Rick Jackson
I. ARE YOU ACQUAINTED WITH HIS HUMANITY?
1. The virgin born Saviour (Is. 7:14)
2. The stem of Jesse (Is. 11:1)
3. The spirit-filled man (Is. 11:2)
II. ARE YOU ACQUAINTED WITH HIS DEITY?
1. The knowledge of Him will fill the earth (11:3-9)
2. The root of Jesse (11:10) Only Jesus is the root of Jesse and the stem of Jesse.
3. The real Jehovah (Is. 9:6, 43:10, Acts 1:1-8)
III. ARE YOU ACQUAINTED WITH HIM PERSONALLY?
1. He can be your salvation (Is. 12:1-2)
2. He can be your strength (Is. 12:2, Rom. 5:6-8)
3. He can be your song (Is. 12:2, Ps. 40:1-5)
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
10 THINGS GOD HATES!
I JOHN 2:15
Rick Jackson
God loves, but God also hates. This message looks at 10 things God hates. The list is not exhaustive but I hope it is enlightening. It’s okay to hate as long as we hate the right things. It’s not always okay to love for sometimes we love the wrong things. What then are some things God hates that should likewise be hated by us.
I. IDOLS (DT. 16:22)
II. WICKEDNESS (PS. 45:6-7, HEB. 1:8-9)
III. PRIDE (PR. 6:16-17a)
“I am better than you” not so, someone may act better but the value is determined by the price paid for everyone
IV. “A LYING TONGUE” the father of lies is Satan (Jn. 8) Christ is Truth as is His Word (Jn. 14, 17)
V. “HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD” murders, abortions (self-defense, war, capital punishment aren’t murder)
VI. “A HEART THAT DEVISETH WICKED IMAGINATIONS” (V. 18a, Mt. 15:19, Jer. 17:9) (the old nature)
VII. “FEET THAT BE SWIFT IN RUNNING TO MISCHIEF” (V. 18b )
(looting, robbing, dope dealing)
VIII. “A FALSE WITNESS THAT SPEAKETH LIES” (V. 19a)
Not just general lying, more emphatic, like in court, about others
IX. HE THAT SOWETH DISCORD AMONG THE BRETHREN” (V. 19b)
Causing trouble between Christians, relatives, friends
X. EVIL DEEDS (REV. 2:6)
What do you hate?
Rick Jackson
God loves, but God also hates. This message looks at 10 things God hates. The list is not exhaustive but I hope it is enlightening. It’s okay to hate as long as we hate the right things. It’s not always okay to love for sometimes we love the wrong things. What then are some things God hates that should likewise be hated by us.
I. IDOLS (DT. 16:22)
II. WICKEDNESS (PS. 45:6-7, HEB. 1:8-9)
III. PRIDE (PR. 6:16-17a)
“I am better than you” not so, someone may act better but the value is determined by the price paid for everyone
IV. “A LYING TONGUE” the father of lies is Satan (Jn. 8) Christ is Truth as is His Word (Jn. 14, 17)
V. “HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD” murders, abortions (self-defense, war, capital punishment aren’t murder)
VI. “A HEART THAT DEVISETH WICKED IMAGINATIONS” (V. 18a, Mt. 15:19, Jer. 17:9) (the old nature)
VII. “FEET THAT BE SWIFT IN RUNNING TO MISCHIEF” (V. 18b )
(looting, robbing, dope dealing)
VIII. “A FALSE WITNESS THAT SPEAKETH LIES” (V. 19a)
Not just general lying, more emphatic, like in court, about others
IX. HE THAT SOWETH DISCORD AMONG THE BRETHREN” (V. 19b)
Causing trouble between Christians, relatives, friends
X. EVIL DEEDS (REV. 2:6)
What do you hate?
Thursday, May 18, 2006
3 WORDS THAT HELPED MAKE AMERICA GREAT
Rick Jackson
JOHN 8
I. “FREEDOM”WHICH ISN’T FREE
1. It is a result of TRUTH (Jn. 8:32-36)
2. It is a result of SACRIFICE (Rm. 3:23-26)
3. It is a result of right CHOICES (Rm. 3:22, 26-30)
II. “INDEPENDENCE” WHICH ISN’T INDEPENDENT
1. To be independent of man one must be dependent on God (Rm. 3:4)
2. To be independent of sin one must be dependent on righteousness (Rm. 6:13)
3. To be independent of works one must be dependent on Grace (Rm. 11:6)
4. To be independent of Satan one must be dependent on Christ (II Co. 6:15-18)
III. “LIBERTY” WHICH IS NOT LICENSE
1. Liberty is given so we can stand (Gal. 5:1)
2. Liberty is given so we can serve (Gal. 5:13-14, I Pt. 2:16)
3. Liberty is given so we can obey the Word (James 1:22-25, 2:8-13)
JOHN 8
I. “FREEDOM”WHICH ISN’T FREE
1. It is a result of TRUTH (Jn. 8:32-36)
2. It is a result of SACRIFICE (Rm. 3:23-26)
3. It is a result of right CHOICES (Rm. 3:22, 26-30)
II. “INDEPENDENCE” WHICH ISN’T INDEPENDENT
1. To be independent of man one must be dependent on God (Rm. 3:4)
2. To be independent of sin one must be dependent on righteousness (Rm. 6:13)
3. To be independent of works one must be dependent on Grace (Rm. 11:6)
4. To be independent of Satan one must be dependent on Christ (II Co. 6:15-18)
III. “LIBERTY” WHICH IS NOT LICENSE
1. Liberty is given so we can stand (Gal. 5:1)
2. Liberty is given so we can serve (Gal. 5:13-14, I Pt. 2:16)
3. Liberty is given so we can obey the Word (James 1:22-25, 2:8-13)
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
3 STEPS FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER
Rick Jackson
We are given instructions from the National Weather Service concerning inclement weather. We are given steps to take in case of tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, floods, etc. All this is a good thing. Sometimes we find ourselves in inclement weather spiritually speaking. It may be a fog too dense to see through, a storm of difficulties or a wave of decisions that need to be made with no clear indication which way to head. Don't fret or fear for the Scriptures give us steps to take in these kinds of circumstances.
