GOD’S WARNING TO ALL NATIONS!

2 KINGS 17

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE REMOVAL [v. 1-6]

1. The Last Royal of the Northern Kingdom [v. 1-2]

2. The Last Rebellion of the Northern Kingdom [v. 3-4]

3. The Last Report of the Northern Kingdom [v. 5-6]

 

II. THE REASON [v. 7-23]

1. Sins Against the Lord [v. 7-12]

2. Stubbornness Against the Lord [v. 13-18]

3. Spreading Against the Lord [v. 19-23]

 

III. THE RESULT [v. 24-41]

1. No Focus [v. 24-28, Philippians 3:13]

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

2. No Fidelity [v. 29-33, “Semper Fi”, 1 Corinthians 4:2]

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

3. No Following [v. 34-41, Luke 9:23, John 10:27, 12:26; 1 Peter 2:21]

- And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

- My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

-If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

-For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

MRS. JOB

JOB 1:1-2, 2:7-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HER INCLINATION PROBED

1. Sorrow in which She Blamed Job Wrongly [1:18-22, Exodus 4:26]

So he let him go: then she (Zipporah) said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.

2. Spiritual Apathy in which She Blamed God Foolishly [2:9-10]

3. Selfishness in which She Didn’t Want to Care for Job in His Illness [2:7-10] she said nothing until Job got sick

 

II. HER ENDING POSSIBILITIES

1. She was Replaced [42:13-15]

2. She was Recycled [1:2, 42:13-15]

3. She was Repentant [42:7-10]

 

III. HER INTERESTED PARTIES

1. Satan had Use for Her [1:12, 2:9-10, Luke 4:8, Mt. 16:23]

--Why did Satan leave her? Same reason the Soviets sent Madalyn Murray O'Hair back to America. She would help their cause.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

-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.

--Are you a spiritual help or hindrance to those around you?

2. Job had Love for Her [2:10, Ps. 14:1, 74:18] He didn’t call her a foolish woman but said she was speaking like one

-The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

-Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

3. God had Lessons for Her [2:10b]

JESUS IS GOD

JOHN 20:24-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Let us not be shy or coy about this matter. Let all doubt and disputation flee from our minds, our mouths, our meaning. Jesus is God. He is as much God as God the Father and God the Spirit. Let no namby-pamby, mealy-mouthed cowardice keep us from this great and important Truth – the deity of Jesus Christ! The great  missionary C.T. Studd but it this way, “If Jesus Christ be God, and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great of me to make for Him!” And He is God!

 

I. WE HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF HIS WORD

 

1. He Spoke with Authority [Mk. 1:22, 27; John 6:63, 7:46]

- And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

-And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

- It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

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

 

2. He Indirectly Claimed to be God [Jn. 11:39-45]

Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 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. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

 

3. He Directly Claimed to be God [Jn. 8:51-59]

Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

 

II. WE HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF HIS ACTIONS

 

1. He Forgave Sins [Lk. 5:20-25]

And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

 

2. He Accepted Worship [Matthew 2:11, 4:8-10, 8:2, 9:18, 14:33, 15:25, 28:9, 17]

- And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

- 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.

 

3. He Rose from the Dead [Ecclesiastes 8:8, John 10:18, Rm. 1:4]

-There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death

- 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.

- And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

 

III. WE HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF OTHERS

 

1. Demons Recognized His Divinity [Luke 8:27-28]

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

 

2. Certain Men Recognized His Divinity [Ps. 110:1, Luke 23:42, Jn. 1:1-4, 14-17; Acts 9:1-6]

- A Psalm of David. The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

- And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

- IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men

- And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

 

3. God the Father & God the Holy Spirit Proclaim His Deity [Heb. 1]

GOOD CHANCES & BAD CHOICES

2 KINGS 16

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE WALK OF KING AHAZ [v. 1-4]

1. He Didn’t Walk Like King David [v. 1-2]

2. He Walked Like the Kings of Israel [v. 3a]

3. He Walked Like the Heathen [v. 3-4]

 

II. THE WAR OF KING AHAZ [v. 5-9]

1. The Invasion of Syria & Israel [v. 5-6] v. 6 first usage of “Jews” [note-this reference is not of the tribe of Judah]

2. The Rejection of God [Hos. 1:6-7, Is. 7:1-14ff]

-And she [Hosea’s wife] conceived again, and bare a daughter. And God said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away [beginning in 2 K. 17]. But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the Lord their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.

