BE OF GOOD CHEER BROTHER!

Acts 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

   Ever feel grumpy? Not too long ago I was feeling less than my best when a cashier asked me, “How are you doing?” By reflex I replied with what I have replied with since Thanksgiving 2000, “Better than I deserve,” and instantly my attitude changed.

 

   Several days later, I was experiencing the doldrums again when the Lord directed me to our text in my daily reading. Brother, that’s a wake-up call. So here we are, and I want to share this truth with you if you are a child of God, “BE OF GOOD CHEER BROTHER!” “BE OF GOOD CHEER SISTER!”

 

 

Now you may be thinking: Why? How? What? Who? When? Oh man, I’m glad you asked. Be of Good Cheer because:

 

I. YOU ARE SAVED [Mt. 9:2]

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

 

II. CHRIST IS WITH YOU IN YOUR TROUBLES

[Mk. 6:50, Acts 23:11]

-For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

- And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

III. CHRIST HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD [Jn. 16:33]

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.

 

IV. CHRIST IS IN CONTROL OF THE SITUATION

[Mt. 9:22, Mk. 10:49, Acts 27:22

 -But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

-And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

-And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

V. GOD’S WORD IS TRUE [Acts 27:23-25]

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Conclusion,  earlier today I was finishing a book I have been reading, Compassion Unlimited, by the late Lee Roberson and he made this statement that kind of sums up what we have been saying:

 

“Take an inventory. See what you have in the Lord Jesus Christ. Child of God, you can be optimistic of Christ the Saviour. You have the Word of God---the Bible. You have prayer. You have the fact of His coming again. You have the assurance of His presence with you in every hour. Come and rejoice, and be optimistic because of that which God has done for you”. 

THE PLACE OF GOD’S BLESSING

PSALM 1

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PLACES TO AVOID [v. 1]

1. Avoid Walking in the Advice of the Ungodly [Jude 14-16]

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

2. Avoid the Lifestyle of the Lost Sinner [Rm. 1:32]

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

3. Avoid the Dwelling of the Derisive (mocker) [Pr. 14:9]

Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

 

II. PLACES TO INHABIT [v. 2]

1. The Place of Delight [Psalms 40:8]

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

2. The Place of Deliberation [Ps. 143:5, Pr. 15:28]

-I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

-The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

3. The Place of Permanence [Psalm 63:6]

When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

 

III. PLACES OF PARTICIPATION [v. 3-6]

1. Planted in Prosperity [v. 3, 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.

2. Hearing from Heaven [v. 4-5, Mt. 7:24-27]

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

3. Valley of Decision [v. 6, Joel 3:14, Joshua 24:15]

-Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

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

PILATE'S PERSONAL PROBLEMS

John 18:28-38

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PILATE DID NOT KNOW TRUTH [Jn. 18:28-38]

Pilate’s first meeting with Jesus

1. He Did Not Know Truth is a Reality [John 1:14, 17, 4:23-24, 5:33, 8:32]

- And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

- For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

- But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

- Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

- And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free

2. He Did Not Know Truth is a Book [Jn. 17:17]

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

3. He Did Not Know Truth is a Person [John 14:6]

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way , the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me

 

II. PILATE DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH JESUS [Mt. 27:15-22]

1. It Is A Personal Question [v. 22, 1 John 5:12]

-Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?

-He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

2. It Is A “Do” Question [v. 22, Acts 16:30-32]

- 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. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

3. It Is A “Jesus” Question [Mt. 27:22, 11-14, 17-18, 23]

 

III. PILATE DID NOT KNOW HOW INCONSISTENT HE WAS

1. He Touted His Authority To One with All Authority [John 19:10-11]

Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

2. He Contented People He Had Authority Over [Mk. 15:15]

And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

3. He Didn’t Show Backbone Until It Was To Late [John 19:19-22]

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

 

LEARNING WHAT GOD DOES

GENESIS 37  

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Why doesn’t God do something? Why didn’t God stop that wicked man? Why? What? Where? How? When?

