TIMELESS TRUTHS FROM JONAH’S 1st CHAPTER

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHAT SOME PEOPLE GET

1. Some People get Concerned because of Trouble

[v. 1-8, 2 Chr. 15:4]

-But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.

2. Some People get Convinced because of a Testimony

[v. 9-10, 1 Pt. 3:15]

-But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

3. Some People get Converted because of the Truth

[v. 14-16, Jn. 8:32, Rm. 10:16]

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

-But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

 

II. WHAT ACCOMPANIES GOD

1. God's Presence accompanies God's Will

[v. 1-3, Mt. 28:19-20]

-Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

2. God's Purpose accompanies God's Work

[v. 2, 4, 11-16, Eph. 3:10-12, Is. 55:11]

-To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 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.

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

3. God's Preparation accompanies God's Wisdom

[v. 4, 17; 4:6-8]

 

III. WHAT CHRISTIANS ARE NOT

1. Christians are Not Flawless [v. 1-3, 1 Jn. 1:8, 10]

-If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

-If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2. Christians are Not Forsaken [v. 5, Heb. 13:5]

- 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.

3. Christians are Not Forgotten [v. 17, Is. 49:14-16]

- But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT AND THEN GO AHEAD!

LUKE 2:52

Pastor Rick Jackson

In 1820 a new congressman stood before the House and said, "Mr. Speaker: The Gentleman from Massachusetts talks about summing up the merits of the question, but I'll sum up my own."

"In one word, I'm a screamer. I've got the roughest racing horse, the prettiest sister, the surest rifle and the ugliest dog in the District! My father can whip any man in Tennessee, and I can whip my father. I can give any man on this floor two hours start and outspeak him!

"I can run faster, dive deeper, stay under longer, and come up drier than any man this side of the big swamp. I can outgrin a panther and outstare a flash of lightning, tote a steamboat on my back and play at rough and tumble with a lion, with a kick now and then from a zebra!"

 

Thus, congress heard the first speech from the new representative from Tennessee, David Crockett. As you study the life of Davy Crockett you learn he had a life motto, “BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT, AND THEN GO AHEAD!” He applied this to all areas of his life. In shooting he said, "Be sure you're right and then go ahead and pull the trigger!" In marriage, in fighting, and even in politics: "If I'm the only member of the house to vote against this bill--- yes, if I'm the only man in the whole country against it, I'll still vote against it! It'll be a matter of rejoicing to me till the day I die that I've voted as I intend."

I don't know if Davy came up with his motto from the Scriptures, but the plain truth is, it is Scriptural! Eph. 5:10 says, "Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord!" Now using the pattern of our Lord from Luke 2:52 let's see how it might work.

 

I. BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT MENTALLY, AND THEN GO AHEAD! [Phil. 2:5]

- Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

1. God is the Author of Truth [Pr. 1:7, Jn. 14:6, 17:17; Rm. 3:4]

-The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

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

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

-yea, let God be true, but every man a liar;

2. Guard your Mind with Truth [Phil. 4:8, Col. 2:8, 2 Cor. 10:5]

-Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

-Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

-Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

 

II. BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT PHYSICALLY, AND THEN GO AHEAD!

1. God is Greater than the Physical [Mt. 6:31-33, 1 Tm. 4:8]

-Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

-For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

2. God has Guidelines for the Physical [1 Cor. 6:18-20]

-Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

 

III. BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT SPIRITUALLY, AND THEN GO AHEAD!

1. God has revealed Himself in the Inscripturated Word [Josh. 1:8, 2 Pt.1:21]

-This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

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

2. God has revealed Himself as the Incarnate Word [Jn. 1:1-4, 9-14, 1 Tm. 3:16]

-In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

-That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

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

 

IV. BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT SOCIALLY, AND THEN GO AHEAD!

1. Watch your Crowd [Ps. 1:1, 1 Co. 5:9-11]

-Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

-I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat

2. Watch your Character [Gal. 5:16-26, 6:7-10]

WHEN HATE IS RIGHT AND LOVE IS WRONG

1 Jn. 2:15 - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him

Psalm 97:10 - Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

It’s okay to love the right things and hate the wrong things. God is a God of love but God also hates. What God hates we should likewise hate. Here are a few things God hates. This is not an exhaustive list.

 

I. GOD HATES IDOLS [Dt. 16:22, 1 Cor. 8:1-7, 10:18-21]

Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth.

II. GOD HATES WICKEDNESS/INIQUITY [Ps. 45:6-7, Heb. 1:8-9]

-Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

-But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

III. GOD HATES EVIL DEEDS/DOCTRINES [Rev. 2:6-7, 15-16, Amos 5:15-27]

 

IV. GOD HATES EVIL HEARTS/FALSE OATHS [Zech. 8:16-17, Gen. 6:6-8]

-These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.