- AND it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it. And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind. Then said the Lord unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field; And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah. Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, saying, Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal: Thus saith the Lord God, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass. For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people. And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established. Moreover the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord. And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

3. The Subjection to Assyria [v. 7-9]

 

III. THE WORSHIP OF KING AHAZ [v. 10-20]

1. Started by the Sinful King [v. 10-18]

2. Supported by the Sissy priest [v, 10-11, 15-16, the priest Azariah stood against King Uzziah in 2 Chr. 26:16-20]

3. Stopped by the Sitting Judge [v. 19-20, Heb. 9:27]

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

PRISCILLA – A PARTNER [Ladies of the Bible]

2 Timothy 4:19  Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.           

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. SHE WAS A PARTNER IN HER MARRIAGE [Acts 18:1-4]

1. They Opened Their Home [v. 1-3a, Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2]

-Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

-Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby [m] some have entertained angels unawares.

2. They Opened Their Work [v. 3b]

3. They Opened Their Hearts [v. 4, 16:14]

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened,

 

II. SHE WAS A PARTNER IN MINISTRY [Acts 18:18-28]

1. They Moved with Paul to Ephesus [v. 18-19]

2. They Ministered in Ephesus [v. 24-26a]

3. They Discipled Believers [v. 26b-28]

 

III. SHE WAS A PARTNER INTERNATIONALLY [Rom. 16:3-5, 2 Tm. 4:19]

1. They Moved through Doors God Opened [Rm. 16:3]

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

2. They Made Headway through Deadly Opposition [Rm. 16:4-5]

Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

3. They Maintained through Dedicated Obedience [2 Tm. 4:10, 19]

-For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

-Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

MY LORD, MY GOD, MY SAVIOUR

 

JOHN 20:24-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE TROUBLED SAINT

1. Thomas Delinquent [v. 19-24]

2. Thomas Doubtful [v. 25]

3. Thomas Declaring [v. 28]

 

II. THE TREMENDOUS SAVIOUR

1. Jesus Invited Thomas’ Assessment

[v. 24-27]

2. Jesus Accepted Thomas’ Assessment

[v. 28-29a]

3. Jesus Exalted Faith’s Assessment

[v. 29b, 31, 24-25]

 

III. THE TEACHING OF SCRIPTURE

v. 25 “the Lord”, v. 26 “Jesus”, v. 28 “my Lord and my God”, v. 31 “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God”

1. Bottom Line – in these verses these terms are synonymous, all referring to the same Person [Acts 2:36]

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

2. Fine Line – each title/name has a different emphasis

3. Lifeline – Believe for Life [v. 31]

-spiritual life [Eph. 2:1] AND you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:

-abundant life [John 10:10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

-eternal, everlasting life [John 3:16, 36] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Sometimes young people, well-raised, with godly mothers and fathers who take to heart and put restrictions on young people, say, "Oh, but they don't trust me."

Well, if you have any sense you wouldn't trust yourself. Your native instincts and natural inborn nature and the old Devil taking advantage of you make it so you ought to be on your watch. - John R. Rice [Adultery & Sex Perversion, pg. 10-11]

Thank God. he can save you and make you set apart for Heaven, that is, sanctified. He can justify you. He can make it so you are counted just and clean. You can have peace of mind and know you are forgiven. You can have all that if you will turn from your sins and trust Jesus Christ. You need Him. He wants to help you. And He is ready to do it today. John R. Rice [Adultery & Sex Perversion, pg.23]

