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  Morality
- Is
Canada becoming the next
SODOM & GOMORRAH?
by Pastor Max
Solbrekken
"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)
IMMORALITY
- ALL EMERGING AT ONCE: What does it mean?
"MENE,
MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN...God has numbered thy kingdom and finished it.
Thou art weighed in the balances,, and art found wanting. Thy
kingdom is divided..." (Daniel 5:24-30)
GOD
DESTROYED BABYLON - SODOM & GOMORRAH DUE TO SIN & IMMORALITY
At
a drunken party in Babylon's Great Hall, a Divine hand suddenly appeared
writing on the wall, spelling out God's judgment against King Belshazzar.
During the royal orgy, he had reached the pinnacle of pride by drinking
wine from the Holy vessels which had been taken from the Temple in
Jerusalem.
As
he praised the pagan gods of Babylon, the 'hammer fell'! That night,
the Medes and Persians conquered the city and the king was slain!
The mighty kingdom of Babylon was finished!
BABYLON
- SODOM & GOMORRAH - IS HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF IN THE NATION OF
CANADA?
With
much sadness, I am compelled to say that if we continue on our present
course, Canada will also fall one day. The signs are present
everywhere, and "the handwriting is on the wall' for this nation.
The
arrogance, disrespect for Jesus Christ, the Bible and moral values, as
shamelessly exhibited by un-elected judges and our Liberal government, is
exceeded only by their irrational decisions is cases of monumental
importance to our families, communities and our nation.
From
the beginning of the so-called 'Just Society' and the take-over of the
Liberal Party by socialist Pierre Elliott Trudeau until the present, we
have seen Canada plunge downward; morally, intellectually, domestically,
militarily and economically.
In
1967, Prime Minister Trudeau effectively rammed through Parliament
some of the most destructive laws ever enacted. They were:
Abolish capital punishment, broaden divorce laws, legalize abortion and
legalize homosexuality (sodomy) and bestiality (sex with animals).
Prime
Minister Trudeau also wanted to legalize marijuana! Over years,
Cabinet Ministers from his government have allegedly spoken privately of
their regret in the passing of those laws.
IS
CANADA ON DANGEROUS GROUND WITH THE SAME SEX MARRIAGE LAWS?
Here
is the REAL SHOCKER. Our present Liberal government is planning to
scrap the time honored traditional, universal and legal definition of
marriage as a union between one man and one woman. They will go down
in history as the architects of a new HYBRID called "same-sex
marriage', legally uniting men with men and women with women, perverting
the biblical sacrament of Holy Matrimony!
MARRIAGE
IT IS NOT and WILL NEVER BE
The
rot of a decaying society is daily emanating from Ottawa! The stench
of immorality, political stupidity and creeping debilitation seeps from
our nation's capital. It filters down to us through the airwaves, in
our newspapers and on talk shows. The self-destructing of the nation
of Canada is already on the slippery slope, initiating the rotting away of
the Grecian and Roman Empires. Only God can help us turn the tide of
wickedness.
WHEN
WILL THE HAMMER OF GOD'S JUDGMENT FALL ON CANADA?
The
question is: "How long before the 'Hammer of God's Judgment"
falls upon Canada, a nation being led by 'vote hungry surrogates' whose
main objective is to please a host of 'off-beat clambering lobbyists'
willing to sacrifice everything that made Canada a great nation, in order
to get their own way?"
It
is as though a competing spirit has entered our judicial system and
government, seeing who will be the first to thumb their nose at Almighty
God and overturn as many moral, time honored laws, traditions and values
as possible.
And
in the process, they are making the nation of Canada an international
pariah in the eyes of intelligent, clear headed people who respect
decency, normalcy and common sense over the perverted, perilous and
unhealthy.
RIGHTEOUSNESS
BUILDS, SIN DESTROYS
The
Bible says: "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach
to any people." (Proverbs 14:34) "Blessed is the nation
whose God is the LORD." (Psalms 33:12) Righteousness is 'right
standing' before God and men. Righteousness speaks of honesty,
integrity, and obedience to God's laws. Right choices, pure motives
and charitable deeds are what build communities and nations.