 

I. WHY DOESN’T GOD DO SOMETHING TO HELP JOSEPH?

1. He Has [Gn. 37:3-4, 8, 11-22]

2. He Will [Gn. 37:23-28, 42:18-22, 44:18, 33-34]

3. He Did [Gn. 45:1-8]

 

II. WHAT DID JACOB LEARN ABOUT JOSEPH AND GOD?

1. He Is Alive [Gn. 45:26]

2. He Is Lord [Gn. 45:9, 26]

3. He Is Loaded [45:10-11, 27-28]

 

III. WHAT SHOULD WE TAKE FROM THIS?

1. Whatever “this” is - “This” Is For the Glory of God [Jn. 11:40]

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

2. Whatever “this” is - “This” Is For Our Good [Gn. 50:20, Rm. 8:28-39]

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

3. Whatever “this” is - Grant God the Right to Be God [Rm. 9:20, 11:30-36]

THE FRIEND OF GOD

 

THE FRIEND OF GOD

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The idea that one can be a friend of God is one that fascinates me. There may be some people we would consider it to be a privilege and an honor to be their friend. But then, to think of being “the friend of God.” Mind blown. There are a few people the Bible calls God’s friend. A few more that are implied to be God’s friend like in Exodus 33:11 where the Bible says, “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” But with Abraham there is no implication. The Bible is clear, we have, first of all,

 

I. THE CREDENTIALS OF GOD’S FRIEND [Genesis 12:3]

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

1. The Land [2 Chr. 20:7]

Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?

 

2. The People [Isa. 41:8]

But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

 

3. The Book [James 2:23, Rm. 3:1-4]

-And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

-What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe ? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid : yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

II. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S FRIEND [Gen. 18]

1. Abraham Received Him [Gn. 18:1-8, Heb. 11:17-19]

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

2. Abraham Rejoiced over Him [Jn. 8:37-40, 56-59]

3. Abraham Repeatedly Chose Him [Gen. 18:17-19]

 

III. THE COLLECTION OF GOD’S FRIENDS

 

1. Believe Him for Imputed Salvation [James 2:23]

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith , Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

 

2. Obey Him for Intensified Service [John 15:13-15]

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

 

3. Choose Him for Identifying Sanctification

[Jm. 4:3-4, Jn. 19:12]

-And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

CHRIST REVEALED

REVELATION 1:1-8

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. CHRIST KNOWS [v. 9-11]

1. Christ Knows What We are Going Through [v. 9]

2. Christ Knows Where We Are [v. 9-10]– literally, physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, etc.

3. Christ Knows What We Can Do [v. 11]

 

II. CHRIST KNOWN [v. 12-16]

1. The Son of Man [v. 12-13, Dan. 7:13-14, Mt. 16:27-17:7]

- I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

2. The Risen Lord [v. 5-8, 14-15]

3. The Head of the Church [v. 16, Eph. 1:22, 4:15, 5:23]

- And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church

- But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

- Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

 

III. THE COMMISSION [v. 17-20]

1. Submit to the Authority [v. 17-18, Mt. 28:18-20]

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

2. Follow the Pattern [v. 19]

3. Send the Message [v. 20, 11]

THIS PERSUASION

Galatians 5:1-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. TROUBLESOME PERSUASION

1. Persuaded to Join the World [2 Chr. 18:1-2, 19:2]

-Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead.

-And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

2. Persuaded to Choose a Sinner over the Saviour [Mt. 27:20]

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

3. Persuaded to Do Wrong [Acts 14:19]

And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

 

II. TRUE PERSUASION

1. Persuaded by the Word [Lk. 16:31, Heb. 11:13]

- And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

- These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

2. Persuaded by Grace [Acts 13:43, Rm. 15:14, 2 Tm. 1:5]

- Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

- And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

-When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

3. Persuaded by Reason [Acts 18:4, 19:26]

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

- Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

 

III. THE APOSTLE’S PERSUASION

1. He was Persuaded that God Keeps His Word [Rm. 4:21]

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

2. He was Persuaded that God Keeps His People [Rm. 8:38]

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

3. He was Persuaded that God is Able! [2 Tm. 1:12]

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

WHEN THE HEATHEN RAGE

Psalm 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

What should we do when the heathen rage? Hide? Hibernate? Capitulate? Stick our heads in the sand? No- we do our job. We do our duty. We do right.

