DROP THAT HEAVY
LOAD!
Let Jesus take the burden
by:  Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

"Wherefore seeing we also are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on the right hand of God the Father." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Many years ago in England, there lived a Gypsy man.  One day he called his wife and 5 sons together and said, "I am much burdened.  A great weight lies upon my chest and shoulders.  I am afraid my heart is about to burse and I will soon die."

His wife pleaded, "No, my husband.  You cannot and must not die.  Your sons and I need you.

With a fearful and heavy heart, the Gypsy man hitched up his horses to the old wagon and drove the long distance to the trading post to purchase supplies.

He had watered and fed his horses at the livery stable and was heading into the store, when he saw an unusual sight.  A man was standing on a wagon, with a Bible in his hand.  He was preaching to the farmers who had gathered around.

The preacher said, "There is no load as heavy as the load of sin.  It will burden you down and wear you out.  It will make you sick spiritually, mentally and physically.  It can even kill you, and will eventually take you to hell."

"But, you can be free from the load of sin", continued the preacher.  "Jesus Christ died on Golgotha's Hill, to destroy the power of Satan and free you from sin!"

The preacher invited everyone to repent of their sins and receive Christ as personal Saviour.  The Gypsy had not been exposed to the gospel and his heart beat excitedly as he heard the good news for the first time.

He rushed forward and fell beside the wagon wheel, exclaiming, "You have explained my problem perfectly.  That which is weighing me down is the load of sin.  Now, I don't have to die because Jesus died for my sins and has the power to save me and remove the heavy load from my life."

He prayed: "Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that You died on the cross for my sins.  And that You rose from the dead!  Please forgive me, come into my heart and lift this heavy load, so that I can be free."

A very different man drove his team of horses home that evening, singing the gospel song he had learned from the preacher:

    "There is power, power, Wonder working power, In the precious blood of the Lamb."

Arriving at home, he awakened his wife and sons, proclaiming: "I have good news; I am not going to die.  The heavy burden I carried was the load of sin, but I met a preacher who prayed with me and Jesus Christ has made me free."  One of those 5 sons grew up to become the great English preacher, Gypsy Smith.

There are some heavy weights we shall all dispose of, excess baggage which weights us down and becomes more burdensome as the years come and go!  I concur with the writer to the Hebrews - DROP THAT HEAVY LOAD!

Here are some of the weights we may lay at the feet of Jesus:

1)  GUILT - Nothing weighs a person down like guilt & condemnation.  Guilt comes by knowing that we have failed and missed God's moral and spiritual mark for our lives!  Sinning brings condemnation!

Conscience makes a person feel guilty and vulnerable.  The only way to satisfy a guilty conscience is through the knowledge of 'sins forgiven'.  And there is only one way that can happen: by accepting God's provision for the removal of sin - the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

The Bible says: "How much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the Eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God"? (Hebrews 9:14)

Christ's death on the cross was vacarious - substitutionary.  He did not die for His own sins, because He had none!  The truth is, CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS.

St. Paul admonished: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)

Again the Word of God declared, "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.  Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God." (1 John 3:20-21)

2)  WORRY & ANXIETY - An Anglican Bishop was so burdened for his flock that he was staying up late almost every night.  His concern turn to anxious moments of tormenting worry!  Finally, one Saturday at midnight God spoke to him saying, You can go to bed now, Bishop.  I will take the next shift!"  Surprised and greatly relieved, he went to bed and slept soundly without a worry or care.  He had left the responsibility of his flock in God's hands.

The Bible says, "...casting all your cares upon Him (Jesus), for He careth for you." (2 Peter 5:7)

Jesus stated, "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.  Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment." (Matthew 6:25)

Then, He paralleled God's provision for the lilies of the field and the birds with His care and concern for us!  Jesus made it quite clear, that our Heavenly Father will take care of us and we do not need to worry about the future.