Trusting
in the Lord and following His laws will build a nation. On the other
hand, sin is a reproach to any people. The meaning of the word
reproach is: disgrace, discredit, object of blame, censure!
In
my world travels, I have had occasion to speak with kings, presidents and
other heads of State. They have thanked me for my prayers and stated
their desire to receive God's blessing, with the hope that our Mission in
their country would turn people to God and righteousness.
IS
CANADA BREAKING THE LAWS OF GOD?
How
thankful we should be, for the British Common Law which has its roots in
the Ten Commandments and is the basis for our laws in Canada, and
fore-runner of democracies everywhere.
Why
then, has our government over the past many years sought to distance and
alienate us from the Ten Commandments and the British Common Law?
Why would they deliberately seek to break the laws of God and insult the
intelligence of a myriad of scholars, legislators and builders of the
world's greatest societies for several thousand years?
Are
they so vain and proud of their puny accomplishments, that they feel
compelled to distance themselves from God - given common sense, wisdom and
historical record of great leaders and democracies which upholds normalcy
and morality over the absurd, ridiculous and degenerate?
HAS
CANADA FORGOTTEN WHO IS IT?
What
has happened to the brains in Ottawa? Is there a spirit of amnesia
prevalent? Have we forgotten who we really are? Did tens of
thousands of young men die in two world wars, so that a few Members of
Parliament and their appointed judges could change the law, effectively
making us and our progenitors citizens of a country akin to Sodom and
Gomorrah.
How
could such foolishness enter the Liberal Cabinet? Is there a premium
on silliness, the ludicrous and the bizarre, on Parliament Hill? Is
there no voice of reason there? Is it not time to stand up and be
counted?
Recently,
Canadian TV News shows showed images of men kissing men. It was
abhorrent, disgusting and upsetting for many people. It was a
violation of our beliefs as well as our privacy, to be subjected to two
men 'gum-sucking' (old Scottish word for kissing) on the national news.
Think
of the shocking, psychological damage done to children, youth and older
folks who had not previously seen such a vulgar display! To say
nothing of the millions of Christians and those of other faiths, having to
explain this abnormal behavior to their children and to observe the
nauseating event repeatedly on cable, satellite and network TV. And
the very next day, splashed all over the front pages of Canadian
Newspapers.
Personally,
I felt like vomiting. Speaking in Norwegian, I used the U word.
I said "Ufta!" The eminent, late Dr. Robert Thompson,
former leader of the federal Social Credit Party and Medical Missionary,
described the word "ufta" this way: "A man working in
the barn loses his false teeth. They fall into a cow pie. He
picks them up and puts them back into his mouth. He then exclaims,
"Ufta"!
We
take off our hats to Conservative M.P. Elsie Wayne, who stated that
"Same Sex Marriage Debate is Pathetic'. "I have to say
that I never thought when I came to the Hill in 1993 that I would ever
have to get up in the House of Commons and debate the definition of
marriage', said a true representative of the majority of Canadians.
She
declared: "When it comes to people who want to live together, whether
they are women or men, why do (we) have to be out here in the public
debating that they want to call it marriage? Why are they in
parades? Why are they dressed up as women on floats? They do
not see us getting up on the floats, for heavens sake, to say we are
husband and wife."
The
Saint John M.P. said that is same-sex couples want to live together, they
can :"go live together and shut up about it." After
another M.P. referred to the "honourable members" of the Supreme
Court, Wayne said: "I have to say that if they are going to be
honourable members, then I would say they had better define marriage
between men and women and then I will say they are honourable, but I will
not say they are honourable if they do not."
SAME
SEX MARRIAGE LAW COULD DIVIDE NATION OF CANADA
In
my opinion, Canadians will not put up with it! It will be the most
divisive law, pitting Canadians against Canadian from east to west and
north to south. Dividing Canada may be Jean Chretien's legacy if the
Supreme Court and the Canadian Parliament pass this bill into law.
