SORROW NOT AS OTHERS

1 THESS. 4:13-18

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Facing life is sometimes harder than personally facing death. I have heard many say they were ready to face death but had a hard time when someone else died. For the Christian, that is normal. How do we face life when someone we love has faced death? Let me give you three Bible examples.

 

 I. DAVID’S WAY FOR THE “SAFE” [2 Sam. 12:15-23]

1. Take Care of Your Appearance [v. 20a]

helps psychologically if nothing else

2. Take Care of Your Spiritual Needs [v. 20b, 1 Th. 5:18]

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

3. Take Care of Your Physical Needs [v. 20c-23]

By the way- after David was comforted he was able to comfort others [like his wife in the next verse]

 

 II. PAUL’S WAY FOR THE SAVED [1 Th. 4:13-18]

1. Be Knowledgeable [v. 13] at least 9 times

2. Be Different [v. 13b, Eph. 2]

3. Be Expectant [v. 14-18] also expect to comfort others

 

III. JESUS’ WAY FOR THE LIVING [John 11:11-33]

1. We Can Learn From Him [v. 11-22, Jn. 14:1-6]

2. We Can Listen to Him [v. 23-26, Rm. 10:17]

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

3. We Can Live for Him [v. 27-45, Phil. 1:20-21]

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.

THE TIME IS SHORT

1 COR. 7:20-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE TIME IS SHORT TO BE SAVED

1. It Involves Limited Time On Earth [James 4:14]

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

2. It Involves a Limited Time Offer [Gn. 6:3]

And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man

3. It Involves a Limited Time Opportunity [Isaiah 55:6]

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

 

II. THE TIME IS SHORT TO SUFFER

1. God Uses It Now [1 Peter 5:10, Rm. 8:26-30]

-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.

 

- Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for: we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but: the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

2. God Uses It Later [Rm. 8:18]

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.

3. Man Has a Duty Now [Eccl. 12:1-3, 13]

-Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened…

-Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

 

III. THE TIME IS SHORT TO SERVE

1.We Don’t Know the Time [Mark 13:33]

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

 

2. We Do Know the Task [Acts 1:7-8, Eph. 5:15-16]

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.

- See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

 

3. We Know the Saviour [John 9:4, Rm. 13:11, 14

-I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

-And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

-Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

SAUL’S MYSTERIES SOLVED [Part 1]

1 SAMUEL 9:1-2

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

When you read the history of King Saul in the Bible you will find three mysteries that baffle many minds. Was he saved? What about the witch of Endor? Was he killed or did he kill himself? Let us open the Word of God and find the answers.

 

I. WAS SAUL SAVED?

Good men like J.R. Rice and J.V. McGee used to be on opposite sides of the fence on this question. No doubt that is no longer the case since the three of them have possibly met in glory by this time. I obviously believe that Saul was saved and I base this on many things.

1. God Chose Saul to be the First King of Israel

[1 Sm. 9:16-17, 27-10:1, 24]

2. God’s Spirit Came Upon Saul Turning Him into another Man [1 Sm. 10:6-13]

3. The Spirit Came on Him Like the Judges [1 Sm. 11:6]

Judg. 13:25 And the spirit of the LORD began to move him [Samson] at times …

Judg. 14:6 And the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him…

Judg. 14:19 the spirit of the LORD came upon him…

4. Saul was Following the Lord [1 Sm. 12:14]

5. Saul Lost the Kingdom, David Lost Joy, Neither Lost Salvation [1 Sm. 13:13-14]

 

NEXT WEEK: LORD WILLING

II. WHAT HAPPENED AT ENDOR?

[1 Sm. 28:7-20] 3 Possibilities:

III. WAS IT REGICIDE OR SUICIDE?

[1 Sm. 31, 2 Sm. 1]

ANOTHER STORM

MATTHEW 14:22-33

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. BASIC TRUTHS

1. You Can Be in the Lord’s Will in a Storm [v. 22-24]

2. The Storm Cannot Separate You from Jesus [v. 25]

3. Don’t Let the Storm Steer You from the Bible [v. 26-27]

 

II. BASIC ACTIONS

1. Seek the Lord Before Stepping Out [v. 28]

2. Act Boldly on God’s Word [v. 29]

3. Be Quick to Pray when Sinking! [v. 30]

 

III. BASIC ERRORS (TO AVOID)

1. Don’t Take Your Eyes Off the Lord [v. 30]

2. Don’t Doubt God’s Word [v. 31]

3. Don’t Fail to Worship Jesus [v. 32-33]

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

Proverbs 8:6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. GOD’S MERCY IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

1. God’s Mercy, based on His Great Love, Renews [Lam. 3:22-23, Eph. 2:4]]

-It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

-But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

2. God’s Mercy Endures for Ever [2 Chr. 7:3, Ps. 138:8] 42 verses

-And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

- The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

3. God Delights in Mercy [Micah 7:18

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

 

