FAITH’S FINAL CURTAIN

Hebrews 11:31-40

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE WONDER OF FAITH [v. 31]

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

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

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

- That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

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

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

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

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

1. The Report [v. 39a]

2. The Reality [v. 39b]

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

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

ATTITUDE DETERMINES ALTITUDE

MATTHEW 5:1-12

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

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

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

 

I. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD OURSELVES (v. 3)

Here we see the conviction of Humility

1. I am a lost sinner

2. I can do nothing to save myself

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

1. Expect to be opposed [v. 10]

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

3. Expect to be rewarded [v. 12]

GRACE FOR ALL, ALL FOR GRACE

 TITUS 2:11-15

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. GRACE’S OUTREACH [v. 11]

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

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

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

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

3. It is a Universal Outreach [v. 11, Heb. 2:9]

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

 

II. GRACE’S OUTCOME [v. 12, 1-10]

1. Teaches the Redeemed [v. 12]

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

3. Preaches the Saviour [v. 10]

 

III. GRACE’S OUTLOOK [v. 13-15]

1. Looks for Him [v. 13]

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

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

- For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

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

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

AH, TO BE LIKE JESUS [FULL MESSAGE]

 

AH, TO BE LIKE JESUS

LUKE 17:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

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

 

What We Need:

I. CHRISTIAN MANNERS [v. 1-6]

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

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

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

 

II. CHRISTIAN REMINDERS [v. 7-19]

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

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

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

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

3. To Say “Thank You Lord” [v. 14-19]

 

III. CHRISTIAN EXPECTATIONS [v. 20-37]

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

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

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

THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER’S HAND

MATTHEW 8

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE MASTER IS WILLING

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

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

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

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

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

 

II. THE MASTER IS WELCOMING

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

THE PIT AND THE PALACE

GENESIS 37:23-28

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HANDLING EVERY SITUATION [GEN.39]

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

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

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

 

II. HOLDING THE FAITH

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

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

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

 

III. HONORING THE LORD

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

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

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

AH, TO BE LIKE JESUS

LUKE 17:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

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

What We Need:

I. CHRISTIAN MANNERS [v. 1-6]

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

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

“Speaking the truth in love”

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

THE BEST

LUKE 15:17-22

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE BEST TRANSACTION

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

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

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

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

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

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

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

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

 

II. THE BEST TRANSITION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

III. THE BEST TRANSLATION [Hebrews 11:5]

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

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

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

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

 

THE BEST LIFE IN RESPONSE – 1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

HE THAT MADE ME WHOLE

JOHN 5:11

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

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

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

2. He Knows Our Situation [v. 6]

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

1. He Will Save [v. 24]

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

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

TRUTH UNDER FIRE

MARK 4:1-2, 9-13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

II. ENEMIES OF?

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

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

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

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

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

-But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

 

III. SIMPLE LESSONS FROM THE SCRIPTURE

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

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

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

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

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

3 PRAYERS GOD WANTS TO ANSWER IN 2025

PSALM 81:1-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

III. GOD WANTS TO GIVE US STRENGTH BEYOND OUR MEANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KEEPING CHRISTMAS ALL YEAR

PSALM 118:24

Pastor Rick Jackson

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

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

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

- One man esteemeth one day above another : another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

6. Christmas Lights- Christian Lights [John 8:12]

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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