the Bible. The Bible ACTS like the Word of God, which it is. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 14]

HE’S BEEN TRYING TO REACH YOU

DANIEL 2

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 I. YOUR CONTACTS ARE TOO LIMITED

 

 1. There is Not a Man That Can Do This [v. 1-10]

 

2. “Gods” Don’t Dwell With Men [v. 11-13]

 

3. The God of Heaven Can & Will Do This! [v. 14-18]

 

 II. THE CONTACT YOU NEED FROM DANIEL’S ADDRESS BOOK

 

 1.  The God of Heaven [v. 19]

 

2. The God of Wisdom and Might [v. 20-22]

 

3.  The God of my Fathers [v. 23] that is, the God of the Book [John 1:11-12]

 

 III. PERSONAL CONTACT IS THE BEST

 

 1. There is a God in Heaven [v. 24-28]

 

2. The God of Heaven Has Been Contacting You [v. 28-45]

 

3. Knowing About Him is a Good Start [v. 46-49]

A GLIMPSE OF GLORY

GN. 28:10-19                                             

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

     D. L. Moody died about seven a.m. December 22, 1899 with a note of victory. He said the following at his death: "I see earth receding; heaven is approaching. God is calling me. This is my triumph. This is my coronation day. It is glorious. God is calling and I must go. Mama, you have been a good wife...no pain...no valley...it's bliss."

     When John R. Rice was 6 years old his mother was dying. They called in all the family and she made them all promise to meet her in Heaven. All were weeping but her. She asked for a hymn to be sung and when asked “which?” she replied, “How Firm A Foundation”. As they sang, she rejoiced and clapped while the others wept. My friend, Robert L. Sumner, wrote in his biography of John Rice, Man Sent from God, "Lifting her hands high and gazing as if seeing through the ceiling and roof to the far-off Heaven, she said, "I can see Jesus and my baby now!' Then... she smiled, and was asleep in Jesus."

     When a relative of some of our members was passing over some time past she looked past them and saw glory. They said her face regained lost color, her eyes sparkled, and a wide grin spread across her face. Her family believed she glimpsed glory. She's there now.

     What about this? Is this true? I have heard of many such events. We have the Bible and we have brains, let's use both.

 

I. SOME CLAIMS ARE FALSE

 

1. Some are deliberate deception told by liars or charlatans (some folks changed their stories)

 

2. Some can be demonic deception [1 Jn. 4:1-6] (Dr. Bob Jones Sr. told of such an occurrence)

 

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. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

 

3. Some can be medically or mentally induced [Jer. 17:9]

 

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

II. SOME CLAIMS ARE GENUINE

 

1. A Biblical example [Acts 7:55-60]

 

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down , and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

 

2. Some Biblical conditions [2 Cor. 12:1-4]

 

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory . I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

 

3. Is it Biblically correct? [Rev. 21:9-22:6]

 

III. SOME WILL DO MORE THAN GLIMPSE IT!

 

1. There is coming a day [Rev. 21:1-4]

 

2. There is a crowd going [Rev. 21:5-7, 1 Jn. 5:4-5]

 

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

 

3. There is a crowd NOT going [Rev. 21:8]

HOW’S YOUR REPROACH?

1 Timothy 3:7, 4:10

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. AVOID THE SINNER’S DESERVED REPROACH

 

1. National Sin [Pr. 14:34]

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

 

2. Familial Sin [Pr. 19:26]

He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

 

3. Personal Sin [1 Tm. 3:7]

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

 

II. ADMIRE THE SAVIOUR’S DIVINE REPROACH

 

1.  His Reproach as a Condemned Sinner [Ps. 22:6, 2 Cor. 5:21]

-But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

-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.

 

2. His Reproach as the Father’s Son [Lam. 3:30, Is. 50:6, Mk. 14:61-65]

-He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.

-I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

-But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

3.  His Reproach as a Willing Sacrifice [Ps. 22:6-8, Lk. 23:33-37]

 

-But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

-And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

 

III. ACCEPT THE SAINT’S DELIGHTFUL REPROACH

 

1. Choose to be a Reproach for Christ’s Sake [Lk. 6:22, Heb. 11:26]

 

-Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

-Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

 

2. Choose to be a Reproach for Love’s Sake [Heb. 13:12-13]

 

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

 

3. Choose to be a Reproach for Faith’s Sake [1 Tim. 4:10]

 

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 No other book has affected human civilization, human literature, human art, human government as has the Bible, but I mean more than that. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels about the Bible, pg. 9]

The Bible has changed the lives of more people, has brought peace and joy and wisdom and strength to more people than all the other books ever written altogether. But I mean more than that. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels about the Bible, pg. 9]

The Bible is so tremendously unique as a fountain of wisdom that the famous professor, William Lyon Phelps of Yale University, says that a knowledge of the Bible without a college education is to be preferred to a college education without a knowledge of the Bible. But I mean more than that. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels about the Bible, pg. 9]

If you came to Christ, that was saving faith. Now then He wants you to have faith in His Word for assurance. That is simply to leave the matter with God and believe what He said. ― John R. Rice [Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions]

I mean that the Bible is like no other book in the world in that it is inspired of God. It is literally God's Word. It is God-breathed revelation. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels about the Bible, pg. 9]

The Bible is more accurate than any scientific book in the world. In fact, it is the only absolutely reliable Book ever written, because it is the very Word of God. It is correct in history, accurate in science. It is morally perfect. It fits the twentieth century [published in 1963] as well as the first century. It fits Gentiles as well as Jews, white as well as black, old as well as young, learned as well as the ignorant. Other books pass out of date, but the Bible is never out of date. The Bible fits all men of all ages. It is the only perfect Book ever written. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels about the Bible, pg. 9-10]

The Bible is the infallible Word of God. It is supernatural, perfect, eternal. Oh, what a treasure that men have on earth, written down in words they can understand, a veritable revelation of God, making clear the will of God, opening wide the gate of Heaven to sinners, offering limitless wisdom to the unlearned, offering peace to the troubled and pardon for the sinning. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels about the Bible, pg. 10]