REPENT & BE SAVED
JESUS IS CALLING
by:  Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

"Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions....A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh."

"And will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them." (Ezekiel 18:31; Ezekiel 36:26, 27)

JESUS IS CALLING YOU

God's Word says" "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are open unto their prayers, but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." (1 Peter 3:12)

St. Paul declared, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."  (Acts 2:38)

WHAT DOES REPENT MEAN?

The definition of 'Repent' from the MIRRIAN-WEBSTER dictionary is:

Repent means:  to feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that  you want to do what is right

1.  to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life.
2.  to feel regret or contrition  /  to change one's mind

Softly & tenderly - Jesus is calling you.  It is time to answer the call of Jesus.  Christ is calling you to repent.  Christ is calling the world to turn away from sin, Satan and rebellion and to turn to Him, our Saviour and creator.

The LORD is calling for you to repent from sin and completely reject the god of the world, Satan (the devil).  St. John declared, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8)

Jesus said, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."  (Luke 13:3)

We have turned our backs on God - and have become self-centered, selfish and spiritually dead.  During the past 30 years our nation, and the world has taken a nose dive, and taken a major turn away from God.  At present, we are a people divided, despondent and depressed; politically, economically and spiritually.

Unhappy, fearful & depressed people are the norm these days, without hope for the future.  To say we are living in a very dangerous and frightening time is an understatement.  We are definitely living in the end times and are facing world war and one world crisis after another.

The Bible clearly draws time lines with world events and we are drawing near the second coming of Jesus Christ and the Tribulation.

IT'S TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTING GOD

We need to get serious about the consequences of rejecting God.  A divine call however, has gone out to our Nation and the world to repent.  Now is the time to turn around, to repent to Christ Jesus and forsake sin.    We MUST repent of our sins, surrender our wills to God and give up the futile effort of "doing things our own way."

It's time for the NATION to turn back from their rebellious ways; repentance & confessing to Christ our sins of unbelief, pride, immorality, jealousy, envy and prejudice. The time has come for a complete rejection of Satan and evil - for a complete repentance.

Its time to confront the devil (who is our enemy) and call upon the name of Jesus Christ.  We need to rebuke Satan (the devil) and turn away from lust, greed, hatred, selfishness, anger, bitterness and deceit.

Jesus Christ our Lord has given us power over the devil.  We are instructed to confront the devil - in the Name of Jesus Christ - telling him that he's not welcome in our lives anymore.  The Bible says, "Submit yourselves therefore unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

WAKE UP & CALL UPON THE NAME OF LORD

It's time to WAKE UP and think about eternity and where you will spend it.  We must reject and renounce the many dangerous, deceptive and occultist doctrines of the New Age Movement. As well as the cult of Secular Humanism that teaches, 'man ascended from the world of monkeys and apes, is self-sufficient and is his own God'.

WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE OF US?

We need to humble ourselves and pray.  We need to call upon the Name of the Lord and turn away from evil.  Satan (the devil) is the creator of evil, death & destruction and wants to destroy you and all things around you.

The Bible speaks about humility, repentance and submission to the Almighty God and a total rejection of Satan, who is the god of this world! St. James states, "Submit yourselves therefore unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

IT IS TIME TO REPENT & COME HOME TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER

It's time to come home and be reconciled to our Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. To accept the invitation of our LORD Jesus Christ to talk things over.  We need to straighten out past failures and right wrongs. We need to receive total forgiveness and assurance, with new direction for the future.

The Bible says, "Let the wicked forsake his ways, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:7)

The divine call of God does not differentiate between rich or poor, educated or illiterate, men or women, young or old. There is no class distinction or favoritism due to race, color, nationality or culture with the Almighty.

ALL MAY APPROACH THE THRONE OF GOD AND REPENT OF THEIR SINS

The invitation of salvation is available to all.  Every person alive may approach the throne of God and repent of their sins.  We all can receive the mercy and grace of the LORD.  Through faith in the finished work of Christ on Calvary's cross you are saved.

How is this possible? The Gospel is free to everyone! WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH  FAITH IT IS A GIFT OF GOD.

