GOD REVEALED

GOD REVEALED

LUKE 10:17-24

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. GOD REVEALED IN THE BOOK

 

1. His Self [John 5:39, 14:9]

- Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

- Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

 

2. His Suffering [1 Peter 1:11]

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.

 

3. His Secrets [1 Cor. 2:9-16]

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

 

II. GOD REVEALED IN THE BODY [1 Tm. 3:16]

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.

 

1.  In Him is Salvation [Lk. 10:20-22, 1 Peter 1:5]

-Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 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. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

-Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 

2. In Him is Safety [Lk. 10:17-19, 2 Th. 1:7]

-And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

-And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

 

3.  In Him is Satisfaction [Lk. 10:23-24, Mt. 11:27-28]

-And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

-All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest

 

III. GOD REVEALED IN THE BELIEVER [Col. 1:27]

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

 

1. His Purpose [Gal. 1:15-16, 1 Peter 4:13, 5:1, 10]

-But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen

-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.

-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:

-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.

 

2. His Provision [Phil. 4:19]

-But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

3. His Plan [Rm. 1:16-17, 8:18]

-So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

-For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

WHAT TIME IS IT? A TIME TO BE BORN!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE FIRST BIRTH

 

1. The First Birth is a Gift from God [Psalm 127:3]

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

 

2. The Unborn Are Who They Are, Who They Will Be, Not Part of the Mother

-Genesis 25:21-24 = And Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.

-Judges 13:5 = For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.

-Judges 16:17 = That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man

-Job 31:15 = Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?

- Ecclesiastes 11:5 = As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

- Jeremiah 1:4-5 = Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

-Matthew 1:18-25 = Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

 

3. Murder is Not “A Choice”, Murder is A Sin [Exodus 20:13, 21:22-23]

- Thou shalt not kill.

- If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

 

II. THE SECOND BIRTH

 

1. The Second Birth is Necessary to Get to Heaven [John 3:1-4]

 

2. The Second Birth is Spiritual Not Physical [John 3:5-6]

 

3. The Second Birth is By the Word of God [1 Peter 1:23]

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

 

III. THE TIME OF BIRTH

 

1. The Time of the First Birth is on the Day of Your Birth [Gn. 40:20]

And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.

 

2. The Best Time for the Second Birth is Now [Isaiah 49:8, 2 Cor. 6:1-2]

-Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee:

-We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

 

3. The Second Birth is More Important than the First [Ecclesiastes 7:1]

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

After all, the first birth begins your life as a sinner in a sin-cursed world, whereas because of the second birth, death begins your new life as a saint in a perfect place.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 I have heard people pray, "O Holy Spirit, come and dwell within us!" But that prayer is out of place, for the Holy Spirit already dwells in the body of every Christian. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 282]

Thank God, we are not orphans! Thank God, we are not left in this world without anyone to whom we may turn for power and wisdom and everything else that we need! The Holy Spirit lives in my body. He loves me! He is at hand to be a comforter and a teacher. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 282-283]

I have no doubt that the Lord Jesus wanted souls saved more than He wanted anything else when He came to the earth. And the dear Heavenly Father who gave His Son felt the same way. And I cannot imagine that Jesus would have left Heaven to found schools or hospitals or orphan's homes. I cannot imagine that the Lord Jesus would have left Heaven to build nice church buildings with Gothic windows and lovely pipe organs and carpeted aisles and oak pews and reverent congregations, with robed choirs and scholarly ministers. I say, the secondary and incidental byproducts of Christianity were not what Jesus primarily had in mind when He came to this world. He came to die for sinners! Oh, how dear to His heart are the poor lost souls for whom He died! And He feels today, I know, just as He did when He was here. He wants souls saved! - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 300]

Bad company ruined Samson, the Spirit-filled judge of Israel, and led him to commit terrible sins so that the Spirit of the Lord departed from him. Bad company ruined Solomon. In his old age he married heathen wives and they led him into idolatry. Bad company caused Simon Peter to lose his courage, to deny the Lord and to curse and swear! Oh, young Christian, you cannot possibly live at your best as a Christian unless you seek the company of other Christians. - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 43]

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 another 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]

Someone says, "I can live as well outside the church as in the church." No, you cannot! How could anyone live as well running with the Devil's crowd as he could running with the Lord's crowd? - John R. Rice [How to Make a Grand Success of the Christian Life, pg. 43]

LEARNING FROM THE INNER CIRCLE

LUKE 8:41-42   

                                                                              

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LEARNING OF LIFE [LUKE 8:41-42, 49-56]

 

1. A Concern for Others [v. 41-42]

 

2. A Caution Against Critics [v. 49-53]

 

3. A Capacity of Faith [v. 54-56]

 

II. LEARNING OF LORDSHIP [MARK 9:1-9]

 

1. The Assurance the Kingdom Comes [v. 1-3]

 

2. The Acclamation of the King [v. 4-7]

 

3. The Acceptance of the King’s Work [v. 8-9]

III. LEARNING OF GOD’S WILL [MARK 14:32-46]

 

1. God’s Will may Involve Suffering [v. 32-34]

 

2. God’s Will Must Prevail [v. 35-36, Heb. 5:7]

 

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

 

3. God’s Will depends upon God’s Power [v. 37-40]

 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone,

The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own;

Put on the gospel armor, and watching unto prayer,

Where calls the voice of duty, be never wanting there.

