CHILLING AND THRILLING

PSALM 37

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. FRET NOT BECAUSE OF EVIL DOERS [v. 1-6]

1. Trust in the LORD [v. 1-3] “dwell” with Him, not the wicked

2. Delight in the LORD [v. 4] “desire” what He desires for you [1 Pt. 2:2, Jer. 29:11]

-As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

-For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

3. Commit thy Way to the LORD [v. 5-6] “depend” on Him to work it out [Rm. 8:28]

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

II. FRET NOT BECAUSE OF OTHERS [v. 7]

1. Rest in the Lord  [to be dumb; to stop; also to perish]

2. Wait on the Lord [trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded]

3. Hope in His Word [Psalm 130:5]

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

 

III. FRET NOT BECAUSE OF THE LORD [v. 8]

1. The Lord Knows the End of the Wicked [v. 8-17]

2. The Lord Knows the End of the Righteous [v. 17-28]

3. The Lord Knows the Way [v. 29-40]

DON'T GIVE UP!

GAL. 6:7-8

EVANGELIST MATT DOWNS

Preached at Bradford Baptist Church Feb. 16, 2025 at the 6 PM service

 

TRUTHS TO REMEMBER SO YOU DON’T GIVE UP!

REMEMBER:

 

I. TO PRAY [LK. 18:1]

 

II. THERE IS A DEVIL [1 Pet. 5:8]

 

III. TO WAIT ON THE LORD [Is. 40:28-31]

 

IV. JOY [Prov. 17:22]

 

V. THE PROMISE [Gal. 6:7-8]

 

VI. TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS [Gal. 6:10]

THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN CHRIST

2 COR. 5:17

EVANGELIST MATT DOWNS

Preached at Bradford Baptist Church Feb. 16, 2025 at the 11 AM service

 

I. WE HAVE A POSITION IN CHRIST [v. 17]

 

1. Old Things are Passed Away

-language

-music (does it glorify God or sin?)

-friends

-addictions (the wrong things will always want more – i.e., the law of diminish and return)

 

2. All things are become new

-new vocabulary (including “church words”)

-addictions (Bible reading, church attendance, prayer, etc.) [1 Cor. 16:15]

 

II. WE HAVE A PURPOSE IN CHRIST [v. 17-19, Eph. 2:11-20]

 

III. WE HAVE A PASSION FOR CHRIST [2 Cor. 5:10, Phil. 1:21]

GOD WANTS TO USE YOU

ACTS 8:5-13

EVANGELIST MATT DOWNS

Preached at Bradford Baptist Church Feb. 16, 2025 at the 10 AM Bible Study service

 

There needs to be in the life of every Christian a point of surrender. Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

 

IF YOU WANT GOD TO USE YOU:

 

I. GET RIGHT WITH GOD [Acts 8:18-24]

 

II. GET A BURDEN AND KEEP IT [Acts 8:17, 24; Rm. 10:1]

 

III. GO WHEN YOU ARE TOLD [Acts 8:26-35]

 

IV. GIVE THE GOSPEL [Acts 8:5, 12, 25, 35]

DEALING WITH STRESS

JAMES 5:13

EVANGELIST MATT DOWNS

Preached at Bradford Baptist Church Feb. 13, 2025 at the 7 pm service

 

Psalm 121:1-2 are my “Go-to” verses for emergencies. Look to the Lord!

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

 

Start with God [I Kings 3:5-15]

Trouble will Keep Coming [John 16:33, Ps. 46:1, Rm. 8:18]

Rely upon God [James 5:17, I Kings 18:21ff]

Exercise Common Sense [I Kings 19:5-8]

Stop Sinning [James 5:16]

Start Praying [James 5:16b]

(Matt explained that in a familiar location he likes to have “prayer spots” Dan. 6:10]

 

START PRAISING GOD!

That's Not Fair

MATTHEW 20:1-16

EVANGELIST MATT DOWNS

Preached at Bradford Baptist Church Feb. 12, 2025 at the 7 pm service

 

I. THE HOUSEHOLDER [GOD] OWNS EVERYTHING

 

II. THE HOUSEHOLDER [GOD] CAN DO WHAT HE WANTS [v. 16, I Cor. 4:2]

God is looking for faithfulness.