The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."   (Ephesians 2:8-9)

SALVATION IS FREE - CHRIST IS CALLING YOU AND WAITING 
FOR YOU TO ANSWER HIM

There is no entry fee, cover charge or red tape to delay our coming to Jesus Christ and repenting of our sins.  There is nothing  to stop the process of salvation from functioning in our lives.  Christ waits for you to repent, Christ Jesus or Lord is willing to accept all  that will repent and Jesus Christ will  forgive your sins.

The prophet invited, "Lo, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; come, ye, buy wine and milk without money and without price."  (Isaiah  55:1)

And Jesus assures us: "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out."  (John 6:37)

OUR REDEMPTION AND FREEDOM FROM SATAN WAS PAID BY JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS

The enormous cost of our freedom - redemption from sin and the power of Satan - has been paid for us, through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, "...except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."  (Luke 13:3)

The Bible says, "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."   (John 3:16)

St. John declared, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8)

St. Paul emphasized,  "That through death, He  (Jesus Christ ) might destroy him who had the power of death, that is the devil, and deliver those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."  (Hebrews 2:14)

GOD WANTS YOU.  GOD IS WAITING FOR YOU BE FREE OF SIN & MADE NEW

God is waiting for you to turn to him, to submit yourself, ask for forgiveness and be cleansed in the Blood of the Lamb.

The good news is that God wants us. He wants you and me. No exceptions, and no questions asked. We come just as we are.

He knows all about us and yet He wants us, even though we are sinners. WHY? He is a specialist in the field of cleansing, reconciliation and re-birth.

IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, GOD IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US

The Bible states, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteous."  (1 John 1:9)

JUST AS I AM

The Bible says: "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him..."  (2 Chronicles 16:9)

And God's Word says:  "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are open unto their prayers but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."   (1 Peter 3:12)

THE FIRST SERMONS OF JESUS WERE ON REPENTANCE

The very first sermons  preached by our LORD were the call to repentance and salvation, "Repent and believe the gospel."   (Mark 1:15)  The same was true of the great prophet, John the Baptist, (Luke 3:3; Matthew 3:2) as well as all of the Apostles! (Mark 6:12)

And St. Peter declared, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."  (Acts 2:38)

WHAT DOES REPENTANCE MEAN?

To repent means to turn, to change course!  Repenting is godly sorrow for sin.  Repentance means  being sorry enough to stop committing sin and to change your life.

After St. Paul’s letter reached the Corinthian Church, they were sorry for their sins and repented, changing their evil ways. He writes: "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation..."  (2 Corinthians  7:9-10)

REPENTANCE IS FORSAKING EVIL - TO REPENT IS A CHANGE OF LIFESTYLE AND THINKING

Repentance is a complete forsaking of evil, unrighteousness of the world, the flesh and the devil.  When you repent you are changing, turning around.

Jesus said,  "..except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."  (Luke 13:3)

In his Mars Hill sermons, St. Paul shared with pagan Greek intellectuals the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His glorious resurrection from the dead.

GOD HAS APPOINTED A DAY HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD

Then he challenged them:  "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead."

THERE WILL BE TWO JUDGMENT SEATS

Don’t let anyone deceive you, my friend, there is going to be a 'Great Day of Judgment’' when all of us will stand before Almighty God to give an account of our lives. We are living in the end Times, the second coming of Jesus and rapture of the Church is near.

THE FIRST JUDGMENT IS 'THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT"

There will be two judgments: the first judgment is one is called, "The Great White Throne Judgment' where all sinners and unjust persons shall be judged in relation to their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ the Jewish Messiah.

Here is Christ Jesus' solemn warning: "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. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."

"And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast out into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:11-15)

THE SECOND JUDGMENT IS CALLED 'BHEMA SEAT JUDGMENT OF THE SAINTS'

The second one is called the Bhema Seat Judgment of the Saints. That is where all believers who have trusted in Jesus Christ as personal Savior will be judged for our works.

St. Paul warns: "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."

