ISAAC’S 4000-YEAR-OLD CHRISTMAS QUESTION

GENESIS 22:1-19

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE QUESTION SHOWS THE CAUSE OF CHRISTMAS [Gen. 22]

1. The Pertinent Question [v. 1-7]

2. The Prophetic Response [v. 8]

3. The Provision Realized [v. 9-14] Jehovah will see to it, Jehovah provides

 

II. THE QUESTION SHOWS THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS [John 8]

1. Abraham’s Children [v. 33-39]

2. God’s Children [v. 45-55, Mark 12:26-27]

And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

3. Joy’s Children [v. 56, Gn. 22:14]

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.

 

III. THE QUESTION SHOWS THE CONTINUATION OF CHRISTMAS – Where is the Lamb?

1. The Lamb’s Presentation [John 1:29-36]

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

2. The Lamb’s Passion [1 Cor. 5:7]

For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

3. The Lamb’s Praise [Rev. 5:6-14]

ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES

 

ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES

1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-8

Pastor Rick Jackson

There are a lot of foolish people in the world, slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Anyone who denies the Bible is the Word of God, that Christ is the God of the Word is either woefully ignorant or willfully arrogant. One of the most powerful examples of the veracity of the Scriptures is the vicarious death of the Lord Jesus Christ and His subsequent victorious resurrection. Note with me that, concerning the death of Christ;

 

I. WHAT WAS NOT DONE WAS NOT DONE ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURE [1 Cor. 15:3-4]

1. Christ did Not Die anywhere but the Cross of Calvary

[Dt. 21:22-23, Gal. 3:13, Mt. 26:38, Ph. 2:8, Heb. 5:7]

- And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

- Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

- And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross

- Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

- Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

2. Christ Died but His Disciples Escaped [Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 26:31]

- Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

- Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

3. Christ’s Bones were Not Broken [Num. 9:12, Ps. 34:20, John 19:31-36]

- They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.

- He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

- The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

 

II. WHAT WAS DONE WAS DONE ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURE [1 Cor. 15:3-4]

Understand that many more Scriptures were fulfilled on that day alone but we are only pointing out a few.

1. According to Matthew 27:9-10, 35

-Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

- And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

2. According to Mk. 15:27-28

- And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

3. According to John 19:23-24, 28, 36-37

- Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

- After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

- For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

 

III. WHAT WAS “WITHOUT” WAS “WITHOUT” ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURE [1 Cor. 15:3-4]

 1. They Hated Christ “Without” A Cause [Ps. 69:4, John 15:23-25]

- They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

- He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

2. Christ is the Lamb Without Blemish [Ex. 12:5, 1 Peter 1:18-19]

- Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:

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

3. Without Christ’s Blood there is No Remission of Sin [Lev. 17:11, Heb. 9:11-22]

- For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

-

THREE GREAT BIBLE JUDGMENTS

 

THREE GREAT BIBLE JUDGMENTS (Of 6)

Pastor Rick Jackson

We are studying the 6 Great Bible Judgments. We have covered  The Believer’s Sin and the Believer’s Service. Tonight, Lord willing, we will cover 3 of the other 4. The Judgment of Israel, the Judgment of Gentile Nations, and the Judgment of Angels.

 

I. THE NATION OF ISRAEL AT THE TRIBULATION TIME

1. A Time of Regathering [Jer. 30:1-11]

2. A Time of Purging [Ezek. 20:30-44]

3. A Time of Repentance [Ezek. 39:17-29, Zech. 14:2-4; 12:1-14]

II. THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH [REV. 19:11-16, MT. 25:31-34]

More aptly called “the judgment on the Gentiles.” This determines who, of the Gentiles, will enter the millennium in their natural bodies for 1000 years of peace on Earth.

1. The Judgment Time - after Israel’s Judgment & Before the Millennium [Joel 3:1-2, Mt. 25:34]

- For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead [like a lawyer pleading his case] with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

- Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

2. The Judgment Place - the valley of Jehoshaphat (Jehovah Judges) [Joel 3:2, Zech. 14:4]

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.