 

III. DO NOT BE JEALOUS OF THE ONES GOD BLESSES

 

IV. REJOICE IN THE GOODNESS OF THE HOUSEHOLDER [GOD]

-rejoice in what you have NOT what you don’t have

-don’t focus on the hours you worked, focus on what was accomplished [with the extra workers]

-God is keeping records [1 Cor. 3:12-15, Rev. 22:12] of everything

-Keep at it!

-It’s not about us – it’s about our service to God [Gal. 1:10]!

PRIORITIES ARE IMPORTANT

COL. 3:1-4
Evangelist Matt Downs
Preached at Bradford Baptist Church Feb. 10, 2025 at the 6 pm service

I. OUR #1 PRIORITY IS OUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD

1. We Need to Mortify Some Things [v. 5-7]
-Sometimes it’s good to say “NO” to your “wanter”
-Just because I can doesn’t mean I should

2. We Need to “Put Off” Some Things [v. 8-9]
Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication

3. We Need to “Put On” Some Things [v. 10-17]

II. OUR #2 PRIORITY IS OUR RELATIONSHIP TO OTHERS

1. Wives & Husbands [v. 18-19]

2. Parents & Children [v. 20-21]

3. Employers & Employees [v. 22, 4:1]

Note:
-whatsoever ye do … do it heartily

-the Devil doesn’t play fair!

DOERS OF THE WORD

JAMES 1:22-23

EVANGELIST MATT DOWNS

Preached at Bradford Baptist Church Feb. 11, 2025 at the 7 pm service

 

I. THE BIBLE EVALUATES HOW WE ARE DOING

 

1. How are you doing during trials? [James 1:2]

Are you dealing Biblically?

 

2. How are you dealing with temptations? [James 1:12-15]

The devil wants to destroy every one of us [1 Peter 5:8]

 

3. God has promised His children help [James 1:5]

 

II. THE BIBLE EDUCATES US HOW TO LIVE

 

1. How do you treat people less fortunate than you?

-the fatherless and widows [1:27]

-the poor [2:1-9]

 

2. How do you use your tongue? {1:26, 3:1ff.]

-don’t be a flamethrower

-sometimes you just need to shut your yapper

HOW CAN WE PREVENT SPIRITUAL BACKSLIDING?

PROVERBS 14:14

Evangelist Matt Downs

Preached at Bradford Baptist Church Feb. 9, 2025 at the 6 pm service

 

Backsliding is a panic situation. Backsliding is going back to bad habits. Backsliding is going away from God.

Jeremiah 2:19, 14:7, Hosea 14:4

How can we prevent spiritual backsliding?

 

I. WE NEED TO BE STRONG IN THE LORD [I Cor. 16:13, Dt. 1:36, Josh. 1:8]

-man up!

-stand up for what’s right in the home.

-be consistent, be nice.

-be ye kind one to another [Eph. 4:32]

 

II. WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL WITH THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD

Aaron made a golden calf for Israel

-Israel was influenced by what they had seen in Egypt [Ex. 32:1-4]

-Quit blaming others for what you do wrong [Ex. 32:22-24]

 

III.  WE NEED TO BE DOING WHAT WE KNOW WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING

-Constantly going to God in prayer

-reading the Word of God

-be faithful in church attendance

THE MANIAC OF GADARA

MARK 5:1-20

Evangelist Matt Downs

Preached at Bradford Baptist Church Feb. 9, 2025 at the 11 am service

 

I. THE CRAZY NEIGHBOR

1. He had opened himself up to demons [v. 2, 9]

2. He was acting crazy [v. 3-5]

3. He needed help the world could not give [v. 4b, 6]

 

II. THE SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST

1. He, being God, has authority over demons [v. 6-13]

2. He cares for the crazy guy [v. 15]

3. He changes the Christian [v. 15]

 

III. THE COMMAND [v. 19]

1. Go Home

2. Go Tell

3. Go Reap

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD FRIEND

 

PROVERBS 18:24

EVANGELIST MATT DOWNS

Preached 2-9-25 Sunday School Hour

 

FAITHFUL [Pr. 27:6]

REJOICES with You [Lk. 15:3-10]