"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."  (1 Corinthians. 3:8)

In his defense before King Agrippa, the great Apostle rehearsed his Damascus Road conversion experience, and the words of Jesus Christ to him:

"Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me."  (Acts 26:17-18)

THE CALL TO REPENT IS URGENT

So urgent is the call for people to repent of their sins, the Bible says: "Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men."  (2 Corinthians 5:11) The Bible specifically declares: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God". (Rom. 3:23)

SIN MUST BE PAID FOR UNLESS YOU REPENT OF YOUR SINS

"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  (Romans  6:23)

The great apostle wrote to the church in Rome concerning those committing sinful acts and others who condemn them, being guilty of the same sins.

"But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the DAY OF WRATH and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;"

"Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, ETERNAL LIFE: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;"  (Romans 2:2-9)

GOD'S GOODNESS & PATIENCE CAUSES US TO REPENT & TURN TO HIM

Jesus said, "Behold, I come quickly" - literal Greek: Without delay, at once, soon. (Revelation 22:12)

St. Peter gave two reasons why Jesus had not yet returned:

1) One thousand years with us is like one day with the Lord! 2) God's mercy is reaching out for more sinners to be saved.

"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."  (2 Peter 3:8-9)

The Bible says, "Repent and be baptized...and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."  (Acts 2:38-39)   "Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out..."  (Acts 3:19)

And Jesus says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me."   (Revelation  3:19-20)

May the Lord bless you and give you peace. Write me a letter if you have accepted the LORD Jesus Christ as a result of reading this message.

PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD
by: Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

Prepare to meet thy God! This was the admonition that Prophet Amos thundered out in his day. God’s people had backslidden, corrupted themselves and forsaken the true and living way.

They had gone after the strange gods of the heathen, and were worshipping at the altars of pagan idols. They had forgotten how gracious the Lord is and turned their backs on Him.

GOD HAD A FEARLESS PROPHET THAT HE COULD USE: A MAN WHO HADN'T SOLD OUT!

But God had a man He could use!  Amos was a prophet who had not corrupted himself as others had done. God had a vessel He could use - a mouthpiece with which to warn and admonish His people of coming judgment for sin and forgiveness for those who would repent!   

God’s message to the people then is the same as now: “Prepare to Meet Thy God”! One day every living soul will stand before God and give an account of his or her life.

THE BOOK OF LIFE WILL BE OPENED & THE DEAD WILL BE JUDGED

“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. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works and death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)    

The Bible says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27) THE MESSAGE OF THE PROPHETS was always the same - they were two-fold - People must repent to receive mercy and forgiveness or reject God’s Way and be judged. It was a message of mercy and judgment!

It is the same today. God has not changed, but many of ‘today’s preachers’ have compromised and are not preaching ALL THE TRUTH because of FEAR. They lack the boldness, courage and faith to stand up and tell the Truth.

JOHN WESLEY  - founder of the Methodist Church - whose Ministry is accredited with turning England back to God and saving it from the same fate as that which befell France in the ungodly, brutal and bloody French Revolution, stated: "I must preach law before I preach grace."

What did he mean? Simply this, that in order for people to realize that they need God's FORGIVENESS, they must be convicted of their sins! And how does that take place? In several ways: God can arbitrarily speak to people by His Holy Spirit in answer to the fervent prayers of relatives or other concerned spiritual prayer warriors!

Usually, however, sinners are convicted through the anointed preaching of God's Word. Millions of believers are saved today because of the powerful preaching of anointed Spirit-filled men and women of God, who have refused to compromise their message!

In 1970, Edmonton Transit bus driver, Eric Dykstra and his entire family, were converted to Christ in our  Church because of the dozens of Bus Seat benches which carried our advertising with the clear-cut message: "Get Right With God!" 

In a letter to me, dated May 8, 2002, about five weeks before his death, Eric wrote: "It has been 32 years almost to the day that I accepted the Lord's saving message as preached by you that Wednesday evening at the Edmonton Revival Centre. That was May 6, 1970.

"After you laid your hands on me and my family, the roof of the old theatre didn't split open for angels to descend, but I received a depth of peace in my inner being I had never before experienced. Without realizing it, we stood at the jump-off point of an exciting brand new phase of our lives.

"Our kids all believe in their Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. (One is even an M. Div and has been a pastor for five years). Our grandchildren are taught the Word and the ways of the Lord Creator, at home and at their respective churches. Your faithfulness to God and perseverance in your Ministry has brought wonderful blessings to countless families around the globe!