I. "BOW THE KNEE" (SUBMISSION)
1. Submit to His Word (Is. 45:18-25)
2. Submit to His way (Ps. 95:1-11)
3. Submit to His Wisdom (Eph. 3:1-14)
II. "TRUST THE HEART OF YOUR FATHER" (SERENITY)
1. He has your personal best at heart (Mt. 6:6-8, 31-34)
2. He has your professional best at heart (I Pt. 1:13-25, 5:6-7, 10)
3. He has your perpetual best at heart (I Jn. 2:24-3:9)
III. "LIFT UP YOUR EYES" (SEEK)
1. He will supply (Gn. 22:11-14)
2. He will help (Ps. 121)
3. He will have mercy (Ps. 123, Mt. 17:8, II Jn. 1:3)
We are given instructions from the National Weather Service concerning inclement weather. We are given steps to take in case of tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, floods, etc. All this is a good thing. Sometimes we find ourselves in inclement weather spiritually speaking. It may be a fog too dense to see through, a storm of difficulties or a wave of decisions that need to be made with no clear indication which way to head. Don't fret or fear for the Scriptures give us steps to take in these kinds of circumstances.
I. "BOW THE KNEE" (SUBMISSION)
1. Submit to His Word (Is. 45:18-25)
2. Submit to His way (Ps. 95:1-11)
3. Submit to His Wisdom (Eph. 3:1-14)
II. "TRUST THE HEART OF YOUR FATHER" (SERENITY)
1. He has your personal best at heart (Mt. 6:6-8, 31-34)
2. He has your professional best at heart (I Pt. 1:13-25, 5:6-7, 10)
3. He has your perpetual best at heart (I Jn. 2:24-3:9)
III. "LIFT UP YOUR EYES" (SEEK)
1. He will supply (Gn. 22:11-14)
2. He will help (Ps. 121)
3. He will have mercy (Ps. 123, Mt. 17:8, II Jn. 1:3)
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
THREE THINGS THAT HAVEN’T CHANGED
Rick Jackson
There is a great comfort factor in things that do not change. It’s nice to know that some things do not change. We have found from the Scriptures that God doesn’t change. There is no variableness in God the Father, neither shadow of turning. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Eternal Spirit is still at work in the world and in our lives. There are some things that haven’t changed as well. Three of which we will mention in this message.
I. SCRIPTURE HAS NOT CHANGED (PS. 119:89)
1. The history written in advance has not changed (Daniel 7)
2. The science has not changed (Is. 40:22)
3. The theology hasn’t changed (Gn. 1, Rm. 1)
II. SALVATION HAS NOT CHANGED (JONAH 2:9)
1. The work determined (Heb. 4:1-3, 12)
2. The Word declares (I Peter 1:18-25)
3. The Way delivers (Jn. 14:6, Rev. 13:8)
III. SOUL-WINNING HAS NOT CHANGED (Pr. 11:30)
1. David won souls (Ps. 51:13, 126:5-6)
2. Daniel won souls (Dan. 12:2-3)
3. Disciples win souls (Mt. 28:19-20)
There is a great comfort factor in things that do not change. It’s nice to know that some things do not change. We have found from the Scriptures that God doesn’t change. There is no variableness in God the Father, neither shadow of turning. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Eternal Spirit is still at work in the world and in our lives. There are some things that haven’t changed as well. Three of which we will mention in this message.
I. SCRIPTURE HAS NOT CHANGED (PS. 119:89)
1. The history written in advance has not changed (Daniel 7)
2. The science has not changed (Is. 40:22)
3. The theology hasn’t changed (Gn. 1, Rm. 1)
II. SALVATION HAS NOT CHANGED (JONAH 2:9)
1. The work determined (Heb. 4:1-3, 12)
2. The Word declares (I Peter 1:18-25)
3. The Way delivers (Jn. 14:6, Rev. 13:8)
III. SOUL-WINNING HAS NOT CHANGED (Pr. 11:30)
1. David won souls (Ps. 51:13, 126:5-6)
2. Daniel won souls (Dan. 12:2-3)
3. Disciples win souls (Mt. 28:19-20)
Monday, May 15, 2006
3 THINGS THAT ABIDE
FAITH, HOPE, & CHARITY
I COR. 13:13
Rick Jackson
I. FAITH
1. In God (Mk. 11:22)
2. In Christ (I Cor. 2:5, Gal. 2:16-20, 3:26)
3. In the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:9-26)
II. HOPE
1. Of the Scriptures (Rm. 15:4)
2. Of God (Rm. 15:13)
3. Of expectation (I Cor. 9:10, 15:19)
III. CHARITY
1. Edifies (I Cor. 8:1)
2. Motivates (I Cor. 13:1-14:1)
3. Accompanies (I Cor. 9:10, 16:14)
I COR. 13:13
Rick Jackson
I. FAITH
1. In God (Mk. 11:22)
2. In Christ (I Cor. 2:5, Gal. 2:16-20, 3:26)
3. In the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:9-26)
II. HOPE
1. Of the Scriptures (Rm. 15:4)
2. Of God (Rm. 15:13)
3. Of expectation (I Cor. 9:10, 15:19)
III. CHARITY
1. Edifies (I Cor. 8:1)
2. Motivates (I Cor. 13:1-14:1)
3. Accompanies (I Cor. 9:10, 16:14)
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Much ado about nothing... or... something deeper?