IMPROVES You [Pr. 27:17]

ENDURES to the End [1 Sam. 20:14]

NEVER gives up [Mk. 2:1-12]

DETERMINES where you’re going [1 Cor. 15:33]

THE MVP THAT SURPRISED A NATION

1 SAMUEL 17

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Here we have an early “Superbowl”. The teams consisting of the Philistine Raiders [v. 1, 3-7] playing against the underdogs, the Israelite Sheep [v. 2, 11, 24]. The stakes of course were much higher than any current Superbowl’s as this was for [v. 8-10] more than bragging rights, money, super-bowl rings or trips to Disneyworld.

The early high expectations for “Most Valuable Player” were on Goliath [v. 4] who even had his agent with him [v. 7]. But the surprise MVP was a walk-on [v. 12-15], a youth [v. 33], who was somewhat inexperienced [v. 33, 38, 39]. How did he become the MVP for this early historical, Biblical super bowl?

 

I. HE HAD A HEART FOR GOD

1. He believed that God is bigger than an uncircumcised Philistine [v. 26]

2. He believed that God is real [v. 26b]

3. He believed that God is worthy [v. 29] the question is not “is it worth it?” the question is “is He worthy?”

 

II. HE HAD A SPIRIT OF FAITH

1. He believed God Had [v. 32-35]

2. He believed God Could [v. 36-37]

3. He believed God Would [v. 43-47]

 

III. HE HAD A YIELDED WILL

1. He Believed in spite of “friendly” opposition [v. 28-29, 33]

2. He Believed in spite of “expert advice” [v. 38-40]

3. He Believed in spite of an “overconfident enemy” [v. 41-51]

 

How’s your heart? How is your spirit? How is your will?

BIBLE FAITH IS NOT ...

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BIBLE FAITH IS NOT ILLOGICAL [Acts 17:2, 18:4, 19, 24:24-25]

-And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

-And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

- And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

- And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance , and judgment to come , Felix trembled , and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

 

1. It is Logical to Believe Creation Requires a Creator [Rm. 1:20-22]

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

 

2. It is Logical to Believe a God that Cannot Lie [Titus 1:2, 1 Peter 3:15]

-In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

- 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. It is Logical to believe a Book Inspired by a God that Cannot Lie [2 Tm. 3:15-17]

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

 

II. BIBLE FAITH IS NOT COMFORTABLE [Heb. 11:13, 25, 35-40]

 

1.  It is Not Comfortable to Fight the Flesh [James 4:1-3]

 

2. It is Not Comfortable to Fight the World [James 4:4-6]

 

3. It is Not Comfortable to Fight the Devil [James 4:7-10]

 

No, it is not comfortable, but, it is right.

III. BIBLE FAITH IS NOT NEGOTIABLE [Heb. 11:6]

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.

1. Salvation is by Faith – period! [Rm. 11:6, Gal. 2:16]

- And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

- Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

2. Sanctification is by Faith [Jn. 17:17, Ephesians 5:26]

- Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

- That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word

3. (Acceptable) Service is by Faith [Rm. 12:1-3]

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. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly , according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

THE KEEPER

2 Tm. 1:12

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE KEEPER OF SALVATION [2 Tm. 1]

1. He is Worthy [v. 8-12]

2. He is Able [v. 10, 12, 1 Peter 1:5]

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

3. He is Willing [v. 12-18]

 

II. THE KEEPER OF PEACE [Isaiah 26]

1. The Giver of Peace [v. 1, 3-5, 11-12]

2. The Quality of Peace [v. 1-3, John 14:27]

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

3. The Condition of Peace [v.3-4]

 

III. THE KEEPER OF SANCTIFICATION [Jn. 17]

1. Not of the World [v. 6, 9, 11, 15-16]

2. Now of the Word [v. 8, 13-14, 17-20]

3. Name of the Father [v. 7, 9-13, 21-26]

FAITH’S FINAL CURTAIN

Hebrews 11:31-40

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE WONDER OF FAITH [v. 31]

1. Wonder Who Can Be Saved? [v. 31, Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21, Romans 10:9-13]

- And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered:

- And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

- 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 with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

2. Wonder How One Can Be Saved? [v. 31, Eph. 2:8-9]

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

3. Wonder Why More Aren’t Saved? [v. 31, 4:2-3]

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 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.