 

I. WE FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF DANIEL

1. We Purpose in Our Hearts [1:8]

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

2. We Premeditatedly Live for God [6:3-5]

 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

3. We Pray to Our God [6:10]

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

 

II. WE FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL [2 Tm. 4:7]

1. We Fight the Good Fight [v. 7, 1 Tm. 6:12]

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

2. We Finish Our Course [v. 7, Acts 13:25, 20:24]

-And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

-But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

3. We Keep the Faith [v. 7, Rm. 3:3, 14:12]

-For what if some did not believe ? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

-So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

 

III. WE FOLLOW THE EXHORTATION OF CHRIST

1. Be Salt [Mt. 5:13]

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

2. Be Light [Mt. 5:14-16]

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

3. Be Witnesses [Acts 1:6-9]

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord , wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

SAFE

Psalm 119:117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

Pr. 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Pastor Rick Jackson

I once saw on a truck’s mud flaps the words “THINK SAFE, ACT SAFE, BE SAFE.” The message, though possibly unintentional, was Scriptural. If these things are true in the secular world which today is, and tomorrow will be gone, how much more are they true on the spiritual plane.

 

I. THINK SAFE – to think safe is to think right

1. Think right About Yourself [Gal. 6:3]

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

2. Think right About Christ [John 5:39]

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

3. Think Right About Life [1 Cor. 8:2]

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

 

II. ACT SAFE thinking safe is just the start- one may think straight but not follow through in his actions

1. Actually Trust Christ [Heb. 4:2]

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.

2. Actually Follow Christ [John 1:43]

-The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

-Mt. 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

-Mt. 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

3. Actually Do What Christ Commands [Jm. 1: 21-25]

 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

 

III. BE SAFE

1. Safe from the Penalty of Sin {Rm. 6:23]

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2. Be Safe from the Prominence of Sin [Ps. 119:9-12]

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

3. Be Safe from the Pushers of Sin [Pr. 29:25]

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

BECAUSE OF JESUS WE KNOW

REVELATION 1:1-4

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BECAUSE OF JESUS WE KNOW WE HAVE A SUFFICIENT SAVIOUR [v. 5-6, 17-18, John 6:37]

“him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

1. “him”= any him, rich/poor, weak/strong, cultured/vulgar, male/female, any “race,” any language, from anywhere

2. “that cometh”= not worketh, not payeth, not joineth, not “is baptized” – this breaks pride

3. “to Me”= Jesus! Not Buddha, Confucius, Sun Myung Moon, Joseph Smith, L. Ron Hubbard, Steven Hawking

4. “I will”= receive not cast out. Jesus can say “I will” because “He would” and “He did”

5. “in no wise cast out”- no way, no-no!, Once in- in for good [Rm. 5:8-11]

 

II. BECAUSE OF JESUS WE KNOW WE HAVE A TRUSTWORTHY TESTIMONY [v. 5, 10-11, 16, 19]

 

1. We have a Book That Warns [Ezek. 3:17-20, 1 Cor. 4:14, Col. 1:28, 1 Th. 5:14]

-Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

- I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

- Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

-Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men

2. We have a Book That Washes [v. 5, Eph. 5:26]

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

3. We have a Book That Works [Isaiah 55:11, 1 Pet. 1:23-25]

- So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it

-Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Unbeliever- “We can’t Believe any book where the author is unknown”

Believer-“ Do you know who wrote the multiplication table? No? Then I suppose you don’t believe it?”

Unbeliever- “Well, I believe it because it works!”

Believer- “So does the Bible!”

 

 III. BECAUSE OF JESUS WE KNOW WE HAVE A CONQUERING CHRIST [v. 7-8, 13-18]

 

1. He is Sufficient to Destroy the Works of the Devil [1 John 3:8]

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

2. He is Sufficient to Do Away with the Wages of Sin [Romans 3:23-28, 1 John 2:2, 4:10]

-For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

-And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

-Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

3. He is Sufficient to Deliver Us from the World [Galatians 1:4, 6:14]

- Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

- 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.

HOW TO PRAY A USELESS PRAYER

LUKE 16:19, 22-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PRAY IT AT THE WRONG TIME [v. 22-24, Is. 59:2]

v. 25 “thy lifetime” –But your iniquities between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that He will not hear.

 

II. PRAY IT TO THE WRONG PERSON [v. 24, 27, 1 Tm. 2:5]

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. [not Abraham, Mary, saints, angels, Buddha, et cetera]

 

III. PRAY AGAINST GOD’S WORD [v. 24-26, Heb. 9:27]

It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

 

IV. PRAY FOR THE WRONG MEANS [v. 27-29, Isa. 8:19-20]

-And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? For the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Religious experience over Revelation)

 

V. PRAY FROM THE WRONG MINDSET [v. 30-31, Ps. 66:18, Rm. 3:4]

The mindset of I know better than God, I’m right

-If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.

-Let God be true, but every man a liar.