I routinely sell items on several websites (amazon.com. half.com and ebay). I like doing this for several reasons. It reduces clutter in my household and it provides a little extra cash flow at the same time. With every order sold I enclose a business card with my contact information on it so the buyer can, well, contact me, should the need arise. Now being a pastor my business card has church information printed on the front and a clear Gospel presentation on the back... but it still is "my" card.
I sold a book the other day and very quickly mailed it out to the buyer. I am always striving to go above and beyond and try to mail orders out the same or next business day (well before required by the listing website). I will sometimes ship 1st class instead of media mail if the cost isn't too prohibitive even though the buyer has only paid for the latter. Of course, I enclosed my business card.
Each of these websites has a place to give feedback concerning transactions. This particular website goes with a 5 point system. 5 being the highest. For my efforts in getting this person their book so quickly I got this feedback:
4 out of 5: "Religious business card enclosed. I did not like that."
To which I replied, Seller Response: "I enclose my business card with my information on it in case someone needs to contact me. How silly would it be for me to not use my own business card? How insecure do you have to be to be offended when a person encloses their business card? I am sorry they were so easily offended but I do not think its fair to rate me lower simply because they don't like my business card."
Now this may seem like much ado about nothing but is it? I routinely get business cards when I purchase on these sites, I get religious material sent to me, etc. I don't get bent out of shape about it and I don't "grade" the person on that but grade them rather on what you might expect: was the item as advertised, was it shipped in a timely fashion, etc.
If they send me religious material or even secular material I don't want I just toss it in file 13 and move on. So why would a person give less than excellent feedback when they got excellent service? Is it because they are insecure in their spiritual state and don't like to be reminded of it? Could it be they are under conviction of the Holy Spirit and it is hard to "kick against the pricks" (Acts 9:5)? Is it because they are so blinded by Satan that they must call evil good and good evil? Is it as John 3:19-20 puts it: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Hmmm. Makes you think doesn't it?
I sold a book the other day and very quickly mailed it out to the buyer. I am always striving to go above and beyond and try to mail orders out the same or next business day (well before required by the listing website). I will sometimes ship 1st class instead of media mail if the cost isn't too prohibitive even though the buyer has only paid for the latter. Of course, I enclosed my business card.
Each of these websites has a place to give feedback concerning transactions. This particular website goes with a 5 point system. 5 being the highest. For my efforts in getting this person their book so quickly I got this feedback:
4 out of 5: "Religious business card enclosed. I did not like that."
To which I replied, Seller Response: "I enclose my business card with my information on it in case someone needs to contact me. How silly would it be for me to not use my own business card? How insecure do you have to be to be offended when a person encloses their business card? I am sorry they were so easily offended but I do not think its fair to rate me lower simply because they don't like my business card."
Now this may seem like much ado about nothing but is it? I routinely get business cards when I purchase on these sites, I get religious material sent to me, etc. I don't get bent out of shape about it and I don't "grade" the person on that but grade them rather on what you might expect: was the item as advertised, was it shipped in a timely fashion, etc.
If they send me religious material or even secular material I don't want I just toss it in file 13 and move on. So why would a person give less than excellent feedback when they got excellent service? Is it because they are insecure in their spiritual state and don't like to be reminded of it? Could it be they are under conviction of the Holy Spirit and it is hard to "kick against the pricks" (Acts 9:5)? Is it because they are so blinded by Satan that they must call evil good and good evil? Is it as John 3:19-20 puts it: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Hmmm. Makes you think doesn't it?
Saturday, May 13, 2006
A MOTHER'S DAY EXAMPLE
Rick Jackson dedicates this message to his mother who went to be with the Lord in September 2005. This year she gets to spend Mother's Day with her mother!
I SAMUEL 1
There are many mothers mentioned in the Bible. Eve and Elisabeth, Rebekah and Rachel, Sarah and Hagar, Ruth and Naomi, and many, many more both good and bad. There are few mothers, in my opinion, that shine like Hannah, the mother of Samuel.
I. SHE WAS SURE OF HER OWN SALVATION
(I Sm. 2:1, I Jn. 5:13, Rm. 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-13) D. L. Moody said he never knew an effective soul-winner who doubted their own salvation.
II. SHE WAS PERSISTENT IN HER PRAYERS
A wise woman will pray for children, then pray for her children, and pray with her children. (I Th. 5:17, Lk. 18:1, Jer. 33:3, Jm. 4:2). John R. Rice said, "All our failures are prayer failures".
III. SHE WAS A WOMAN OF HER WORD
(I Sm. 1:11, 28; Eccl. 5:4-5, Mt. 5:37, Ps. 15:4)
IV. SHE WAS METICULOUS IN HER MOTHERHOOD (I Sm. 1:22, 2:12, 3:13)
She didn't leave it to chance... or Eli! She raised Samuel right from his earliest days (as did Moses' mother). Not the school, not the church, not the world---the HOME!