What a sad ending for him, after having given our nation so many years of
service.
I
predict that if this same sex marriage bill becomes law, homosexuals and
lesbians will rue the day of its passing, because of the bitterness,
division and untold problems it will cause them and their adopted children
in the future.
HERE
IS MY ADVICE TO ALL CHRISTIANS:
The
fallout from same sex marriages would create a community of dysfunctional
people with enormous emotional and psychological difficulties, requiring
our help for years to come. We must be prepared to love them
unconditionally and share with them the saving, healing and redeeming
grace of Jesus Christ our Lord.
God
loves everyone and "isn't willing that any should perish, but that
all should come unto repentance!" (2 Peter 3:9) The Bible
declares: "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge
of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
In
recent years, Western separation has been growing at a rapid rate with
talk of a 'Firewall' protecting itself from Ottawa. I have always
been against such speculation, but if this ABOMINATION becomes law that
could be an impetus for its acceleration. Whatever happens, I am
determined to preach the Gospel without fear or favour of man or devil.
The
Holy Bible teaches us to obey God rather than man. It is our duty to
observe its teachings, follow our conscience and keep our faith in Jesus
Christ as Supreme and Sovereign Lord. (Acts 4:15-20; Acts 5:27-32).
THE
IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN VALUES
by: Pastor Max
Solbrekken
Would
they bring us a strong admonition, with dire warnings? Would they share
with us words of encouragement and blessing? Would they speak of
peace, gladness, sorrow or regrets? Or might they hurl verbal accusations
against theologians and pastors who had lied to them about ETERNITY and
the wages of sin, which is death? (Romans 6:23)
SATAN
& HIS DEMONS HAVE THE ABILITY TO TRANSFORM INTO "an angel of
light" to DECEIVE THE SPIRITUALLY IGNORANT (2
Corinthians 11:14-15)
I'm
not referring to the hocus pocus antics of spiritualist mediums who
"mutter and peep" (Isaiah 8:19) during their dubious séances,
supposedly communicating with the dead - spiritualist mediums and séances
which are in violation of God's Word- and often conjure up masquerading
demons who dispense only half-truths, lies and deception.
Nor
am I referring to the cacophony of occult spirit guides, channelers,
yoga flyers, pyramid power and crystal balers, soul travelers and
clairvoyants who make up the New Age Movement.
WHAT
ARE CHRISTIAN VALUES?
The
Bible, and in particular the King James Bible, played an important role in
shaping British culture, values and politics
The
Bible help to give Britain a set of values and moral which made Britain
what it is today. If the Christian Church doesn't stand for
something, the Church will not the power to stand against anything.
Jesus
Christ declared that "Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye
have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me". (John
5:39), and St. Paul stated that "the scriptures are able to make thee
wise unto salvation". (2 Timothy 3:15)
What
are Christian values? Christian values are the values that our
Saviour, Jesus Christ taught us to practice. St.
Paul warned that Satan has the ability to transform himself - as do his
ministers - into "an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14,15),
seeking to deceive the spiritually ignorant and gullible into trusting his
lies rather than believing in Jesus Christ the true "light of the
world"! (John 8:12)
I
am referring to the words of Jesus Christ Who said, "I AM THE WAY,
THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE, no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."
(John 14:6) "Come unto Me all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and
I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28)
JESUS
GAVE US CLUES OF LIFE AFTER DEATH WITH THE STORY OF LAZARUS AND ANOTHER
UNNAMED RICH MAN
Jesus
told the story of two men who died and what their final outcome was. He
allowed us to look beyond the veil to see what happens at the time of
expiration of life and 'after death.
Lazarus
was terminally ill, unable to work and had to resort to begging, in order
to stay alive. The other man whom Jesus did not name, was very rich with
no thought for God or anyone else. He had no compassion for the poor, as
was evidenced by his treatment of the beggar who was carried daily to his
gate and subsisted only on the crumbs which fell from his table.
