TO THE STRANGERS

1 PETER 1:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

“Strangers” this particular word is used 3 times in the Scriptures. Here of course, and in 1 Peter 2:11 “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” and finally, in Hebrews 11:13 “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” As resident strangers we need to know some facts that will be a help, a blessing and a guide to our time here until we go to that place where we will no longer be strangers.

 

I. FACT - GOD KNOWS BETTER THAN WE DO [v. 2]

[and He knows it before it’s even relevant from our point of view]

1. He Knows Each Person [Ps. 139:1-16]

2. He Knows Every Situation [Ps. 139:17-24]

3. He Knows Each Need [Matthew 6:32]

For… your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

 

II. FACT - GOD CAN DO MORE THAN WE CAN

1. He Has the Plan [v. 3-4, 6-9, Genesis 50:20]

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

2. He Has the Power [v. 5, 2 Corinthians 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.

3. He Has the Patience [2:11-25, 2 Peter 3:9-15]

 

III. GOD CARES MORE THAN WE DO

 

1. He Cares for Us [1 Peter 5:7]

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

2. He Cares About Our Circumstances [Mark 4:35-41]

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

3. He Cares About Our Future [Rm. 8:17-23]

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 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. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO. . .

NEHEMIAH 1:1-4a

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PRAY TO GOD  [James 1:5]

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.

 

1. Nehemiah Prayed during Sorrow [1:4-6]

 

2. Daniel Prayed during Danger [Dan. 2:14-18]

Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon: He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would show the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

 

3. The Early Church Prayed for Others [Acts 12:1-5]

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

 

 II. STUDY GOD’S WORD [Neh. 1:7-9]

 

1. To Be Divinely Approved [2 Tm. 2:14-16]

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

 

2. To Be Thoroughly Furnished [2 Tm. 3:15-17]

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

 

3. To Victoriously Face Temptation [Ps. 119:9-12]

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

 

III. TRUST AND OBEY [Neh. 1:10-11]

 

1. Trust with All Thine Heart [Prov. 3:5]

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 

2. Acknowledge in all Thy Ways [Prov. 3:6]

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

3. Humbly Accept His Way [Prov. 3:7] (allow God the privilege of knowing more than you)

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

JESUS HAD NO DOUBTS

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The Bible doesn’t record everything Jesus said. John 21: 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Many infidels have written and said Jesus had doubts about His person, His mission, and other things. The first seven recorded sayings of Jesus answer those critics conclusively with words from the Saviour Himself.

 

I. JESUS HAD NO DOUBTS ABOUT HIMSELF [Lk. 2:41-51]

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

 

II. JESUS HAD NO DOUBTS ABOUT HIS DESTINY [Mt. 3:13-17, Rm. 6]

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

 

III. JESUS HAD NO DOUBTS ABOUT THE BIBLE [Mt. 4:1-4]

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

 

 

IV. JESUS HAD NO DOUBTS ABOUT THE ENDS NOT “JUSTIFYING THE MEANS” [Mt. 4:5-7]

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

 

V. JESUS HAD NO DOUBTS ABOUT EXCLUSIVE WORSHIP [Mt. 4:8-10]

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

 

VI. JESUS HAD NO DOUBTS ABOUT SOUL-WINNING [Jn. 1:35-39, Lk. 19:10]

-Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

-For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

 

VII. JESUS HAD NO DOUBTS ABOUT OTHERS [Jn. 1:40-51, 2:24-25]

-One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

-But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 In the old-time country churches, when people were saved we would invite all Christians to come by and give them a hand of "Christian fellowship." And then when they were baptized and fully recognized as members in the local church, the pastor would invite the church membership to come by and "give them the hand of church fellowship." That did not indicate anything unkind. We simply meant there is a special responsibility to those who are in our own number. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 96-97]

I do not mean that God cursed the ground because he hated man. I am saying that God cursed the ground because man needs to work. Now that man is by nature wicked and sinful, only a shortened life and the burden of toil can keep man from orgies of sin. - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 141]

The Bible is infallibly correct. The Old Testament is inspired as truly as the New Testament. The historical part is as truly inspired as the verses which give the plan of salvation. The matters that deal with science are as truly perfectly inspired of God as matters which deal with religion. So the Bible claims for itself, so the historic Christian creeds have stated, and so Bible Christians have always believed. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 20]