3. The Judgment Subjects [Mt. 25:32 nations= ethnos, a race, specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one --Gentile, heathen, nation, people.

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

4. The Judgment Basis & Results [Mt. 25:40, 45, Joel 3:2, Rev. 7:9-17]

- And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

-Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

- I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

Saved or Lost by choice- what did they choose to do with Christ?  [Mt. 24:14-15, 25:46, 31-33]

Saved by Grace, Rewarded for Service [v. 41-46]

Lost by Choice, Condemned by Actions [v. 41-46]

III. THE JUDGEMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS [Rev. 20]

1. The Time - before the Great White Throne Judgment [Rev. 20:10-11]

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

2. The Subjects  [2 Pet. 2:4, Jude 6, 1 Cor. 6:3]

-For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

- And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

NOTE: similar to Christians going “Home” early [1 Cor. 11:30-32]

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

3. The Basis & Result [Ez. 28:12-19, Rev. 12:3-4, 20:10]

- And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

- And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

GOD’S QUESTIONS, GOD’S ANSWER

GENESIS 3:1-9

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Just a reminder that God does not ask questions out of ignorance. God already knows the answer. God wants us to think, to learn, to realize, to accept, to grow.

 

I. WHERE ART THOU? [v. 9]

1. Mankind has been Separated from God [v. 7-9]

2. Mankind has been Separated from God because of Sin [v.  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.

3. Mankind has a Sin Problem that he (Mankind) Cannot Solve [v. 7-10, Rev. 6:12-17,  Ps. 139:7-12]

 

II. WHO TOLD THEE? [v. 10-13] Who are You Listening to?

1. Are You Listening to The Voice of Deceived People? [v. 12, Proverbs 14:12]

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

2. Are You Listening to The Voice of Demonic Personages? [v. 13, 1 Timothy 4:1]

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

3. Are You Listening to The Voice of God? [Heb. 11:6, Acts 22:12-15]

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

 

III. WHAT IS THIS THAT THOU HAST DONE? [v. 13]

1. Sin has Consequences [v. 16-20, 22-24, Rm. 5:12-14]

2. Sin Must be Acknowledged [v. 9-13]

3. Christ and His Work Must be Accepted [v. 14-15, 21; Rm. 5:15-21]

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GREAT TRUTHS

PSALM 19:1-7                                  

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. CREATION DECLARES THE GLORY OF GOD [v. 1-6]

1. There is a God [Gn. 1:1, Ps. 53:1, Heb. 11:6]

- In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

-The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.

- But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

2. You are Not Him [1 Samuel 2:2, Isaiah 45:21, Acts 12:21-23]

-There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

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

-And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

3. Jesus is God [Jn. 1, Col. 1, Phil. 2, Is. 9:6]

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 

II. THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD [Ps. 19:7ff]

1. It Should Be Our First Resort [Acts 17:11-12]

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed;

2. It Should Be Our Full Resort [2 Tm. 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21]

-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.

-We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 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.

3. It Should Be Our Final Resort [Mark 12:24]

And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

 

III. BELIEVERS ARE REDEEMED [Ps. 107:2]

Spurgeon said, “Never forget the three Whats. First, What from? Secondly, What by? And, thirdly, What to?”

 

1. What from? Believers are redeemed from Satan, hell and destruction. [Ps. 107:2, Rm. 6:23, Rev. 20:14, Gal. 3:13]

- Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

-For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

-Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

2. What by? By the precious blood of Christ. [1 Peter 1:18-21]

- Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

3. What to? To an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. [1 Peter 1:3-5]

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

THE JUDGMENT OF THE BELIEVER'S SERVICE [2]

Pastor Rick Jackson

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST :

 

I. DEALS WITH PREPPING  [ROMANS 14]

1. Focus on Christ [v. 1-9]

2. Focus on Self [v. 10]

3. Focus on Pleasing Him [v. 11-13]

 