(George Duffield, Jr. 1858)

FROM HOPELESS TO HOPEFULL [misspelled on purpose]

Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE BOUNDS OF HOPE

 

1. Hope is Bound in a Person [Jeremiah 17:7] Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

 

2. Hope is Bound in a Work [1 Peter 1:3]

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

 

3. Hope is Bound in a Future [Titus 2:13]

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

 

II. THE GLORY OF HOPE

 

1. It Is a Glory We May Access [Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.]

 

2. It Is a Glory We May Know [Ephesians 1:15-23]

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

 

3. It Is a Glory Christ Provides [Colossians 1:27]

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

 

III. THE PRESENCE OF HOPE [Romans 8:31 … If God be for us, who can be against us?]

 

1. God Around Us [Psalm 34:7] The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

 

2. God Before Us [Isaiah 48:17]

Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

 

3. God Behind Us [Isaiah 30:21]

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

 

4. God at Our Right Hand [Psalm 16:8]

I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

 

5. God at Our Left Hand [Job 23:9-10]

On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

 

6. God Above Us [Psalm 36:7]

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

 

7. God Beneath Us [Deuteronomy 33:27] The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:

 

8. God in Us [1 Corinthians 3:16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?]

MY LORD AND MY GOD

JOHN 20:24-29

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE “MY” OF RELATIONSHIP

 

1. “My Church” [Mt. 16:18]

- upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

 

2. “My Sheep” [Jn. 10:14, 26-28]

- I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

- But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

 

3. “My Brethren” [John 20:17]

-Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

 

II. THE “MY” OF PRIVILEGE

 

1. “My Peace” [John 14:1, 27]

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

- 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.

 

2. “My Joy” [Jn. 15:11]

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

 

3. “My Grace” [2 Cor. 12:9]

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

 

III. THE “MY” OF RESPONSIBILITY

 

1. “My Friends” [Jn. 15:14-16]

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

 

2. “My Words” [Lk. 9:26, 15:7]

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

 

3. “My Name” [Jn. 14:13-14, Mt. 18:19-20]

- And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

- Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 The Saviour did not have the Holy Spirit come upon Him just as an ecstasy, a matter of His own personal enjoyment. I am sure His heart was glad. I am sure He was pleased to hear the Father's voice from Heaven commending Him. But that voice from Heaven was chiefly for the onlookers. That visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit, like a dove lighting upon Him, was for John the Baptist and for others who saw it. Jesus surely knew, without the outward sign, that the Spirit of God came upon Him and that the Father was pleased with Him. I do not say that there is no joy in the fullness of the Holy Spirit....There is always joy in being in the center of God's will, in having God's power, in doing His Work, and in seeing the blessed fruit of His Gospel. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pgs. 71-72]

By God's grace, I will not give up a thing that is promised to New Testament Christians! If some teach baptism essential to salvation, I will not go with them but I will still teach people to be baptized as Jesus and Paul did. If some make the lord's Supper into a mass, and put forgiveness in the hands of a priest, I will not go with them, but I will still teach Christians that Jesus said, "This do in remembrance of me." I cannot throw away part of the Bible because somebody has misinterpreted it! Si I cannot, I must not, turn my back upon the marvelous teaching of Pentecost, that Christians must be filled with the Holy Spirit if they are to do the work of God acceptably, even though some have gone to fanatical extremes concerning the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pgs. 89-90]

It is immediately clear that John the Baptist, Zacharias, Elisabeth and the Lord Jesus were filled with the Holy Ghost just as people were filled with the Holy Ghost in the book of Acts. And in every case they began to witness with power, the enduement of power from on high. They began their soul-winning efforts with supernatural help from God. That is what the fullness of the Spirit brings! To be filled with the Spirit means to be empowered for witnessing. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pgs. 132-133]

You may claim to be "sanctified," but if you do not have soul-winning power you are not filled with the Holy Spirit! Oh, be satisfied with nothing less than the power of God to help you win souls! For to be Spirit-filled means, always, empowered witnessing. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 140]

Joel had foretold, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that "in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy . . ." And again, "And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy." Now Peter says, by divine inspiration, that Joel's prophecy is fulfilled at least in part. Here are the people filled with the Holy Spirit, as Joel said, and they prophesy!