V. SHE WORKED AT THE WILL AND WORD OF GOD! (I Sm. 2:2-10, II Tm. 1:5, 3:15)
VI. SHE CONTINUED TO CARE (I Sm. 2:19, Jude 22)
Many is the person who has testified their mother's prayers have followed them.
I SAMUEL 1
There are many mothers mentioned in the Bible. Eve and Elisabeth, Rebekah and Rachel, Sarah and Hagar, Ruth and Naomi, and many, many more both good and bad. There are few mothers, in my opinion, that shine like Hannah, the mother of Samuel.
I. SHE WAS SURE OF HER OWN SALVATION
(I Sm. 2:1, I Jn. 5:13, Rm. 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-13) D. L. Moody said he never knew an effective soul-winner who doubted their own salvation.
II. SHE WAS PERSISTENT IN HER PRAYERS
A wise woman will pray for children, then pray for her children, and pray with her children. (I Th. 5:17, Lk. 18:1, Jer. 33:3, Jm. 4:2). John R. Rice said, "All our failures are prayer failures".
III. SHE WAS A WOMAN OF HER WORD
(I Sm. 1:11, 28; Eccl. 5:4-5, Mt. 5:37, Ps. 15:4)
IV. SHE WAS METICULOUS IN HER MOTHERHOOD (I Sm. 1:22, 2:12, 3:13)
She didn't leave it to chance... or Eli! She raised Samuel right from his earliest days (as did Moses' mother). Not the school, not the church, not the world---the HOME!
V. SHE WORKED AT THE WILL AND WORD OF GOD! (I Sm. 2:2-10, II Tm. 1:5, 3:15)
VI. SHE CONTINUED TO CARE (I Sm. 2:19, Jude 22)
Many is the person who has testified their mother's prayers have followed them.
Friday, May 12, 2006
The Rice Legacy
Few families have had as much impact on my life as the Rice family. As a fairly new Christian I was given a copy of the Sword of the Lord in 1974 when John R. Rice was the editor. What a blessing that was to me. The Lord used John R. Rice to draw me closer to Him in ways I could not have imagined. I have almost every book he ever wrote (I am still trying to find a few out-of-print ones) and have listened to hundreds of his sermons through various forms of media. I was priviliged to meet the great man of God in person and hear him preach numerous times. Only eternity will reveal the influence he has had on my life. If you can get anything by him (books, tapes, whatever) I would advise you to do so.
His family has been a blessing to me as well. His brother Bill Rice (who God used to start the Bill Rice Ranch) was also a great writer and preacher as are Bill's sons- Bill III, Pete, and Ronnie. His grandson Wil, is no slouch in that area either. Both Bill III and Wil have preached at Bradford Baptist Church where I have the privilege to pastor and Pete will be with us on June 4, 2006, Lord willing. I am praising God!
I had the privilege of teaching several of John Rice's grandchildren when I was a teacher at Tennessee Temple High School and was taught by several of his sons-in-law while I was a student at Temple Baptist Theological Seminary (now called Tennessee Temple Seminary). I have heard others of his sons-in-law preach and the writings of his daughters and these men are also a great blessing.
It was through the Sword that God led me to Tennessee Temple and under the ministry of Lee Roberson and there I heard hundreds of God's men in chapel and the classroom. All because Don Miller gave me a copy of the Sword of the Lord. Despise not the day of small things.
Of course the Sword itself has allowed me to glean from others. One of those in particular, Dr. Robert L. Sumner is mighty in the Scriptures. Here is another man of God who like Rice has been an evangelist, editior, author, published, preacher, Bible scholar... I could go on. Dr. Sumner, whom I count as a dear friend is still active. Use the link provided at the side and visit the Biblical Evangelist website. Be prepared to be blessed! He has taken some stands that were unpopular but were necessary and Biblical and I am grateful for a man of courage who like Paul, seeks to please God rather than men.
Well, I could go on but the bottom line is, Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
His family has been a blessing to me as well. His brother Bill Rice (who God used to start the Bill Rice Ranch) was also a great writer and preacher as are Bill's sons- Bill III, Pete, and Ronnie. His grandson Wil, is no slouch in that area either. Both Bill III and Wil have preached at Bradford Baptist Church where I have the privilege to pastor and Pete will be with us on June 4, 2006, Lord willing. I am praising God!
I had the privilege of teaching several of John Rice's grandchildren when I was a teacher at Tennessee Temple High School and was taught by several of his sons-in-law while I was a student at Temple Baptist Theological Seminary (now called Tennessee Temple Seminary). I have heard others of his sons-in-law preach and the writings of his daughters and these men are also a great blessing.
It was through the Sword that God led me to Tennessee Temple and under the ministry of Lee Roberson and there I heard hundreds of God's men in chapel and the classroom. All because Don Miller gave me a copy of the Sword of the Lord. Despise not the day of small things.
Of course the Sword itself has allowed me to glean from others. One of those in particular, Dr. Robert L. Sumner is mighty in the Scriptures. Here is another man of God who like Rice has been an evangelist, editior, author, published, preacher, Bible scholar... I could go on. Dr. Sumner, whom I count as a dear friend is still active. Use the link provided at the side and visit the Biblical Evangelist website. Be prepared to be blessed! He has taken some stands that were unpopular but were necessary and Biblical and I am grateful for a man of courage who like Paul, seeks to please God rather than men.