-And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

YOU CAN MAKE IT!

GN. 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH DIFFICULTIES

1. Physical Difficulties [Job. 2:7-8, 2 Cor. 11:24-27]

- So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

-Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

2. Spiritual Difficulties [Lk. 22:31, Eph. 6:12, 1 Pt. 5:8]

-And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

-For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

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

3. Temporal Difficulties [Rm. 5:18, 2 Cor. 4:17-18]

-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.

-For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

II. YOU CAN MAKE IT WITH GOD

1. God’s Christ [Ph. 4:13]

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2. God’s Word [Rm. 10:17, 2 Tm. 3:15-17]

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

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

3. God’s Spirit [1 John 4:4]

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

 

III. YOU CAN MAKE IT BECAUSE:

1. God Promises It! [Romans 4:21, Ph. 1:6]

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

- Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ

2. God Prays for It! [Rm. 8:26, 1 Jn. 2:1, Heb. 7:25]

- the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

- we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

- he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

3. God Performs It! [Ph. 1:6, Jude 1:24]

-Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

-Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy

THIS DAY IS THE DAY

Ps. 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THIS DAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION [2 Cor. 6:2]

1. God Accepts Those That Accept Christ [1 Tm. 1:15, Eph. 1:6]

-This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

-To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

2. The Day You Come to Christ IS the Day of Salvation [Lk. 19:6-9]

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

3. The Day You Help Others Come to Christ [2 Cor. 5:17-20]

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 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.

II. THIS DAY IS THE DAY OF REJOICING [Ps. 118:24]

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

1. Rejoicing in Salvation [Ps. 118:21]

I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

2. Rejoicing in Christ [Ps. 118:22]

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

3. Rejoicing in God’s Working [Ps. 118:23]

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

 

III. THIS DAY IS THE DAY OF EXPECTATION [Titus 2:13]

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

1. This Day is Characterized by Ignorance [Mt. 24:36]

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

2. This Day is Characterized by Imminence [1 Th. 4:15]

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.

3. This Day is Characterized by Inspiration [1 Jn. 3:1-3]

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 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. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

CONSIDER THE RAVENS

GENESIS 8:6-7

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. GOD’S PLACE FOR THE RAVENS

1. The Raven was Pronounced Unclean [Lev. 11:13-15]

And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the osprey, And the vulture, and the kite after his kind; Every raven after his kind;

2. The Raven Was Promised a Place [Is. 34:6ff.]

v. 6 The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea [Edom].

v. 8 For it is the day of the Lord's vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion.

v. 11-16 But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness. They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing. And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls. The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest. There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate. Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

3. The Saved Sinner, Once Unclean, Has a Place [1 Cor. 6:11, 19-20]

-And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

-What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

 

II. GOD’S PURPOSE FOR THE RAVENS [1 KINGS 17]

1. To Obey His Word [v. 1-4]

And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.

2. To Accomplish His Will [v. 4-5]

And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

3. To Act in His Way [v. 6, Is. 30:21, Acts 18:25-26]

-And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

-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.

-This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly

 

III. GOD’S POINT FOR THE RAVENS [Luke 12]

1. The Future is Beyond Them [v. 24, Acts 1:7-8]

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.

2. The Food is Before Them [v. 24, Job 38:41, Ps. 147:9]

-Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

-He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.

3. The Faithful are Better than Them [v. 22-32, Rm. 5:8-11]

GOD SPEAKS

ISAIAH 45:18-23                                                    

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Over 2000 times in the Bible we are told that God spoke. God still speaks today. Primarily He speaks through His infallible, inerrant Word. When God speaks:

 

I. GOD SPEAKS AUTHORITATIVELY

1. His Word is True [Jn. 17:17, Titus 1:1-2]

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

- Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

2. His Word is Indestructible [Mt. 24:35]

- Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

3. His Word is Powerful [Jer. 23:29, Heb. 4:12]

- Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

- 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.

 

II. GOD SPEAKS EXPECTANTLY

1. God Expects Us to Respect His Word [Ps. 119:6, 15, 117]

-I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

-I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

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

2. God Expects Us to Read His Word

[Neh. 8:8, Mt. 19:4, 1 Th. 5:27]

- So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

- And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female

- I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

 3. God Expects Us to React to His Word (Lk. 6:46, James 1:22]

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

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

 

III. GOD SPEAKS COMPASSIONATELY

1. He Speaks Tenderly [Matthew 11:28]

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

2. He speaks Rationally [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.

3. He Speaks Clearly [Jn. 3:16-18]

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.