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

"And God remembered Noah." Genesis 8:1

How wonderful that God never forgets His own! The man who obeyed God's command about the ark is perfectly safe. He may be sure that God will see the thing through. God does not repent of His promises. God does not welsh on His obligations. God remembers His own. - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 206]

The Pilgrim Fathers who had come to America to make a home in the wilderness where they might have freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience, had the first harvest in 1621. So at Plymouth, Massachusetts, the little hand of devoted people, hewing homes out of the wilderness amid many perils, set apart a day of thanksgiving to God. And on that day they feasted and gave thanks. . . .

President Lincoln appointed the last Thursday of November, 1864, as Thanksgiving Day. Now the Thanksgiving Day tradition is firmly established in America, and every person who has a grateful heart should devoutly thank God and take stock and count his blessings. . . .

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]

The church in the city of Corinth seems to have had more heresy and divisons than most of the other churches. They divided over Paul, Cephas, Apollos and Christ (I Cor. 1:12). Some of them got drunk at the Lord's Supper (I Cor. 11:21). They kept in membership and fellowship a man living in open shame with his stepmother (I Cor. 5:1). Their women took too prominent a part in the church services and had to be rebuked by the apostles (I Cor. 14:34, 35).

And here at Corinth, the modern false and perverted tongues movement seems to have started. A study of Paul's rebuke in the 14th chapter of I Corinthians shows that the doctrine and practice of the Christians at Corinth of the tongues movement was not what the apostles had had at Pentecost. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 204]

GIVING HIM THANKS

LUKE 17:11-19

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. A DEMONSTRATION OF GOD’S MERCY

1. The Need of Men [v. 11-12]

2. The Prayer to Christ [v. 13]

3. The Cleansing of Faith [v. 14]

 

II. A DEMONSTRATION OF APPRECIATION

1. He Specifically Glorified God [v. 15]

2. He Correctly Worshipped Christ [v. 16a]

3. He Gratefully Thanked God the Son [v. 16b]

 

III. A DEMONSTRATION OF IMPORTANCE

1. Asked Two Important Questions [v. 17]

2. An Important Distinction [v. 18]

3. An Important Addition [v. 19]

BLESSED

REVELATION

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. A TRIPLE BLESSING [Revelation 1:3]

 

II. THE DOUBLE BLESSING OF DYING IN THE LORD [Revelation 14:13]

 

III. THE BLESSING OF BEING CLOTHED WITH THE RIGHTEOUSNES OF CHRIST [Rev. 16:15, 2 Cor. 5:1-4]

FOR we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

 

IV. THE BLESSING OF THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB [Revelation 19:9]

 

V. THE BLESSING OF THE FIRST RESURRECTION [Revelation 20:6]

 

VI. THE BLESSING OF LIVING BY THE BOOK [Revelation 22:7]

 

VII. THE BLESSING OF THE HEAVENLY PRIVILEGES [Revelation 22:14, 1 John 5:1-5, John 6:27-29]

-WHOSOEVER believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 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?

- Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

THANK YOU, LORD!

1 Chronicles 16:8, 34

Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul

Thank you, Lord, for making me whole

Thank you, Lord, for giving to me

Thy great salvation so rich and free

 

I. THANK YOU, LORD, FOR SAVING MY SOUL!

1. From Sin’s Dominion [Psalms 19:13, Romans 6:14]

-Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

-For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

2. From Satan’s Destruction [Ps. 103:2-4, Luke 22:31-32]

- Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

- And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

3. From Self’s Degradation [2 Timothy 3:13, Jude 15]

-But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

- 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.

Like the song says:

Jesus My Lord Will Love Me Forever,

From Him No Power Of Evil Can Sever,

He Gave His Life To Ransom My Soul,

Now I Belong To Him;

Now I Belong To Jesus

Jesus Belongs To Me,

Not For The Years Of Time Alone,

But For Eternity.