Some preachers preach always on the love of God and on trusting in Jesus Christ and those are wonderful themes. But the Bible that says, "God is love," also says "Our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29), and that "God is angry with the wicked every day" (Psa. 7:11). There is as much in the Bible about Hell as about Heaven; and if we do not preach Hell, sinners will see no reason to seek Heaven. If we do not preach about sin and bring conviction of mind and heart and conscience about sin, men will not repent of sin and cannot trust in Christ as a Saviour from sin. Great revivals from Heaven are always accompanied or proceeded by deep conviction for sin. - John R. Rice [All Have Sinned, pg. 5]

Man simply cannot save himself, cannot be justified by his deeds. Every man, woman, and child is so incurably wicked by nature that he or she cannot be saved except by the mercy of God and through the merit of the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, the righteous One. - John R. Rice [All Have Sinned, pg. 9]

You wonder whether you may have committed the unpardonable sin. No, you have not. First, the unpardonable sin is the sin of a lost person, one who has never accepted Christ, one who has never been saved. One whose sins are forgiven cannot commit the unforgiveable sin. Second, the fact that you are burdened and concerned and want God's blessing is proof that you have not committed the unpardonable sin. One who had committed the unpardonable sin would have no conviction, no burden, and would not want God and salvation. The unpardonable sin is a sin of rejecting Christ, after great enlightenment. Anyone who is trouble about it and trying to be right with God has not committed the unpardonable sin. ― John R. Rice, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions

Christ is the sinner's substitute. Christ died, not as an example, not as a martyr, and not as a good man, a victim of circumstances. No, He, the Son of God, the Son of Man, purchased salvation for sinners by His death on the cross. - John R. Rice [All Have Sinned, pg.18]

All of us are sinners; we are all in the same boat. But, thank God, Jesus Christ will save the whole boatload if we let Him! If sin is universal, salvation is offered just as freely and universally. - John R. Rice [All Have Sinned, pg.19]

JOTHAM, JESUS AND YOU

2 KINGS 15:32-38

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. START RIGHT [v. 32-34]

1. We Can’t Always Choose Our Situation [v. 32-33, Esther 4:14]

... who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

2. We Cannot Choose Our Parents [v. 32-33, Ezek. 18:20]

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

3. We Can Choose to Live for the Lord [v. 34, Joshua 24:15, I Kings 18:21]

-And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

-And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

 

II. WATCH THE LITTLE THINGS [v. 34-35, 2 Chr. 27:2]

 

1. Seek to Please the Lord [v. 34a, Galatians 1:10]

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

2. Seek to Follow a Godly Example [v. 34b, 1 Cor. 11:1]

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

3. Seek to Follow Christ [v. 35a, Philippians 3:12, almost 20 times in the Gospels Jesus said “Follow Me”]

-Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

 

III. USE EARLIER SUCCESS TO SERVE THE LORD [v. 35-38]

 

1. Make Much of the Lord’s House [v. 35b, 1 Timothy 3:15, Acts 11:26]

-But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

-And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

2. Make Much of the Lord’s Business [v. 36a, Luke 19:13]

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Occupy - pragmateuomai, to busy oneself with, i.e. to trade:--occupy

3. Make Much of the Lord’s Record-keeping [36b-38,  1 Corinthians 4:1-5]

LET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

HERODIAS – First Lady of Evil

Mark 6:14-29

Pastor Rick Jackson

There are some wicked women in the Bible. Not really “ladies” mind you but definitely female. Tonight we look at one of those. This is the kind of woman that ought scare you good. She’s evil and she’ll drag you down. Many proverbs have been written about this kind of woman but this one is in the New Testament.

 

I. WHAT SHE HATED -could have helped her

1. She Hated God’s Word [v. 14-19a, Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 15:10]

-WHOSO loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

-Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

2. She Hated God’s Man [v. 19b-20, Ps. 97:10, 101:3] have you noticed- when we hate sin- sinners hate us?

- Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

-I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

3. She Hated God’s Way [v. 20-22, Matthew 3:3]

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

II. WHAT SHE “HALLOWED” – what was important to her only hurt her

1. The Flesh [v. 21-23]

2. The Devil [v. 24-25, 27-29]

3. The World [v. 26]

Ephesians 2:2-3 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

 

III. WHAT SHE HAD… BUT WASTED -will haunt her for eternity

1. Opportunities to be Eternally Saved [v. 20]

2. Opportunities to be Extremely Spiritual [v. 20, Mt. 23:13]

But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

3. Opportunities to Invest Seriously [v. 22-24, Mt. 13:23]

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

LORD, DOST THOU NOT CARE?

