SEEING CLEARLY

ROMANS 12:1-8

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. SEEING HIMSELF CLEARLY [John 1]

1. He Knew He was NOT the Christ [v. 19-20]

2. He Knew He was Not Elijah Incarnate [v. 21, Mal. 4:5-6]

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

3. He Knew He was Not “That Prophet” Like Moses

[v. 23, Dt. 18:15, 18; Gal. 6:3]

- The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

-I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

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

II. SEEING HIS WORK CLEARLY [John 1]

1. He was a Voice for Christ [v. 23]

2. He Pointed People to Christ [v. 29]

3. He Baptized Those Who Showed They Were Saved [Mt. 3:8, 11]

- Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

- I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

 

III. SEEING CHRIST CLEARLY [John 1]

1. He Knew Christ is to be Preeminent [v. 26-27, 3:30]

2. He Knew Christ is God’s Payment for Sin [v. 29]

3. He Knew Christ is the Eternal God [v. 15, 30-31, 3:31, 35-36]

THE CLOSING CHAPTERS - HEAVENLY SONSHINE

REVELATION 21

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. ALL THINGS NEW [v. 1-8]

1. New Heavens and Earth [v. 1, Is. 65:17, 66:22]

- For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

- For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

2. New Jerusalem [v. 2, 3:12]

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

3. New Reality [v. 3-8]

 

II. THE OUTER CITY [v. 9-11]

1. Her look [v. 9-11]

2. Her Gates and Walls [v. 12-18]

3. Her Foundations and Gates [v. 19-21]

 

III. THE INNER CITY [v. 21-27]

1. No Need [v. 21-23]

2. No Worries [v. 24-26]

3. No Way [v. 27]

CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS – WHAT ABOUT DOUBT?

LUKE 1:1-20

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE DANGER OF DOUBT

1. Doubt Derails God’s Blessings [v. 12-13, Mt. 13:54-58]

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

2. Doubt Displeases God [v. 18-20, Ps. 78:32-33, Heb. 11:6]

- For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.

- 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.

3. Doubt Damns Souls [v. 18-20, Ps. 78:21-22, Heb. 2:1-3]

- Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:

- Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 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;

 

II. THE DISEASE OF DOUBT

1. Doubt Infects Our Prayer Life [v. 13, James 1:5-7]

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. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

2. Doubt Inhibits Our Walk [V. 27, MK. 6:5-6]

And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

3. Doubt Increases Our Fears [v. 12, 18-19; Mt. 8:26, Rev. 21:8]

- And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

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

 

III. THE DEFEAT OF DOUBT

1. Obedience to the Known Will of God

[v. 13, 59-63, James 1:22]

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

2. Prayer & Praise to the Lord [v. 64-69]

3. Acknowledgment & Acceptance of the Word of God [v. 70-79, Rm. 10:17]

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

CONSIDER NOT WORRYING

LUKE 12:22-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The life of faith excludes worry. Worry is sin. – Lee Roberson

Someone has said, If you worry, you don’t pray rightly. If you pray rightly, you don’t worry.

D.L. Moody said, “I would just as soon curse as worry. Both are sins.”

Concern and worry are not the same thing. Concern should cause thinking. Concern should lead to prayer. “Men ought always to pray and not to faint.”

   Jesus has just finished talking about a man who prioritized this temporary life over eternity [v. 16-21]. Then follows v. 22. And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

   The word “thought” here expresses “worry” or being anxious, not just general thinking. He is not saying to be careless or foolish with your life. That would contradict many verses including, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” But if you settle the question of eternal life with Christ you don’t have to be anxious about dying.