 

Once I Was Lost In Sin’s Degradation,

Jesus Came Down To Bring Me Salvation,

Lifted Me Up From Sorrow And Shame,

Now I Belong To Him;

II. THANK YOU, LORD, FOR MAKING ME WHOLE

1. From Death Unto Life [John 5:24]

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

2. From Darkness Unto Light [Col. 1:12-13]

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

3. From Satan unto God [Acts 26:17-18]

I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

 

III. THANK YOU, LORD, FOR GIVING TO ME, THY GREAT SALVATION SO RICH AND FREE

1. Riches of His Grace [Ephesians 1:7]

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

2. Riches of His Mercy [Ephesians 2:4]

But God, who is rich in mercy…

3. Riches of His Love [Ephesians 2:4]

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 And we should remember, too, that the only kind of men God has to use are imperfect men. Dr. J. B. Gambrell, famous Southern Baptist of a generation ago, used to say, "God can hit some mighty straight licks with some mighty crooked sticks." And I am glad that God in mercy puts His treasure in earthen vessels. I am glad that He calls people to preach and counts them worthy who are unworthy, as Paul said he was. - John R. Rice

Oh, there are blood and tears on the road to Heaven but they are not my blood nor yours. My sinful blood could never buy anything from God. My tears are from such a naturally corrupt heart that God may pity them, but they do not undo all the failures and heart corruption of which I am guilty. Thank God, the atoning blood of Jesus makes me fit for Heaven through the imputed righteousness of Christ charged to my account. - John R. Rice

It is still true that there is no way to do God's work aright without God's power, and His Holy Spirit power that New Testament Christians had is available for us today, too. - John R. Rice [page 257, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions...]

How we ought to long for our Saviour to come! Every one of us was taught to pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10.) This prayer does not ask for the rapture of the saints when Christ will call us out into the air to meet Him and take us away on out honeymoon in Heaven to eat the marriage supper, to stand before the judgment seat of Christ, to meet our loved ones and stay for a time in the Father's house of many mansions. No, this prayer asks rather the return of Christ to the earth to reign, when He will brings us back with Him, accompanied by all His holy angels. Then He will set up His kingdom on the earth and reign gloriously at Jerusalem. For this blessed kingdom, when the will of God will be done on earth like it is in Heaven, we are taught to pray. - John R. Rice [Jewish Persecution and Bible Prophecies, pg. 31, copyrighted in 1941]

Certainly no Christian should hate individuals. No Christian ought to take delight in killing. A good father does not take delight in punishing his child although he knows it is necessary and right. A godly physician does not enjoy the pain that he gives in an operation of removing cancer, but he knows that it is necessary and right. A good officer of the law does not take vengeance on a criminal when he arrests him and stops a crime. A preacher does not indicate hate in his heart when he preaches that sinners must be born again or go to Hell. And so no one needs to have hate in his heart to obey the plain command of God about being a soldier when he is called. - John R. Rice [War in Vietnam, pg. 18-19]

An old fellow said the other day at the noonday meetings, "I have been on the Lord's side fifty-eight years, and in that fifty-eight years I have never turned aside; I have never been backslidden. I have been right on the firing line all the time." I said to myself what perhaps I did not have the nerve to say aloud, but I felt like saying, "Hypocrite! liar! I don't believe a word of it! I don't believe anybody has been saved fifty-eight years, nor fifty-eight minutes, who never turned aside." - John R. Rice [The Scarlet Sin, pg. 205]

I will tell you what God wants you to do. God wants you to say, "Lord Jesus, I will not hide a thing from You. I am going to tell You everything I think and everything I want. If there is anything wrong with what I want, You fix my 'wanter': but I am going to take You into my confidence and take 'everything to God in prayer.' " That is what the Bible says specifically again and again-that you are to pray about "what things soever ye desire." It says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." You see, God intends for Christians to ask for anything they want. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 120]

I’M NOT CRAZY, YOU’RE CRAZY

2 KINGS 6:8-7:2

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE KING’S PARANOIA [v. 8-12]

 

1. The Display of God’s Mercy [v. 8-10]

 

2. The Dismay of the Heathen [v. 11]

 

3. The Demonstration of Faith [v. 12]

 

II. POOR VISION - IT’S ALL IN HOW YOU LOOK AT IT [v. 13-23, John 9:39]

- And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

 

1. Seeing the Unseen [v. 13-17, Hebrews 11:27, Romans 1:20]

- By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

- For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

 2. Not Seeing the Seeable [v. 18-20, 2 Cor. 3:14, 4:4, Romans 1:20]

-But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ.