THE MAN

PSALM 128:4

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

For many years there have been expressions concerning “the man.” Some of these were considered negative and some of them were considered positive. In the 1960s “The Man” often referred to someone in authority – a policeman, a mayor, a governor. If someone didn’t like the way things were going, they might say, “The man is trying to keep me down” and this became a way to hide one’s own failure. Perhaps, in some cases, it was even true. But times changed and people wanted to be “the man.” For decades Time Magazine has had a “Man of the Year.” In some cases, there has been a person recognized as “the man of the hour.” Father’s Day became a national holiday to recognize and honor Fathers as the man of the family.  

In the spiritual realm it is a little different. Moses was God’s man to lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage. Josua was God’s man to lead Israel into the promised land. More importantly, what does it take to be the person that God blesses? What does it take to be “the man” God blesses? Or, what does it take to be “the woman” God blesses? Let’s find out.

I. TO BE “THE MAN” YOU HAVE TO KNOW “THE MAN”

1. THE MAN Who was Prophesied [Zech. 6:12]

And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:

2. THE MAN Who was Crucified [John 19:5]

-Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe, and Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

3. THE MAN Who was Specified [1 Tm. 2:5]

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

 

II. TO BE “THE MAN” YOU HAVE BE SAVED BY “THE MAN”

1. You Have to “Hear” about THE MAN [Acts 8:29-37, Rm. 10:13-17]

2. You Have to Trust in THE MAN [Ps. 34:8]

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.

3. You Have to Belong to THE MAN [Ps. 32:2, Rm. 4:6-8]

-Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity and in whose spirit there is no guile.

-Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, BLESSED ARE THEY WHOSE INIQUITIES ARE FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD will not impute sin.

 

III. TO BE “THE MAN” YOU HAVE TO DELIGHT IN “THE MAN”

1. Delight in the Word of God [Ps. 1:1-2, 112:1]

-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.

-Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in His commandments.

2. Delight in the Will of God [Ps. 40:8]

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

3. Delight in the Person of God [Ps. 37:4]

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

IN CONCLUSION, PSALM 128:4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed the feareth the LORD.

ARE YOU IN YOUR RIGHT MIND?

Titus 2:6                              

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

“Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded”.

“Likewise” refers to those he’s already mentioned. Aged men, aged women, young women and now young men. “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded”.

 

I. THINK RIGHT ABOUT YOURSELF

 

1. Think Right About Your Reliance [Matthew 3:9] “my grandpa was a preacher”

-And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

2. Think Right About Your Repentance [Luke 13:4]

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

3. Think Right About Your Rightness [Romans 12:3, 1 Cor. 10:12, Gal. 6:3]

-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.

- Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

- For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

 

II. THINK RIGHT ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

 

1. His Person [Mt. 22:42, Jn. 5:39, 2 John 1:9]

-Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.

-Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

- 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.

2. His Purpose [Mt. 5:17, 10:34, Lk. 19:10]

-Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

-Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

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

3. His Plan [Mt. 24:44]

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

 

III. THINK RIGHT ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

 

1. Think Right About Prayer “LIFE IS FRAGILE-HANDLE WITH PRAYER”

 Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

2. Think Right About Behavior [1 Cor. 4:6, 8:2, 13:5]

-And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

-And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

- Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

3. Think Right About Suffering [1 Peter 4:12-13, Rm. 8:18]

-Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

- For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us

THE SAVIOUR’S SILENCING QUESTION

MT. 22:41-46

Pastor Rick Jackson

They were silenced, in part, because to answer would be to admit some uncomfortable truths.

 

I. THE TRUTH OF THE TRINITY

1. The Scripture’s are God-breathed [2 Tm. 3:16]

2. The Men Who Wrote the Scripture were “Moved” by the Holy Spirit [2 Peter 1:21]

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

3. “David in Spirit” Spoke of Christ and the Father [v. 43-44]

 

II. THE TRUTH OF THE INCARNATION

1. Christ is a Physical Descendant of David [v. 41-42]

2. David by the Spirit Calls Christ Lord [v. 43-44]

3. Christ Must be Both Man and God [v. 45-46, 1 Timothy 3:16]

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

 

III. THE TRUTH OF THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

1. Christ Must Come to Seek and to Save [Luke 19:10]

2. Christ Must Complete His Work of Salvation and Return to Heaven [v. 44, Acts 2:29-33]

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

3. Christ Must Conquer His Foes & Judge Them [v. 43-44, Acts 2:34-36]

For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

PENTECOST

ACTS 2:1-6                        

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Pentecost is the old Greek and Latin name for the Jewish harvest festival, Shavuot, found in the Old Testament. Shavuot is also called the Festival of Weeks; Festival of Reaping, and Day of the First Fruits. When Christians mention Pentecost, they usually have in mind the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ as found in Acts 2. But that’s where it gets hazy.

