HAVE FAITH IN GOD
God will not abandon His People !
by:  Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."  (Acts 2:21)

"If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23)    - JESUS CHRIST

"Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.

Then He said, go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.  And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest." (2 Kings 4:1-7)

1. GOD KEEPS THE BOOKS - GOD KNOWS WHAT YOU DO -   GOD WILL NOT ABANDON HIS PEOPLE

The account found in our text proves, without a shadow of a doubt, that God keeps the books.  God is interested in His people and does not forget the good that His servants do.

GOD IS NOT A GAMBLER - GOD DOES NOT BELIEVE IN CHANCE - GOD IS WELL ORGANIZED & GOD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING - GOD KEEPS THE BOOKS

When someone asked the famous scientist Albert Einstein, "Is there life on the other planets?" he reportedly replied, “God does not throw dice”! In other words God is not a gambler. God does not believe in CHANCE, God is well organized and knows what He is doing.

CERTAINLY GOD KEEPS BOOKS AND GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES - GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU IF YOU ARE FAITHFUL TO HIM

The Scripture says, "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His..." (2 Timothy 2:19) He knows us all and sees the sparrow fall to the ground. The very hairs of our heads are numbered and He clothes the lilies of the field and looks after His own! (Matthew  6:28-31; Matthew 10:29-30)

Even the angels of God who came to the garden tomb to roll away the stone from the Sepulcher declared to the followers of Christ: "I know that ye seek Jesus of Nazareth ...He is not here: for He is risen." (Mark 28:5-6)

GOD IS NO MAN'S DEBTOR

When the widow of the man of God was in trouble; without money to pay her debt and her two sons were about to be sold as slaves, GOD WORKED A MIRACLE FOR HER. God was keeping the books.

Her husband had labored long and hard for God's kingdom and now his widow was in a financial situation of severe magnitude.  When she cried out for help by going to the prophet Elisha, an answer began unfolding for her. God is no man's debtor and will not be held accountable to anyone. He will make His Word good. God is the ultimate and fair bookkeeper.

The Bible says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)

King David made a statement that has stood the test of time and eternity: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed." (Psalms 37:23-26)

EVERY PERSON HAS SOMETHING HE CAN USE AS A KEY TO RECEIVE A BLESSING - HAVE FAITH IN GOD AND YOU WILL FIND THE ANSWERS

No one is so poor or insignificant that God will bypass them. Certainly, each individual is unique and has qualifications and usefulness that others may not have. God spoke to Moses on the backside of the desert: "What is in thine hand?" He answered, "A shepherd's stick." God said, "Throw it upon the ground." He did and it became a serpent.

Later, Moses was commanded to pick it up by the tail and it became a rod in his hand again. God then spoke to Moses telling him to take the rod in his hand and to go to Pharaoh, King of Egypt, demanding the release of Jewish slaves.

The Scripture says that Moses embarked on his journey, "with the rod of God in his hand." (Exodus 4:20)

It had been only a shepherd's rod but under God's Divine leadership it automatically became "The Rod of God." Little becomes much when God is in it! God requires that you have faith in Him and He will never leave or forsake you.

GOD KEEPS THE BOOKS - THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND HAD BEEN A MAN OF GOD AND THE WIDOW WAS REWARDED FOR THIS

The widow woman told her problem to the prophet Elisha. Her husband who had been a faithful man of God had passed away leaving behind a stack of bills. She had no money to settle the account, and now the creditors were threatening to take her two sons as payment! The prophet asked her, "What hast thou in the house?" She answered, "Thine handmaid hath not anything in the house, SAVE A POT OF OIL." (2 Kings 4:2)

She was like many today who say: "I have nothing to offer; I am nothing; what I have doesn't amount to anything!"

That pot of oil was going to be the KEY TO THE WIDOW'S DELIVERANCE.  It was something the prophet could use. It was a starting point in her recovery out of debt.  God say that the widow woman had faith and God rewarded her for her faith and dedication.