II. GOD’S GRACE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

1. God gives Grace to the Lowly [Proverbs 3:34, Jm. 4:6]

-Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly

-But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

2. God’s Rich Grace is Ageless, Saving Grace [Eph. 2:7-8]

Ephesians 2:7-8 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

3. God’s Grace is Sufficient [2 Cor. 12:9]

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

III. GOD’S WORD IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

1. God Has Magnified His Word [Psalm 138:2]

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

2. God’s Word is Valuable [Job 23:12, Ps. 19:9-10,

-Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

- The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

3. God’s Word is Essential to Salvation [2 Tm. 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.

 

 

TREASURE HID IN A FIELD

 MATTHEW 13:44                            

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

This parable consists of one verse and yet there’s a powerful lesson given therein. The problem is that quite a few people over the years have misinterpreted this parable and thus changed the whole meaning. Let us once more use our Bibles and the brains the good Lord gave us and rightly divide the Word of Truth!

 

I. THE POPULAR EXPLANATION

1. The treasure in the field is Jesus

2. The man is the sinner

3. The man gives everything to find Christ

 

Now at first hearing that may sound pretty good. But the fact is it’s about as far off as it can be. The Devil doesn’t want men to understand the Gospel [2 Cor. 4:3-5].

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. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake.

 So what’s wrong with this view? Let’s look at:

 

II. THE PROBLEMS EXPOSED

1. Jesus is NOT Hidden! [Jn. 8:12, Mt. 5:14-16, Jn. 1:4-9]

- 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.

- 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.

- In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

2. Men are to Herald, not Hide, the Saviour [Acts 5:42, 1 Cor.  1:23]

-And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

- But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

3. Men do NOT Purchase Salvation [Isaiah 55:1]

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

 

III. THE PARABLE EXPLAINED

1. The Field is the World [Mt. 13:38]

2. The Man is the Saviour [Mt. 13:24, 37]

3. The Redeemed are the Treasure [Acts 20:28, 1 Cor. 6:20, 7:23]

- Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

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

- Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

-Note the joy involved [Mt. 13:44, Heb. 12:2]

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

-Note the price paid was all that He had [1 Pet. 1:18-19]

- Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

LIVING THE TRUTH

III JOHN

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WALK IN TRUTH [1-4]

1. Walking in Truth Makes a Bond with Others [v. 1]

2. Walking in Truth Can Be Seen of Others [v. 2-3]

3. Walking in Truth Brings Joy to Others [v. 3-4]

 

II. WORK FOR TRUTH [5-10]

1. Help People follow God’s way [v. 5-6]

2. Help People spread the Gospel [v. 7-8]

3. Help People with Graciousness [v. 9-10]

 

III. WITNESS FOR THE TRUTH [11-14]

1. With our Work [v. 11]

2. With our Words [v. 12]

3. With our Willingness [v. 13-14]

MERCY, JUST BE REASONABLE

LUKE 18:9-14

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. MERCY

1. Mercy is NOT Something You Deserve [Lk. 18:9-11]

2. Mercy is NOT Something You Earn [Lk. 18:12]

3. Mercy is Something God Grants [Lk. 18:13-14, Ps. 57:1, Heb. 2:17]

-Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee:

-Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

 

II. JUST

1. No Just Man [Ecc. 7:20]

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

2. God is Just [Is. 45:21, Zech. 9:9, 1 Pt. 3:18]

-Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

-Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

-For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

3. Just by Faith [Hab. 2:4, Rm. 1:17, 3:26; Gal. 3:11, Heb. 10:38]

-Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

-For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith

-To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

-But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

-Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

 

III. REASON

1. You Have a Problem [Is. 1:18]

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

2. You Have a Person [Heb. 5:1-10]

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

3.You Have a Purpose [Rm. 12:1]

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

DIVINE ADJUSTMENTS

JONAH 2-4

Rick Jackson

I. GOD WANTS TO ADJUST OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD HIM [JONAH 2]

1. Affliction should Cause us to Seek Him [v. 1-3, 2 Chr. 33:12, Neh. 9:9]

-And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers

-And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;

2. Faith should Cause us to Trust Him [v. 4-7, Rm. 10:17]

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

3. Truth should Cause us to Submit to Him [v. 8-10, Jm. 4:6] ---[God wants our "I won't"s to be "I will"s]

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

II. GOD WANTS TO ADJUST OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD HIS WORD [JONAH 3]

1. With the Presentation of the Word [v. 1-4]

2. With the Power of the Word [v. 5-9]

[Note-they knew what they deserved but they desired mercy & grace and got it!]