THE
HOLY BIBLE, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD IS THE ONLY BOOK YOU CAN RELY ON
Taking
his last breath 'didn't end it' for Lazarus. Jesus stated that "he
was carried by the angels into paradise - Abraham's bosom" - where he
was comforted. When the "rich man" died, he was undoubtedly
afforded a splendid funeral, but that wasn't the end for him either! Here
is 'THE REST OF THE STORY', as Paul Harvey would put it.
AND
IN HELL THE RICH MAN SUFFERED GREAT TORMENT AND BEGGED FOR LAZARUS
"And
in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and he cried and said,
Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip his
finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this
flame."
Abraham
refused his plea, stating: "Between us and you there is a great gulf
fixed" with no traffic allowed between the Two Places! Then the
'doomed man' became missionary minded and pleaded that Lazarus be sent to
urge his five brothers to repent of their sins, "lest they come into
this place of torment"! Again Abraham had to refuse his request
saying, "They have Moses and the prophets; Let them hear them"
The
rich man remonstrated, saying: "Nay, father Abraham: but if one went
unto them from the dead they will repent." Abraham got the last
word, however: "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will
they be persuaded, thou one rose from the dead." (Luke 16:19-31)
WHAT
DOES IT TAKE FOR PEOPLE TO TURN FROM SIN AND TO REPENT - DOES IT TAKE A
DISASTER, A DEATH, A DIVORCE?
What
will it take, to cause people to repent? To forsake their sins and be
converted? To turn from their wicked ways and give their lives to God
through Jesus Christ our Lord? Some are fortunate enough to get a 'FINAL
WAKE-UP CALL', in the form of a national disaster, a personal bankruptcy,
the loss of a loved one, a marriage break up, a terminal illness or even a
jail term! And yet others, will still continue rejecting the Lord,
until it is too late. And they will be lost forever! How sad.
PERSONAL
QUOTES BY PRESIDENTS, KINGS, AUTHORS & FAMOUS MEN
on the importance of God, The Bible,
Christian values and Christianity.
Some
time ago while preaching in Norway, I was given a copy of the powerful
testimonies and quotes of a number of very influential men, who had
expressed their personal beliefs in no uncertain terms. Here are several
of them.
SWEDISH
AUTHOR AUGUST STRINDBERG:
Shortly before his death, well-known Swedish author, August Strinberg,
made this statement. "Clearly said: I ascribe all my
misfortune to this one fact, that I have been godless! An individual that
has broken contact with God, cannot receive any blessings. All this talk
about 'being your own man and making your own happiness' is chaff!
If the Lord does not build the house, they labour in vain who build it.
That is the whole truth!"
"That
misfortune can also strike a person of faith, we know. But the outcome is
not the same. These accidents seem only like trials that pass over and
leave peace in their wake."
A
CURSE RESTS UPON EVERYTHING UNGODLY
"A
curse rests upon everything that an ungodly person puts his hand to. If
money comes his way, it will disappear like it came. Nothing remains,
nothing prospers in the life of the ungodly!"
WHY ARE CHRISTIAN VALUES SO IMPORTANT?
SIR
WINSTON CHURCHILL:
When Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain visited Norway
shortly after World War 11, he spoke at Oslo's University. Here are some
of his remarkable words.
"In
order to make excuses for myself, I could mention the school teachers of
my youth who rejected Christianity. But I will lay the blame upon myself.
Then, maybe I'll find ONE who will carry that for me. "Nothing can
come against the future of a people who has the Christian ethic as their
leading light. Christianity is the most secure foundation for a
people!"
PRESIDENT
DWIGHT EISENHOWER:
In a radio and television speech, US President Eisenhower said:
"The Christian Faith is the surest strength and the greatest preserve
that America has. On the battlefields we learned that there are no
atheists in the foxholes.
In
the highest sense, the Bible is to us the unique repository of eternal
spiritual truths. In the most tangible sense, it is the ultimate and
indispensable source of inspiration for America's life in freedom."