LUKE 10:38-40                                  

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. JESUS DOES NOT CARE [Mt. 22:15-22]

1. To Bend the Truth [v. 15-16a]

2. What Popular Opinion “Says” [v. 16b]

3. What Position Someone Holds [v. 17-22]

 

II. JESUS DOES CARE [Mark 4:35-41]

1. Jesus Cares Enough to Direct Us [v. 35]

2. Jesus Cares Enough to Deliver Us [v. 36-39]

3. Jesus Cares Enough to Disciple Us [v. 40-41]

 

III. JESUS CARES TO HELP US [Luke 10:38-42]

1. Clearly Perceive [v. 38-42a]

2. Wisely Prioritize [v. 42b]

3. Humbly Pray [1 Peter 5:6-11]

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen

OLD TESTAMENT SAINTS AND THE RAPTURE

    There are those, good Bible-believing folk though they may be, who relegate the Old Testament saints to NOT be caught up in the Rapture, to not be resurrected until after the tribulation. But there are also many good Bible-believing folk who believe Old Testament saints, saved the same way [the only way] as New Testament saints will be included in the Rapture. John R. Rice being a prime example of this group. I have never seen any reason to doubt their inclusion though I have read and heard many who deny it, so I find myself in good company. As I was reading a book [The Second Coming of Christ] with various authors I learned the great prayer warrior, George Mueller is also a member of this esteemed group. 

     "The first resurrection is when the changed and risen saints will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air, to be forever with Him. At this time only those who, as believers in the Messiah under the old covenant dispensation, or as disciples of the Lord Jesus under that of the new covenant, and have fallen asleep in Him will be raised."

     

FOLLOW THE FOLLOWER

ROMANS 1:1-7                         

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Undisputed fact: the Apostle Paul was one of the greatest Christians that has ever lived. In 1 Cor. 11:1 he says, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” How can we follow Paul and thereby follow Christ? Three areas are shown to us in Romans 1. We can follow Paul:

 

I. IN HIS ACTIONS TOWARD GOD [v. 8-9]

 

1. Like Paul, Let Us say, “I thank” [v. 8, 1 Th. 5:18]

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

2. Like Paul, Let Us say, “I serve” [v. 9, 1 Th 1:9]

 … how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

3. Like Paul, Let Us say, “I pray” [v. 9, 1 Th 5:17]

Pray without ceasing.

 

II. IN HIS DESIRE TOWARD BELIEVERS [v. 10-13]

 

1. Paul’s desire was to be A help & a blessing [v. 10-11, Phil 4:3]

And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

2. Paul’s desire was to be A Comfort [v. 12, 2 Corinthians 1:4]

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

3. Paul’s desire was to be A bearer of fruit [v. 13, Philippians 4:17]

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

 

III. IN HIS ATTITUDE TOWARD THE LOST [v. 14-16]

 

1. Paul said, “I am debtor” [v. 14] I owe

2. Paul said, “I am ready” [v. 15, 1 Peter 3:15] I also

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

3. Paul said, “I am not ashamed” [v. 16, 2 Timothy 1:12] I know  

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

JESUS DIDN’T STAY

1 Timothy 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.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. JESUS DIDN’T STAY IN HEAVEN [1 John 1:1-3]

 

1. He Didn’t Stay in Heaven Because His Mission was too Important [3:1-5]

 

2. He Didn’t Stay in Heaven Because His Enemy was too Awful [3:6-10]

 

3. He Didn’t Stay in Heaven Because His Love was too Great [4:9-10, John 15:13]

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

II. JESUS DIDN’T STAY ON THE CROSS

1. He Didn’t Stay on the Cross Because He Finished the Work [John 19:30; Hebrews 4:3, 12:2]

- When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

- For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

2. He Didn’t Stay on the Cross Because He Fulfilled the Word [Luke 24:44-48]

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

 

3. He Didn’t Stay on the Cross Because He was No Longer Forsaken [Mark 15:34, Luke 23:46-53]

- And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

- And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

 

III. JESUS DIDN’T STAY IN THE TOMB

 

1. He Didn’t Stay in the Tomb Because of His Person [Rm. 1:1-4a]

PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power

 

2. He Didn’t Stay in the Tomb Because of His Power [Rm. 1:4, John 10:17-18]

- And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

-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.