Concerning the ‘Tabernacle in the Wilderness’, God instructed Moses to command everyone to bring something as an offering to God. The rich could bring a bullock from the herd, the middle class - a lamb or a goat from the flocks and the poor - two turtle doves or pidgeons. The very poor could bring an offering of flour and salt.

NO ONE WAS TOO POOR TO GIVE TO GOD

St. Paul expected every believer to bring an offering to God's work on a regular basis in accordance with His blessings upon them! "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)

GOD WANTS YOU TO USE YOUR BRAINS - THE BIBLE SAYS "BE NOT SLOTHFUL IN BUSINESS"

The prophet said, "Go to your neighbours and borrow all the empty vessels you are able."

Jesus made the statement, "...the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” (Luke 16:8)

Very definitely God wants us to use our brains! St. Paul stated, "Be not slothful in business..." (Romans 12:11)

GOD IS NOT A GAMBLER - GOD DOES NOT OPERATE A LOSING BUSINESS

God wants us to be profitable for Him. He does not operate a losing business. IN THE END WE ALL WIN! But we must not hide our talent in the earth (Matthew 25:25), but use our faith and ability.

God wants us to be innovative, inventive and original. HE WANTS US TO FOLLOW HIM, BUT HE IS LOOKING FOR LEADERS!\

All of us have neighbours or relatives we can speak to about Christ. Some of them owe us favours. We have been good to them; they may be close to us and we can use our relationship or friendship to ask of them a favor...LIKE COMING WITH US TO CHURCH!

We can invite them to our home, so that we may show them kindness and be able to introduce them to the ‘Living Jesus’!

THERE'S A WAY OUT FOR US ..as there was for the Widow.

The prophet of God instructed her to borrow from her neighbors all the empty vessels (to be returned at a later date).

God has instructed me to humble myself and ask largely. Possibly some of our friends are able to send a  gift for MISSIONS! God has promised to reward those who give willingly, gladly and in faith!

The little boy who shared his few fishes and bread with Jesus was instrumental in providing sustenance for thousands, when the Master's blessings were on it. (Matthew  14)

Peter's boat gave Jesus a place from which to preach. Later, God blessed both him and his partners with a shipload of fish each. (Luke 5)

Let us use our heads and invest in God's Kingdom.  God is keeping the books.  Have faith in God and you will prosper and be rewarded.  Jesus said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)

THINK BIGGER IN YOUR OUTLOOK AND SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE

Many of us think too small. We look through a narrow angle lens. We can't even see the forest for the tree.

LET US USE A WIDE ANGLE LENS in our outlook and spiritual perspective. WE MUST BEGIN TO THINK BIG!! And we must use our faith. The prophet said, ‘BORROW NOT A FEW’!

The King's business requires haste. The most important work in the world is the gathering together of finances, people and programs to assault the Kingdom of Satan, and to take the battle to the very “gates of hell” in order to rescue precious souls for God's Kingdom!

‘The Supreme task of the Church of the Living God in this generation is to win precious souls to Christ, both at home and abroad!’  Our mammoth overseas crusades reach literally multitudes for Jesus and help to shape the thinking of great numbers of people; turning them toward God.

Great numbers are healed by God's grace and power - Thank the Lord! Therefore, we should put Our Best into the work of the Kingdom and think big!

One of the trademarks of being filled with the Holy Spirit is that we magnify God! In each case where the Early Church believers were baptized with the Blessed Holy Ghost, we find that two things always happened:

1)  They spoke in other tongues.  They magnified God.

"For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." (Acts 10:46)

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO MAGNIFY GOD?

It is impossible to make God bigger than what He already is. He is so big that the heavens can't contain Him, and the earth is His footstool! To magnify God means to believe what He says about Himself, to glorify Him and articulate His greatness & goodness among the people!

The problem with us all, is we have been brainwashed by secular humanists, evolutionists, and unbelieving, modernistic preachers, to picture God as distant, irrelevant, unconcerned and small. But we have begun believing  in a very big devil!

Let us change that, by glorifying God and praising Him by telling people everywhere how great, powerful and gracious He really is. May we magnify God by our witness and testimony of His saving grace and healing power to us!