"I have at times speculated what would have happened if in the late 60s all these messages, 'Get Right With God!' hadn't been scattered throughout the city by way of bus stop benches. Driving my routes and spotting those ads gave me repeatedly opportunity to meditate on their meaning!"

DR. OSWALD SMITH SPEAKS OUT!

In Dr. Oswald Smith's book,  'The Fire Of God' (1948), the man that Billy Graham called, "one of the world's greatest Missionary Statesmen" wrote:  "In my study of revival and evangelism I have discovered that those most mightily used of God always majored on five subjects. These five subjects inevitably produced conviction. First, sin and salvation, then heaven and hell, finally judgment. You see, a great many messages must necessarily be given on SIN for sin to be exposed if there is to be genuine conviction!"

Oswald Smith states: "When I was converted in the year 1906 in the great Torrey-Alexander campaigns which was held in Massey Hall, Toronto, I noticed, as I walked along the streets or through the stores, or rode in the street cars, thousands of little white cards, one inch wide and six inches long. On both sides these four words were printed in bright red type, "Get Right With God." 

"It made no difference which way the card fell, the message was always there. As a result, thousands were convicted. So many tens of thousands of these little white cards had been distributed that it was impossible to get away from them. Everybody saw them. They were lying about on every side and those four little words preached a sermon that could never be forgotten."

I remember hearing Oral Roberts - while  in his prime - speaking on the sin of  compromising  the truth. In his anointed message, the man who won ten million souls to God and brought the healing  power of God to  our generation, thundered out these words: "I hate compromisers!"

PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD

It was the same during the time of MICAH THE PROPHET. Micah prophesied against the backsliding preachers, who had been bought off and corrupted by worldly minded and sinful people around them, which caused them to prophesy only what the people wanted to hear. He declared, “But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord and of judgment and might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin”. (Micah 3:8)

God is very merciful and will forgive all who come to Him in humility, desiring forgiveness and salvation (John 6:37; 3:16), but He also is a God of judgment and justice!

The Bible says, “I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments”. (Exodus 20:5-6)   

Remember my friend, you reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7-8), and be sure your sin will find you out (Jonah 1:7). And don’t forget “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). SIN MUST BE PAID FOR IF IT ISN’T REPENTED OF, and “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. (Romans 6:23)

We are living in a day when preachers have given in to 'political correctness'  with their 'seeker sensitive' philosophy, so that there is no longer conviction of sin! It's easy to get swayed by great crowds who applaud a "God loves you",  with no strings attached preaching, but the Bible says: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things become new."

In my crusades around the world, I have noticed how everyone wants to say the sinner's prayer and be healed physically, but many in reality do not desire to make Jesus their Lord and forsake their idols and leave their pagan beliefs. If a preacher, therefore,  isn't clear on God's hatred for sin and idolatry, he leaves them in a very precarious position!

JESUS WARNED PREACHERS THAT WE MUST PREPARE TO MEET GOD 

Our Lord Jesus Christ emphasized: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves." (Matthew 23:15) He said: "All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me: and him that cometh to Me I will in wise cast out." (John 6: 37).  He also stated: "... but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 3: 13)

St. Paul warned: "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." (Romans 13: 11-14)

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror (wrath)  of God, we persuade men..." (2 Corinthians 5:10-11)

The great Apostle admonished: "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall judge the quick (living) and dead at His appearing and His kingdom. Preach the WORD; be instant in season , out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." (2 Timothy 4: 1-2)

You may be able to fool your husband, wife, friends or even the preacher, but you cannot fool God. He knows all about you, and if you reject Him as your Saviour, He will be your Judge on that day.

“When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the Holy Angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory, 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 - and these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal”. (Matthew 25:31-46)

Listen to the words of invitation given by our blessed Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ: “Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. (Matthew 11:28)   

DO NOT TURN A DEAF EAR TO THIS GREAT OFFER OF SALVATION AND BLESSING, BUT BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TODAY!

Receive Him into your heart by faith, repent and turn away from your sins, and you will receive the gift of Eternal Life. DON’T DELAY, BUT CALL OUT TO THE LORD FOR MERCY TODAY!

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)   Amen!