 

3. He Didn’t Stay in the Tomb Because of His Position [Acts 2:29-33]

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

THE BOOK, THE BLOOD, & THE BLESSED HOPE

2 TM. 3:16, 1 Cor. 11:17-34

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Some falsely accuse Bible believing Christians of worshipping the Bible- that is, of course, false. We worship the God of the Book, but as Jesus told the woman at the well, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” The worldly practice of observing “good Friday” by many good churches is, for the most part, a carryover from the RCC- much like infant baptism and similar doctrines. The Word of God has a different teaching on these matters.

Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, used the four things we find in 2 Tm. 3:16 over and over. Those things are (1) Doctrine-what to believe, (2) Reproof-what not to do, (3) Correction-what not to believe and (4) Instruction in righteousness-what to do. In chapter 11- he applies them to the Lord’s Supper.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

I. THE APPLICATION OF CORRECTION [1 Corinthians 11:17-19]

In this church were some false beliefs that Paul had had to deal with. Heresies that need to be corrected by the Book!

 

II. THE APPLICATION OF REPROOF [1 Corinthians 11:20-22]

Oftentimes when our beliefs our wrong it can cause our actions to be wrong as well. Paul says they were coming together, even as we are admonished to do, but for the wrong reasons and in a wrong way. Paul reproves them.

 

III. THE APPLICATION OF DOCTRINE [1 Corinthians 11:23-26]

Note the reminder about why they were coming together. The emphasis on Christ, His Blood, His Body, His Coming again- our Blessed Hope!

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 

IV. THE APPLICATION OF INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS [1 Corinthians 11:27-34]

 

Then after what to believe he reminds them what to do. How to approach the Lord’s Table.

THE WOMAN WHO LEFT HER WATERPOT

JOHN 4:1-42                     

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. A WOMAN WOUNDED BY THE WORLD

1. It had made her Curious [v. 1-9]

2. It had made her Cautious [v. 10-14]

3. It had made her Desirous [v. 15]

 

II. A WOMAN WOOED BY THE SPIRIT

1. She Was Evasive [v. 16-18]

2. She was Religious [v. 19-21]

3. She was Receptive [v. 22-26]

 

III. A WOMAN WORKING FOR THE SAVIOUR

1. She was Excited [v. 27-28a, Revelation 2:4]

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

2. She was Evangelistic [v. 28-39]

3. She was Enriched [v. 40-42]

THY KING COMETH UNTO THEE

ZECHARIAH 9:9

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THY KING COMETH UNTO THEE WITH PURPOSE [Zechariah 9:9]

(500 years before Christ)

1. To the Place of Jerusalem

2. With the Plan of Redemption [1 Peter 3:18]

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

3. For the Purpose of Salvation [Acts 4:12]

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

4. In Humility [Phil. 2:5-8]

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 

II. THY KING COMETH UNTO THEE FOR PRAISE [Matthew 21:1-15]

 

III. THY KING COMETH UNTO THEE IN PREPARATION [Mark 11:1-11]

 

IV. THY KING COMETH UNTO THEE WITH PASSION [Luke 19:35-46]

 

V. THY KING COMETH UNTO THEE FULFILLING PROPHECY [John 12:12-16]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Can Christians make good soldiers? Or to put it the other way around, Can a soldier in war be a good Christian? That answer is that he certainly can if his heart is right with God and if he is in obedience to his government in a good cause. John R. Rice