I. CONSIDER THE RAVENS [v. 23-24]

1. He Cares for the Ravens [v. 24]

2. Humans are more Important than Birds [v. 24, 6-7]

3. Why Be Troubled Over Something You Cannot Control [v. 25-26]

 

II. CONSIDER THE LILLIES [v. 27-29]

1. Consider God’s Creativity [v. 27]

2. Consider God’s Care [v. 28]

3. Consider God’s Character [v. 29] “if God”

 

III. CONSIDER THE NATIONS [v. 30-32]

1. Their Ignorance is Not Yours [v. 30]

The man who can say of God, “He is my Father,” and of Christ, “He is my Saviour,” ought surely to be above such anxieties and cares. A clear faith in God’s providential care should produce a light and trustful heart. – J.C. Ryle

2. Your Priority is Not Theirs [v. 31]

The man who can say boldly, “The Lord is my shepherd,” is the man who will be able to add, “I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1) – Ryle

3. Your Future is Not Theirs [v. 32]

THE CLOSING CHAPTERS - THE BOOKS OF JUDGEMENT

REVELATION 20:11-15                                                                 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

There will be at least 3 Books at the Great White Throne Judgement. There may be more but there will not be less. For our part we will say three but we’ll explain how there could be more. The first book that the lost will be judged by is a familiar book to most of us. That book is:

 

I. THE BIBLE

1. The Bible is the Word of God [Mk. 7:13, Rev. 20:4, 1 Th. 2:13]

- Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

- And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image , neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

- For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

2. The Bible is the Word of Christ [Mt. 24:35, Luke 5:1, Colossians 3:16, Rev. 3:8]

- Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away”

- And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God , he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

- 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.

- I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

3. The Bible is the Word of Judgement [Jn. 12:48]

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

 

II. THE BOOK OF WORKS [Rev. 20:12-13] this could be 3 different books or 3 chapters of the same book

1. Judgement of Words [Mt. 5:22, 12:36-37, Jude 14-15]

- But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

- But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

- 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.

2. Judgement of Thoughts [Mt. 5:22a, 28, 12:34; Rm. 2:15-16, Heb. 4:12]

- But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:

- But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

- O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

- Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another ;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

3. Judgement of Deeds [Jude 15, Rm. 2:1-5; Heb. 4:13, Rev. 20:12-13]

-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.

-Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God

 

III. THE BOOK OF LIFE [Rev. 20:12, 15]

Evidently everyone is in the Book of Life originally then these factors come into play"

1. When a Person Trusts Christ His/her Name is Locked In [Dan. 12:1; Lk. 10:20, Rev. 3:5, 1 John 5:4-5]

- And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

- Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

- He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

- For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

2. When a Person Crosses God’s Deadline His/her Name is Blotted Out [Ex. 32:32-33, Ps. 69:28, Rev. 17:8, 22:19]

- Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

- Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous

- The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was , and is not, and yet is.

3. The Only Way to Escape the Lake of Fire is to be IN the Book of Life [Rev. 20:14-15]

4. The Only Way to Enter Heaven is to be IN the Book of Life [Rev. 21:27]

EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME

Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:10

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

-I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

- For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord , every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

- That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

 

I. BOW THE KNEE IN HUMILITY [ACCEPT CHRIST AS SAVIOUR]

1. Without Christ We Are Helpless [Rm. 5:8]

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

2. Without Christ We Are Hopeless [Eph. 2:12]

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:

3. Without Christ We Are Hell-bound [Rev. 20:13-14, 21:8, 27]

- And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

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

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

 

II. BOW THE KNEE IN HONOR

1. Honor Christ as a True Prophet [Mt. 13:54-58]

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

2. Honor Christ as God [John 5:16-27, 2 Jn. 9-11]

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. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

3. Honor Christ as Saviour [Titus 2:11-13]

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 

III. BOW THE KNEE IN HEARING

 

1. Hear Christ Gladly [Mark 12:35-37]

And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

2. Hear Christ Reverently [1 Tm. 6:3-5]

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

 

3. Hear Christ Obediently [John 2:5, Mt. 28:18-20]

- His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

- 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.

TURN THANKSGIVING TO THANKSLIVING

 

TURN THANKSGIVING TO THANKSLIVING

PSALM 116

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LOVE THE LORD [v. 1-6]

1. He Listens Intently [v. 1-2]

2. He Saves Unreservedly [v. 3-5]

3. He Helps Undeservedly [v. 6]

“When I think I’m unfairly hated, I try to remember that I am unfairly loved”. – R.C. Sproul

 

II. LIVE FOR THE LORD [v. 7-11]

1. Rest in the Lord [v. 7-8, Mt. 11:28]

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

2. Walk Before the Lord [v. 9, Phil. 1:21]

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

3. Confess to the Lord [v. 10-11, 1 Jn. 1:9]

keep short accounts with God

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

III. LET THE LORD BE LORD [v. 12-19]

1. Maintain an Open Relationship [v. 12-13]

2. Maintain an Open Testimony [v. 14-16]

3. Maintain Open Praise [v. 17-19]

 