-In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

- For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

 3. Seeing the Real Power [v. 21-23, Mt. 28:18-20]

- And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

III. THE SAD STATE OF THE SINFUL SHORT-SIGHTED LAND [6:24-7:2, Pr. 14:34]

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

 

 1. Short of Materials [6:24-27]

 

 2. Short of Morals [6:28-30]

 

 3. Short of Memories [6:31-7:2]

“the goodness of God leads to repentance or the sinfulness of men leads to judgment”

IT’S NOT YOURS, IT IS GOD’S

 

1 CORINTHIANS 3:1-4:7

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE WORK IS GOD’S [3:1-15]

 

1. God Gives the Increase [v. 1-7]

2. We Work for Him, He Works With Us [v. 8-10]

3. Jesus is THE Foundation [v. 11-15]

 

II. THE TEMPLE IS GOD’S [3:16-23]

 

1. The Temple of God is the Christian [v. 16]

2. The Temple of God is Holy [v. 17]

3. The Temple of God is God’s [v. 16-23]

 

III. THE JUDGMENT IS GOD’S [4:1-7]

 

1. So, Be Faithful [v. 1-2]

2. So, Be Discerning [v. 3-5]

3. So, Be Humble [v. 6-7]

THE FANTASTIC FOUR of the WONDERFUL WORD of GOD

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The Word of God is wonderful and the four gospels are indeed fantastic. Not all of Christ’s works are revealed to us, for if they were, John’s gospel reminds us, “the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” So, God lets us look through a telescope and see Christ in the other 62 books of the Bible and then in the Gospels we look through a microscope at certain aspects of our blessed Lord.

 

I. THE GOSPELS ARE FANTASTIC IN THEIR CONCEPTS

1. Matthew Presents Christ in His Majesty as the King of the Jews [Mt. 2:1-2]        NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

2. Mark Presents Christ in His Motivation as the Servant of God [Mk. 1:11-12]   And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

3. Luke presents Christ in His Manliness as the Son of Man [“Son of Man” over 25 times]

4. John presents Christ in His Messianic Methodology as God Incarnate [John 20:31]

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

II. THE GOSPELS ARE FANTASTIC IN THEIR CONTENTS

1. Here a Little, There a Little [Is. 28:10]

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Example- Matthew does speak of Christ’s resurrection but not His ascension and leaves off with Him on earth, Mark gives His resurrection and ascension. Luke gives His resurrection, ascension, and the promise of a Comforter while John goes a step further and says Jesus is coming back.

 

2. Comparing Spiritual Things [1 Corinthians 2:13]

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.

Example- The four Gospels are independent of each other; none was copied from the other as some suppose. Each is the complement of the rest, and we get four vies of Christ, like the four sides of a house. Matthew writes for the Jews, Mark for the Romans, Luke for the gentiles and John for the world.

Example- Matthew sets Him forth as the Jews’ King, Mark as the active Servant, Luke as the perfect man while John presents Him as the personal Saviour of the individual but the powerful Saviour of the world.

 

III. THE GOSPELS ARE FANTASTIC IN THEIR CONTRASTS

1. The writers have different backgrounds but one Spirit [2 Peter 1:21]

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.

Example- Matthew was a despised tax-collector, Mark was a failed missionary, Luke was a doctor, possibly a gentile while John was a fisherman.

2. They Begin with Different Individuals

Example- Matthew begins with Abraham, Mark with John the Baptist, Luke with Adam but John begins with God.

3. They Continue with Different Emphases-

Example- Matthew, Mark and Luke are known as the synoptic gospels because they see so many things alike while John presents much new material not covered by the others. All of the eight months Christ spent in Judea are there.

Example- Matthew, Mark and Luke all talk about repentance but John doesn’t mention it once. BUT… Matthew says “believe” 7 times, Mark 11 times, and Luke 5 times. John says “believe” 85 times!