III. WILL CAUSE TEARS IN HEAVEN

1. Tears of shame [1 John 2:28]

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

2. Tears of loss [1 Cor. 3:10-15]

3. Tears of Terror [2 Cor. 5:10-11]

 

Thank God, after the millennium God will wipe away ALL tears. Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

III. PROVIDES CROWNS FOR CHRIST

At the "Judgment Seat" we will be given "crowns" as rewards:

1. The Crown of Mastery [1 Cor. 9:25-27]

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things . Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means , when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

2. The Crown of Witness [1 Th. 2:19]

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

3. For not yielding to temptation [James 1:12]

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried , he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

4. The Crown of Faithful Pastors  [1 Pt. 5:1, 4]

-The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

-And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

5. The Crown for Loving His Return [2 Tm. 4:8]

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

 

We will then take these crowns to the throne, where Jesus is seated, and we cast them at the feet of Jesus in thanksgiving for what He has, is, and will do for us [Rev. 4:10-11]

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

 

 

WE ARE IN CHRIST AND NOT SUBJECT TO THAT

ROMANS 8

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Not subject to that? What’s “that”? That is the subject of the chapter and of the message. D.L. Moody said he thought the three greatest chapters God had Paul write were 1 Corinthians 13  the Love Chapter, 1 Corinthians 15 – the Resurrection Chapter, and Romans 8 which opens with “No condemnation” and closes with no separation.

 

 I. IN CHRIST WE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO CONDEMNATION [v. 1-17]

 

1. We are Free in Christ

[the condemned man is not free] [v. 1-3, 10]

2. We are Free in the Spirit [v. 4-13]

3. We are Free in God’s Family [v. 14-17]

 

II. IN CHRIST WE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ETERNAL CORRUPTION [v. 18-28]

 

1. We Shall Be Delivered [v. 18-25]

2. We Are Being Helped [v. 26-27]

3. We Know God is Working on Our Behalf [v. 28]

 

III. IN CHRIST WE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO SEPARATION [v. 29-39]

 

1. God is for Us [v. 29-32]

2. Christ Intercedes for Us [v. 33-35]

3. God’s Love Inexhaustibly Keeps Us [v. 36-39]

IGNORANCE AIN’T BLISS

JOHN 8:32     And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WE CAN KNOW

1. We Can Know We are Sinners [Romans 3:19, 7:14]

-Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

-For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

2. We Can Know the Bible Plan for Us [1 Timothy 1:8]

- But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

3. We Can Know the Fragility of Our Existence [Romans 8:22]

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

 

II. YOU CAN KNOW

1. You Can Know the Saviour [John 14:11-14]

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

2. You Can Know You are Saved [1 John 5:13]

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

3. You Can Know Why You are Saved and Secure [2 Timothy 1:12, 1 John 5:20]

-For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

-And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

 

III. WE OUGHT TO KNOW

1. We Ought to Know to Grow [1 Corinthians 2:12, Philippians 3:10]

-Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

2. We Ought to Know How to Behave [2 Th. 3:7, 1 Tm. 3:15, 1 Cor. 8]

- For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

-But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

3. We Ought to Know How to Pray [1 Jn. 5:13-15]

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 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.

THE JUDGMENT OF THE BELIEVER’S SIN

ROMANS 14:10

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

We are studying the 6 Great Judgments. Last week – The Believer’s Sin, this week – the Believer’s Service. Eventually, Lord willing, we will cover the other 4. The Judgment of Israel, the Judgment of Gentile Nations, the Judgment of Angels, and the Great White Throne Judgment.