IT IS SINFUL TO WORRY AND FRET

Plainly it is sinful to worry and fret, when we can put our trust in God!  The Bible says: "If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall He not much more clothe you.  O ye of little faith."

"And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.  For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things."

"But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:28-32)

St. Paul admonished: "Be care (not anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests  be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)

3)  FEAR - In His apocalyptic warning, Jesus Christ included 'the fearful' (cowards) with unbelievers, liars, thieves, drunkards, homosexuals, occultists and murderers, as candidates for Hell and the "lake of fire"! (Revelation 22:15)

Why would He do that?  There is no room for fear in the life of a Christian, because "God is love" and "There is no fear in love; but perfect love caseth out fear: because fear hath torment." (1 John 4:4, 18)  John Wesley, the founded of the Methodist Church stated: "I would no more worry than I could sin!"

Fear is the opposite of faith!  The Bible teaches, "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6), but with faith, "all things are possible." (Mark 9:23)

St. Paul declared, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)  Even though Job was a godly man he confessed, "The thing which I greatly feared is come upon me..." (Job 3:25)

FEAR OPENED THE DOOR for Satan's attack on Job!  Fear is a spirit which causes people to doubt God's Holy Word.  Fear brings unbelief, confusion and torment, and since God is love, peace and joy, the two are diametrically opposed.

Medical Science has pinpointed at least 40 fear phobias from agoraphobia (a morbid fear of being in public places) to zoophobia (an inordinate fear of animals and zoos), and God can and will deliver us all from every fear and phobia.

In recent years, we have read much about people suffering PANIC ATTACKS.  Like all other sickness and disease, panic attacks are also on the rise. Without a doubt or hesitation, I can say: There is total healing from these also, in the wonderful life-giving name of our crucified and risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Bible says, "And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." (Philippians 4:7)

Again, God's Word states, "And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:20)

4)  BITTERNESS, UN-FORGIVENESS, RESENTMENT & ANGER - Jesus emphasized, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35)

Again the Bible says, "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law" (Romans 13:10), and "have fervent charity (divine love) among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8; James 5:20)

Jesus taught His disciples to pray by giving them a model, which we call 'The Lord's Prayer'.  By studying this prayer, we learn how God wants us to conduct our private and public prayers.

It states, "And forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6:12)  Then He declared, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses." (vs. 14, 15)

BITTERNESS, UN-FORGIVENESS, ANGER:  Blocks the channels to God's blessings.

St. John stated, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.  He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.  Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." (1 John 3:14, 15)

Hatred is a heavy load no one can afford to carry!  It is evil and will eat like a cancer in your heart, if you allow it space there.

The Bible says, "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.  But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes." (1 John 2:10, 11)

Hate opens the door to evil spirits which lie, and bring an individual into a wilderness of envy, bitterness and resentment.

The Bible warns against bitterness and anger: "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice." (Ephesians 4:31); "Looking diligent lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;" (Hebrews 12:15)

5)  PRIDE - The Scripture says, "Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

Let us not forget, it was the spirit of pride that BROUGHT LUCIFER DOWN!  Satan was once a beautiful archangel, but his: "....heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness..." (Ezekiel 28:17-18)

PRIDE was Satan's undoing, and so consequently he uses it every opportunity he can, in order to trick people into following him!  We must guard against pride of face, pride of race and pride of place.

ONE OF SODOM'S FIVE SINS:  PRIDE

The Bible says, "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy."

"And they were haughty, and committed abomination before Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good." (Ezekiel 16:49-50)  The Bible states, "God hateth a proud look." (Proverbs 6:17)

A person does not need to be handsome, beautiful, rich, talented or well positioned to be proud.  I've met ignorant, ugly, poor and non-productive people who are arrogant, proud and bigoted against the truths of the gospel and the person of Jesus Christ.

