REGARDS CONCERNING CHRISTMAS

ROMANS 14:1-12                   

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. ESTEEM THE DAY (Was Jesus Born in December?) [Rm. 14:5]

It is amazing the amount of people, even Christians, who doubt Jesus was born in December. The problem is they are merely repeating a mantra they have heard from others- and the others didn't do their homework!

 

1. Critics Claim It Was Too Cold for the Sheep in Bethlehem’s Field in December when Christ was Born

Were they there then? Have you ever been there?

Dr. Mark Cambron, respected Bible scholar had heard this unsubstantiated claim that it is too cold for the sheep in December. We must remember Israel is not Pennsylvania or West Virginia. Dr. Cambron was at the shepherds’ field in Bethlehem one Christmas eve and noticed there were shepherds present. He asked them, “Why are sheep here and not in folds. Isn’t it too cold?” They replied, “This is when the grass grows best, so we graze here!” Then he noticed the grass was indeed thick and over knee high. Hearsay destroyed by eyewitnesses!

 

2. Critics Claim the Bible Doesn’t Give the Date as December

Well, not in those terms. But- you must rightly divide the Word of God.

-Bible fact # 1 In 1 Chr. 24:1-19 David organized the priests for the Temple. There were 24 orders for the 12 months, two orders per month (v. 18-19). Note in the fourth month, the latter part of the month is the order of Abijah (v. 10).

-Bible fact # 2 In Ex. 12:2, 13:4 God says the month Nisan/Abib is the first month of the Jewish calendar. Nisan falls in our Mar. /Apr. which puts the order of Abijah in our July.

-Bible Fact # 3 Zechariah was serving in July. (Lk. 1:5-7) Not yet 50 but advanced in years (people age differently, in US pioneer days the average lifespan was 35). Luke 1:8-23. He went home in August and John the Baptist was conceived in August or September (Luke 1:24). Elisabeth’s first month would be Sept. or Oct. Her 6th month would be Feb./March. (1:26-36 Mary conceived in Elisabeth’s 6th month so her first month would be March-April. Count it out. April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., December.

Late December is when the shepherds are out in their fields to watch their sheep by night. The night the angels came. Luke 2:8-15. The night, Christ was born. I for one am not going to let the Devil steal my Christmas.

 

3. “Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize.” – Lee Roberson

 

II. REGARD THE DETAILS [Rm. 14:6]

 

1. Some Claim Christmas Trees are of Pagan Origin [Jer. 10:1-4]

-Jeremiah is not talking about Christmas trees [Jer. 10:5-15] He is referring to wooden idols, carved by men, overlaid with gold, etc.

-Christmas trees are actually Christian.

John R. Rice recounts the origin of the Christmas tree: “In the 8th century a missionary named Boniface went to Germany to preach Christ. The Germanic tribes worshipped the oak tree as a symbol of deity. Boniface told them it was a poor symbol for God since it sheds its leaves and appears dead in winter. He told them the tree that should remind them of God was the evergreen. Always green and thriving.”

  “Christmas trees became popular in England primarily through the influence of the German-born, Prince Albert, husband of England’s Queen Victoria. In America the trees were introduced by German immigrants in Pennsylvania.”

-the Christmas tree reminds me of Calvary [Gal. 6:14, 1 Pt. 2:24]

 

2. The Lights Remind Me of Jesus & the Christmas Lights [Mt. 2, Lk. 2] the Star, the Angels

-Jn. 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

-Jn. 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

-1 Jn. 1:5 God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

-Mt. 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

 

3. Critics say giving gifts has become too commercialized [Esther 9:20-22]

It can be but need not be. Besides, since when do we not do right because someone else does it wrong. Many cults have services on Sunday- we still follow the Bible pattern as given in the N.T.

