“THE FAITH” IS IMPORTANT

1 TIMOTHY 4:1 – the Exclusiveness of The Faith

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

1 TIMOTHY 5:8 – the Enemies of The Faith

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

1 TIMOTHY 6:10-the Erring from The Faith

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

We are not talking “a faith” we are talking “the faith.”

 

I. “THE FAITH”  IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT DEALS WITH THE PERSON OF CHRIST [2 JOHN]

1. Do Not Partake with Deceivers [v. 7-8]

2. Do Not Pursue their Doctrines [v. 9, 1 Tm. 4:1]

3. Do Not Promote their Deeds [v. 10-11]

II. “THE FAITH”  IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT DEALS WITH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST [1 COR. 15]

1. Christ’s Work is Important [v. 1-3, Rm. 1:16]

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.

2. Christ’s Word is Important [v. 3b-4]

3. Christ’s Witness is Important [v. 5-11]

III. “THE FAITH”  IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT DEALS WITH THE PEOPLE OF CHRIST

1. The People of Christ are to Continue in The Faith Always [Acts 14:22, Phil. 1:27, Col. 1:23]

- Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

- Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

- If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

2. The People of Christ are to Communicate The Faith Accurately [Gal. 1:23]

But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

3. The People of Christ are to Contend for The Faith Earnestly [Jude 3]

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

SEEING WHAT MOSES SAW

EXODUS 33:12-23

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHAT DID MOSES SEE?

1. Moses saw God’s Way [Ex. 33:12-13, Acts 7:33-32, 37, 44]

- When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled , and durst not behold.

- This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

- Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

2.  Moses saw God’s Glory [Ex. 33:18-23, Luke 9:26-32]

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. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings , he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

3. Moses “saw” God [Heb. 11:27]

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

 

II. WHY DID MOSES SEE?        Why did Moses see what others missed?

1. Moses had Faith in the Great I AM [Ex. 3:1-14, Jn. 8:58]

- Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

2. Moses had Faith to Forsake the Wrong [Heb. 11:24-27]

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

3. Moses had Faith to Choose the Right [Heb. 11:28-29]

Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

 

III. WHAT DID MOSES FEEL?

1. Moses Felt a Holy Hatred for Sin [32:17-19, 25-28]

2. Moses Felt a Christlike Compassion for Sinners [Exodus 32:32, Rm. 9:3, 10:1, Galatians 3:13]

- For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

- Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

- Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

3. Moses Felt a Godly Gladness for God’s Mercy [Ps. 90:1, 11-17]

- A Prayer of Moses the man of God. LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

- Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT

JUDGES 6:12-16

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE ARMY OF GIDEON

1. The Courageous Cowards [6:33-35, 7:1-3]

2. The Compromised Cattle [7:4-5]

3. The Committed Canines [7:6-8]

 

II. THE JOURNEY OF GIDEON

1. God’s Word Makes the Difference [7:9-14]

2. Gideon’s Worship Manifests the Difference [7:15]

3. General Willingness Multiplies the Difference [7:16-19]

 

III. THE GOD OF GIDEON

1. The Sword of the Lord [7:20-25, Eph. 6:17]

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

2. The Fear of the Lord [7:14, Ps. 111:10,  Pr. 1:7]

-The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments:] his praise endureth for ever.

-The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

3. The Glory of the Lord [7:2, Gal. 6:14]

-But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

SHALL HE NOT SEE?

Psalm 94:1-11

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. SHALL HE NOT SEE HIS SPECIAL CASES

1. God Watches Israel [Dt. 11:12, 32:9-10, Zechariah 2:1-8]

- A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.

-For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.

- I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand. Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof. And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him, And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her. Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD. Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

2. God Watched Jesus [Is. 49:5-6, Lk. 2:27-32]

- And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

- And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

3. God Watches the Saved [1 Pet. 3:8-12]

Finally , be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers:

 

II. SHALL HE NOT SEE HIS SPECIFIC CONCERNS

1. Sees the Ways of Men [Pr. 5:21]

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

2. Sees the Right that Men Do [Deut. 13:18, 1 Kings 15:5, 11; 1 Kings 22:42-43]

- When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.

-Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

- And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father.

-Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD:

3. Sees the Evil that Men Do [Gen. 6:5, 1 Kings 16:25, 2 Chronicles 21:6]

- And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

-But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him.

-And he [Jehoram] walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD.

 

III. SHALL HE NOT SEE AND INTERVENE IN HIS SOVEREIGN CAUSES

1. To Give Grace [Gen. 6:8]

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

2. To Intervene as He Sees Fit [1 Samuel  16:7,  Amos 9:8, Heb. 4:12-13]

-But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

- Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD.

- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

3. To Bless [2 Chronicles 16:9]

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

THE ONE GREAT SOLUTION‏ TO LIFE’S BATTLES

Eph. 2:2-3, 1 Jn. 2:16                  

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

-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.

-For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 

We have studied many times the three great enemies of mankind- the World-the external enemy, the Flesh-the internal enemy, and the Devil-the infernal enemy. We have also seen the weapons or devices used by these enemies- the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. With that in mind let me introduce to you three people, with three problems and the One Great Solution to all the battles.

 

I. THE PRIDE OF DIOTREPHES

1. Diotrephes the Narcissist [3 John 1:9-10]

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore , if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith , neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

2. Diotrephes had fallen to the Devil & the Pride of life [John 8:44]

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

-his fall may have been worse because he stayed in the church compounding the problem

-he loved the preeminence that belonged to Christ [v. 9, Col. 1:18, Is. 14:12-14]

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

-he would not receive John or his associates [v. 9-10, Jn. 13:20]

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

-he lied about John

3. Diotrephes needed to remember from where he came [1 Cor. 15:1-11]

 

II. THE LUSTFUL EYES OF DEMAS

1. Demas the Fellowlabourer [Philemon 1:24]

Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

2. Demas had fallen to the world/lust of the eyes [2 Tm. 4:10]

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

3. Demas needed to die to self [1 Cor. 15:31-34]

 

III. THE LUSTFUL FLESH OF ARCHIPPUS

1. Archippus the Fellowsoldier [Philemon 1:2]

And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

2. Archippus was facing the flesh/lust of the flesh [Col. 4:17, Gal. 6:8-9]

- And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

- For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

3. Archippus needed to stay by the stuff [1 Cor. 15:57-58]

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

WHAT’S THE POINT?

Genesis 25:32, 1 Kings 19:4, Jonah 4:3, Mt. 27:3-5

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

-And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

-But he [Elijah] himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

- Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.

-Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

 

I. CONSIDER LIFE’S PAIN

 

1. The Pain of Trouble [Job 3:26, 5:6-7, 14:1]

-Job- I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.

-Eliphaz- Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

-Job - Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

Point - 2 Chronicles 15:4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.

 

2. The Pain of Tribulation [John 16:33, Romans 2:9]

-These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

- Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

Point - Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

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. The Pain of Travail [John 16:19-22] anguish, sorrow of heart

Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you

 

II. CONSIDER LIFE’S POSSIBILITIES

1. You Can Be Saved and Know It! [John 3:17, 10:9,  Acts 16:30-31, Rm. 10:9, 13

-For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

- I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

- And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

- That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

2. You Can Be Sanctified [John 17:19,  1 Cor. 6:11, 2 Tm. 2:21, Heb. 10:14]

-And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

- And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

- If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

- For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

 

3. You Can Be Successful [Joshua 1:8]

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

 

III. CONSIDER LIFE’S POINT – The Will of God

 

1. Salvation [2 Peter 3:9]

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

 

2. Sanctification [1 Thessalonians 4:3]

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

 

3. Success [1 Thessalonians 4:1, Heb. 11:6]

-Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

- 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.

FAR BETTER

Philippians 1:21-23

Pastor Rick Jackson

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

I. FAR BETTER

1. Far Better Healthiness [1 Cor. 15: 52-54]

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

2. Far Better Happiness [Psalm 16:11, Lk. 15:10]

-In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

- Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

3. Far Better Holiness [1 Jn. 3:3]

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

II. FAR BETTER WITH

1. Far Better With Christ [1 Th. 4:16-18]

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

2. Far Better With Christians He Knows Again [Genesis 49:29, 2 Samuel 12:23,

- And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people

-But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

3. Far Better With Christians He Knows Now [Matthew 8:11]

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

 

III. FAR BETTER WITHOUT

1. Far Better Without Cares [Rev. 21:4]

 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

2. Far Better Without Conflict [Rev. 21:8]

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

3. Far Better Without Corruption [Rev. 21:27]

 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

 

“Far Better” is for Bible Christians only.

1 John 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

2 John 1:9 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.

IN GOD’S WAITING ROOM

Pastor Rick Jackson*

Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

Luke 8:40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

Romans 8:23 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.

1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no  gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

 

Waiting can be disastrous. It can be boring. It can produce stress even if you are not doing anything. Many people today cannot wait for a light to change without pulling out a mobile device and texting or something else- often causing others to wait on them! But waiting can be productive. It can be interesting. Waiting can be a blessing. There is an art to waiting that it behooves us all to learn.