PRESIDENT
ABRAHAM LINCOLN:
"I believe the Bible is the best
gift God has ever given to mankind. All of the good from the Saviour of
this world is communicated through this Book; but for this Book, we could
not know right from wrong. All of the things desirable to man are
contained in it".
WHY
IS CHRISTIANITY THE MOST SECURE FOUNDATION FOR PEOPLE?
PRESIDENT
GEORGES CLEMENCEAU:
The French President, Georges Clemenceau was an atheist and God rejecter.
Shortly before his death in 1929, he wrote this letter to his friend,
Gustav Herve (1871-1944), French politician & publicist.
"Dear
friend! I will soon leave this world. You know that during my entire
life-time I have run roughshod over Christianity, and similarly, so has my
republican government done.
I
am now convinced, however, that it is impossible to build an ordered
society upon unbelief. If I had understood this earlier, I would have
without fear of being ridiculed stood in the breach for it, like you are
doing. I hereby give you full authority to officially make known my
testament, as an educational lesson for the next generation."
PRINCE
OSKAR BERNADOTTE:
At the conclusion of a speech, Prince Bernadotte (1859-1958) of Sweden,
stated: "To all here present I wish to testify, that the greatest
thing in my life is to be a witness for Jesus. A person could easily
believe that someone in my position should always be happy, but that is
not the case. Being in possession of the very choicest of what this
world has to offer, wouldn't give an individual peace. The heart of man
longs for something better!"
"Immediately,
after receiving the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart, that restless longing
for something more was gone. My desire and goal in life is to be a witness
about His love in word and deed. "And I wish to say to all who listen
to these words, that it is a joy to serve Him, a great - great
joy."
HERE
ARE SOME MORE POWERFUL WITNESSES FOR JESUS AND HIS GOSPEL, WHICH PROVE THE
ENNOBLING AFFECT CHRISTIANITY HAS HAD AND CONTINUES TO HAVE UPON
INDIVIDUAL LIVES AND SOCIETY AT LARGE.
CROWN
PRINCE HAAKON MAGNUS:
In an interview with NRK TV Oslo, on July 20, 1991, Norway's Crown Prince
Haakon stated: "Jesus is my hero, my role model."
The
interview took place on Haakon's 18th Birthday and his declaration about
Jesus was in response to a question he was asked about whether he had any
other role models outside his immediate family.
He
said, “I believe that Christianity is a very fine model, whether people
are religious or not. In many ways Christianity is the strength that
carries us in Norway. Especially when times are tough and difficult, it is
important that people know that there is a spinal-cord in our faith,
nationally".
When
asked if this faith was important for him personally, Haakon answered:
"Yes, since very young. I have a very strong relationship, especially
with the New Testament. I remember my confirmation was a strong experience
for me - not just the ceremony in the Palace Chapel, but also preparing
for it."
THE
NORWEGIAN ROYAL FAMILY:
Norway's Royal Family has always had a strong Christian influence on that
nation! As the Nazis were invading Norway, during World War II, King
Haakon was forced to flee with his family and the entire government to
England.
Speaking
to the Norwegian people on BBC radio from London on Christmas Eve 1940,
the king stated: "Men have removed my name from the official prayers
of the Norwegian Church. I include in my prayers, my Christmas wishes and
thoughts for all the Norwegian people, that you will join with me and mine
in a red-hot prayer for the future of Norway".
KING
OLAV V:
When this godly man was crowned in 1958, he said: "It seems only
natural to me that the king should pray for forgiveness for his
deeds."
Several
years before his death, King Olav spoke in 'King Haakon's Cathedral' in
Copenhagen. His closing remarks were: "I pray that this Church will
continue to be a great blessing to the Danish people, even until the
Coming of Jesus Christ". When the service was concluded, the
Bishop asked King Olav if he believed in the 'Second Coming of Jesus
Christ', to which the king answered emphatically, "JA VIST!"
meaning "YES, OF COURSE".