 

I. THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST  DEALS WITH PERFORMANCE  [2 CORINTHIANS 5]

1. This is a Judgment Only for Believers [v. 1-8]

2. This is a Judgment for Accepting (or not) Works [v. 9-10a]

3. This is a Judgment of Approving Workers [v. 10b-11, 2 Tm. 2:15]

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

 

II. THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST  DEALS WITH PERFECTION [1 CORINTHIANS 3, 4; MT. 5:48]

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

1. The Foundation Must Be Right [3:7-11]

2. The Motivation Must Be Right [3:12-23]

3. The Information Must Be Right [4:1-5]

 

III. THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST  DEALS WITH PREPPING  [ROMANS 14]

1. Focus on Christ [v. 1-9]

2. Focus on Self [v. 10]

3. Focus on Pleasing Him [v. 11-13]

ISRAEL’S BRIGHT FUTURE

ISAIAH 46:9-13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. WHAT SAITH THE SPIRIT IN GENESIS?

1. God’s promise to Abraham Included the Land [Gen. 12:1-7]

2. The Promise is Dependent on God, not Abraham [Gn. 15]

3. Nothing Changes the Promise, not even the Law [Gal. 3:17]

 

II. WHAT SAITH THE SPIRIT IN ZECHARIAH?

1. Jesus Christ Shall Return [12:8-10,]

2. Jesus Christ Shall be Recognized [12:10-13:1, Mt. 5:4]

-Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.]

3. Jesus Christ Shall Reign [14:1-4, 9-11, 14-19]

 

III. WHAT SAITH THE SPIRIT IN ROMANS?

1. Some Jews are Saved now [11:1-5]

2. Jews and Gentiles can both be saved now [11:6-11]

3. Israel, as a Saved Nation, has a Future [11:25-27]

STAND FAST!

2 THESSALONIANS 2:15

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. STAND FAST AGAINST IMITATIONS! [v. 1-5]

1. Don’t Be Shaken, Be Stirred! [v. 1-2]

2. Don’t Be Deceived, Be Discerning! [v. 3-4]

3. Don’t Be Forgetful, Be Studious! [v. 5, 2 Tm. 2:14-15]

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

 II. STAND FAST AGAINST IGNORANCE! [v. 6-9]

1. Know the Withholder [v. 6-7] the Holy Spirit

2. Know the Wicked [v. 8] the Antichrist, the Beast

3. Know the Working [v. 9] Satan the enabler

 

 III. STAND FAST AGAINST INDIFFERENCE! [v. 10-17]

1. The post-rapture unbelievers will be Indifferent to Christ! [v. 10-12]

2. The Pre-rapture Believers must not be Indifferent to Truth! [v. 13-14]

3. The Pre-rapture Believers must not be Indifferent to Responsibility! [v. 15-17]

6 GREAT BIBLE JUDGMENTS - #1 THE JUDGMENT OF THE BELIEVER'S SIN

1 JOHN 4:15-19

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

If you ask many people how many judgments are in the Bible, you would get a wide range of answers. Some think there is only one general judgment and one general resurrection--- but they would be wrong. Some say two judgments- one for the lost and one for the saved. Again--- wrong. The Bible teaches there are 6 "Great" judgments. (We say "Great" because individual "judgments" or decisions are going on all the time. For example, God sometimes judges that certain believers' behavior causes them to be more trouble than they're worth and takes He them home prematurely.

1 Corinthians 11:29-31 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Many have mixed these 6 judgments together to their own confusion. It is not the objective of this series to cover each one exhaustively today but to give us a general idea of the 6 GREAT BIBLE JUDGMENTS. In this message we look at THE JUDGMENT OF THE BELIEVER'S SIN. Here is a strange thing, this judgment is passed. It occurred almost 2000 years ago. This is one judgment you want to be sure and get in on. Every believer's sin was judged and paid for on the cross of Calvary by the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

I. THE VIRTUOUS LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST [i.e., the sinlessness of Jesus]

Someone says, “What does the sinlessness of Jesus Christ have to do with the judgment of the believer’s sin?” Not much, just EVERYTHING!