UNTO ME EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

Isaiah 45:23

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE [v. 18]

1. God Speaks! [v. 18a, Heb. 1:1-3]

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;

2. God Created with Purpose! [v. 18b]

3. God Reveals Himself [v. 18c]

 

II. EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO THE GOD OF ISRAEL [v. 19]

1. God Speaks Redemptively [v. 19a, 17]

2. God Speaks in Righteousness [v. 19b, 2 Cor. 5:20-21]

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 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.

3. God Speaks Rightly [v. 19, Psalm 9:7-8]

But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

III. EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO THE GOD OF ALL NATIONS [v. 20-25]

1. The Only Saviour [v. 20-22, Titus 2:10-11, 13-14]

- Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

- Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

2. The Only Sovereign [v. 23, Rm. 14:9-12]

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord , every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

3. The Only Sustainer

[v. 24-25, 1 Cor. 1:30-31]

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

THE CLOSING CHAPTERS - THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

 

THE CLOSING CHAPTERS - THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

REVELATION 20:1-15

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. DONE DEAL [v. 1-3]

1. The Devil Defeated [v. 1-2a, Gn. 3:15]

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

2. The Devil Detained [v. 2, 12:7-12]

3. The Devil Defined [v. 3, John 8:44]

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

 

II. NO DEAL [v. 4-6] “Unconditional Surrender”

1. They are Reigning [v. 4-6]

2. They are Resurrected [v. 4-6]

3. They are Redeemed [v. 6]

 

III. REAL DEAL [v. 7-15]

1. The Sinful Deluded [v. 7-9, John 3:19]

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

2. The Serpent Damned [v. 10, Isaiah 14:12-17]

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning ! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

3. The Second Death [v. 11-15]

DIE TO SELF

A.C. Gaebelein noticed a unique sign in a clothes dyeing establishment which read:

I live to dye, I dye to live.

The more I dye, the more I live,

The more I live the more I dye.

Read these words aloud and you will hear a great spiritual truth. Then turn in your Bible and read Galatians 2:20 to see how Paul expressed it many centuries ago. - Unknown source.

A REJOICING CHRISTIAN

PHILIPPIANS 1:4, 3:1, 4:4

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

A rejoicing Christian is a good testimony. A rejoicing Christian is sometimes a rare commodity. A rejoicing Christian is a Bible Christian. A rejoicing Christian is a less likely to get into sin. A rejoicing Christian is more likely to give God the glory. A rejoicing Christian is a person who enjoys life. A rejoicing Christian appreciates the blessings of God. A rejoicing Christian realizes God allows certain things in our lives for our good even when they may not be pleasant. Be a rejoicing Christian!

 

I. WHAT ARE SOME BARRIERS TO BEING A REJOICING CHRISTIAN?

Not hardships, suffering, separation from loved ones or imminent death. No the barriers to rejoicing are:

1. A Self-serving Attitude [1:12-18, 2:2-4, 21]

2. An Argumentative Ungracious Attitude [4:2-6]

3. A Carnal Sinful Lifestyle [3:2-3, 18]

 

II. WHAT IS THE BASIS OF BEING A REJOICING CHRISTIAN?

1. A Saving Relationship with Jesus Christ [1:1-6]

2. A Walking Relationship with Jesus Christ [1:5-6, 10-11, 19-21, 29] “And He walks with me…”

3. A Working relationship with Jesus Christ [1:22, 27; 2:12-13, 30]

 

III. WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF BEING A REJOICING CHRISTIAN?

1. Rejoicing is Good for Us Personally [4:7-13, Pr. 17:22]

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

2. Rejoicing is Good for Others [1:3-4, 25-26]

3. Rejoicing Glorifies God [1:9-11, 2:11, 4:20]

AND BEHOLD, THERE TALKED WITH HIM TWO MEN

LUKE 9:20-27

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. LET’S TALK

1. A Prophecy Fulfilled [v. 27-32]

2. An Ignorance Revealed [v. 33-34]

3. A Relationship Reinforced [v. 35-36]

 

II. LET’S TEACH

1. Folks in Heaven are Known [v. 30, 33, 1 Cor. 13:12]

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

2. Folks in Heaven are Knowing [v. 31, 10:20-24, 16:30, 1 Pt. 1:10-11]

Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what , or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

3. Folks in Heaven are Not Asleep (though their bodies may be) [v. 30-32, Dt. 34:5-6, Jude 1:9]

-The real Moses & Elijah were not in the grave though Moses’ body was at that moment!