A Message From Ingvar Solbrekken (Max’s Father) Written in 1959.  

Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew  6:33)

‘Attending Church’ is not enough! One should make every effort to find a church where there are signs, wonders and miracles - where God’s power is recognized.

How else can you prove it is ‘the Church’? St. Paul stated that God “has placed miracles” in the Church. (1 Corinthians 12:28) He commanded that we turn away from those who have “a form of godliness and deny the power of God”. (1 Timothy 3:5-7)

Surely, Jesus Christ will return for the same glorious Church (Ephesians 5:27) which He had in New Testament times! Will you, my friend, be a part of His glorious Church or a cold, lukewarm or dead church? The Bible says, “Be ye holy, for I am holy, saith the Lord”. (1 Peter 1:16) Amen.

WHY WAS JESUS CHRIST BORN?
By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

Jesus of Nazareth, True God and True Man, was born to salvage a lost world of sinning men, to destroy the works of the devil and to build His Church.  He came to this sin curses world to introduce us all to His Heavenly Father, to redeem mankind through His sacrificial death on the Cross and His glorious resurrection from the dead.  He came to heal us and to fill us with His Blessed Holy Spirit!

Sin was in the world because Satan was in the world.  The devil, who is the father of sin and death, had been cast out of Heaven and is called the 'Prince of the power of the air', as well as the 'god of this world'.  (Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4)

The devil had caused previous disruption and chaos. (Genesis 1:2; Ezekiel 28:-13-19); Isaiah 14:12-17)

Because of Satan's rebellion and hatred for God, he had cunningly planned his strategy by tempting Eve, with the 'Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil' in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:1-6; Job 1:8-22; Job 2:1-8)

GOD CALLED - "ADAM WHERE ART THOU?"

The great transgression had been made by Adam and Eve.  Now, for the moment of truth..... How would Adam and Eve feel?  Would they now be.

 GOD CALLED: “ADAM WHERE ART THOU?”

The great transgression had been made by Adam and Eve.  Now, for the moment of truth.  How would Adam and Eve feel?  Would they now be wise as God, as Satan had promised them?  Was the rebellion and disobedience towards God worth it?  No - A thousand times NO..

Adam and Eve's eyes were opened.  But, what did they see?  Adam and Eve saw their own vulnerability, stupidity, weaknesses, sin and nakedness.  Fear stalked them and filled their spirits.  They had not felt fear before sin entered their lives.  They realized they were naked, vulnerable and inadequate.  Now, they understood they must face the music, and meet God alone.

But where was Satan?  Where was the Evil One who had been their wise counsellor such a short time before?

The devil was gone to gloat over his victory.  I'm sure that the devil, the liar and deceiver was not far away, probably hiding behind a tree, excitedly waiting to see the outcome of their sin.  The inevitable outcome was the separation, dis-fellowshipping of God and His special creation, man.

THE DEVIL REJOICED OVER ADAM & EVE'S FEAR AND TERROR

Evil satisfaction must have filled the devil's mind as he observed Adam and Eve's plight, their complete confusion, perplexity, fear and terror.

Adam and Eve heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.  God said, "Adam, where art thou?  ADAM, WHERE ART THOU?"

As God called Adam that day, He is still calling you and me. "John, where are you?  Mary, where are you?"

Adam answered, "We are hiding; we are naked; we are afraid"!  God questioned, "Who told you that you were naked?  You were clothed with My glory.  Have you eaten of the fruit that I forbad you"?

Adam gave a typical answer from a typical sinner!  He said, "The woman you gave me, she gave me of the fruit.  It is Eve's fault, she gave me the forbidden fruit and it's really Your fault, Lord, because You gave me the woman".

EVERYONE LIKES TO PASS THE BLAME TO SOMEONE ELSE

It seems normal for people to justify themselves.  It's much easier to pass the buck or to blame someone else rather than take the blame, saying, "I made a mistake, I am wrong, please forgive me."

It's similar to the Minister who enjoyed portraying women in a negative way.  One Sunday morning as he was preaching on 'The Fall of Man', he vigorously attacked Eve.  If Eve, the weaker vessel, hadn't fallen, the world wouldn't be in the mess it's now in.  The preacher nailed Jezebel and Delilah: "Women are the ruination of many good men", he shouted.