6)  LUST - St. John warned, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God, abideth forever." (1 John 2:15-18)

St. James strongly warns about the dangers of a lust controlled life: "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and when it is finished, bringeth forth death.  Do not err, my beloved brethren." (James 1:14-16)

LUST BROUGHT DOWN SAMSON

Samson played the fool and lost!  The Bible says, "And she (Delila) said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me", thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein they great strength lieth."

"And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;" THAT HE TOLD HER ALL HIS HEART, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man."

"And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart.  The the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand."

"And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks on his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him."

And she said, "The Philistines be upon thee, Samson.  And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself.  And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him."

But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house? (Judges 16:15-21)

Lust includes sexual erotic fantasy and behaviour, inordinate affection (perversion), lasciviousness which includes a filthy mind, conversation and impure infidelities and voyeurism.

Lust also covers an inordinate desire for power, wealth and pursuit of pleasure!  Without a doubt, LUST IS A DEMON SPIRIT, that seeks to destroy individuals and turn nations from God!

It was LUST FOR MONEY, LUST FOR POWER, and LUST FOR POSITION that brought down Balim the Prophet.

7)  GREED, AVARICE & COVETOUSNESS

Jesus spoke with conviction as well as compassion to the rich young ruler.  "Sell all you have and follow Me", knowing he had great riches and was in love with his wealth.

The rich, young ruler who had approached Jesus with great simplicity and sincerity asking, "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?", turned away sorrowfully, not willing to part with his money!

His love of wealth, position and affluent living far outweighed his desire to walk with God in total trust and confidence toward Him.

Jesus said, "...how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:24-25)

WARNING:  LOVE OF MONEY

St. Paul stated, "But they that be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Then he admonishes, "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life,  whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:11-12)

Money is NOT EVIL, but the love of money is the root cause of all EVIL.  LUST, GREED, AVARICE & COVETOUSNESS is another heavy weight we must all drop and leave at the cross!  It is a sin which besets a lot of people, and that is why so much is written in the Bible about the sin of covetousness.

THIS IS WHY GAMBLING IS A NOTORIOUS SIN!  And why so many are being deceived by Satan to gamble with their soul's salvation.  Multitudes who "take a chance" with their eternal destiny, atre tricked by the devil to wait too long and are lost forever!  HOW SAD!

Moses spelled out the evils of covetousness in the 10th commandment: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's." (Exodus 20:17)

IT IS ALL BY THE GRACE OF GOD

Many years ago in Ireland, a farmer was driving his horses and wagon home from the village grocery store.  Walking slowly along the road was a well know hermit - who lived in same general vicinity - carrying a 100 pound bag of potatoes on his back.

After some coaxing, the hermit agreed to accept the kind farmer's offer of a ride.  A few minutes later, the farmer could hear strong groans and grunts coming from the hermit, who was in the back of the wagon.

Looking backwards, the farmer witnessed a strange sight.  The hermit was sitting on his haunches still holding the bag of potatoes on his shoulder.  The farmer asked sharply, "Why don't you lay down the bag of spuds"?  The hermit replied, "I'm trying to help the horses."

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

"But He was wounded for our transgressions.  He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid upon Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6)

Nearly every False Religion is marked by their belief that their own effects will help to save them!  The lighting of candles, buying indulgences, making pilgrimages on one's knees, paying or someone to get people out of the 'imaginary world of purgatory."

Others knock on so many doors for an X number of Saturdays, standing on the sidewalk with a Watch Tower Magazine, or doing so many hours of work at a Mormon "Stake House."

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)

My dear friend, NONE OF US CAN DO IT ALONE!  We all need help from God through Jesus Christ.  He carried our burdens on Calvary's cross so many years ago.

The wise thing to do is to "drop that heavy load" at the feet of Jesus.  He has already borne it for us all.  Here is Jesus Christ's invitation to us all:

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live." (John 5:24-25)

Please reach out by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary's cross, and receive Him into your heart and life today as your personal Saviour and Lord.

Then, make sure that you tell someone what God has done for you.  And please, keep us informed as well about God's grace and mercy in your life!

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