So when people preached the gospel and witnessed for Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, they were prophesying. It is only incidental that some of them prophesied in foreign languages. But the important thing is that they did prophesy, that is, they spoke for Christ by divine revelation and by divine enabling, and this was called prophesying, and it came, we are told, as a result of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon Christian people. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 178]

Prophecy is sometimes foretelling the future and sometimes not, but it is always a supernatural message given in the power of the Holy Spirit. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 191]

Prophecy does not mean simply preaching. It means a witness, whether public or private, in the power of the Holy Spirit, in the fullness of the Spirit; a message that God has particularly given for the ones who hear. It may be a foretelling of the future, or it may not foretell the future. But always it gives a message from God to those present, and gives it in the mighty power of the Holy Spirit. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 191-192]

ENEMIES OF GOD

LUKE 11:14-23

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE LOST ENEMIES OF GOD

 

1. The Lost Enemies of God are Ungodly [Rm. 5:6-10]

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

 

2. The Lost Enemies of God are Alienated [Col. 1:20-21]

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.

 

3. The Lost Enemies of God are Perverted [Acts 13:6-12]

And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

 

II. THE SAVED “ENEMIES” OF GOD

 

1.  The Saved Enemies of God are Carnally Minded [Rom. 8:5-9, 1 Cor. 3:1-4]

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

2. The Saved Enemies of God are Earthly Minded [Phil. 3:17-19]

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

 

3.  The Saved Enemies of God are Worldly Minded [James 4:1-4]

FROM whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 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. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

 

III. THE SAVED FRIENDS OF GOD

 

1. The Saved Friends of God are Believing Friends [James 2:23, Heb. 11:6]

- 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 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.

 

2. The Saved Friends of God are Obedient Friends [John 15:14-15]

If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

 

3. The Saved Friends of God are Dedicated Friends [Luke 12:1-9]

IN the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

COULD NOT, CAN NOT, WILL NOT

LUKE 20:21-26

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THEY COULD NOT…

 

1. Kill Him [Luke 4:28-30, 13:33, Mt. 26:1-5]

- Lk. 4:28-30 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

-Lk. 13:33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

- Mt. 26:1-5 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.

 

2. Convince Him [John 8:46]

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

 

3. Keep Him [Mt. 27:62-66, 28:1-6]

- Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

-In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

 

II. THEY CAN NOT…

1.  Stop His Word [Is. 55:11, John 7:46]

- So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

- The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

 

2. Stop His Work [Jn. 10:17-18, Rev. 3:8]

- Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

- behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it:

 

 3.  Stop His Way [Jn. 14:6, Rm. 10:13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

III. THEY WILL NOT…

 

1. Prevent His Return [Jn. 14:3, Rev. 1:7, 19:11-21]

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

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

 

2. Prevent His Judgment [Rev. 20:1-14]

 

3. Prevent His Honor [Phil. 2:9-11]

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

THE LAST CHAPTER OF THE LAST BOOK OF THE BIBLE

REVELATION 22

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE LAST PICTURE OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH IN THE BIBLE [v. 1-5]

 

1. The River of Life [v. 1-2]

-Psalm 46:4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

-Ezekiel 47:1, 7, 12 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.

Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

 

2. The Work of Life [v. 3, 5b] what is a king’s job?

 

3. The Author of Life [v. 4-5]

 

II. THE LAST REASONS TO BE SAVED IN THE BIBLE [v. 6-16]

 

1. The Word of God [v. 6-7]

 

2. The God of the Word [v. 8-9]

-1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

-John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

3. The Shortness of Time [v. 10-16, 20]

 

III. THE LAST INVITATIONS IN THE BIBLE [v. 17-21]

 

1. An Open Invitation [v. 17]

 

2. An Honest Warning [v. 18-19]

 

3. A Clear Expression [v. 20-21]

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 The best Bible teacher in the world is the Holy Spirit. Every Christian, every time he opens the Bible, should prayerfully ask the sweet Spirit of God to make clear what He wants to say through the Word of God. To the open and contrite heart the Spirit makes clear spiritual truth. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 47-48]

People misinterpret John 16:13. Jesus said, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." They say, "The Holy Spirit never speaks of Himself," as if the Holy Spirit were so modest that He would not reveal any truth about Himself! But that is not what the Scripture means, nor what it says. What it really says is that the Holy Spirit always says what Jesus wants Him to say, and that the Holt Spirit does not work independently of Jesus and the Father. He speaks what is given Him to speak. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 48]

