|
 What
does the Bible say about:
MARRIAGE
&
DIVORCE
by:
Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.
GOD'S
LAWS ON MARRIAGE & DIVORCE
"But
from the beginning of the creation God made them male and
female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and
mother, and cleave to his wife, And they twain shall be one flesh:
so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."
(Mark 10:6-9)
WHAT
GOD HATH JOINED TOGETHER IN MARRIAGE
It
is a serious thing to break the commandments of God. The
Bible says: "The
carnal mind is enmity against God."
(Romans 8:7) "Friendship
with the world is enmity with God. Whosoever therefore will
be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
(James 4:4)
St.
Paul warned the Christian Church to clean up their act.
He wrote about sanctification, since they had begun to revert to
their old ways, acting like the Gentiles (heathen) they once were.
They had accepted the Gospel but their lives were
still undisciplined and impure.
The
apostle stated, "It is a shame to
even speak of those things which are done of them in secret."
(Ephesians 5:12) He warned: "Because
of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of
disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them."
(Ephesians 5:6-7)
What
were those things that would cause the wrath of God to come upon
the children of disobedience? 'But
fornication and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be
once among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness....For this
ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person....hath any
inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." (Ephesians
5:3-5)
St.
Paul states emphatically, "Be not ye
therefore partakers with them. And have no fellowship with
the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
(Ephesians 5:7, 11)
WHAT
WERE THE SINS THAT ST. PAUL WAS WARNING THEM ABOUT?
In
his letter to the church of Colosse, he continued admonishing and
warning, "Mortify therefore your
members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness,
inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness,
which is idolatry. For which things' sake the
wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the
which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them".
(Colossians 3:5-7)
The
pagan lived in debauchery and sin, but the clear-cut
message of the New Testament was to straighten up and remove
oneself from this cesspool of carnality. After conversion
to Christ's Gospel, we no longer live as do the heathen, who know
not God.
A
good example is the way pagans treat their women - like the mud
under their feet! Only Christianity has lifted women out
of a place of inferiority in this world and given them a place of
dignity and honor among men.
CHRISTIANITY
RESPECTS WIVES & MARRIAGE
St.
Paul makes it plain that Christians must treat their wives
properly. "Husbands
love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave
Himself for it: That He might sanctify and cleanse it with
the washing of water by the word. That He might present it
to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any
such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He
that loveth his wife loveth himself."
(Ephesians 5:25-28)
Christianity
respects women and makes it plain that a man cannot have more than
one wife! Western civilization has put this principle
into effect by passing a law against polygamy.
Muslim
dominated nations and other pagan countries have no such law.
Many women are treated as property and often abused. Many
men have harems of between 4 and 20 wives. I met a lustful
old Muslim man in Kenya who boasted that he had 65 wives. He
was very wealthy, as all his children and grandchildren worked.
He told me that his goal was to acquire many more girls as wives.
The
Mormons endorsed this practice in order to satisfy the lustful
cravings of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and other early leaders,
who spent an inordinate amount of time in sexual exploits!
Joseph Smith and his brother Hiram were imprisoned for molesting
girls and young women. They were killed by a band of
outraged men whose daughters and sisters had been deceived by the
false prophet and his brother! Only when the United
States government clamped down on that perverted gang, did other
lust-filled leaders officially desist.
St.
Paul wrote, "A
bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife."
(1 Timothy 3:3) "Let
the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and
their own houses well."
(1
Timothy 3:12)
If
a man love his wife like himself, and if he has Christian
convictions he will treat his wife with dignity and not discard
her like an empty cigarette package, after she has borne his
children and helped him build his career.
Some
men trade in their wives for a newer model just like they do with
their automobiles - the same is applicable to women to a lesser
degree.
THE
BIBLE IS AGAINST DIVORCE - IN MOST CASES
Jesus
said concerning divorce: "In the beginning it was not so.
God made them (Adam and Eve) male and female." Notice
to homosexuals and lesbians - God made only male and female!