HIS
MAJESTY KING HARALD:
During a 1995 interview, King Harald expressed himself thusly: "t is
good to receive letters from people informing me that they are praying for
me. There is power in the 'folded hands', and when that power is
concentrated on the work of the king, clearly it feels good."
CHARLES
LAMB: In a letter published
after his death, Robert Browning, the famous poet, quoted the utterances
of men of genius concerning the Christian faith. Here is one from the
eminent Charles Lamb, British author and critic (1775-1834):
"In
a gay fancy with some friends as to how they would feel if some of the
greatest of the dead were to appear suddenly in flesh and blood once more,
on the final suggestion, 'And if Christ entered this room?' he changed his
manner at once and stuttered out as his manner was when moved, "You
see if Shakespeare entered we should all rise; if HE appeared, we must
kneel."
VICTOR
HUGO: The distinguished
French author Victor Hugo (1802-1885), wrote: "England has two great
books, the Bible and Shakespeare. England made Shakespeare and the Bible
made England".
PRESIDENT
ABRAHAM LINCOLN:
"I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to mankind.
All of the good from the Saviour of this world is communicated through
this Book; but for this Book, we could not know right from wrong. All of
the things desirable to man are contained in it".
ALEXIS
DE TOCQUEVILLE:
In 1931, Alexis de Tocqueville was given a commission by the government of
France to examine the prisons and penitentiaries of America. While in that
country, he gathered information for a penetrating study of American
society and politics.
This
led to the publication of his two volumes on 'Democracy in America' (1835,
1840) which won him a reputation in Europe and a seat on the 'French
Academy'. The Encyclopedia Britannica says: "...his writings proved
him to be one of the shrewdest, if more pessimistic, political observers
of his century".
Tocquille
wrote: "I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her
commodious harbours and her ample rivers, and it was not there: in her
rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there. Not until I
went into the churches of America, and heard her pulpits aflame with
righteousness, did I understand the secret of her genius and power."
EMPEROR
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE:
Fredrick W. Kates' article in ‘The Churchman' states: "It is hardly
to such a man as Napoleon Bonaparte one would turn for spiritual
enlightenment: but it is interesting indeed to note what he said about
Jesus of Nazareth and the Christian religion:
"I
see in Lycurgus, Numa and Mohammed only legislators who, having the first
rank in the state, have sought the best solution of the social
problem", said Napoleon, "but I see nothing there which reveals
divinity...nothing announces them divine. On the contrary, there are
numerous resemblances between them & myself, foibles and errors which
ally them to me and to humanity."
"IT
IS NOT SO WITH CHRIST", he continued in this conversation with
General Bertrand, one of his companions during the twilight days of his
meteoric career! "Everything in Him astonishes me. His spirit
overawes me, and His will confounds me. Beside Him and whoever else in the
world, there is no possible term of comparison. HE IS TRULY A BEING BY
HIMSELF. His ideals and His sentiments, the truths which He announces, His
manner of convincing, are not explained either by human organization or by
the nature of things."
"His
birth and the history of His life; the profundity of His doctrine, which
grapples the mightiest difficulties, and which is, of those difficulties,
the most admirable solution; His Gospel, His apparition, His empire, His
march across the ages and the realms, is for me a prodigy, a mystery
insoluble, which plunges me into a reverence which I cannot escape, a
mystery which is there before my eyes, a mystery which I cannot deny or
explain. Here I see nothing human. The nearer I approach, the more
carefully I examine, everything is above me, everything remains grand -
and of a grandeur which overpowers."
"His
religion is a revelation from an intelligence which certainly is not a
man. There is a profound originality, which has created a series of maxims
before unknown. Jesus borrowed nothing from our sciences. One can
absolutely find nowhere, but in Him alone, the imitation or the example of
His life."
IN
ANOTHER PLACE, NAPOLEON WROTE:
"I know men; and I tell you that Jesus is not a man. Superficial
minds see a resemblance between Christ and the founders of empires, and
the gods of other religions, that resemblance does not exist. There is
between Christianity and other religions, the distance of
infinity..."