 

1. The Lost Declare Him Sinless

Judas said, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.” [Mt. 27:4]

Pilate’s wife said, “Have thou nothing to do with that just man:” [Mt. 27:19]

Pilate said, “I find no fault in this man…. Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him….       what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him” [Luke 23:4, 14-15, 22]

The Thief on the cross said, “but this man hath done nothing amiss.” [Luke 23:41]

In John 8:46 Jesus asked the Pharisees, “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?”

2. The Saved Declare Him Sinless

Peter said, Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: [1 Peter 2:21-22]

Paul said, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” [2 Cor. 5:21]

3. The Word of God Declares Him Sinless [Hebrews 4:15]

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

 

II. THE VICARIOUS DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST [i.e., the substitutionary death of Jesus]

 

1. So says Isaiah 53

2. So says John 11:49-52

And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

3. So says Simon Peter [1 Peter 2:24, 3:18]

- Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

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

 

III. THE VICTORY OF BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST

 

1. No Concern [Rm. 5:1-2, Rev. 1:5]

-Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

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

2. No Condemnation [Romans 5:8-11, 8:1]

- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

-There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

3. No Further Cleansing Necessary [1 John 1:7, Hebrews 7:25]

-the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

-Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

DO WHAT YOU CAN

MARK 14:8 “She hath done what she could”

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Here is an account told in 3 of the 4 gospels. The account in Luke is NOT the same event though that woman’s actions may have inspired Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, to do what she did in the occurrence we look at now. Lord willing, we are going to look at each telling of this event and learn from each of them something the Lord would have us to know.

 

I. WHAT SHE DID – THE IMPACT [MT. 26:6-13]

1. The Impact of What She Did has Outweighed Temporal Good Deeds [v. 6-11]

2. The Impact of What She Did has Outshined World Leaders [v. 12-13]

3. The Impact of What She Did has Outlasted Kingdoms [v. 13]

 

II. WHAT SHE DID – THE IMPORT [Mk. 14:3-9] import; root of importance; the significance of something

1. She Recognized the Significance of His Death [v. 3-8]

2. She Reached Beyond Human Reasoning, as Peter with his confession [v. 8]

You don’t have to do what someone else does, or as much, or what they can do – just do what YOU can do

3.  She Reminds us of the Significance of Serving Him [v. 8-9]

“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

 

III. WHAT SHE DID – THE IMPORTANT TRUTHS [JOHN 12:1-11]

1. Everyone of Us Can Trust Christ and Love Him [v. 1-3]

2. Not Everyone Who Claims Jeus Loves Him or Even Believes on Him [v. 4-6, 6:70]

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

3. Every Believer Can Do Something for Christ [v. 7-11]

ORDERS FROM HEADQUARTERS

ACTS 20:16-36

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL [1 Corinthians 11:1]

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

1. Paul was a Servant of Christ [v. 18-19, 1 Cor. 4:1-2]

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

2. Paul was a Man of the Book [v. 20-21, 26-27, 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. Paul was a Man of Prayer [v. 36, 1 Th. 5:17]

Pray without ceasing.

 

II. FOCUS ON THE EXALTATION OF CHRIST [Philippians 1:21]

For to me to live is Christ

1. By Emphasizing the Gospel of the Grace of God [v. 24, Rm. 1:16, 1 Cor. 15:1ff]

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

2. By Emphasizing the Whole Word of God [v.27]

3. By Emphasizing the Crucifixion of Christ  [v.28, 1 Cor. 1:17, 23]

-For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

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

 

III. FEED AT A FAITHFUL CHURCH

1. A Church that is Mission-minded [v. 25, Phil. 4:16, Mt. 28:18-20]

For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

2. A Church that is Christ Centered & Spirit Dependent [v. 28, Eph. 5:23, 25-27]

-Christ is the head of the church…

- Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

3. A Church that has Christ-honoring Music [v. 32, Col. 3:15-17]

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

HIS TRUTH

PSALM 96/ZECHARIAH 12, 13

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HIS TRUTH IN THE STRAIGHTNESS OF THE MESSIAH [Zech 12:10-13:1]