- So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

-Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

 

III. LET’S THINK

1. Moses and Elijah are Representative of Saved in Heaven Not the Grave [2 Cor. 4:1-8]

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

2. Moses and Elijah are Representative of the Dead and the Raptured [Josh. 1:1-2, 2 Ki. 2:11]

- Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

- And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

3. Moses and Elijah Representative the Law and the Prophets [Luke 24:44]

-And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Acts 13:15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

THREE MEN ON A MOUNTAIN

LUKE 9:20-27                                         

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. MOSES THE MOUNTAIN MAN 

[Sinai, Pisgah, Transfiguration]

1. His Previous Concern [Dt. 3:23-27]

And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

2. His Present Concern [Lk. 9:30-31] Christ’s Purpose

3. His Proper Concern [Lk. 9:30-31] Christ’s Person

 

II. PETER THE MAN IN NEED

1. The Need of Prayer [27-32, 1 Pt. 4:7]

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

2. The Need of Perspective [v. 32-35, 2 Pt. 1:14-18]

Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

3. The Need of Patience [v. 36, 1 Pt. 5:6-11]

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

III. CHRIST THE MAN OF GLORY

1. The Glory of His Birth [Lk. 2:9, 14, 32]

-And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid .

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

- A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

2. The Glory of His Person [Lk. 9:28-32]

3. The Glory of His Uniqueness [Jn. 1:10-14]

SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE SOVEREIGN

JUDE 12-25                                                                             

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE JUDGE [v. 12-18]

 

1. The Judgment is Determined [v. 12-13]

2. The Judge is Coming [v. 14]

3. The Judgment is Irrefutable, Intrinsic, and Inescapable [v. 15-18]

 

II. SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE SPIRIT [v. 19-23]

 

1. Those Judged Have Not the Spirit [v. 19, Rm. 8:8-9]

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

2. Those Not in this Judgment Have the Spirit, the Saviour & the Father [v. 20-21, Rm. 8:10-11]

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

3. Those Not in this Judgment Have a Mission [v. 22-23]

 

III. SINNERS & SAINTS MEET THE SAVIOUR [v. 24-25]

 

1. He Does the Keeping [v. 24, Jn. 17:11, 2 Tm. 1:12, 1 Pt. 1:3-5]

- And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

-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.

- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

2. He Presents Saints Faultless [v. 24, Eph. 5:27, Col. 1:22]

-That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

-In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

3. He Gets the Glory [v. 25]

MORE THAN A PROPHET

LUKE 7:11-18

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE DISCERNMENT OF JOHN THE BAPTIST [LUKE 7:18-20]

1. He Knew the Problem of Misguided Hero Worship

[Lk. 7:18-20, Mt. 9:14-15, Jn. 3:22-30]

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

2. He Knew the Prophecy of Messiah’s Human Witness [Jn. 1:14-23]

3. He Knew the Path to Messianic Holy Worship

[Jn. 1:24-34]

 

II. THE DISCERNMENT OF WITNESSING THE WORD [Jn. 1:1-14]

1. The Witness of His Works [Lk. 7:21]

2. The Witness of His Way [Lk. 7:22]

3. The Witness of His Works [Lk. 7:23, Psalm 34:8]

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

 

III. THE DISCERNMENT OF JESUS THE CHRIST

[Lk. 7:24-30]

1. He Knew John’s Stand [Lk. 7:24, Jn. 3:30-36]

2. He Knew John’s Stedfastness [Lk. 7:25-27, Jn. 3:30]

3. He Knew John’s Stature [Lk. 7:28-30]

 

In summary: John realized some of his disciples saw him rather than Jesus, so he sent them to Jesus to see for themselves. Jesus understood what John was doing and made sure they learned the lesson John sent them to learn. John didn’t have doubts about Jesus and Jesus didn’t have doubts about John.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE?