 

I. WHAT HAPPENED TO PENTECOST?

 

1. It’s Been Confused [Jn. 7:38-39, 20:1, 19-22]

-it is NOT the day the Holy Spirt began indwelling believers

- He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

- The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when, it was yet dark, unto, the sepulchre, and, seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

- Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

2. It’s Been Called- it is NOT the “birthday of the church” – no hint of that in Scripture, see point 1 above. Good men disagree. Was it the “Come and see” of Jn. 1:39 [J.C. Ryle], the calling of the 12 [Lee Roberson], Pentecost [J. Vernon McGee], the first person saved [John R. Rice] or something different?

3. It’s Been Convoluted- it does NOT say speaking with tongues is THE evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit

 

II. WHAT HAPPENED ON PENTECOST?

 

1. It Was a Day of Fulfilment- [Lk. 24:49, Acts 1:1-9, 2:14-21, cp. Joel 2]

- And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

2. It Was a Day of Fullness- [Acts 2:4, 13, 16-18]

3. It Was a Day of Fruitfulness- [Acts 2:41]

 

III. WHAT HONORS PENTECOST?

 

1. Recognizing it was a Special Day- [#246 Pentecostal Power] “Lord as of old at Pentecost Thou didst Thy power display”]

2. Recognizing it was a “Specimen” Day -called by D.L. Moody, John R. Rice [Acts 4:8, 31, 33]

3. Recognizing it is a Supernatural Day- [Eph. 5:18-20, 6:18-20]

- And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

- Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly , to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

ZEAL

GAL 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

Rick Jackson

Is there anything you are zealous about? Do you have any zeal? “Zeal” according to the dictionary is: “eager interest and enthusiasm; ardent endeavor; fervor”. According to the Bible God has zeal. One can have the right kind of zeal but one can also be zealous for the wrong things, and have a wrong kind of zeal. The Bible speaks of both.

 

I. THE BIBLE SPEAKS OF GOD’S ZEAL

1. God has Zeal for His people (Is. 37:31-32)

And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward: For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.

 2. God has zeal for His House (Ps. 69:9; Jn. 2:13-17)

- For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

- And the Jews passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

 3. God has zeal for His Word (Is. 9:6-7, 59:15-21)

-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. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

-Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

 

II. THE BIBLE SPEAKS OF A MISGUIDED ZEAL

 1. Doing wrong in patriotic fervor (2 Sam. 21:1-2)

Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)

 2. Doing wrong in religious fervor (Phil. 3:6-9)

Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law , blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

 3. Doing wrong in religious ignorance (Rm. 10:1-2; 1 Cor. 14:12; Ga. 1:11-14, 4:16-18)

- Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

- Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

- But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

-Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

 

 III. THE BIBLE SPEAKS OF GOOD ZEAL

 1. Zeal for the Lord and His Word (Num. 25:11-13, Ps. 119:137-140; Rev. 3:19)

- Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

- Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

- As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

 2. Zeal for the Lord’s people (2 Cor. 9:1-2; Col. 4:12-3)

- For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

- Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

 3. Zeal for the Lord’s will [good works] (Titus 2:14)

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

LET YOUR FAITH BE KNOWN

I COR. 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LET YOUR FAITH BE KNOWN AS A SHINING FAITH

1. Let It Shine For Christ [Mt. 5:14-16]

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

2. Let It Shine With kindness [Eph. 4:32]

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

3. Let It Shine With Consistency [1 Tm. 4:12-16]

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 

II. LET YOUR FAITH BE KNOWN AS A SPEAKING FAITH

1. Let It Speak Through Your Words [Col. 4:6]

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

2. Let It Speak Through Your Deeds [Col. 3:17]

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.

3. Let It Speak Through Your Life [Rm. 6:4, Phil.1:20-21]

- Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

- According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

 

III. LET YOUR FAITH BE KNOWN AS A SHAPING FAITH

1. Let Your Faith Shape Your Vision [Pr. 29:18, Mt. 9:36]

-Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

-But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted , and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

2. Let Your Faith Shape Your Separation [2 Cor. 6:14-18]

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said , I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

3. Let Your Faith Shape Your Giving [Phil. 4:10-20]

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.