Perversion is man-made and the product of sin and the devil.
God blessed them and it was only because of the hardness of their
hearts, that Moses allowed them to divorce.
That
proves another point which I have also found to be so true:
Broken marriages are often the product of one or two hard hearts!
Hard hearts refuse to communicate or bend toward each other.
Jesus was not in favor of divorce and neither am I.
THERE
ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE OF NO DIVORCE
There
are exceptions to the rule of divorce as Jesus clearly points out
when He said: "But
I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for
the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and
whosoever shall marry her that is divorced commiteth adultery."
(Matthew 5:32)
Even
in the case of fornication I believe there is sufficient grace in
God to forgive and restore, if there is genuine repentance on the
part of the one who is guilty. The Bible says: "Love
covereth a multitude of sins."
(1
Peter 4:8)
When
the Pharisees brought an adulterous woman to Jesus, they
challenged His theology and His willingness to adhere to the
letter of the law. In His great wisdom, Jesus salvaged the
woman's life and soul. He answered them thusly: "He
that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."
(John 8:7)
He
knew they were all sinners and wrote their names in the sand,
fulfilling the ancient prophecy: "O
Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake Thee shall be ashamed,
and they that depart from Me shall be written in the earth,
because they have forsaken the Lord, the Fountain of Living Water."
(Jeremiah 17:13)
Then
Jesus said to the woman, "Neither
do I condemn thee, go and sin no more."
(John
8:11) Just because there has been unfaithfulness in the
marriage and problems have arisen that have broken hearts and
brought the marriage to the brink of disaster and even though
confidences have been shattered, that still does not justify
divorce in every case.
WHY
NOT WORK ON HEALING & RESTORING THE MARRIAGE?
Why
not get God on the scene to solve and salvage as well as
rejuvenate the marriage, rather than be hard hearted and say, "I
have my rights; I want a divorce: my partner is guilty of adultery
and as a Christian I am entitled to a divorce."
Try
a little common sense! What happens after the divorce?
Life isn't going to suddenly be a bed of roses. Much better
to salvage the marriage with God's help and some good
old-fashioned advice from the preacher. Now, don't read me
wrong.
All
marriages are not solvable and unfortunately, some marriages are
better off dissolved for all concerned. Many marriages,
however, that are doomed to fail can be saved if both partners are
willing to give their marriage an honest try with faith in God.
BIBLICALLY,
CAN MARRIAGES BE ANNULLED?
According
to God's Word, are there some cases where marriage can be annulled
or dissolved? Yes, definitely. Are Roman Catholic
annulments given to wealthy people and others - after they have
been married to 20, 30 or 40 years with numerous children - a
FARCE and DISGRACE? Most certainly these marriages that are
annulled after years of marriage and with children being born are
a total farce and complete disgrace.
It
has been proven that CORRUPTION and LIES still dominate in that
church body. Why not be honest and call it a DIVORCE?
Because that is exactly what it is. And don't forget what
the Bible teaches about liars. An Annulment is is NOT.
I
have counseled homosexuals who have been married to beautiful
young ladies. We have prayed together and God has saved and
delivered them, and they have received grace from God to live a
normal married life.
There
are the others, however, who do not want to change their lifestyle
and sexual preferences. They have broken the hearts of
perfectly normal and pure young ladies who trusted them with their
love. In such a case, if the homosexual wants to continue in
their homosexual lifestyle, and does not want to remain in the
marriage, I recommend a quick divorce because that marriage was
not an honest transaction.
Here
is the statement ministers include in the wedding ceremony:
"If either of you know of any impediment why ye may not be
lawfully joined together in matrimony, ye do now confess it.
For ye be well assured, that if any persons are joined together
otherwise than as God's Word doth allow, their marriage is not
lawful."
Where
a man or woman has been deceived and marries a pervert or an
impotent, senile person, the victim should go immediately to his
or her pastor to receive counseling and guidance. If
deception is involved and no desire for change is evident an
annulment of the marriage should be arranged, or a divorce if
necessary.