 

II. THE WOW OF FAITH [v. 32-38]

1. The People of God [v. 32, 35a, 36a] [known, women, unknown others]

2. The Power of God [v. 33-34, Jn. 1:12, Rm. 1:16]

3. The Persecution of God [v. 36-38, Acts 9:1-6, Mt. 25:31-46]

 

III. THE WIND-UP OF FAITH [v. 39-40]

1. The Report [v. 39a]

2. The Reality [v. 39b]

3. The Redemption [v. 40, Rm. 8:22-25]

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

ATTITUDE DETERMINES ALTITUDE

MATTHEW 5:1-12

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

There are those who wish to whisk the Beatitudes away to the millennium as unattainable for this, or any past, age. This is impossible to do contextually, grammatically, or even from a historical setting. Christ delivered this to his disciples, and He obviously expected them to get some benefit at that time. The Holy Spirit directed Matthew to write it down, so He obviously intended for people to receive a benefit from it. It really is not that hard to understand. In the last few weeks we have loosely seen “He Told Me”, “He Touched Me” and now, “He Taught Me.”

For decades now I have agreed with Warren Wiersbe's take on the Beatitudes.

 

I. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD OURSELVES (v. 3)

Here we see the conviction of Humility

1. I am a lost sinner

2. I can do nothing to save myself

3. I can only rely on the mercy & grace of God

No one will ever be truly happy without these truths. The Lord Jesus Himself showed us a man who had sought this world's goods only to conclude this verse teaches [Luke 18:13] And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Remember, he went home saved, his self-righteous pew partner did not!

 

II. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD OUR SINS (v. 4-6)

1. A sorrow that leads to repentance [v. 4, 2 Cor. 7:10]

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

2. A submission to the Master's Plan [v. 5, Acts 9:6]

Exemplified by Paul's submission to Jesus Christ when he said, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

3. A Satisfaction found only in Christ's gift of Righteousness [v. 6, Rm. 9:30-33]

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

 

III. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD THE LORD (v. 7-9)

1. Showing forth His mercy [v. 7, Mt. 18:27-35]

just as the man under authority understood authority so the man accepting mercy should be merciful

2. Secure in His Grace [v. 8, Acts 15:9]

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

3. Sharing His Love [v. 9, Eph. 2:8-22]

 

IV. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD THE WORLD (v. 10-12)

1. Expect to be opposed [v. 10]

2. Expect to be spoken against [v. 11]

3. Expect to be rewarded [v. 12]

GRACE FOR ALL, ALL FOR GRACE

 TITUS 2:11-15

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. GRACE’S OUTREACH [v. 11]

1. It is a Heavenly Outreach [v. 11, Acts 20:32, Rm. 5:15]

-And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

- For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

2. It is a Redemptive Outreach [v. 11, 14]

3. It is a Universal Outreach [v. 11, Heb. 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. GRACE’S OUTCOME [v. 12, 1-10]

1. Teaches the Redeemed [v. 12]

2. Reaches the Masses [v. 1-9]

3. Preaches the Saviour [v. 10]

 

III. GRACE’S OUTLOOK [v. 13-15]

1. Looks for Him [v. 13]

2. Looks to Please Him [v. 14, 2 Tm. 2:4, Gal. 1:10, 1 Th. 4:1]

- No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

- 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.

- 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.

3. Looks to Pattern Our Lives from His Word [v. 15]

AH, TO BE LIKE JESUS [FULL MESSAGE]

 

AH, TO BE LIKE JESUS

LUKE 17:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

It is depressing, is it not, to think back to something we wished we had not said? To remember when we said something carelessly that hurt someone’s feelings to such a degree it may have changed their life – in a sad way? I am not referring to hard truths people must know but hard hearts that wound with words and actions. Do you realize the Lord Jesus never said an unkind word? He never hurt someone needlessly. He never wounded someone’s spirit. Ah, to be like Jesus. David expressed his desire to be like Jesus when he said, “I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”

 

What We Need:

I. CHRISTIAN MANNERS [v. 1-6]

1. Be Circumspect [v. 1-2, James 3]

2. Be Compassionate [v. 3-4, Eph. 4:15] “Speaking the truth in love”

3. Be Critical of Yourself [v. 5-6, Rm. 10:17, Phil. 3:7-14] Don’t be satisfied with your status quo

 

II. CHRISTIAN REMINDERS [v. 7-19]

1. To Serve in Love [v. 7-10, Eph. 6:6]

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

2. To Seek the Lord [v. 11-13 1 Chr. 16:10-11]

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.