CHARACTERISTICS OF WISE PEOPLE

PSALM 111:10

Pastor Rick Jackson

                    

I. WISE PEOPLE PREPARE

1. Death or the Second Coming of Christ [Heb. 9:27, Mt. 25:13, Amos 4:12]

- And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

- Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

- prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

2. Heaven or Hell [Lk. 16:22-23, Phil. 1:23]

- the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments,

- having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

3. Prepare or Beware [Jn. 3:16-18, Heb. 2:3, 10:29]

- 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.

-How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?

-Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

 

II. WISE PEOPLE SERVE

A wise saved person will serve God in gratitude for the wonderful gift of salvation. Not to be saved but because he is saved [2 Co. 5:17]

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new

1. Serve God by church attendance [Heb. 10:25]

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

2. Serve God by Bible study [2 Tm. 2:15]

- Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

3. Serve God by praying [1 Sm. 12:23]

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you:

 

III. WISE PEOPLE WITNESS

The greatest event in your life was salvation, the greatest thing we can do for others is witness.

1. Witness by your works [Mt. 5:16]

- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

2. Witness by your words [Acts 5:20]

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

3. Witness by your Worship [John 4:23-24]

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

BY AND BY

HEBREWS 1-2

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. GOD THE FATHER

1. Spake by the Bible [1:1, 2 Tim. 3:16]

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2. Spake by the Son [1:2a, Lk. 6: 46-48]

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

3. Created (the worlds) by (via) the Son [1:2b, Jn. 1:1-3]

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

 

II. GOD THE SON

1. Upholds things by His Word [1:3a, Col. 1:17]

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist

2. Purged sins by Himself [1:3b, Mt. 8:17]

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

3. Has better name by inheritance [1:4-14, Phil. 2:10-11]

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

III. GOD’S PEOPLE

1. Spoken to by the Lord [2:1-3]

2. Saved by the Lord [2:9-10]

3. Sanctified by the Lord [2:10-17]

THE POWERFUL PRAYER

Eph. 3:20-21

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

PRAYER IS POWERFUL:

1. WHEN MADE AT THE RIGHT TIME [Is. 49:8, 55:6]

-Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

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

 

2. WHEN MADE TO THE RIGHT PERSON [Jer. 33:3-4]

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword;

3. WHEN IT AGREES WITH GOD’S WORD [1 Jn. 5:14-15]

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him

 

4. WHEN IT IS FOR THE RIGHT PURPOSE [Luke 11:2]

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

 

5. WHEN IS IT FROM THE RIGHT MINDSET

[1 Cor. 10:31]

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

THE POWERLESS PRAYER

LUKE 16:19, 22-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

PRAYER IS POWERLESS:

1. WHEN IT IS MADE AT THE WRONG TIME

[v. 22-24, v. 25 “thy lifetime”, Is. 59:2]

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

 

2. WHEN IT IS MADE TO THE WRONG PERSON [

v. 24, 27, 1 Tm. 2:5, 1 Kings 18:26]

Abraham, Confucius, Buddha, Mary, Joseph Smith, saints, Angels, etc. - are all useless when it comes to prayer - sincerity doesn’t help

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

-And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.

 

3. WHEN IT GOES AGAINST GOD’S WORD

[v. 24-26, Heb. 9:27, 4:16, 10:28]

-And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: [judgment not mercy for lost after death]

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

-He that despised Moses law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

 

4. WHEN IT IS FOR THE WRONG MEANS

[v. 27-29, Is. 55:8, Ez. 18:25]

Religious experience over revelation

- For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

- Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

 

5. WHEN IT IS FROM THE WRONG MINDSET

[v. 30-31, Ps. 66:18, Jm. 4:3]

“I’M RIGHT, God’s wrong”

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

- Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

LEGAL WITHOUT THE LAW

LEGAL WITHOUT THE LAW [of Moses]

GENESIS 15

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE DECLARATION OF CARE [v. 1-4]

1. The Personal Proclamation of God [v. 1]

2. The Pointless Petition to God [v. 2-3]

3. The Promise Repeated by God [v. 4, 13:14-16]

 

II. THE DAY OF CHRIST [v. 5-6]

1. The Promise of A Heavenly Seed Pictured [v. 5a, Jn. 8:56-58]

-Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

2. The Promise of A Singular Seed Preeminent

[v. 5b, Gal. 3:16-19]

-Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

3. The Power of A Saviour Promised [v. 6, Rm. 4:1-5]

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

 