As
I see it, there is no need for the innocent person to agonize
through years of torment. From a Scriptural standpoint,
annulment of the marriage or divorce is the way out, with no
restrictions regarding remarriage.
WHAT
ABOUT RE-MARRIAGE?
Where
a good marriage has gone wrong, we must at all costs try to
salvage the marriage! If there was genuine love there in the
beginning, that flame can be re-ignited. There is therefore
hope, because there is a foundation to build upon. Also, in
many cases children are involved. Try to save the marriage!
If you cannot save your marriage, then separation or divorce may
be the only recourse left. In a case like this, I do not see
- according to the Scriptures - where with party can re-marry.
Some
theologians feel strongly that the innocent party can re-marry,
quoting the words of Jesus, "Except it be for
fornication" as a reference not only to the right to divorce,
but also the right to remarry.
In
the Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, Dr. Spiros Zodhiates states
regarding Matthew 19:3-9: "One remark, however, is necessary
to clearly understand the meaning of the word 'apolelmenen', "her
which is put away", occurring in verse 9 and in Matthew
5:32b.
It
means the innocent dismissed wife of the licentious person
described in Matthew 5:28-30 who, lusting after another woman,
dismisses his own wife in order to marry the other woman.
Such
a thing, dismissing one's wife for any reason other than her
infidelity Christ definitely forbids; but people were and are
doing it, nevertheless. He expresses His concern about the
dismissed, apolelmenen, wife or husband (Mark 10:12), who is
innocent.
To
clear such a dismissed spouse, the Lord insists that the Old
Testament provision (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) be adhered to, ie., the
guilty party in dismissing an innocent spouse ought to clear her
or him of guilt by giving a bill of divorcement. If the
dismissed spouse was guilty, the punishment was death by stoning
(Deuteronomy 22:21). Thus, there was no reason to give such
a bill of divorcement.
Divorce
papers issued by a judge today should not be equated with this
bill of divorcement. God knows who is innocent and who is
guilty and the individuals concerned know. The LORD in His
pronouncements concerns Himself with the truly innocent and not
with the ones who may have been able to secure a legal divorce.
A
legal divorce today does not mean that a person is necessarily
innocent. He or she may or may not be. Only the truly
innocent, according to the Word of God, has the moral, Scriptural
right to remarry. If the guilty dismissing husband gives the
innocent wife a bill of divorcement as prescribed by Deuteronomy
24:1-4, then that wife is cleared of the stigma of being
considered as an adulteress.
If
she is not thus cleared of the stigma of guilt, she herself is
considered by the ignorant public as an adulteress and also
whosoever should marry her. Sexual infidelity is the only
permitted reason for dismissing one's spouse. Both in the
Old Testament and the New Testament, there were those who wanted
to dismiss their innocent wives for reasons other than sexual
infidelity.
It
is to such that reference is made as "the dismissed
wife." It is the wife who has been dismissed
inequitably who was not an adulteress but who, because she was
dismissed without a bill of divorcement, was stigmatized as an
adulteress.
Naturally,
if anyone marries such a woman, he would appear to be an adulterer
also. However, this should not be considered as true
adultery but only the unjust consequence of the first husband's
action in allowing his wife to be considered as an adulteress.
The
word apolelumenen has the meaning of "unjustifiably
dismissed" wife who was not given a bill of divorcement
by her husband to clear her of any guilt.The only exception for
this is found in Luke 16:18, where the apolelumenen does not refer
to the innocent wife dismissed by her guilty husband, but the
guilty wife who separates herself from her husband. For a
complete exegesis of this passage, see the editor's book, 'What
About Divorce?'
WHAT
IS THE BEST ROUTE TO TAKE IF YOUR MARRIAGE IS IN TROUBLE
No.
1 - DO NOT DIVORCE! Forgive your partner and restore him or
her.