In West Texas a farmer deacon said to me sadly, "Brother Rice, I am afraid many of the preachers around here are not called to preach. They never have any tears. They never win souls. The services are so dead." But I answered, "Most likely they really are called, but are not anointed to preach." Many a man is called to preach and yet his ministry is dead because he does not have the fire of God in his bones, because he does not have the anointing of God upon him. Or in the language of Jeremiah, the Word has not become a burning fire in his heart, so that he is compelled to speak. - John R. Rice [Great Truths for Soul Winners, pg. 297]

Note that they said [in Acts 1], "THIS SAME JESUS." The Jesus in Heaven is not another but the same. The Jesus who will return for His saints is not another but the same. When He comes again to Jerusalem, Jews will look on Him whom they have pierced (Zech. 12:10). They will ask, "What are these wounds in thine hands?" He will answer, "Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends" (Zech. 13:6). His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14:4). Jesus now has hands and feet, the same with which He went away, hands and feet with the marks of nails! And this same Jesus now abides in Heaven with a physical body. I tell you, Heaven must be and is a real, literal, physical place! ― John R. Rice, Bible Facts About Heaven

The God of creation and the God of salvation is likewise the God of judgment. It is only a Bible-denying, fact-ignoring fool who will deny that a just and holy God must punish unrepentant sinners. May wicked sinners everywhere be warned to repent of their sins and seek the mercy of God before His wrath falls, as the book of Revelation foretells that it will. - John R. Rice [The Bible Garden, pg. 116-117]

Listen, the dear Lord wants you. You say, "Brother Rice, I am not ready." Then you had better get ready. Somebody says, "Well, there are hypocrites in the church." Yes, and there are hypocrites at ball games and hypocrites in the supermarkets and hypocrites in the business offices, and hypocrites at the banks. That doesn't keep you from going on doing business with them. Why cut off your nose to spite your face? Are you going to Hell because of somebody you don't like? That is a dishonest and insincere kind of excuse. - John R. Rice [Luke 13, 14; pg. 19-20]

I suggest that you go over your prayer list. Criticize and weigh carefully each item. Are you asking this for a personal, selfish reason? Is it according to the written Word of God? And does the Holy Spirit specially lead you out in prayer for this? If you have given up your own will and if it stands the test of the last two points, then you may with holy boldness storm the gates of Heaven to get the answer to your prayer, and say like Jacob, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me!" (Gen. 32:26) - John R. Rice [How to Get Things from God, pg. 44]

The natural mind is a stranger from God and is not interested in the Bible. And the carnal or undeveloped and untaught and unspiritual Christian is likely to have no taste for the Word of God. A state of disinterestedness in the Bible is an unspiritual state, a state of backsliding and sin. - John R. Rice [Hindrances to Prayer, page 28]

KINGS ON PARADE

2 KINGS 15

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. FIVE NORTHERN KINGS ON PARADE [v. 8-31]

1. Parade Theme- God’s Word is True [v. 8-12]

2. Parade Lesson- Sin Never Satisfies [v. 13-26] nor is sin ever satisfied

3. Parade Rule- Time Doesn’t Determine Success [v. 27-31]

 

II. UZZIAH (Azariah) - THE RISE AND FALL OF A GRAND MARSHALL [v. 1-7]

1. Azariah the Prosperous [v. 1-3, 2 Chr. 26:1-5]

THEN all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah. He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers. Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did. And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.

2. Azariah Preparer [v. 4, 2 Chr. 26:6-15]

And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines. And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims. And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly. Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them. Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry. Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains. The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred. And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy. And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones. And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.

3. Azariah Prideful [v. 5-7, 2 Chr. 26:16-21]

But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, that were valiant men: And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God. Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside the incense altar. And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten him. And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the Lord: and Jotham his son was over the king's house, judging the people of the land.

 

III. JOTHAM- THE LESSON FROM HISTORY

1. Start Right [v. 32-24]

2. Watch the “Little” Things [v. 35, 2 Chr. 27:2]

And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the Lord. And the people did yet corruptly.