King David - a man after God's own heart - was always magnifying God! (Psalms 34:3) About forty (40) years ago, Rev. Jack Coe related a revelation the Lord had given him.

He was seeking God for answers to the questions of life. And about future revivals and how they would affect humanity.  The Lord showed him the little dipper and the big dipper in the Northern Hemisphere. "Do you see how small the little dipper is in comparison to the big dipper? asked the Lord.

"The revivals of the past are like the little dipper in comparison to the great revivals that are going to come. The mighty outpouring of God's Holy Spirit in the future will dwarf the manifestations of His power in the past."

We who are doing the WORK OF GOD need to begin to think in a big way about God's plans of reaping the harvest, and we must remember that God is keeping books and God does not forgot the good we do.

GET ALONE WITH GOD & IN FAITH HE WILL ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPLY YOUR EVERY NEED

The prophet told the widow to close the door, in order to give her and her sons privacy as they exercised their faith in God. Before beginning to pour the oil into the empty vessels, she needed to be alone with God!

In order for us to be effective in helping people in a spiritual,  psychological & economical way - through prayer, ministry and financial assistance - we need to get ALONE with God..

Jesus said, "Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation." (Matthew 26:41) "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:6)

Jesus put out all the unbelievers from the home of Jarius before raising the little girl from the dead. (Luke 8:51)   Simon Peter went alone to meet God in the "housetop experience" of prayer, as well as when he raised Dorcas from the dead! (Acts 10:9; 9:40)And Abraham stood alone with the Lord to intercede for Sodom, Jacob wrestled alone with the "Angel of the Lord" and Joshua encountered the "Captain of the Host of the Lord" alone! (Genesis 18:22; 32:24; Joshua 5:13)

Very definitely, there are times we need to get alone with God - as well as with other true believers - in order to see God's gifts operate in our lives!  We must separate ourselves from unbelief, worldliness and from negative people, as we seek God in fasting and prayer.

POUR OUT & TAKE THE MARCH OF FAITH

With her two sons present - and the door shut - she started pouring the oil from her pot into the empty vessels.  And praise God, the miracle happened! So long as she poured and as long as there were empty vessels, the creative works of God continued operating! Her faith and obedience was getting the job done!

We must get our ideas off the drawing board!! In other words, "FAITH IS ACTION."  Faith is a fact, but it is also an act of obedience. She was obedient and poured out what she possessed, into the empty vessels.

THE MARCH OF FAITH

There are several lessons here: First - If you pour yourself into others by helping them you will always have enough left for yourself.

Secondly - If you obey God's instructions - regardless of how ridiculous it seems - you will get results!

As the widow poured, the oil continued to flow - It was a miracle of provision. When all her empty vessels were full, she asked her sons to bring more but they informed her that they had used them all.

No doubt, she felt badly that they had not borrowed more! The prophet had stated, “Borrow not a few” - In other words, she should take advantage of God’s blessings - to the maximum - because the oil would flow and meet every need, as well as give her an abundance of supply for her family

THE WIDOW HAD FAITH - SHE SOLD THE OIL & PAID HER OVERDUE BILLS

The widow returned to the prophet with a praise report. She had done everything he had instructed her to do and God had performed the miracle! Then he instructed her to sell the oil and pay her bills. And he assured her that there would be enough left over to look after her family!

It is so important to return to the ‘Man of God’ and report what God has done! When Jesus healed ten lepers, only one returned to give glory to God. Jesus exclaimed, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? there are not found that returned to give glory to God, save (except) this stranger”. (Luke 17:17-18)

And it is imperative that WE KEEP FOCUSED on the objective, the goals we had before the miracle happened.

When God has blessed us, let us use the blessing to pay our bills in order to secure freedom for those who are lost. The two sons are a picture of those who are targeted for slavery by Satan, to be used for his enjoyment and their misery!

When we have looked after our own obligations, provided for our families and wisely invested for the future, let us not forget the work of God. Let us reach the lost for Christ. May we stay focused, so that we not only live for today but provide for the future by investing in God's Kingdom!

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)

The Bible says, "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine". (Proverbs 3:9-10)    May God richly bless us all!

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