3. With the Promise of the Word [2:9]

III. GOD WANTS TO ADJUST OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHERS [JONAH 4]

1. Seen in Jonah's Anger over Converts [v. 1-4]

2. Seen in Jonah's Anger over Comfort (or the lack thereof) [v. 5-9]

3. Seen in Jonah's Adjustment over Children and Cattle [v. 10-11]

THE DAILY LOAD OF BENEFITS

Psalm 68:19

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. REVIEW YOUR BENEFITS [Psalm 103:2]

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

1. Review Your Past Benefits – Salvation [v. 19-20]

2. Review Your Present Benefits – Security [1 Pt. 1:5-7]

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

3. Review Your Future Benefits – Satisfaction [Rev. 22:1-5]

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

 

II. REJOICE IN YOUR BENEFITS [Phil. 4:4]

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

1. Rejoice Actively [Phil. 3:1, 14-15]

- Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded:

2. Rejoice Contentedly [Phil. 4:11-13]

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.

3. Rejoice Prayerfully [Phil. 4:6-7]

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

III. RESTORE YOUR BENEFITS

Some lose their benefits. If that happens it is your fault not God’s. But you can restore some of them.

1. We Can Lose Joy [Ps. 51:12]

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

2. We Can Lose Usefulness [1 Cor. 9:27]

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means , when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

3. We Can lose Fellowship [1 Jn. 1:6-9]

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another , and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

POSITIVE LIVING IN A NEGATIVE WORLD

PSALM 37:1-2

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

A work in progress to be sure.

I. TRUST IN THE LORD [v. 3] to hasten for refuge

1. Do Good- [v. 3, Acts 10:38]

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good,

2. Dwell- [v. 3, 1 John 4:13]

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

3. Feed- [v. 3, Ps. 23:2, 5]

-He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

-Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 

II. DELIGHT IN THE LORD [v. 4] to be soft or pliable

1. A Matter of the Will [v. 4, Rm. 12:1-2]

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

2. A Matter of the Way [v. 4, Is. 30:21]

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

3. A Matter of the Willingness [v. 4, John 15:7]

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

 

III. COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD [v. 5-6] to roll (away, down, together), run down, trust, wallow

1. Trust Him [v. 5a]

2. Leave it to Him [v. 5b]

3. Watch Him Do It [v. 6, Lk. 9:23-26]

 

IV. REST IN THE LORD [v. 7ff.] cease, forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be (stand) still, tarry, wait.

1. Let Go and Let God be God [v. 7a] “Rest in the LORD”

2. Let God take His Time and Work [v. 7b] “wait patiently for him”

3. Let God take His Time with Others [v. 7c] “fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way…”

Who’s Your Shepherd?

Psalm 23

Kevin Clark

 

        We don’t know exactly when David wrote this psalm. The original thought could’ve been while he was watching his father’s sheep. It could've been while he was fleeing from Saul. Verse 5 makes us believe this was during the days when David was in-hiding.

We do know that his experience as a shepherd provided the influence on the psalm.

        As David wrote on the parchment, he probably remembered guiding the flock near a quiet stream nearby and lying in the grass with the flock while enjoying God’s creation. He probably remembered hearing the sheep cry out in fear as a bear or lion approached and him charging it with his rod or staff. He remembered bringing his sheep and lambs into his arms to comfort them when lightning and rain came.

        Prior to this psalm, God was seen as a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:17), thunder and lightning with cloud and smoke (Exodus 19:16), and a Rock (Numbers 20:10-13). What’s unique about this passage is the fact that God is portrayed as an intimate personal relationship. God was seen as mighty, powerful, omnipotent… GOD! David saw God as his Shepherd.

Facts about sheep:

1. Sheep are dumb

2. Sheep are incapable of self-reliance

3. Sheep are defenseless

4. Sheep require the guidance of a Shepherd.

4 Benefits of a Shepherd:

I.                 God’s Provision (v. 1, 3, 5)

A. Scripture:

                                                           i.      Isaiah 40:11 - He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

                                                        ii.      1 Peter 2:25 - For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

                                                     iii.      Ezekiel 34:11-31 = great description of God as the TRUE Shepherd

B.God know our needs before we do.

                                                           i.      Example: Loss of job, God providing

                                                        ii.      Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

 

II.              God’s Peace (v. 2, 3, 4, 6)

A. Scripture:

                                                           i.      John 14:27 = “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you”

                                                        ii.      John 16:33 = “These things I have spoke unto you, that in me ye might have peace.”

B.What peace is God giving us?

                                                           i.      Peace from the penalty of sin

1. Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”

2. Justified = saved from the PENALTY of sin

                                                        ii.      Peace during tribulation

1. Romans 5:3 – “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”

                                                     iii.      Peace from worry

1. 1 Pet. 5:7 – “Casting all you care upon him; for He careth for you.”