Well, I could go on but the bottom line is, Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Missing Days
The reason for no blogs for several days was because I was out of town. my lovely wife and I were in Pensacola, FL watching our youngest daughter graduate with honors from Pensacola Christian College. Very exciting. She's now home for the summer until she goes back next year as a graduate student and graduate assistant. She hopes to get her Masters in 2 years. Praise the Lord.
3 STEPS CLOSER TO GOD
Rick Jackson
If I asked how many of would like to be closer to God than you are now I daresay most of us would raise our hands or nod our assent to such a thought. To be closer to God, nearer my God to thee, to be like Jesus…this is the theme of many a song, the heart of many a prayer, and the longing of many a soul. I would like to propose to you 3 simple steps to be closer to God. Some of these you may already be doing, others may not have occurred to you but we can all profit from these simple reminders.
I. LIVE BIBLICALLY
1. In thought (II Cor. 10:5, Phil. 2:5-8)
2. In philosophy (Col. 2:6-10---why we do what we do and how we do it)
3. In deed (James 1:22-27)
II. WORK LOCALLY
“Brighten the corner where you are!”
1. Family (Lk. 8:26-39---Andrew)
2. Friends (Mk. 5:19---Philip, Daniel)
3. Community (Mk. 5:20, Lk. 8:39, Acts 1:8)
III. THINK GLOBALLY
1. Give to missions (Phil. 4:14-19)
2. Go as God calls (Acts 13:1-4)
3. Pray for missions (Eph. 6:19)
If I asked how many of would like to be closer to God than you are now I daresay most of us would raise our hands or nod our assent to such a thought. To be closer to God, nearer my God to thee, to be like Jesus…this is the theme of many a song, the heart of many a prayer, and the longing of many a soul. I would like to propose to you 3 simple steps to be closer to God. Some of these you may already be doing, others may not have occurred to you but we can all profit from these simple reminders.
I. LIVE BIBLICALLY
1. In thought (II Cor. 10:5, Phil. 2:5-8)
2. In philosophy (Col. 2:6-10---why we do what we do and how we do it)
3. In deed (James 1:22-27)
II. WORK LOCALLY
“Brighten the corner where you are!”
1. Family (Lk. 8:26-39---Andrew)
2. Friends (Mk. 5:19---Philip, Daniel)
3. Community (Mk. 5:20, Lk. 8:39, Acts 1:8)
III. THINK GLOBALLY
1. Give to missions (Phil. 4:14-19)
2. Go as God calls (Acts 13:1-4)
3. Pray for missions (Eph. 6:19)
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
THROUGH HIM (II PETER 1)
Rick Jackson
I. THROUGH CHRIST WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE
1. Precious faith through His righteousness (v. 1)
2. Peace and grace through the knowledge of Him (v. 2)
3. Power through the knowledge of Him (v. 3)
II. THROUGH HIS PROMISES WE HAVE THE ABUNDANT LIFE
1. Which are exceeding great & precious (v. 4a)
2. We partake of the divine nature (v. 4b)
3. We escape the corruption of the world (v. 4c)
III. THROUGH HIS PROVISION WE HAVE A FRUITFUL LIFE
1. Add to faith, virtue (v. 5a)
2. Add to virtue, Knowledge (v. 5b)
3. Add to knowledge, temperance (v. 6a)
4. Add to temperance, patience (v. 6b)
5. Add to patience, godliness (v. 6c)
6. Add to godliness, brotherly kindness (v. 7a)
7. Add to brotherly kindness, charity (v. 7b)
I. THROUGH CHRIST WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE
1. Precious faith through His righteousness (v. 1)
2. Peace and grace through the knowledge of Him (v. 2)
3. Power through the knowledge of Him (v. 3)
II. THROUGH HIS PROMISES WE HAVE THE ABUNDANT LIFE
1. Which are exceeding great & precious (v. 4a)
2. We partake of the divine nature (v. 4b)
3. We escape the corruption of the world (v. 4c)
III. THROUGH HIS PROVISION WE HAVE A FRUITFUL LIFE
1. Add to faith, virtue (v. 5a)
2. Add to virtue, Knowledge (v. 5b)
3. Add to knowledge, temperance (v. 6a)
4. Add to temperance, patience (v. 6b)
5. Add to patience, godliness (v. 6c)
6. Add to godliness, brotherly kindness (v. 7a)
7. Add to brotherly kindness, charity (v. 7b)
Monday, May 08, 2006
YOU CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH! (III JOHN)
Rick Jackson
There is a famous courtroom scene from a movie where the 2 lead actors are arguing. The man on the stand asks the lawyer, “You want answers?” And the reply comes back, “I think I'm entitled to them.” “You want answers?” “I want the truth!” “You can't handle the truth!” Apart from Christ, you can’t handle the truth. Look at the evolutionists. Look at the politically correct groups. Look at religious groups that don’t follow the Word of God. But those saved by Christ and walking in the light of His Word know this, YOU CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH!