1. The Source of Truth [12:10]

2. The Sorrow of Truth [12:11-14]

3. The Salvation in Truth [13:1, Jn. 14:6]

 

II. HIS TRUTH IN THE STRICTNESS OF THE MILLENNIUM [Zechariah 13:2-5]

1. The Intolerance of Truth [v. 2]

2 + 2 = 4 is intolerant of every other number in the universe

2. The Intimacy of Truth [v. 3, Dt. 13]

3. The Intimidation of Truth [v. 4-5, 8:3]

 

III. HIS TRUTH IN THE SEVERITY OF THE TRIBULATION [Zechariah 13:6-9]

1. The Price Paid that was Rejected [v. 6-7, Mt. 26:31]

Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

2. The Price Paid for Truth Rejected [v. 8, Rm. 10:3]

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

3. The Refining of the Redeemed [v. 9]

THE END OF THE TRIBULATION

REVELATION 1:19

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON PLANNED [Rev. 16:12, 17:8-17, Zech. 12:1-3]

 

1. Angelic & Demonic Preparation [Rev. 16:12-16]

2. Religious & Political Preparation [Rev. 17]

3. The Divine Plan [Zech. 12:1-3]

The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, saith the Lord, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

 

II. THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON FOUGHT [Rev. 19:11-19, Zech. 12:4-6]

 

1. The Gathering of God’s Armies of Saints [Rev. 19:11-16, Jude 14-15]

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all. . . .

2. The Gathering of God’s Clean-up Crew [Rev. 19:17-18]

3. The Gathering of God’s Earthly Army [Zech. 12:4-9]

In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness. And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the Lord of hosts their God. In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem. The Lord also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them. And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

 

III. THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON WON [Rev. 19:19-20:6]

1. The Defeat of the Antichrist, the False Prophet and their Armies [Rev. 19:19-20]

2. The Defeat of the Dragon (the Devil) [Rev. 20:1-3]

3. The Kingdom of Christ Commenced [Rev. 20:4-6]

LOOKING FOR SIGNS?

LUKE 22:31-34, 54-62

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. STOP - LISTEN TO JESUS

1. STOP - Jesus Knows Us Better than we know ourselves  [v. 31-34, Jer. 17:9, Psalm 103:14]

-The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

- For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

2. STOP - Jesus Loves Us Better than we love ourselves [Deuteronomy 6:24]

And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.

3. STOP - Jesus prays for Us More than We Pray for Ourselves [v. 32, 45-46]

 

II. YIELD - LOOK TO JESUS

1. YIELD - Jesus has Plans for Us [v. 32a, 1 Jn. 1:3-9] fellowship with Him

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2. YIELD - Jesus has a Purpose for Us [v. 32b, 2 Peter 3:18] being a blessing to others

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

3. YIELD - Jesus has Protection for Us [v. 40, 46, 1 Cor. 10:13] fervency in prayer

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

III. PROCEED WITH CAUTION - LEAN ON JESUS

1. The Way Back is NOT a Begging Road [Lk. 15:18-20]

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

2. The Way Back is NOT a Bargaining Road [Lk. 15:18-20]

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

3. The Way Back is a Better Road [Proverbs 13:15, 14:12]

- … the way of transgressors is hard.]

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

JOB’S NEEDS

JOB 1                                                                    

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

It seems that everyone had different thoughts about what Job needed- but it’s not just Job. It’s you and me as well. Everybody thinks they know what we need. Let’s see some Biblical examples.

 

I. WHAT THE DEVIL THOUGHT

1. The Devil thought Job Needed to Lose All Earthly Possessions [1:8-22]

2. The Devil thought Job Needed to Lose His Health [2:3-8]

3. The Devil thought Job Needed Human Reasoning [2:9-11, 4:1-25:6]

 

But the Devil was wrong [1 Peter 5:8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

 

II. WHAT JOB THOUGHT

1. Job thought He Needed an Opportunity to Explain things to God [13:3, 23:1-4]

2. Job thought He Needed Explanations and Reasons [23:5, 10:2, 31:35]

3. Job thought He Needed to Justify Himself [Job 32:2]

 

BUT Job was wrong [Proverbs 16:25] There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.]