Any student of the Bible will find that the Holy Spirit who moved on the hearts of the men who wrote it, the Holy Spirit who is the real author of the Bible, wrote much about Himself. But everything He wrote, He wrote because the Father and the Son agreed with Him that it should be written. The Holy Spirit does not work independently of Christ and the Father. He speaks about Himself and about Jesus and about the Father, but He does it as all are perfectly agreed, and He represents the others as much as Himself, Jesus said. So as the Holy Spirit guides one in understanding the Scripture, one can know just as much as if he could sit down with Jesus and hear the dear Saviour Himself explain the Word of God. For the Holy Spirit tells us just what Jesus would tell us. He is our teacher and guide! - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg. 48]

Jesus came to be my pattern. But of course I was born with a sinful nature and Jesus was not. I needed to repent and Jesus did not. I needed to be born again and Jesus did not. So nothing that I did or could do on the other side of my regeneration could be following Jesus. Only when I have trusted Christ as my Saviour and when the Holy Spirit made me a new creature and made me a partaker of the divine nature, can I follow the example of Jesus. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg.65]

Do you want to know what people will do if they are filled with the Holy Spirit? Then go and see what Jesus did. Do you want to know how they will act? Then go and see how Jesus acted. Do you want to know what outward manifestations are necessary when one is filled with the Holy Spirit? Then see what manifestations, if any, attended the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus, and do not require any manifestations that are not shown there. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg.71]

To be filled with the Holy Spirit does not mean having the carnal nature eradicated. It does not mean cleansing from sin. It does not mean "sanctification," The dear Lord Jesus had no sin. He had no evil to burn away. He did not need any cleansing. So the fullness of the Spirit does not mean cleansing, does not mean purification, does not mean sanctification. God's people do need cleansing, and may have it. But the fullness of the Spirit is something else. Jesus is our pattern in this matter, and the fullness of the Spirit did not mean that Jesus was cleansed or purified or sanctified by this experience. The fullness of the Spirit means something else. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg.71]

Jesus, when He was filled with the Holy Spirit, did not talk with tongues as an outward manifestation. There was no sound of a cyclone, a rushing mighty wind, as at Pentecost. There were no visible tongues like as of fire resting upon Him. Why would Jesus talk with tongues? All these present were Jews, all understood the same language, and Jesus did not talk in any foreign language, and did not need to. That is never given in the Bible as a sign of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. And if Jesus did not need that evidence, then neither do we who are commanded to follow His example. - John R. Rice [The Power of Pentecost, pg.71]

ARE YOU A SERVANT OF GOD? WHAT KIND?

1 PETER 5

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Chapter 1- Are You a Christian?               

2- Are You a Baby? 

3- Are You a Testimony? 

4-Are You a Rightly Dividing Christian?  

Also 4-Are You a Steward?

And Now, chapter 5-Are you a Servant of God?

 

As Peter draws this epistle to a close the real author of all Scripture, the Holy Spirit, has some exhortations to Peter’s audience- including those of us in 2023.

 

I. EXHORTATION TO GOD’S PREACHERS [v. 1-4]

 

1. Feed the Flock [v. 1-2]

2. Maintain the Mind of Christ [v. 2-3]

3. Seek the Saviour’s Satisfaction [v. 4]

 

II. EXHORTATION TO GOD’S PEOPLE [v. 5-9]

 

1. Humble Yourself [v. 5]

2. Cast Your Care on Christ [v. 6]

3. Be Prepared for Battle [v. 7-9]

 

III. EXAMINE GOD’S PLAN FOR THE FUTURE [v. 10-11]

 

1. Your Good [v. 10]

2. His Glory [v. 11]

 

IV. EXAMINE GOD’S PLAN FOR THE PRESENT [v. 12-14]

 

1. Faithfully Represent the Lord [v. 12]

2. Fellowship with the Saints [v. 13-14a]

3. Fellowship with the Saviour [v. 14, 1 John 1:5-7]

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

 

 

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES

1 KINGS 11

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE FOOLISH WISE MAN [v. 1-8]

 

1. “Fooled” by the World [v. 1-2, 1 John 2:15]

 

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 

2. “Fooled” by the Flesh [v. 2c-4a, Galatians 5:17]

 

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.

 

3. “Fooled” by the Devil [v. 4-8, Psalm 106:37, 1 Corinthians 10:19-20]

 

- Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

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

II. THE MAGNITUDE OF HIS FOLLY [v. 8-13]

 

1. Forsaking the God which had Appeared unto Him [v. 8-9]

foolish to use this to say God approves polygamy.

 

2. Forsaking the Word of God [v. 10]

 

3. Forsaking the Opportunity to Repent [v. 11-13]

 

III. THE FRUIT OF HIS FOLLY [v. 14-43]

 

1. The Harassment of Hadad [v. 14-22]

 

2. The Hatred of Rezon [v. 23-25]

 

3. The Horror of Jeroboam [v. 26-43]