At the close of the service, the Minister stood at the door shaking hands.  Some complimented him on a wonderful sermon, while others were glad to get out the door.

A tall lady shook his hand and she wasn't smiling.  She squeezed his hand until he said, "Lady, you are hurting me".  She looked him square in the eye and asked, "Pastor, what is the telephone number of the Garden of Eden"?

He answered, "I don't know what you are talking about".  She squeezed his hand again until he said, "Ouch".  She spoke again, "Pastor, do you know the telephone number of the Garden of Eden"?  He answered, "Woman, I do not and by the way you are hurting me."  She said, "Well, I know the telephone number of the Garden of Eden.  It's Adam 8-1-2", and she let go of his hand and left.

Adam ate one too!  Eve wasn't the only one to blame.  Adam also disobeyed God, but really the blame goes into further - straight to the evil one, the Devil.

THE DEVIL IS TO BLAME

God didn't argue with Adam.  He turned to Eve and said, "Woman, what is this that thou hast done?"  Eve made more sense than her husband.  She put the blame where it belong: "The serpent beguiled me and I did eat."

I agree with Eve.  Satan is the culprit.  The devil is to blame for all the sin, fear, heartbreak, divorce, alcoholism, drug addiction and juvenile delinquency.  He is the architect of all that is evil, wicked and destructive.  Riots, anarchy, thievery, murder, sickness, disease and war are the outcroppings and results of his plans, goals, purposes and seduction.

SATAN IS TO BLAME.  Shout it loud and clear - the devil is the troublemaker.

JESUS CALLED THE DEVIL A LIAR & MURDERER

Jesus called him a liar, deceiver, murderer and thief. (John 8:44; John 10:10)  Our Lord said, "The thief cometh not for to steal, kill and destroy.  I am come that they might have life and more abundantly." (John 10:10)

YES - THE DEVIL IS TO BLAME FOR ALL SIN

God said, "THE SEED OF THE WOMAN SHALL BRUISE THE SERPENT'S HEAD."

Almighty God called out: "Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou among all the beasts of the field.  Upon thy belly shalt thou go all the days of thy life..." (Genesis 3:14-15)

It is noteworthy that some scientists believe that at one time serpents and snakes walked upright and didn't crawl on their bellies as today.

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed (the wicked) and her seed (the righteous).  It (Jesus, the seed of the woman) shall bruise thy head..."

JESUS DEFEATED THE DEVIL WITH HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS

On Golgotha's Hill, Jesus defeated the devil.  When Jesus paid the supreme sacrifice for the sins of the world, and rose again from the dead.  He had delivered the death blow to Satan.

When Jesus cried, "It is finished", He had defeated Satan and since that very hour the blood of Jesus Christ washes away all the sins of the repentant sinner, and His stripes bring healing to the believing, sick person.

The Bible says, "He (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

WHY DID JESUS COME INTO THE WORLD?

The Bible says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on 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."(John 3:16-17)  Hallelujah.

The Bible says: "Neither is there salvation through any other, for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby you may be saved, but by the Name of Jesus"! (Acts 4:12) "There is one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5)

JESUS CAME THAT WE MIGHT HAVE LIFE

Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)  And St. John stated: "For this purpose was the Son of God manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil". (1 John 3:8)  The Scripture says, "When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick:  That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."  (Matthew 8:16-17)

WHAT DID ISAIAH PROPHESY?

Hear it and hear it well: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.  The chastisement of our peace was upon Him (Jesus) and by His stripes we are healed."! (Isaiah 53:5)

The Bible says, "Who His own self (Jesus) bare our sins in His own body on the tree (cross) that we, being dead to sins should live unto righteousness, by Whose stripes ye were  healed"! (1 Peter 2:24)  "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36)

THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY - JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH & THE LIFE

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life and no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6); "I am the door, by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved..." (John 10:9)  Again He said, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE?

The Bible says, "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sins." (Hebrews 9:22)  "It is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11)  Again, "The soul that sinneth it shall surely die." (Ezekiel 18:20)

In Old Testament times, an animal - without spot or blemish - would be sacrificed, spilling his blood. (Atonement means "covering")  AS THE LAMB DIED ON THE ALTER IN THE TEMPLE, JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD, DIED ON THE CROSS TO PAY FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD.