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Does anybody in the world know of any example of evolution actually taking place today? They do not. Does anybody find in the fossil record intermediary links between the different kinds of plants and animals? They do not. There are no intermediate forms. Each kind in the fossil beds spring forth entirely new and separate. Is there anywhere in the world today where things that evolutionists claim happened before are happening now? Are there fossil beds being made? Are forests being buried and made into coal? Are tremendous quantities of animal matter and vegetable matter being made into petroleum today? They are not. Men who do not want God have a faith, not in the Bible or in Christ, but a faith in man's wisdom, a faith in a manmade system or doctrine, which cannot be proven. - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 74]

To some people you cannot prove a matter by the Word of God. They prefer their own experiences or opinions or reason. Carnal-minded people, who seek to make a big impression on others by what they call "speaking in tongues," may not listen to the messages of God in these chapters [1 Cor. 12, 13, and 14]. Such people, Paul concludes, must remain spiritually ignorant on the question. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 210]

In II John 9 and 10 we are commanded:

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed."

Notice this Scripture does not say that one who "abides not in Christ hath not God." No, it says that one who abideth not in THE DOCTRINE of Christ hath not God. And again we are told that if any one "bring not this DOCTRINE," we are not to receive him in the houses, not pulpits, not platforms, nor bid him Godspeed, nor call him a Christian. People are to be judged by loyalty to the Word as loyalty to Christ. Disloyalty to the doctrine of Christ is disloyalty to Christ. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 46]

Somebody says, "Well, there is so much to give up if I come out-and-out for Jesus." It is nothing compared with what you will have to give up if you don't! - John R. Rice [The Scarlet Sin, pg. 160]

A saved person ought to marry only a saved person. Christian, if you want a happy marriage, then don't yoke up with an unbeliever. A child of God tied up with a child of the Devil, one going to Heaven and the other to Hell, one trying to honor God and living by prayer and faith and morality and obedience to the Christian faith, and the other one following the lusts of the flesh, is not the way to have a happy marriage. Christians ought to marry Christians and not be unequally yoked. - John R. Rice [Victory in 1975, pg. 21]

A woman in Dallas said to me, "I am afraid I am not saved, I don't feel like I am. Neither do I act like I am saved."

I said, "We can soon settle that. Look at this verse in Romans, Chapter 10 and verse 13, 'For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.' Have you called on the Lord to save you?"

"oh, yes," she said, "I have called and called. I have prayed and prayed. But I am afraid I didn't pray right."

I said, "Let's look at this again. Does it say, 'For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord exactly right gets saved'? No. So you are putting in there what God didn't put in there. 'For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.'" I said, "Let me illustrate it. Do you have a good family doctor?"

"Yes, we have a good Christian doctor. He is a friend of the family. And we go to him with everything."

I said, "Let's imagine you go down to that doctor's office some day and you say, 'O Doctor, I have a splitting headache and fever of 103 degrees. What will I do?'"

"And the doctor says, 'Sit down here now and when I get through with these other patients I will talk to you.'

"Then the doctor comes and he says, 'Now let's see. What can I do for you?'

"You say, 'Doctor, I AIN'T had a minute free of pain for three days.'

"Suppose that doctor says, 'You said AIN'T. Get out of my office. I don't treat anybody who uses bad language or bad grammar.'"

This woman said, "Brother Rice, that is foolish! He is not caring about my grammar. He wants to get people well."

I said, "That is no more foolish than to suppose that God would let you go to Hell if you didn't say it just right. You come to ask Him for salvation, but you don't know how to say it." - John R. Rice [Sure Success in 1977, pg. 25]

Do you remember the case of the king who had a steward who owed him ten thousand talents and could not pay? The king, Jesus said, frankly forgave him all. But this lord had a servant who owed him a hundred pence. He went and seized him by the throat and cast him in prison until he should pay him all. The servants were sorry, and when the king heard about it he was greatly angered and cast this ungrateful man into prison until he, too, should pay all he owed. And Jesus said, "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses" (Matt. 18:35). How sinful, then, it is in God's sight for us not to love those whom Jesus loved and forgave. What a blessed trade it is, what a holy bargain for us when we receive complete forgiveness for all our sins and God simply asks us to forgive others their small sins against us. Yes, love truly covers the multitude of sins, our own sins as well as our brother's. - John R. Rice [page 109, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions...]

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