Firstly, we should:
I. WALK IN TRUTH (1-4)
2 Corinthians 4:2
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Galatians 2:14
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
1 John 1:6
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
2 John 1:4
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
Walking in truth:
1. Makes a bond with others (v. 1)
2. Is seen of others (v. 2-3)
3. Brings joy to others (v. 3-4)
Not only should we walk in truth, but we should:
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)
Then finally, we can handle the truth not only by walking in truth and working for truth but we can:
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)
There is a famous courtroom scene from a movie where the 2 lead actors are arguing. The man on the stand asks the lawyer, “You want answers?” And the reply comes back, “I think I'm entitled to them.” “You want answers?” “I want the truth!” “You can't handle the truth!” Apart from Christ, you can’t handle the truth. Look at the evolutionists. Look at the politically correct groups. Look at religious groups that don’t follow the Word of God. But those saved by Christ and walking in the light of His Word know this, YOU CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH!
Firstly, we should:
I. WALK IN TRUTH (1-4)
2 Corinthians 4:2
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Galatians 2:14
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
1 John 1:6
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
2 John 1:4
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
Walking in truth:
1. Makes a bond with others (v. 1)
2. Is seen of others (v. 2-3)
3. Brings joy to others (v. 3-4)
Not only should we walk in truth, but we should:
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)
Then finally, we can handle the truth not only by walking in truth and working for truth but we can:
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)
Sunday, May 07, 2006
DO YOU SEE YOUR CALLING?
I CORINTHIANS 1:18-31
Rick Jackson
I. THE CALLS OF CHRIST
1. He calls sinners to salvation (Mk. 2:17, Mt. 11:28, Rm. 5:8)
2. He calls saints to service (Mk. 1:20, Acts 13:2)
3. He calls serving saints to friendship (Jn. 15:15, James 2:23)
4. He calls saved sanctified saints brethren (Heb. 2:9-15)
II. THE CALLS TO CHRIST
1. We call Him to be saved (Rm. 10:12-14)
2. We call Him to be shown (Jer. 33:3, Eph. 2:4-7, 3:14-21)
3. We call Him to be servants (Eph. 2:8-10, Zeph. 3:9)
III. THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
1. We are saved to serve (Zeph. 3:9)
2. We worship to serve (Mt. 4:4, Lk. 4:4)
3. We turn to and from to serve (I Th. 1:9)
4. We choose to serve (Joshua 24:14-15)
Rick Jackson
I. THE CALLS OF CHRIST
1. He calls sinners to salvation (Mk. 2:17, Mt. 11:28, Rm. 5:8)
2. He calls saints to service (Mk. 1:20, Acts 13:2)
3. He calls serving saints to friendship (Jn. 15:15, James 2:23)
4. He calls saved sanctified saints brethren (Heb. 2:9-15)
II. THE CALLS TO CHRIST
1. We call Him to be saved (Rm. 10:12-14)
2. We call Him to be shown (Jer. 33:3, Eph. 2:4-7, 3:14-21)
3. We call Him to be servants (Eph. 2:8-10, Zeph. 3:9)
III. THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
1. We are saved to serve (Zeph. 3:9)
2. We worship to serve (Mt. 4:4, Lk. 4:4)
3. We turn to and from to serve (I Th. 1:9)
4. We choose to serve (Joshua 24:14-15)
Saturday, May 06, 2006
3 GREAT REQUESTS
Rick Jackson
I. LORD, MAKE ME CLEAN
1. The power of salvation (Mt. 23:25-28, Jn. 1:12, Rev. 1:5-6)
2. The prayer of supplication (Jn. 13:10, Ps. 19:12, 51:2)
3. The process of sanctification (Jn. 15:3, 17:17)
II. LORD, MAKE ME CLOSE
1. Confess and have faith (Rm. 10:9-13)
2. Confess and have forsaken (Pr. 28:13)
3. Confess and have forgiveness (I Jn. 1:9)
III. LORD, MAKE ME CLEAR
1. Concerning myself (Lk. 6:41-42)
2. Concerning my Creator (Rm. 1:20-25)
3. Concerning my obedience to God's Word (II Cor. 7:7-11)
I. LORD, MAKE ME CLEAN
1. The power of salvation (Mt. 23:25-28, Jn. 1:12, Rev. 1:5-6)
2. The prayer of supplication (Jn. 13:10, Ps. 19:12, 51:2)
3. The process of sanctification (Jn. 15:3, 17:17)
II. LORD, MAKE ME CLOSE
1. Confess and have faith (Rm. 10:9-13)
2. Confess and have forsaken (Pr. 28:13)
3. Confess and have forgiveness (I Jn. 1:9)
III. LORD, MAKE ME CLEAR
1. Concerning myself (Lk. 6:41-42)
2. Concerning my Creator (Rm. 1:20-25)
3. Concerning my obedience to God's Word (II Cor. 7:7-11)
WELL I DECLARE (I TIMOTHY 4)
Rick Jackson
By God’s grace, I have been preaching for 32 years. Until I sat down and started this message I hadn’t realized how varied a ministry the Lord has allowed me to have over the years. I have pastored 3 churches for 22 of those 32 years. I have preached in homes, schools, churches, Sunday Schools, nursing homes, military bases, funeral homes, restaurants and fairgrounds. I have preached over an hour and have preached for a few minutes. I have preached in person, on the radio and on the internet. I have driven to preach, walked to preach and once I even flew to preach. I have preached to 1 or 2 and I have preached to thousands. I have been boring and hopefully I have been interesting. Any good that has come from my preaching is to the Lord’s credit, any bad is mine.