And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly , As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

 

III. EXERCISE YOUR DEVOTION [Rm. 14:17-19]

 

1. Worship in Spirit and truth [Jn. 4:24, Romans 14:17 cp. Luke 2:10-14]

-God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

- For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

-10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 

2. Be fully persuaded in your own mind. [Rm. 14:5-6]

One man esteemeth one day above another : another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

 

3. Whatever ye do, do it unto the Lord [Col. 3:17, 23-25]

-And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

-And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily , as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

IT IS THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS AT CHRISTMAS

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4

Pastor Rick Jackson

The old saying, “It’s the thought that counts” may have more truth to it than you think. The Christmas spirit begins in the mind of Christ and God, is carried out in the actions of the blessed Trinity and is recorded in the Word of God for our edification. Consider:

1. He that was strong became weak so that we that are weak might become strong. [v. 5-7, 1 Cor. 9:22]

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

2. He that was rich became poor so that we that are poor might become rich [v. 6-7, 2 Cor. 8:9]

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

3. The Son of God became the Son of Man so that the sons of men might become the sons of God [v. 7-8, Heb. 1:1-3, 2:9-10; Jn. 1:12]

- God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

- 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. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

4. He that was alive DIED so that we that are dead might become alive [v. 8, 1 Th. 4:14, 5:10; Eph. 2:1]

-For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

-Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

-And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:;

 

5. He that was righteous became sin so that we that are sinners might become righteous [v. 8, 2 Co. 5:21]

-For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

 If you have never been saved- accept Christ as Saviour and give Him the satisfaction of saving your soul [Isaiah 53:11]

-He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

If you are saved- give yourself to Christ to live for Him [Rm. 12:1-2]

-I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

LUKE’S 2000-YEAR-OLD CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS

LUKE 1

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE BELIEVABILITY OF GOD’S WORD

1. The Security of God’s Word [v. 1-4]

2. The Steadfastness of Gabriel’s Word [v. 5-20, Heb. 2:2-4]

For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

3. The Sinfulness of Scoffers [v. 18-25, Ps. 1:1-2]

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

 

II. THE BLESSEDNESS OF FAITH

1. The Access of Faith [v. 26-30]

2. The Acceptance of Faith [v. 31-37]

3. The Accounting of Faith [v. 38-40, Heb. 11:19]

Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

 

III. THE BENEFITS OF LIVING BY FAITH

1. Causes Joy among believers [v. 41-45]

2. The Lord is Magnified [v. 46-50]

3. The Word of God is Confirmed [v. 51-55]

THE LAST OF THE SIX GREAT JUDGMENTS – THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT

REVELATION 20

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE TIME OF THE JUDGMENT

1. After the “Little Season” [v. 1-3, 7-9]

2. After the Millennium [v.4- 5]

3. After the Devil is Judged [v. 10]

 

II. THE SUBJECTS OF THE JUDGMENT

1. The Unsaved Dead [v. 4-6]

2. Every Unsaved Person-Small or Great [v. 11-13]

3. Anyone Whose Name is not in the Lamb’s Book of Life [v. 15]

 

III. THE BASIS AND RESULT OF THE JUDGMENT

1. By their Record [v.12, Matthew 5:20-30, 12:36-37]

2. By their Works [v. 12-13]

3. By their Absence [v. 14-15]

ISAIAH’S 2700-YEAR-OLD CHRISTMAS QUESTION

ISAIAH 7:13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE CRITICAL SITUATION [v. 1-7]

1. The Country’s Leadership had Gone Bad [v. 1]

2. The Country’s Confidence had Fallen [v. 2]

3. The Country’s Only Hope Had Spoken [v. 3-7]

 

II. THE GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY [v. 8-11]

1. Israel’s End Foretold [v. 8-9a]

2. Ahaz’s Chance Explained [v. 9b, Mark 11:22]

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

3. God’s Offer Extended [v. 10-11]

 

III. ONCE THE OFFER IS MADE, IT’S ALL IN THE RESPONSE [v. 12-14]

1. Rebellion Robs [v. 12a]

2. Religion Warps [v. 12b]

3. Jesus Saves [v. 13-14, Mt. 1:18-25]

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

THE LAME MAN MEETS THE KIND KING

2 SAMUEL 9                                      

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE LAME MAN

1. Helpless From a Fall [v. 1-3, 4:4]

2. Homeless from Two Falls [v. 4] -his grandfather’s fall from favor with God, his father’s fall in battle

3. Hopeless from the Fall [v. 5-8]

 

II. THE KIND KING

1. He Sought for One to Bless [v. 1-3]

2. He Sent for Him [v. 4-5]

3. He Shewed Kindness for Another [v. 1, 6-13]

 

III. THE LAMER PEOPLE, THE KINDER KING

1. We were Helpless from a Fall, but God Sought Us [Rm. 5:12, 8]

- Wherefore , as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

2. We were Homeless but God Sent for Us [Acts 17:30, Is. 1:18, Mt. 11:28, John 14:2-3]

- And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

- Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

- Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

- In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 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.