Tom Malone said, “We need to obey God rather than man- even when we are the man.”

 

III. WHAT JOB LEARNED

1. Job Learned God is Omnipotent [42:1-2a]

2. Job Learned God is Omniscient [42:2b-3]

3. Job Learned God is Trustworthy [42:5-6]

 

-Job didn’t need salvation- he had that [19:25-27]

-Job didn’t need explanations

-Job needed faith! [Rm. 10:17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God

PICK A SIDE

MATTHEW 12:22-30

Pastor Rick Jackson

This is not some inconsequential choice. This is not picking who to root for in a football game and you really don’t care who wins. This is “put on your big boy pants” and choose a side. This is your eternal soul. Or if that is settled, this is a matter of loss or gain at the judgment seat of Christ. This is holy decisions that affect not only your eternity but the eternity of others as well.

 

This is Moses standing in the gate of the camp saying, “Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me.” {Ex. 32:26]

This is Joshua challenging Israel to serve God as he declares, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” {Joshua 24:15]

This is Elijah facing 450 false prophets and putting the question to Israel, “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.”  [1 Kings 18:21].

This is Jesus in our text explaining you can’t be for Him and for the Devil, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”

It is not hyperbole to say it again my friends, PICK. A. SIDE.

 

I. PICK A SIDE KNOWING THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES:

1. It’s Christ & Salvation or None Other [Acts 4:12]

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

2. It’s Light or Darkness [Col. 1:12-14]

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

3. It’s Heaven and Hell in the Balance [Rm. 6:23]

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

II. PICK A SIDE KNOWING THERE ARE EXPECTATIONS:

 

1. The Expectation to Serve Christ [Rm. 6:22]

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

2. The Expectation to Show Forth Christ [1 Peter 2:9]

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

3. The Expectation to Share Christ [Mt. 28:18-20]

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

III. PICK A SIDE KNOWING THERE IS NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE:

There are no other alternatives because to not choose, to not pick a side, is in fact, picking a side. If you choose to not put out a fire you are in effect choosing to let the fire burn.

1. You must Pick a Side – Life or Death [Deuteronomy 30:19, Jer. 21:8]

-I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

-And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.

2. You must Pick a Side – God or Satan [Mt. 4:8-10]

The devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

3. You must Pick a Side – Good or Evil [Proverbs 14:22, Amos 5:14-15, Rm. 12:9, 21; 3 Jn. 11]

-Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

-Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

-Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

- Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

-Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

- Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good

THE TRIBULATION TIME

REV. 1:1-3, 19

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE BEGINNING OF THE TRIBULATION

 

1. The Rise of the Saints [Rev. 4:1, 6:15-17, 1 Th. 4:13-18, 5:9]

-But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

-God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

2. The Rise of the Two Witnesses [Rev. 11:1-6] 

Elijah? Moses? Enoch? John the Baptist?

3. The Rise of the Beast, the Antichrist [Rev. 13]

 

II. THE MIDDLE OF THE TRIBULATION

 

1. The Tragedy in the Streets [Rev. 11:7-13]

2. The Tragedy in the Temple [Dan. 12:11, Matthew 24:15-22]

- And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

- When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened

3. The Tragedy in the Hearts [Rev. 13:17-18, 14:9-11]

 

III. THE END OF THE TRIBULATION

 

1. The Battle of Armageddon Planned [Rev. 16:12, 17:8-17, Zech. 12:1-3]

The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, saith the Lord, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

2. The Battle of Armageddon Fought [Rev. 19:11-19, Zech. 12:4-6]

In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness. And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the Lord of hosts their God. In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

3. The Battle of Armageddon Won [Rev. 19:20-20:3, Zech. 12:7-9]

The Lord also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them. And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.