III. THE DETAILS OF THE COVENANT [v. 7-21]

1. Legal preparation [v. 7-11]

2. Lengthy procedure [v. 12-16]

3. Lone Promisor [v. 17-21]

THE MIDNIGHT RIDES OF PAUL REVERED

ACTS 16:25

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HOW TO SING PRAISES AT MIDNIGHT [ACTS 16]

1. Be About the Father’s Business [v. 16-19, Luke 2:49]

-And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

Sooner or later the Father’s business is going to disturb the Devil’s business [v. 16]

2. Be About the Saviour’s Message [v. 17-21, 1 Cor. 1:23, 2:2]

salvation & separation

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

-For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3. Be About the Spirit’s Filling [v. 22-25, Eph. 5:17-20]

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

 

II. RAISING THE DEAD AT MIDNIGHT [ACTS 20]

1. Note the Change of Service [v. 7, Heb. 7:11-19]

-If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

2. Note the Challenge of Services [v. 8-9]

3. Note the Comforting of Saints [v. 9-12]

 

III. THE REVIVAL AROUND MIDNIGHT [ACTS 27]

1. Caused by Ignoring Sound Advice [v. 9-15, 20]

2. Changeable by Accepting Solid Exhortation [v. 21-25]

3. Corrected by Acknowledging Solid Instruction [v. 27, 30-36, 39, 42-44]

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN JESUS PASSES BY

LUKE 18:35-43

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. IF YOU LET HIM PASS YOU BY

1. You May Miss the Meaning [v. 31-34, Mk. 4:12]

That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

2. You Might Miss the Miracle [v. 41-42, Mt. 13:58, Jn. 20:24]

-And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

-But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

3. You Will Miss the Moment [v. 31-32, 41; Heb. 3:7, 15, 4:7; 2 Cor. 6:2]

- Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

- While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

- Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

-(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

 

II. IF YOU CALL UPON HIM

1. You Will Find Opposition [v. 39, Acts 13:8-12]

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost , set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

2. You Will Find Him Waiting [v. 40, Jer. 33:3, Mt. 11:28, Jn. 6:37, Jm. 4:8]

- Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

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

- All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

- Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you

3. You Will Find Him Able [v. 41-42, 5:24]

- But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

 

III. IF YOU HAVE TRUSTED HIM

1. You are Saved by Faith [v. 38-39, 42]

2. You Should Follow Him [v. 43; 5:11, 27-28; 9:23, 1 Cor. 11:1]

- And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

- And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

- And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily , and follow me.

-Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

3. You Should Glorify God [v. 43, Mt. 5:16, Jn. 15:8, 1 Cor. 6:19-20]

- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

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

- What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

CHOOSING TO TRUST

1 Th. 5:16     Rejoice evermore.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

We cannot always choose what will happen to us. We may plan one thing, but our circumstances are not always under our control but… how we respond to those circumstances generally is. I’m not saying life is easy. I’m not saying the choice is always good or better. But there is much to be said about how we choose to respond. We can always trust God. John Newton, writer of Amazing Grace, said, “Everything is needful that He sends; Nothing is needful that He withholds.” He chose trust. Even after he went blind and was losing his memory, he said, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior." He chose trust.

1 Sm. 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

Matthew 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

 

 

I. THE CHOICE TO KNOW [v. 1-4]

II. THE CHOICE TO BEHAVE LIKE WHAT YOU ARE [v. 5-8]

III. THE CHOICE TO ASSEMBLE [v. 9-13, Heb. 10:25]

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

IV. THE CHOICE TO BEHAVE WISELY TOWARD OTHERS [v. 14-15]

V. THE CHOICE TO REJOICE [v. 16]

VI. THE CHOICE TO PRAY [v. 17]

VII. THE CHOICE TO GIVE THANKS [v. 18]

VIII. THE CHOICE TO SUBMIT TO THE HOLY SPIRIT [v. 19]

IX. THE CHOICE TO PROVE THINGS [v. 20]

Rm. 12:2 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.

Eph. 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

1 Jn. 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

X. THE CHOICE TO ABSTAIN FROM THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL [v. 21]

HALLELUJAH

Psalm 146

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH YOURSELF [v. 1-2]

1. Who Should You Praise? [v. 1a, Psalm 147:1]

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

2. Who Should Praise? [v. 1b, Psalm 33:1]

Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

3. When Should You Praise? [v. 2]

 

II. HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS

1. The Limitations of Mankind [v. 3-4]

2. The Lord’s My Help and My Hope [v. 5, Is. 50:9]

- Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.