3. We were Hopeless but God shewed us Kindness for Christ’s Sake [Titus 3:3-8, Ephesians 2:12, 4:32]

- For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

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

- And be ye kind one to another , tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

THE SIXTH GREAT BIBLE JUDGMENT - THE JUDGEMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS

Rev. 20

Pastor Rick Jackson

We have been studying the 6 Great Bible Judgments. We have covered the Believer’s Sin, the Believer’s Service the Nation of Israel, the Judgment of Gentile Nations, and now we come to the Judgment of Angels, specifically, fallen angels.

 

I. The Time -

1. After the Tribulation [Rev. 20:4]

2 Apparently Before the Great White Throne Judgment [Rev. 20:10-11]

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

3. In Association with the Lord Jesus Christ [Rev. 2:26-27, 3:21]

Mt. 19:27-28 - Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Rm. 16:20 - And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

II. The Subjects 

1. The Bible Speaks Sparingly of Our Participation [1 Cor. 6:3]

Know ye not that we shall judge angels?

2. Some Fallen Angels are already “Incarcerated” [2 Pet. 2:4, Jude 6]

-For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

- And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

NOTE: similar to Christians going “Home” early [1 Cor. 11:30-32]

3. Good Angels [like the Judgement for Believer’s Service]?

 

III. The Basis & Result [Ez. 28:12-19,

1. Angels “Fell” Joining the Rebellion Against God [Rev. 12:3-4]

- And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

2. Demons Fell for Satan’s Trafficking (fallen angels) [Ezekiel 28:11-19]

3. Fallen Angels will Be with Satan Forever [Rev. 20:10, Matthew 25:41]

- And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

-Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

THE PRODIGAL

THE PRODIGAL

LUKE 15:11-32

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE DECEPTION [15:11-16]

1. The Deception of the Heart [15:11-12, 18:24-27]

2. The Deception of the World [15:13-14, 9:25]

3. The Deception of the Devil [15:15-16, 8:5, 11-12]

 

II. THE DECISION [15:17-20]

1. He Came to Himself [15:17-19]

2. He Came to Jesus [15:18-19, 1-10]

3. He Came to His Father [15:20]

 

III. THE DETAILS [15:20-32]

1. Face the Future as a Son [15:20-24] I why didn’t he get a bath first - he had been washed in the blood

2. Face the Future as an Heir [15:22]

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

- Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

3. Face the Future Critics as a Twice-born Person [15:25-32]

DAVID'S 3000-YEAR-OLD CHRISTMAS QUESTION

 

DAVID’S 3000-YEAR-OLD CHRISTMAS QUESTION

Hebrews 2:6

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

 

I. DAVID’S WORSHIP PROMPTED THE QUESTION [Psalm 144:1-2]

 

1. He Worshipped God for His Empowerment for Battle [v. 1]

2. He Worshipped God for His Empowerment for Living [v. 2]

3. He Worshipped God for His Salvation [v. 2]

 

II. DAVID’S WONDERMENT PROMPTED THE QUESTION [Psalm 144:3-15]

 

1. It is Wondrous that God would even Acknowledge Man [v. 3-4]

2. It is Wondrous that God would Visit Blessings on Man [v. 3, 5-15]

3. It is Wondrous that God would Redeem man [v. 2, 7, 10-11]

 

III. DAVID’S WITNESS EXPANDED THE QUESTION [Hebrews 2]

 

1. Salvation is Personal [v. 1-4]

2. Salvation is a Person [v. 5-9a]

3. Salvation is Purposeful [v. 9-18]