2. Casting = throwing it away, not giving it

C.                       Goodness and Mercy – rest of my life (v. 6)

                                                           i.      Goodness – Cheerful or joy

1. Galatians 5:22-23

2. But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

                                                        ii.      Mercy – Mercy is not getting what you deserve.

 

 

III.          God’s Presence (v. 4, 6)

A. Scripture

                                                           i.      Isiaah 41:10 – “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

                                                        ii.      Isaiah 43:2 – “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle.”

                                                     iii.      Hebrews 13:5-6 - ⁵ 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. ⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

B.God is always there

                                                           i.      Omnipresent – present in all places at all times

C.                       Even when we walk away from him, he is behind us waiting to turn around

                                                           i.      Because we are not looking at him, he seems so far away.

 

IV.         God’s Protection (v. 4, 6)

A. Scripture

                                                           i.      Ephesian 6:10-18

B.Sheep have no answer for danger. Typically, sheep flee (Example: Joseph. Genesis 39:12 - And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.)

C.                       Today, under Grace, God has provided us with an answer to danger.

                                                           i.      Defense

1. Belt of Truth

2. Greeves of the Gospel of Peace

3. Shield of Faith in God

4. Breastplate of God’s Righteousness

5. Helmet of Christ’s Salvation

                                                        ii.      Offense

1. Sword of Truth (God’s Word)

D.                       Notice that none of these are possible without God.

 

Application:

If we go to John 10:1-5,

-        Jesus says HE is the good shepherd:

-        John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

-        John 10 = The statement of the Shepherd

-        Psalm 23 = It was probably as popular as it is now.

-        The benefit of receiving all the care and tenderness from the Shepherd.

-        Jesus says that His sheep know His voice.

Sheep listen FOR the voice of their master to know where to go for food or rest, when to return to the shelter, where to go for comfort, where to run when scared, where to run when lost.

We’re nothing but SHEEPLE listening for a voice to follow. Whose voice are you listening to?

The world has a big BOOMING voice.

Elijah experienced the noise of the world in 1 Kings. 

1. Wind

2. Earthquake

3. Fire

4. Still small voice

God’s voice may be a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).

How can we discern what is God’s voice and what is the world’s voice? By studying God Himself.

When we start studying the perfect example, it’s easy to know the fakes.

“Federal agents don’t learn to spot counterfeit money by studying the counterfeits. They study genuine bills until they master the look of the real thing. Then when they see the bogus money they recognize it.” - John MacArthur – Reckless Faith

We need to:

1. Be in His Word continually.

2. Be writing the Word of God on our hearts

3. Be in constant communication with Him

Challenge:

Evaluate the voice you’ve been listening to. Have you been paying attention to the news and social media? Or, have you been listening to God and what he has to say?

THE BASICS OF FORGIVENESS and CONFESSION

PSALM 51

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Everyone needs forgiveness. How do I know that? I know because all have sinned. Since all have sinned all need forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not “a given”. It must be obtained. The alternative to forgiveness is condemnation. Condemnation is “a given”.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.   Jn. 3:16-19

 

I. THE BASICS OF FORGIVENESS

1. Mercy is Based on the Love of God [v. 1]

2. Sin Removal is Based on the Blood of Christ [v. 2, Rev. 1:5]

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

3. Confession Precedes Forgiveness (confess=agree) [v. 3]

(1) The Lost Must Confess Christ as Saviour [Rm. 10:9-13]

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) The Saved Confess Their Sin to God [1 Jn. 1:9]

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (The saved already have a relationship with God hence the difference.)

 

II. THE BASICS OF CONFESSION

1. All Sin is Against a Thrice Holy God [v. 4, Is. 6:3, Rev. 4:8]

- And one (seraphim) cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

- And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

2. All Humans are Born Sinners [v. 5]

We aren’t sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. A Cat is not a cat because it meows, it meows because it is a cat; it is the cat’s nature to meow

3. Confession Allows God’s Desire of Fellowship with Man

[v. 6, Ps. 8:4, Is. 59:2]

- What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

- But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

 

III. THE BASICS OF WHAT CONFESSION DOES FOR CHRISTIANS

1. Allows Forgiveness to be Applied to the Specific Area

[v. 7, Is. 1:18] Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

2. Allows Joy to Return [v. 8]

3. Allows Fellowship to Resume [v. 9, Ps. 66:18]

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

4. Allows God to Renew Us (not resave us) [v. 10-11]

5. Allows God to Restore the Joy of Salvation to our Lives [v. 12]

6. Allows God to Use Us Again [v. 13, 1 Co. 9:27]

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

7. Allows Worship in Work and Words Alike [v. 14-19, Jn. 4:24]

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