MATTHEW 20:20-28

Pastor Rick Jackson [idea by Norris Belcher]

 

I. THE EMPHASIS OF CHRIST [Mt. 20:17-19]

1. God’s Plan for Mankind [v. 17-18, Acts 2:23]

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

2. God’s Payment for Man’s Sin [v. 19, Acts 2:23-24]

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

3. God’s Power for Man’s Salvation [v. 19, Rm. 1:16, 1 Cor. 15]

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

II. THE EMPHASIS OF MAN [Mt. 20:20-28]

1. Position [v. 20-21]

But wait, “Somebody’s got to get the donkey!”

2. Perception [v. 22, 26:56]

Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

3. Potential [v. 23-28]

 

III. THE EMPHASIS OF GOD’S SERVANT [Mt. 21:1-11]

1. Listen [v. 1-5, 20:25-28]

2. Obey [v. 6, Luke 6:46]

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Because “Somebody’s got to get the donkey!”

3. Give God the Glory [v. 7-11]

IF YOU'RE CERTAIN

 

IF YOU’RE CERTAIN

JUDE 4-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. CERTAIN MEN [v. 4]

1. Creeps [v. 4, Gal. 2:4, 2 Tm. 3:5-6]

- And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

-Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

2. Condemned [v. 4, 2 Pt 2:1-3]

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

3. Corrupt [v. 4, Gal. 1:6, 2 Pt. 2:1, 1 Jn. 2:22-23]

- I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

-But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

-Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

 

II. CERTAIN CONDEMNATION [v. 5-7]

1. Unbelieving men [v. 5, Heb. 3:18 & 11:31]

- And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

-By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

2. Unfaithful Angels [v. 6, 2 Pt. 2:4, 1 Cor. 6:3]

-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;

-Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

3. Unnatural Uses [v. 7, Rm. 1:24-28]

- Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another ; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

 

III. CERTAIN SINS [v. 8-10]

1. Defile the Flesh [v. 8, 2 Pt. 2:10, 18]

-And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

-For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

2. Despise Dominion [v. 8, 2 Pt. 2:10, Ps. 2:1-3]

-But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

-Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

3. Defame Dignities [v. 8-10, 2 Pt. 2:2, 10, 12]

-And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

-But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

-But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF US

 

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF US

1 COR. 15:57-58

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BE MOTIVATED

1. Be Thankful [v. 57, Ps. 100:4, Col. 3:15]

-Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

- And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

2. Be Steady [v. 58, Col. 1:23]

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

3. Be Abounding in the Work [v. 58]

 

II. BE FAITHFUL [1 Cor. 4:2]

1. Be Generous with God’s Bounty [16:1-4]

2. Be Open to God’s Will [16:5-9]

3. Be Supportive of God’s Men [16:10-12]

 

III. BE REAL

1. Be Strong [v. 13]

2. Be Right [v. 14]

3. Be Addicted [v. 15-18]

WHAT WE CAN EXPECT

1 COR. 15:51-58

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE MYSTERY UNVEILED

1. Not All Christians Will Die [v. 1-2, 51, 1 Th. 4:15-17]

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

2. All Christians Will Be Changed [v. 51, 1 John 3:2]

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

3. The Change Will Be Quick [v. 52] moment=atomos, unlike false purgatory

 

II. THE VICTORY UNVEILED

1. Corruptible Becomes Incorruptible [v. 52-54]

2. Mortal Becomes Immortal [v. 53-54]

3. Death Is Swallowed in Victory [v. 54, Mt. 23:24, 2 Cor. 5:4, Heb. 11:29, 1 Pt. 5:8]

-Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

- For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

- By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

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

 

III. THE STING REMOVED

 

1. Death’s Sting & the Grave’s Victory are Missing [v. 55]

2. Separation is Defeated by Unification [v. 56, 1 Th. 4:17, Job. 19:25-27]

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

- For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

3. Christ Took the Sting & Secured the Victory [v. 57]

-it’s Given by God [Eph. 2:8-9]

-In Christ [Romans 6:9] Christ removed the stinger

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

Christian Quotes

by the late evangelist, Robert L. Sumner [from the book "Hebrews- Streams of Living Waters"]