No. 2 - If you must divorce, DO NOT REMARRY! Seek God for
His grace and power to live a holy life and give your time to God
and your children.
There
is one more thing however, in Old Testament times when a woman was
taken in adultery she was immediately taken out and stoned to
death. Men seemed to have been exempt. Certainly, in
such cases there would be no problem with remarriage, for the
innocent party.
In
the same way, some feel that the guilty party is spiritually dead
and the innocent party is then free to remarry.
Remember,
however, the words of St. Paul, "For
the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband
so long as he liveth, but if the husband be dead, she is loosed
from the law of her husband, so then if while her husband liveth,
she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress:
but if her husband be dead, she is free from the law, so that she
is not adulteress, though she be married to another man."
(Romans 7:2-3)
HELP
FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY MESSED UP THEIR MARRIAGE
You
can't unscramble scrambled eggs, and in many cases you are unable
to rectify wrongs performed in a mix-up of marriages, divorces and
remarriages. Many people hear our programs over the radio or
see me on television and attend our crusades.
Often,
those who answer our altar calls for salvation are from unsaved
homes and have messed up in their lives. Their conversion,
to the Lord Jesus Christ, however, is genuine! These
individuals receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and are
baptized and become burning witnesses for Jesus Christ.
Often, they have been married and divorced and remarried, possibly
2 or 3 times. What do you do in cases like these?
Since
the Holy Spirit has accepted them and Jesus has added them to His
body, the Church, who are we to reject them? We have no
right to turn them away since Jesus has not turned them away!
WE MUST RECEIVE THEM, believing that God has done a work in their
lives as He did in ours.
St.
Paul warns in his letter to the Romans, "For
whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn
(the first in rank) among
many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He
also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom
He justified, then He also glorified."
(Romans 8:29-30)
If
God has called and saved someone, we have not right to criticize
or lay upon them a heavier burden than we could bear or which
Christ would ask them to bear! Notice the words of the
Apostle.
"Who
shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect" It is
God that justified. Who is he that condemneth? It is
Christ that died, year rather, that is risen again, who is even at
the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."
(Romans 8:34-35)
IF
GOD HAS JUSTIFIED SOMEONE, I DARE NOT CONDEMN HIM
The
Scripture tells us that God gives the Holy Ghost to those who obey
Him. Often, He fills people with the Holy Ghost whom we
wouldn't, people whom we personally feel are not ready to receive
the Holy Ghost; yet God fills them, before we have a chance to ask
them to rearrange their lives.
We
should allow God to do His business in the way He so desires,
instead of trying to do everything our way. The Bible says:
"We
are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost,
whom God hath given to them that obey Him."
(Acts 5:32)
LEAVE
THEM IN THE CARE OF JESUS, THE SAVIOUR
If
a marriage is failing, we should try to salvage it! If a man
or woman is divorced and remarried once, twice or whatever, I
believe they should remain in the married state they are presently
in. I do not believe people should force re-marriage between
spouses two or 3 marriages removed. That causes nothing but
confusion, especially where there are children involved.
If
a family receives Christ, regardless of how many times they have
been married, it is my belief that they should remain as they are.
It would be wrong to tear children from their parents in the
present relationship. It is incumbent upon us to teach the
newly converted family to serve God and live for Jesus from now
onward. Some teach that the parents should split up and go
back to their original spouses! In most cases that would be
impossible. And even if it were possible, it would involve
the breakup of one, two or more families, which would cause more
trouble than you are trying to rectify. That would be
harming the "little ones" whom God has given us the
responsibility to protect. (Matthew 18:6)
The
break up of a home is no more right in a case like this than any
other case. We cannot sacrifice the lives of precious
children to the whims of some stubborn, pharisaical, senile old
preacher who sits cloistered behind the stained glass windows of
his church, or in a monastery somewhere. When you get into
the mainstream of life and begin to reach souls, lives and
families for Christ you will see the common sense of the Holy
Scriptures as they are applied to real life situations.