PRESIDENT
CHIANG KAI SHEK:
Here is the personal testimony of Taiwan's President Chiang Kai Shek
to his people, after fleeing the onslaught of China's communist chief and
mass murderer, Mao Zedong. "How I wish that all the people
would read the Bible, worship and believe in the One and Only True God!
The Bible which is God's living, inspired and true Word teaches us about
the triune God: Father, Son & Holy Spirit."
"The
Bible also declares that we can attain righteousness by our faith in His
Son Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself through His death on the cross, and
shed His blood as an offering for sin. God's righteousness by faith in
Jesus Christ exalts a nation. That has been proven historically."
"Christ
is FREEDOM'S rock. His love covers a multitude of sins. Everyone who
believes on Him shall receive eternal life!"
JOHN
NEWTON:
One of the world's most beloved hymns called "Amazing Grace" was
written by John Newton. Here is the first verse of that song:
"Amazing
Grace how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found, Was blind, but now I see."
The
epitaph of John Newton's tombstone, in his own words give a powerful
testimony of GOD'S GRACE in his life: "I was an infidel, libertine
and slave trader, but by the rich mercy of Jesus I was preserved,
restored, pardoned and appointed to preach the faith I long laboured to
destroy."
CHRIST
IS THE GREATEST PHILOSOPHER: HE CHANGED MY LIFE - GOVERNOR
GEORGE W. BUSH:
During
the current Republican primary (Feb/2000), Texas Gov. George W. Bush made
a very profound statement, more intellectually brilliant than many of the
theologians, philosophers and politicians I have studied for the past
forty years! When asked by reporters, "Who do you consider the
greatest philosopher"? he answered, "Christ. He changed my
heart!."
I
have often used those very same words, stating unequivocally that the
'PHILOSOPHY OF JESUS' like: "Do unto others as you would have them do
unto you" and "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart...and thy neighbour as thyself", is unparalleled among any
group of secular philosophers or religious gurus you may name.
Ask
yourself: Could anyone improve upon His parable of the 'Good
Samaritan' which He used to lecture the lawyer who asked, "Who is my
neighbour?" The answer is, "CERTAINLY NOT!"
Let's
look at the statements and actions of some of the so-called great
philosophers we have had to study over the years:
PLATO
- (427-348 B.C.): Plato,
the Greek Philosopher - a student of Socrates, a Greek teacher of wisdom
and ethics - in 375 B.C. stated:
"Our
men & women should be forbidden by law to live together in separate
households and all women should be common to all men. Similarly, all
children should be held in common. No parent should know its child or
child its parent."
Have
you heard of anything so warped, wanton & twisted, coming from the pen
of a so called brilliant philosopher? Without doubt, Plato was a
DEVIANT and PERVERT of the first degree.
After
reading such a carnal, lustful and immoral statement about the sacred
state of marriage, love and family, how could anyone trust his opinions
about God, existence, the purpose of life, death or the 'afterlife'!
The teaching of Socrates, who advocated that "virtue is wisdom",
was most certainly lost on his protégé Plato.
JESUS
HAD A LOT TO SAY ABOUT LIFE
He
said, "I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. No man cometh unto the
Father but by Me". (John 14:6) He stated, "The thief (devil)
cometh not but to steal, kill and destroy. I am come that ye might have
life and have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) And He spoke
about ETERNAL LIFE: "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)
BERTRAND
RUSSELL: This
supposedly brilliant philosopher lived to be almost 100 years of age and
died as an unbeliever. And, that is sad.
He
wrote the book, 'Why I am Not a Christian', even after having had the
privilege of reading the greatest of all books, 'THE HOLY BIBLE', which is
the Word of God:
Jesus
Christ declared that "Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye
have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me". (John
5:39), and St. Paul stated that "the scriptures are able to make thee
wise unto salvation". (2 Timothy 3:15)
We
cannot compare Jesus Christ, the Son of God, with a SPIRITUAL ILLITERATE
like Bertrand Russell, who at an advanced age - when he should have known
better - allegedly dispensed advise about loosening our moral codes to
give more license to "free sex".