I was fortunate that when God called me to preach He had already taught me what to preach, His Word. It is a great relief to me to not have to pour through encyclopedias and other reference books to find something worthy to preach I just reach for the Book, God’s Holy Word, the Bible. It is a great shock to me that some Christians complain when a preacher preaches the Bible. What should we expect any preacher to declare?
Every preacher should declare:
I. THE GOSPEL OF GOD (I Cor. 1:17)
1. It is the power of God unto salvation (Rm. 1:16)
2. Lost people need to hear it (Rm. 10:8-17)
3. Saved people need to hear it (I Peter 1:3-9, 25)
II. THE WORD OF GOD (Acts 20:27-32)
1. The example of Jesus Mk. 2:2
2. The example of the apostles (Acts 8:4, 25; 13:5, 14:25, 15:35-36, 17:13, 20:27)
3. The admonition of the Scripture (II Tm. 4:2, Titus 1:3)
III. AS LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD Micah 3:5-8
1. We need Him (John 14:16-17, 15:26, 16:7-15)
2. We need His direction (Acts 13:1-5, 16:6-11)
3. We need His power (I Cor. 2:1-5)
By God’s grace, I have been preaching for 32 years. Until I sat down and started this message I hadn’t realized how varied a ministry the Lord has allowed me to have over the years. I have pastored 3 churches for 22 of those 32 years. I have preached in homes, schools, churches, Sunday Schools, nursing homes, military bases, funeral homes, restaurants and fairgrounds. I have preached over an hour and have preached for a few minutes. I have preached in person, on the radio and on the internet. I have driven to preach, walked to preach and once I even flew to preach. I have preached to 1 or 2 and I have preached to thousands. I have been boring and hopefully I have been interesting. Any good that has come from my preaching is to the Lord’s credit, any bad is mine.
I was fortunate that when God called me to preach He had already taught me what to preach, His Word. It is a great relief to me to not have to pour through encyclopedias and other reference books to find something worthy to preach I just reach for the Book, God’s Holy Word, the Bible. It is a great shock to me that some Christians complain when a preacher preaches the Bible. What should we expect any preacher to declare?
Every preacher should declare:
I. THE GOSPEL OF GOD (I Cor. 1:17)
1. It is the power of God unto salvation (Rm. 1:16)
2. Lost people need to hear it (Rm. 10:8-17)
3. Saved people need to hear it (I Peter 1:3-9, 25)
II. THE WORD OF GOD (Acts 20:27-32)
1. The example of Jesus Mk. 2:2
2. The example of the apostles (Acts 8:4, 25; 13:5, 14:25, 15:35-36, 17:13, 20:27)
3. The admonition of the Scripture (II Tm. 4:2, Titus 1:3)
III. AS LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD Micah 3:5-8
1. We need Him (John 14:16-17, 15:26, 16:7-15)
2. We need His direction (Acts 13:1-5, 16:6-11)
3. We need His power (I Cor. 2:1-5)
Friday, May 05, 2006
BURNING QUESTIONS, BRIGHT ANSWERS (PSALM 121)
Rick Jackson
The situation you find yourself in causes questions to come up in your mind. What will you do? Who can you call upon the can get you out of this mess? Will the person you call respond? Will they be able to help?
I. WHAT CAN THE LOWLY DO? V. 1-2A
1. Make the right decision (v. 1) “I will”
2. Look in the right direction (v. 1) implies valley, depression, lowlands, plains
3. Declare the right devotion (v. 1b-2)
II. WHO IS THIS LORD? (V. 2b-6)
1. Creator (v. 2b, Col. 1:16)
2. Sustainer (v. 3-4, Col. 1:17)
3. Keeper (v. 5a)
4. Comforter (v. 5b)
5. Protector (v. 6, Col. 1:18-20)
III. WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? (V. 7-8)
He will preserve His own:
1. From whatever necessary (v. 7, Col. 1:21-22)
2. Wherever necessary (v. 8a)
3. Whenever necessary (v. 8b)
The situation you find yourself in causes questions to come up in your mind. What will you do? Who can you call upon the can get you out of this mess? Will the person you call respond? Will they be able to help?