St.
Paul said, "But
as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called
every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become
uncircumcised. Is any called in un-circumcision? let
him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing but the
keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in
the same calling wherein he was called."
(1 Corinthians 7:17-20)
MARRIAGE,
DIVORCE & RE-MARRIAGE
Marriage,
divorce and re-marriage is a most complex subject and I believe we
are given some leeway in counseling people in awkward positions,
since St. Paul uses his own philosophy and expounds his own views
a number of times: "But
I speak this by permission, and not of commandment."
(1 Corinthians 7:6) "But
to the rest speak I, not the Lord."
(1 Corinthians 7:12) "But
she is happier is she also abide, after my judgment: and I think
also that I have the Spirit of God."
(1 Corinthians 7:40)
On
very important issues however, St. Paul made it clear that he had
a definite commandment from the Lord! "And
unto the married I command, Ye not I, but the Lord."
(1 Corinthians 7:10)
Very
definitely, when a Christian is married he cannot do as he
pleases. He has certain responsibilities that he cannot
dodge. "Let not the
wife depart from her husband: but and if she depart, let her
remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband, and let not the
husband put away his wife, (1
Corinthians 7:11) PLEASE
NOTE: Paul says that this is the Lord's command! (verse 10)
SUMMARY
OF MARRIAGE, DIVORCE & RE-MARRIAGE (as
I understand it from the Scriptures)
No.
1 - GOD IS AGAINST
DIVORCE - Divorce is
not God's perfect will. Only one ground for divorce -
adultery or fornication - even then it is better to reconcile,
forgive and forget in order to save the marriage and the home.
No.
2 - IF YOU ARE MARRIED
TO AN UNSAVED PERSON, you must stay with him if that is his wish
- Unless, of course, he is beating you or threatening to
kill you, unfaithful to the extent of bringing social diseases
upon you, disrupting the children's mental health or is a sexual
pervert, extreme alcoholic or suffers from uncontrolled mental
illness. NOTICE: Every case must be judged on its own
merits or lack of merits. Love your partner and lead him or
her to the Lord.
No.
3 - IF YOU LEAVE YOUR
HUSBAND OR WIFE FOR ANY REASON OTHER THAN ADULTERY OR FORNICATION
- (I unequivocally add perversion, like sodomy, lesbianism,
homosexuality, bestiality or a fraudulent marriage vow) you are
unable to re-marry.
No.
4 - THE INNOCENT PART
IN A DIVORCE CAN RE-MARRY -
In the Old Testament the innocent party was free to marry, as the
adulteress was stoned to death. In this case the adulteress
or adulterer, not wanting to repent, would be in a backslidden or
sinful state, DEAD IN TRESPASSES AND SINS! God does not hold
you responsible for your partner's sin. The Bible says:
"The soul that sinneth, it
shall die." (Ezekiel 18:4,5)
It doesn't say that the wife or husband must pay for the sins of
their spouse or the parents shall be judged for the sins of their
children. God is not unjust, nor does He judge perversely.
No.
5 - IF YOU ARE MARRIED
TO A PERVERT - If you
find yourself married to a pervert, homosexual, lesbian or
sodomite, you are in my opinion, free to divorce and remarry,
unless they sincerely want to change and try to mend the marriage.
This
is also the case if someone is sexually malformed with an
impediment that he or she withheld from their partner before
marriage, thereby nullifying the marriage. (Mental illness
and schizophrenia could also be included in this list, as well as
bigamists, necromancers and other perverts) Anyone who has
been misled or deceived in these areas has a right to ask for
annulment, since the marriage contract was made under false
pretenses.
No.
6 - HASTY MARRIAGES
ARE VERY FOOLISH -
Spending time together with your intended, as well as his or her
family for a longer period of time in conversation, discussion and
fellowship, would solve most of the problems found in the previous
paragraph.
No.