3. To Say “Thank You Lord” [v. 14-19]

 

III. CHRISTIAN EXPECTATIONS [v. 20-37]

1. The Coming of the Kingdom [v. 20-24]

2. The Cost of the Kingdom [v. 25]

3. The  Consequences of the Kingdom [v. 26-37]

THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER’S HAND

MATTHEW 8

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE MASTER IS WILLING

1. He is Willing to Cleanse [Mt. 8:1-4, 11:28-30]

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

2. He is Willing to Enable Us [Mt. 8:14-15, Rev. 1:17-19]

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore , Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter ;

3. He is Willing to Enlighten Us [Mt. 9:27-31]

 

II. THE MASTER IS WELCOMING

1. He Welcomes Us with Wholeness [Mt. 14:34-36]

2. He Welcomes Us with Calmness [Mt. 17:5-7]

3. He Welcomes Us with Compassion [Mt. 20:29-34]

 

III. THE MASTER IS WISE [He is Wise to give us what we need]

1.The Touch of Jesus can Give Learning [2 Timothy 3:15]

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2. The Touch of Jesus can Give Boldness [Eph. 3:11-12]

According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

3. The Touch of Jesus can Give Knowledge [1 Cor. 1:3-5]

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

 

THE PIT AND THE PALACE

GENESIS 37:23-28

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HANDLING EVERY SITUATION [GEN.39]

1. Live in the Presence of Jesus [39:1-2]

2. Live Like the Person of Jesus [39:3-12]

3. Live in the Pronouncements of Jesus [Ps. 105:17-18]

 

II. HOLDING THE FAITH

1. Trust in the Word of God [Ps. 105:19-20]

2. Try to Point Others to God [Gn. 40:8]

3. Truly Give God the Glory [Gn. 41:15-16]

 

III. HONORING THE LORD

1. Fear the Lord in Good Times Too [Gn. 42:18]

2. Trust the Lord in All Times [Gn. 45:3-9]

3. Live and Die by God’s Word [Gn.50:22-26, Ex. 13:19] And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

AH, TO BE LIKE JESUS

LUKE 17:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

It is depressing, is it not, to think back to something we wished we had not said? To remember when we said something carelessly that hurt someone’s feelings to such a degree it may have changed their life – in a sad way? I am not referring to hard truths people must know but hard hearts that wound with words and actions. Do you realize the Lord Jesus never said an unkind word? He never hurt someone needlessly. He never wounded someone’s spirit. Ah, to be like Jesus. David expressed his desire to be like Jesus when he said, “I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”

What We Need:

I. CHRISTIAN MANNERS [v. 1-6]

1. Be Circumspect [v. 1-2, James 3]

2. Be Compassionate [v. 3-4, Eph. 4:15]

“Speaking the truth in love”

3. Be Critical of Yourself [v. 5-6, Rm. 10:17, Phil. 3:7-14] Don’t be satisfied with your status quo

THE BEST

LUKE 15:17-22

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE BEST TRANSACTION

1. The Price Paid [1 Corinthians 6:20]

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

-1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

-Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

2. The Person Received [John 1:11-12]

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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:

3. The Privileges Received [[John 1:12]

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:

 

II. THE BEST TRANSITION

1. From Darkness to Light [Acts 26:18]

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

2. From Death unto Life [John 5:24, 1 John 3:14]

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

-We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

3. From Lost to Saved [Luke 19:10]

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

 

III. THE BEST TRANSLATION [Hebrews 11:5]

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

1. From Earthy to Heavenly [1 Cor. 15:35-50]

2. From Corruptible to Incorruptible [1 Cor. 15:51-53a]

3. From Mortal to Immortality [1 Cor. 15:53b-57]

 

THE BEST LIFE IN RESPONSE – 1 Cor. 15:58 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.