God told mankind often that the Messiah, the Christ, the Saviour would come, and man had to wait, and then, “when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law. To redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons” [Gal. 4:4-5]

And now He has left again but with this promise, “I will come again” [Jn. 14:3]. We are urged to be ready. We are encouraged to be stedfast, to watch, to occupy to love His appearing. Now consider three things regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our waiting for His return.

 

I. THE PROMINENCE OF HIS SECOND COMING [1 Peter 1:11]

No truth is mentioned so much in the entire Bible. Both Testaments repeatedly mention the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Bible speaks of our Saviour two truths stand out, as seen in 1 Peter 1:11, sufferings and glory.

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.

1. David Spoke of this [Psalm 22-the Psalm of Sobs, and Psalm 24- the Psalm of Glory]

2. Isaiah spoke of this [9:6, 53:1-12]

-For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

3. Paul spoke of this [Hebrews 2:9]

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

II. THE POWER OF HIS SECOND COMING

1. Power to Comfort [1 Th. 4:13-18]

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

2. Power to Charge [2 Tm. 4:1]

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

-it will awaken our consciousness to the nearness of Christ- He is near!

-it will increase our faith in God [knowing what He has done already, what He is doing, what He will do]

-it will increase our zeal for souls- we want folks to be ready, the time is short

3. Power to Cleanse [2 Pet. 3:14, 1 Jn. 2:28-3:3]

-Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

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

 

III. THE PURPOSE OF HIS SECOND COMING

 

1. It will bring us into His Presence [Jn. 14:3, 1 Th. 4:17]

-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.

-Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

2. It will change us into His Likeness [Ps. 17:15, Phil. 3:20-21, 1 Jn. 3:2]

- As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

- For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

- when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3. It will complete His Promises [2 Pet. 3:9-13]

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

*inspired by Lee Roberson

TAKE A GOOD LOOK

HEBREWS 12:2

Pastor Rick Jackson

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.

 

I. ARE YOU LOOKING TO THE SAVIOUR?

I like the fact that our text doesn’t say “looking at Jesus” but “looking unto Jesus.” That little difference in words makes a big difference in meaning. Looking unto speaks of expectancy, it speaks of a hope for assistance. It speaks to the need and looks to that object or person to meet that need. If you were in the ocean and looking at a shark’s fin coming towards you it would not be with the idea of the shark helping you. But if a Coast Guard boat was coming you would be looking unto it for salvation from your present circumstances. John the Baptist points this out by advising us to:

1. Look to The Person of the Saviour [John 1:36] emblepo, to look on, i.e. to observe fixedly, to discern clearly

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

2. Look to The Passion of the Saviour [Mark 15:37-40] [wagging dog/snarling dog both have passion]

And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

3. Look to The  Power of the Saviour [Jn. 10:17-18, Rm. 1:1-4, Mt. 28:18]

- 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.

- 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, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

- And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

 

But wait, maybe you are not looking for grace.

II. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR TROUBLE?

 

1. By Not Looking to Jesus for Salvation [Heb. 10:26-29]

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

2. By Not Looking to Jesus for Solutions [Isaiah 31:1]

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

3. By Not Looking to Jesus for Service [Psalm 84:10, 1 Pt. 4:1-3]

-For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

- Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

 

III. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE SAVIOUR?

 

1. Are You Looking with Confidence? [Titus 2:13] prosdechomai,   to await (with confidence)

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

2. Are You Looking with Care? [Heb. 12:11-15] episkopeo,  to oversee; look diligently, take the oversight

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

3. Are You Looking for the Change? [Philippians 3:20-21]

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE

LUKE 22:31-32

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. GENERALLY SATAN WANTS YOU

1. Blinded [2 Cor. 4:3-4]

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 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.

2. Bound [Luke 8:29, 13:16]

-For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.

-And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

3. Blaspheming [Job 1:5, 11; 2:4-5, 9]

-And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

-But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

-And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.

-Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die.

 

II. MORE SPECIFICALLY SATAN WANTS YOU

1. Deceived [1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Cor. 11:13-15]

-Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

-For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

2. Derailed [1 Th. 2:18]

Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

3. Devoured [1 Pet. 5:8-9]

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.

YES, Satan hath desired to have you but Jesus said to Peter, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren”.

Those who are saved by the grace of God are assured of our Lord’s prayers as well. Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

So, we see in closing

 

III. ALMIGHTY GOD WANTS YOU

1. Delivered [Colossians 1:13-14]

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

2. Submissive [James 4:6-8]

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

3. Equipped [Eph. 6: 10-18]

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto  with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;