What
an uncaring person, to give such advice to a generation of young
people - who were already 'chomping at the bit' to kick-over-the-traces
sexually, causing broken hearts, broken homes, aborted babies and untold
suffering for so many for years to come! They say, "There's no fool
like an old fool" and I say, "There is no fool like an old
philosopher".
JAMES
RUSSEL LOWELL:
James
Russell Lowell was a literary genius and one time U.S. minister ambassador
to Great Britain. Here is his answer to a sarcastic critic.
"I
challenge any skeptic to find a ten square mile spot on this planet where
they can live their lives in peace and safety and decency, where womanhood
is honoured, where infants and old are revered, where they can educate
their children, where the Gospel of Jesus Christ has not gone first to
prepare the way. If they find such a place, then I would encourage them to
emigrate thither and there proclaim their unbelief."
I
challenge any pointy headed University professor, seminary theologian or
media talking-head to come up with a better philosophy than the Gospel of
Jesus Christ, which changes hearts and lives for the better.
JESUS
REGULARLY QUOTED THE LAW, PSALMS & THE PROPHETS
Jeremiah
stated, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked (incurably sick): who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9;
Ecclesiastes 9:3)
And
Jesus declared, "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed
evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness,
wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride,
foolishness." (Mark 7:21,22)
Ezekiel
stated: "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; 36:26,27)
THE
BIBLE SAYS: "Therefore, if any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new
creation; behold, old things are passed away; all things become new."
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
Jesus
Christ is not only the Savior of the world, the Great Physician and Healer
of broken hearts, minds and families, but He is also the greatest Teacher
and dispenser of Wisdom and Understanding this world will ever know.
AND
YES, THE WORLD'S GREATEST PHILOSOPHER, AS WELL, BECAUSE HE CHANGES HEARTS
AND LIVES TODAY! AND ISN'T THAT WHAT EVERYONE HOPES AND LONGS FOR?
By
the Person of the blessed Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ is reaching out even
now to bring forgiveness, love, peace, joy & healing to each one of us
at this very moment.
He
said, "Come unto Me, all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28) Amen
Why
was
JESUS CHRIST BORN?
Jesus Christ was
born to to destroy the works of the devil
Sin,
however, was in the world because Satan (the devil). 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 (the devils) rebellion and hatred for God, he had cunningly
planned his strategy by tempting Eve, with the Tree of Life, 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 & Eve. Now, for the
moment of truth. How would Adam & Eve feel? Would they now
be wise as God, as Satan (the devil) had promised them? Was the
rebellion and disobedience towards God worth it? No - a thousand
times NO.
Adam
& Eve's eyes were opened. But, what did they see? Adam
& Eve saw their own vulnerability, stupidity, weaknesses, sin and
nakedness. Fear stalked and filled their souls. They had never
felt fear before sin entered their lives. They realized they were
naked, vulnerable and inadequate. Now, they realized they must face
the music, and meet God alone.
But
where was Satan (the devil)? Where was the evil one who had been
their wise tempter such a short time ago?
Of
course, 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 inevitable outcome of their sin.
The inevitable outcome, the separation, dis-fellowshipping of God and His
special creation, man.
THE
DEVIL REJOICED OVER ADAM & EVE'S FEAR & TERROR
Evil
satisfaction filled the devil's heart as he observed Adam & Eve's
plight, their complete confusion, perplexity, fear and terror.
Adam
& 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! Adam 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 preacher who enjoyed portraying woman 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, "Woman, 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 (Satan).
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 (the devil) 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
(the devil) IS TO BLAME. Shout it loud and clear - the devil is the
troublemaker.
JESUS
CALLED THE DEVIL A LAIR & MURDERER
Jesus
called him a liar, deceiver, murdered 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 (the devil)
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 (at the cross) 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) Again our blessed
Saviour said, "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
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)
The
Bible says, "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 Ghost, 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 the 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 'fear 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!
THEY WERE OFFENDED IN HIM.
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)
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