Someone says, I thought He [Jesus] went to Hell and suffered an additional three days and three nights." Then you thought wrong. His testimony is that His vicarious atonement was completed on the cross, finished forever. We will not quote them again here, but go back and reread Hebrews 9, especially verses 25, 26 and 28. Our Lord will not offer up Himself again. Nor can anyone else offer Him. - Robert L. Sumner

It is either a "once-for-all" salvation or a "not-at-all" salvation. There is no middle ground. - Robert L. Sumner

But He is a God of love only as far as His justice, holiness, and righteousness will permit! His justice never contradicts His love and His love is in perfect harmony with his justice. If your doctrine makes them oppose one another, your theology is out of sync with Scripture.  - Robert L. Sumner

Almighty God has promised judgment and threatened eternal punishment for all Christ-rejecters. To break His word would be sin and God cannot sin.  - Robert L. Sumner

Abel was also the first of the human family to experience physical death- and it was through murder! He suffered death because of another's sin, the transgression of his elder brother Cain, who, in a fit of rage, killed him in cold blood. At the same time, thanks to faith in the sin-offering, he overcame death. The first man to descend into the Valley of the Shadow of Death was the first one to triumphantly march straight through it into the Paradise of Glory. He stepped from the excruciating pain of mortal manslaughter's hate into the exquisite land of eternal delights prepared by the Father's love! He led the way, like a pioneer, for all subsequent generations of men and women of faith throughout human history.  - Robert L. Sumner

One cannot walk very close to God when he is holding hands with the Devil, obviously. - Robert L. Sumner

God will judge those who treat lightly their marriage vows, or who engage in other forms of sexual impurity, saying: "whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." There is no such thing as "safe immorality," known erroneously today as "safe sex." It doesn't work. - Robert L. Sumner

CREEPY UNGODLY DENIERS

JUDE 3-4, 8, 10-11                                       

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE WAY OF CAIN [v. 11, Gen. 4]

1. Faithless [Heb. 11:4, 6; Eph. 2:8-9, Rm. 10:17]

- By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

- 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

- For by grace are ye saved through faith

- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2. Bloodless [Heb. 9:22, 12]

- without shedding of blood is no remission.

- Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

3. Worthless [Heb. 11:4, Pr. 14:12, Eph. 2:12]

it is worthless because it is Christless

-By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

-There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death

-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:

 

 II. THE ERROR OF BALAAM [v. 11]

1. Motivated by Greed not God

[2 Pt. 2:15, 1 Tm. 6:10]

-Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

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

2. Cast Stumbling Blocks Before Others [Rev. 2:14, Mark 9:42, Is. 56:11]

- But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

- And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

- Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

3. Desire Earthly rather than Heavenly Rewards [v. 11, Mt. 6:19-20]

- Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

 

III. THE GAINSAYING OF KORAH (CORE) [v. 11]

1. Rebel Against God-given Authority [Num. 16:19]

-And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.

2. Replacing God-given Authority with Self [3 Jn. 9-11]

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

3. Results in Destruction for Both Leader & Followers [Matthew 21:40-42, Num. 16:32-35]

- When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

- And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

THOSE WHO SEE

MARK 10:46-52

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE BLIND HAD ALREADY BEGUN TO SEE

1. He Knew Jesus Was the Christ [v. 46-48, Mt. 22:41-42]

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

2. He Knew Jesus Was Merciful [v. 47-48, Mt. 9:13]

-But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

3. He Knew Jesus Was Lord [51-52]

 

II. THE BLIND BEGAN TO SEE MORE CLEARLY

1. He Cried to Jesus [v. 46-47]

2. He Continued Despite Critics [v. 48]

3. He Came in Response to the Call [v. 49-50]

 

III. THE BLIND HAD BETTER SPIRITUAL SIGHT THAN SOME SEEING

1. Some Thought Jesus Couldn’t Be Bothered With a Blind Man’s Prayer [v. 48, Psalm 65:2]

O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

2. Some Thought to Encourage People to Come to Jesus’ Invitation [v. 49-50, Mt. 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.

3. Some Thought to Follow Jesus [v. 51-52, Jn. 21:22]

-And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

-Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.