HE THAT MADE ME WHOLE

JOHN 5:11

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HE KNOWS [John 5:5-8]

1. He Sees Us [v.5-6]

2. He Knows Our Situation [v. 6]

3. He Knows Us [v. 6-8]

 

II. HE CAN [John 5:8-23]

1. He Can Do It [v. 8-9]

2. He Can Defend It [v. 10-17]

3. He Can Defend It [v. 18-23]

 

III. HE WILL [John 5:24-30]

1. He Will Save [v. 24]

2. He Will Raise the Dead [v. 25-26, 21]

3. He Will Judge [v. 22, 27-30]

TRUTH UNDER FIRE

MARK 4:1-2, 9-13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. FOUR SOILS, 3 ENEMIES, 2 TYPES OF PEOPLE

1. The Way Side – Satan & the Unsaved [v. 3-4, 14-15]

2. The Stony Ground – the Flesh & the Unsaved [v. 5-6, 16-17]

3. The Thorny Ground – the Saved & the World [v. 7, 18-19]

4. The Good Ground- the Saved and the Spirit [v. 8-9, 20]

 

II. ENEMIES OF?

1. Enemies of the Saviour [v. 14, Mt. 13:37-39]

He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

2. Enemies of the Bible [v. 14-20]

3. Enemies of the Soul [v. 15-19, 1 Pt. 5:8, 2 Cor. 4:3-4]

-Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

-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.

 

III. SIMPLE LESSONS FROM THE SCRIPTURE

1. Every Christian Should Produce Fruit [v. 19]

2. Not Every Christian Produces the Same Amount of Fruit [v. 19-20]

3. God Desires Fruit [v. 20-21, John 15:8, Phil. 4:17]

- Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

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

3 PRAYERS GOD WANTS TO ANSWER IN 2025

PSALM 81:1-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

God wants to answer the prayers of the lost – specifically He wants them to pray for receive Christ and save them and God longs for that to happen and He will save. The section we have read is primarily to Israel, but it certainly has application to Christians. God wants us to pray. God wants us to pray big prayers. God wants to answer said “big” prayers. Let us explore three of those big prayers.

 

I. GOD WANTS TO GIVE US GRACE BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS [Hebrews 4:16]

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1. Grace Despite His Knowledge of Us [4:12-13]

2. Grace Depending on Our Relationship with Christ [4:14-15]

3. Grace Delivering Mercy, Grace & Help for Our Need [4:16]

 

II. GOD WANTS TO GIVE US WISDOM BEYOND OUR YEARS [Jm. 1:5]

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

1. Wisdom based on the Bible [James 1:5-8]

2. Wisdom from Above shown in a Life Below [James 3:13-18]

3. Wisdom from Knowing God [Eph. 1:15-18]

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

 

III. GOD WANTS TO GIVE US STRENGTH BEYOND OUR MEANS

they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

1. Seek His Strength in His Presence [1 Chr. 16:10-11]

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

2. Seek His Strength in His Place [1 Chronicles 16:23-27]

Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

3. Seek His Strength in His Person [Is. 40: 28-31]

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

KEEPING CHRISTMAS ALL YEAR

PSALM 118:24

Pastor Rick Jackson

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

1. Happy Holidays- Hallowed Holy Days [Ps. 118:24, Rm. 14:5-8]

-This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

- 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. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

2. Christmas Gifts- the Gifts of God [Acts 10:45, Rm. 11:29, 1 Cor. 12:28]

-Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

-Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

-1 Cor. 12:28 And  God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

3. Christmas Presents- Christ’s Presence [Mt. 28:20, Heb. 13:5]

-Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

-Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

 

4. Christmas Songs- Christian songs [Ephesians 5:19,  Colossians 3:16]

-Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

-Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

 

5. Christmas Proclamation – Christian Proclamations [Is. 61:1-2, Acts 5:20]

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

- Acts 5:20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

6. Christmas Lights- Christian Lights [John 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.

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

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

 

7. Christmas Celebration- Christian Rejoicing [Acts 5:41]

-And they departed  from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

-Rm. 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

-2 Cor. 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

-2 Cor. 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Gal. 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.