I. WHAT CAN THE LOWLY DO? V. 1-2A
1. Make the right decision (v. 1) “I will”
2. Look in the right direction (v. 1) implies valley, depression, lowlands, plains
3. Declare the right devotion (v. 1b-2)
II. WHO IS THIS LORD? (V. 2b-6)
1. Creator (v. 2b, Col. 1:16)
2. Sustainer (v. 3-4, Col. 1:17)
3. Keeper (v. 5a)
4. Comforter (v. 5b)
5. Protector (v. 6, Col. 1:18-20)
III. WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? (V. 7-8)
He will preserve His own:
1. From whatever necessary (v. 7, Col. 1:21-22)
2. Wherever necessary (v. 8a)
3. Whenever necessary (v. 8b)
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
TRUE OR FALSE
II PETER 2
Rick Jackson
I. THE EXISTENCE OF FALSE TEACHERS (V. 1-3)
1. Deny Christ’s place (v. 1)
2. Despise Truth’s place (v. 2)
3. Degrade humanity’s place (v. 3a)
II. THE EXAMPLE OF RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT (V. 3b-9)
1. The reservation of fallen angels (v. 3b-4, Jude 6) (Devil)
2. The reality of worldwide judgment (v. 5, Mt. 24:36-39) (world)
3. The recompense of ungodly living (v. 6-9, Jude 7) (flesh)
III. THE EXAMINATION OF FALSE PROFESSORS (V. 10-22)
1. They despise authority and discipline (v. 10-14, Jude 8-10)
2. They delight in empty materialism (v. 15-19, Jude 12-16)
3. They demonstrate a lost condition (v. 20-22, Jude 17-19)
Rick Jackson
I. THE EXISTENCE OF FALSE TEACHERS (V. 1-3)
1. Deny Christ’s place (v. 1)
2. Despise Truth’s place (v. 2)
3. Degrade humanity’s place (v. 3a)
II. THE EXAMPLE OF RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT (V. 3b-9)
1. The reservation of fallen angels (v. 3b-4, Jude 6) (Devil)
2. The reality of worldwide judgment (v. 5, Mt. 24:36-39) (world)
3. The recompense of ungodly living (v. 6-9, Jude 7) (flesh)
III. THE EXAMINATION OF FALSE PROFESSORS (V. 10-22)
1. They despise authority and discipline (v. 10-14, Jude 8-10)
2. They delight in empty materialism (v. 15-19, Jude 12-16)
3. They demonstrate a lost condition (v. 20-22, Jude 17-19)
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
THEY COULD NOT
Luke 14:1-6
Based on a message by Bobby Roberson adapted by Rick Jackson
Isn’t it amazing what “THEY” say? “THEY” say the Bible is full of contradictions…
“THEY” say Jesus couldn’t have been God in the flesh. “THEY” say all roads lead to heaven. If you start to look at Christ and what “THEY” say you will find a great gulf fixed between His reality and their claims. “THEY” are so limited and always have been. Let’s examine a few things THEY COULD NOT in relation to the Lord Jesus.
THEY COULD NOT:
I. KILL HIM WHEN HE WAS BORN (Mt. 2:2-3, 7-9, 11-23)
II. KILL HIM IN HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY (Lk. 4:18-30, 19:47-48)
III. MAKE HIM SIN (Heb. 4:15, Jn. 8:46)
IV. KEEP HIM OFF THE CROSS (Mt. 16:21-23, 26:1-5, Is 53:10)
V. KEEP HIM IN THE GRAVE (Mt. 27:62-28:6, Acts 2:27-31)
But wait, it’s not just true that THEY COULD NOT but praise His Dear Name, it is equally true, THEY CANNOT!
THEY CANNOT PREVENT HIM FROM:
VI. SAVING WHOSOEVER CALLS ON HIM (Rm. 10:9-13)
VII. COMING BACK (Jn. 14:1-3, Rev. 1:7, 19:11-21)
Based on a message by Bobby Roberson adapted by Rick Jackson
Isn’t it amazing what “THEY” say? “THEY” say the Bible is full of contradictions…
“THEY” say Jesus couldn’t have been God in the flesh. “THEY” say all roads lead to heaven. If you start to look at Christ and what “THEY” say you will find a great gulf fixed between His reality and their claims. “THEY” are so limited and always have been. Let’s examine a few things THEY COULD NOT in relation to the Lord Jesus.
THEY COULD NOT:
I. KILL HIM WHEN HE WAS BORN (Mt. 2:2-3, 7-9, 11-23)
II. KILL HIM IN HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY (Lk. 4:18-30, 19:47-48)
III. MAKE HIM SIN (Heb. 4:15, Jn. 8:46)
IV. KEEP HIM OFF THE CROSS (Mt. 16:21-23, 26:1-5, Is 53:10)
V. KEEP HIM IN THE GRAVE (Mt. 27:62-28:6, Acts 2:27-31)
But wait, it’s not just true that THEY COULD NOT but praise His Dear Name, it is equally true, THEY CANNOT!
THEY CANNOT PREVENT HIM FROM:
VI. SAVING WHOSOEVER CALLS ON HIM (Rm. 10:9-13)
VII. COMING BACK (Jn. 14:1-3, Rev. 1:7, 19:11-21)
Monday, May 01, 2006
THE FREEDOM OF FORGIVENESS
PSALM 51
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 (not being condemned like we deserve) based on love (v. 1)
2. Removal of sin based on the blood (v. 2, Rev. 1:5)
3. Confession precedes forgiveness (to confess means to agree) (v. 3)
(1) The lost must confess Christ as Saviour (Rm. 10:9-13)
(2) The saved confess their sin to God I( Jn. 1:9)
---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. 4:9)
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)
III. THE BASICS OF WHAT CONFESSION DOES FOR CHRISTIANS
1. Allows the blood to be applied to the specific area (v. 7, Is. 1:18, passover)
2. Allows joy to return (v. 8)
3. Allows communication to resume (v. 9, Ps. 66:18)
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, I Co. 9:27)
7. Allows us to worship in work and words alike (v. 14-19, Jn. 4:24)
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 (not being condemned like we deserve) based on love (v. 1)
2. Removal of sin based on the blood (v. 2, Rev. 1:5)
3. Confession precedes forgiveness (to confess means to agree) (v. 3)
(1) The lost must confess Christ as Saviour (Rm. 10:9-13)
(2) The saved confess their sin to God I( Jn. 1:9)
---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. 4:9)
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)
III. THE BASICS OF WHAT CONFESSION DOES FOR CHRISTIANS
1. Allows the blood to be applied to the specific area (v. 7, Is. 1:18, passover)
2. Allows joy to return (v. 8)
3. Allows communication to resume (v. 9, Ps. 66:18)
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, I Co. 9:27)
7. Allows us to worship in work and words alike (v. 14-19, Jn. 4:24)
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