3. The Lord’s Might [v. 6, 121:1-2]

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

 

III. HAVE FAITH IN GOD [Mark 11:22, Jn. 14:1]

-And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

- Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

 

1. He Loosens Our Bonds [v. 7]

2. He Loves His Children [v. 8-9, Jn. 1:12]

3. He Lives Forever [v. 10]

 

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,

  Lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs

  To Jesus Christ the King!

The Hope of all who seek Him,

  The Help of all who find,

None other is so loving,

  So good and kind.

 

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

NO EXCEPTIONS

JOHN 3:2-5

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE NEED OF NICODEMUS

1. It Was an Urgent Need [v. 1-2, 19:39]

And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night

2. It Was a Universal Need [v. 3, Rm. 5:12]

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

3. It Was a Misunderstood Need [v. 4, 9-10]

 

II. THE NECESSITY OF THE NEW BIRTH

1. It is Necessarily a Spiritual rather than a Physical Birth [v. 3-6]

2. It Necessitates the Work of the Holy Spirit [v. 5-8, 6:63]

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

3. It Necessitates the Ministries of the Father and the Son [v. 16]

 

III. THE UNIQUENESS OF THE SAVIOUR

1. The Incarnation of Christ [v. 9-13]

2. The Vicarious Death of Christ [v. 14-17]

3. The Necessity of Receiving the Risen Saviour [v. 18-21]

Rm. 10:6-13 - But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) (cp. John 3:13) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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.

THE INFIRMITY OF THE FLESH

GALATIANS 4:13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE ADMISSION OF THE TRUTH

1. Simon Peter’s Confession [Luke 5:8]

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

2. Solomon’s Confession [1 Kings 3:7]

And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

3. Jesus’ Declaration [Luke 17:10]

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say , We are unprofitable servants : we have done that which was our duty to do.

 

II. A LITTLE SOUL-SEARCHING [Ps. 139:23-24]

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

1. Acknowledge My Fallibility & His Salvation [Ps. 103:1-4]

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

2. Accept My Sinfulness & His Mercy [Ps. 103:8-11]

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

3. Admit My Limitations and His Compassion [Ps. 103:12-15]

As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we [are] dust. [As for] man, his days [are] as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

 

III. A FINAL RESPONSE [Philippians 3]

1. Focus Not on the Failure [v. 13a]

2. Forget the Forgiven & Forsaken [v. 13b] it’s been dealt with

3. Forge Forth for Christ [v. 13c-17]

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE

JOHN 9:38-41

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE HEALING OF THE BLIND MAN [9:1-12]

1. The Light of the World [9:1-5]

2. The Sight of the World [9:6-7]

3. The Plight of the World [9:8-12] plight refers to the situation, usually bad, someone is in

 

II. THE “HEARING” OF THE PHARISEES [9:13-34] a judicial situation

1. The Failure of Men [9:13-17]

2. The Fear of Man [9:18-23, Mt. 10:27-28]

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

3. The Foolishness of Men [9:24-34, 1 Cor. 1:18-25] cp. v. 2 w/v. 34 ignorance/arrogance

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock , and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

 

III. THE HEARING OF THE SHEEP [9:35-10:21]

1. Sometimes Blind Men See [9:11, 17, 25-33, 35-38]

2. Sometimes Seeing Men Are Blind [9:39-41]

3. Saved People are the Only Ones that can Really See and Hear [10:1-21; 2 Cor. 4:3-6]

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. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness , hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

UP, UP, AND AWAY

ACTS 1:2, 9-11

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Many false doctrines abound concerning Christ’s return. Several cults say Jesus has already returned albeit secretly. Some say we are in the 1000-year reign of Christ right now! David Koresh claimed to be the 2nd coming of Christ. He died. Sun Myung Moon allowed his followers to say he was the second coming of Christ. He died in 2012But what saith the Scripture?

 

I. THE PERSON [Acts 1:11]

1. The Jesus of the Passion [1:1-3a, 17:2-3]

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

2. The Jesus of the Proofs [1:3, Lk. 24:30-45]

3. The Jesus of the Power [1:4-8, Mt. 28:18]

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

 

II. THE POWER [Acts 1:11]

1. He’s Coming to Change the Saved [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.

2. He’s Coming to Conquer Satan & co. [1 John 3:8, Rev. 19-20]

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

3. He’s Coming to Control Earth & Its Kingdoms [Rev. 19:13-15]

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

 

III. THE PLAN [Acts 1:9-13]

1. He’s Coming Personally [Rev. 1:7]

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

2. He’s Coming Visibly [Rev. 1:7]

3. He’s Coming Locally [Zech. 14:4, Acts 1:11-12]

-And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.