3. Use Success to Serve the Lord [v. 36-38, 2 Chr. 27:3-9]

He built the high gate of the house of the Lord, and on the wall of Ophel he built much. Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers. He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third. So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God. Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

DON’T FRET, DON’T FEAR, DON’T FORGET

PSALM 37

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. DON’T FRET [v. 1-11]

1. Your Fret is Foolish Considering 

[v. 1-2, 9-10]

2. Your Task is Faith Continually 

[v. 3-8, Mark 11:22]

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

3. Your Future is Fixed Concretely 

[v. 11]

 

II. DON’T FEAR [v. 12-22]

1. Consider What God Says about the Wicked

[v. 12-15]

2. Consider What God Says about the Righteous

[v. 16-19]

3. Consider What God Says about the Future

[v. 20-22]

III. DON’T FORGET [v. 23-40]

1. Live the Life of Delighting 

[v. 23-31]

2. Live the Life of Waiting 

[v. 32-36]

3. Live the Life of Trusting 

[v. 37-40]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 When Christians pray, they are not TELLING God; they are ASKING Him. Every prayer, to please God, must be offered with a surrendered heart, willing for God to answer in His own way, for His own glory. - John R. Rice [Healing in Answer to Prayer, page 24]

Do not misunderstand me. I do not mean that a Christian will never have trouble. But in trouble he can have the sweetest peace all the time. I do not mean that a Christian will never be sick. But in the sickness he can have the ever-present nearness consciously, of the Holy Spirit. I do not mean that a Christian will never have any problems. But I mean that he can daily take those problems to God and have them settled, without any fret, without any of the unrest that comes from unbelief. A Christian can take his burdens to the Lord and leave them there day by day and have perfect peace. And the only way he can do this is by prayer, regular prayer with supplication and thanksgiving about every problem. - John R. Rice [How to Get Things from God, pg. 13]

For every sinner that will be dragged out of Hell to this last judgment, Jesus died. To every one of them He was offering salvation. Their sins were paid for on the cross. We are told that "He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (I John 2:2). With what agony! what love! what mercy! Jesus provided the way of escape for these sinners at infinite cost to Himself! He did not want them to come to this place of judgment. "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked" (Ezekiel 33:11). Again we are told that He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9). Jesus came into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." All these have come to this awful moment because they would not take mercy when it was offered, they would not heed when they were called, they would not receive the salvation that was offered. To all these Jesus longed to be Saviour. Since they would not receive Him as Saviour now they must face Him as Judge. - John R. Rice [When Skeletons Come Out of Their Closets, pg. 16]

One of the wonderful things about the love and grace of God is that His arms of compassion are enough to take in the whole world. - John R. Rice [Sword of the Lord, 2-22-2019, pg. 13]

All of us want to think that we are better than others, different from others. But God's Word thunders back that we are no better than others, no different from others, "For there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." - John R. Rice [All Have Sinned, pg. 3]

Lying is a terrible sin and involves decay in character. The man who gets to where he can lie and not rebuke himself but excuse it somewhat, will go further; and a man who would lie, eventually may steal. He has already let down the bars, he has already broken off one corner of his integrity.

"Thou shalt not bear false witness. . . . " To be deceitful is a terrible thing! - John R. Rice [Favorite Chapters of the Bible, pgs. 77-78]

The Holy Spirit is called "the Comforter" by our Saviour (John 14:16, 26; John 15:26; John 16:7). This "Comforter" is a translation of the Greek word parakletos, meaning "one called alongside." So the blessed Holy Spirit is alongside of every Christian. Better yet, the Saviour said in John 14:17, "Ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." The Holy Spirit dwelled with the apostles before the resurrection. But in the future after Christ was glorified, the Holy Spirit is promised to be within us. So when Jesus rose from the dead, He breathed on the disciples and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost" (John 20:22). Now from that time, every saved person has the Holy Spirit abiding in his body. - John R. Rice [How to Get Things from God, pg. 41-42]

And those who sing, "Oh, How I Love Jesus," but do not love him a dime's worth out of a dollar will not get far in their praying. If you cannot trust God to supply your need and to repay you for all the tithes and offerings you bring in for Him, you have not much faith. - John R. Rice [Hindrances to Prayer, page 22]