The Scripture says, "If we walk in the light as He is in the light we have fellowship one with the other, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." (John 1:7)

Jesus is the Lamb of God, Who was slain for our sins: "One of the elders saith unto me, weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.  And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne...stood a lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.

And He came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.  And when He had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints."

"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;....Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."

"And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." (Revelation 5:5-13)

JESUS SPOILED SATAN'S KINGDOM

The Bible says, "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross, and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."(Colossians 2:12-15) Oh, Praise God.

We serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today.  I know that 
He is living, whatever men may say...
I see His hand of mercy....I hear His voice of cheer....And just 
the time I need Him....He's always near.

He lives....He lives...Christ Jesus lives today.
He walks with me and talks with me, along life's narrow way.

He lives...He lives....Salvation to impart....
You ask me how I know He lives....He lives...within my heart.

What power!  What might!  What strength, and what great ability Jesus has.  St. Paul brings it out so graphically in his epistles.  Drink in these truth and be set free and filled with all knowledge, joy and Holy Ghost power.

The WORD of God declares: "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when he raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.  And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church." (Ephesians 1:18-22)

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." (Ephesians 3:20)

St. Paul writes, "Who (God) hath delivered us from the power of darkness (Satan) and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son (Jesus Christ) IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, even the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13)

In referring to Jesus, John the Baptist made the startling statement, "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away from the sins of the world." (John 1:29)  To this agree the angel's words to Joseph, "Ye shall call His name Jesus (Salvation) for He shall save (salvage) His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)

THIS DAY IS THE SCRIPTURE FULFILLED

The book of Isaiah is called the "Gospel of the Old Testament".  The 53rd chapter prophecies the death of Messiah Who would bring forgiveness and healing to His people.  Isaiah 7:14 speaks of His virgin birth; Isaiah 9:6 speaks of His Kingship and the fact that He is very God; Isaiah 28:11-12 foretells the gift of the Holy Spirit and the end-time phenomena of glossalalia, or "speaking with other tongues" as a gift of God to bring stability, rest and peaceful strength to the Church in times of pressure and tension.  Isaiah 61:1-3 prophecies the Gospel Age of His salvation with forgiveness, healing, deliverance and joy!

"And he came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.  And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias.  And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written,

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because he hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, the recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

"And He closed the book, and He gave it again to the minister and sat down.  And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him.  And He began to say unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:16--21)

Jesus entered the synagogue in Nazareth and read from Isaiah the Prophet.  He ended the reading by saying, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears". He declared Himself the Son of God and Jewish Messiah by those words.

The year of Jubilee could not begin until first the Great Day of Atonement had taken place.  He would die on the cross like the lambs died on the alters of Jerusalem because He is the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world." (John 1:29)

He would fulfill the Old Testament 'Great Day of Atonement' when the high priest entered into the Holy of holies with the blood of the sacrificial animal.  Jesus was not only the Sacrifice but also the High Priest Who carried His own blood into the Holy of holies in Heaven itself. (Hebrews 9:11-14)

The scapegoat (Leviticus 16:7-21) is also a type of Jesus carrying away our sins He is our substitute!  Every 50th year Israel celebrated the 'Year of Jubilee' when all the prisoners and slaves were freed and debts were forgiven.  This is a picture of the Gospel Age when everyone is set free by the blood of Christ and His everlasting Gospel! 

My dear friend, Let me admonish you to receive him into your heart and life as your Lord, Saviour, Redeemer, Healer, Baptizer and King.

JESUS CAME TO SEEK & SAVE THE LOST

Jesus said, "I am come to seek and save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) You are included in that number, for "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God". (Romans 3:23)  You say, 'I cannot live a Christian life in my own strength'!

You are absolutely right.  You can't do it in your own power, but He will change you and give you the power to live for Him.

The Bible say: "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.  But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." (John 1:11-12)

Jesus promised, "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you...." (Acts 1:8)  Finally Jesus said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)"...and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20) Receive Him today, as your Lord and Saviour! Amen