7 - HAVE YOUR PARENTS
& FRIENDS MEET YOUR FIANCÉE
- Also, make sure your pastor gets to know him or her and
takes time for proper counseling before marriage. Marriage
is too important, vital and long range to rush into without doing
a proper check. Even in breeding purebred horses and cattle,
we check out the pedigree. We can do no less, when it
concerns the future of our children and ourselves.
No.
8 - IF YOU ARE
CONTEMPLATING DIVORCE OR RE-MARRIAGE
- You should seriously consider the Scriptures, as well as
the words of warning, admonition and advice in this book.
And consider your testimony for Christ, the state of your
children, as well as your future.
No.
9 - If you are
messed up, divorced, re-married, or living common-law, come to
Christ and let Him work things out for you
Serve
Christ and teach your family to live for Jesus. If you are
living in a common-law arrangement, you must stop doing it.
If there are no children involved, separate and go back to your
husband or wife if possible. If you are single, let your
partner know that you have decided to serve Jesus and ask them to
the same and that the 'common-law' lifestyle is adulterous and
sinful.
The
Bible says: "Marriage
is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and
adulterers God will judge."
(Hebrews 13:4)
If
a couple has children together out of wedlock, they should get
counseling and give their hearts to the Lord. It is
important that they get married, attend church and refrain from a
sinful lifestyle and train their children in the ways of God.
You
cannot live your life over again, but you can change and live it
differently from today onward. You cannot pick up spilt milk
or unscramble scrambled eggs, but you can take a stand for Christ
now and bring your family to Sunday school and Church, and leave
the past under the Blood of Jesus! He is loving,
compassionate and merciful in His dealings with us.
The
Bible says, "Therefore
if any man be in Christ, He is a new creature: old things
are passed away: behold, all things are become new."
(2 Corinthians 5:17). "Verily,
verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on
Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
(John 5:24)
Above
all, let us teach our young people that marriage is holy and for
keeps, divorce is a result of the hardness of people's hearts and
re-marriage is certainly not a bed of roses. Get things
straightened out in your spiritual life, my friend, seek God for
guidance and be filled with the Holy Spirit. If you obey the
lusts of the flesh you will die spiritually, but if you obey the
Spirit of God you will live. (Romans 8:13-14)
Remember
that God's Word states, "That
which God hath jointed together let not man put asunder."
(Matthew 19:6) When you say, "I will", let it be a
sincere, convincing, decisive answer with a ring of sincerity and
truth to it. Let it truly be "until death do us
part!" Amen.
GOD
IS CALLING US
TO PRAYER
It's
time to listen to the
call of God
by:
Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.
THE
CALL TO PRAYER
The
Bible says, "If My people, which are called by My name, shall
humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their
wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their
sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
PRAYER
IS VERY IMPORTANT - PRAYER IS VITAL
Prayer
is vital, if we are to have communion with God we must pray.
The first prayer everyone needs to pray is:
AN
IMPORTANT PRAYER TO REMEMBER
"O
God be merciful to me a sinner, forgive my sins and save my soul!
I trust in the blood of Jesus Christ to atone for my sins. I now
renounce the devil, all his works & all his ways. I now
receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord in His Name.
Amen".
When
fellowship has been restored with God through prayer, we can pray
for our needs, and pray for others! The Lord's prayer is found in
the Bible chapter of Matthew 6:9-13). The Lord's
prayer is a powerful model:
THE
LORD'S PRAYER
"Our
Father Which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this
day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive
those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil: for Thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13)
SPEND
TIME ALONE IN PRAYER WITH GOD
We
should spend time alone with God in prayer, praise and
thanksgiving; as well as in corporate prayer with fellow
believers!
Jesus
invites: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall
find; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh
receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh
it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)
St.
Jude wrote about the EVIL, FILTHY, LUSTY LIFESTYLES OF MANY.
He warned of the End times - the second coming of Jesus Christ -
the rapture and the coming judgment upon those who continue in
their pernicious, lascivious ways. Then he admonished the
believers: "But ye beloved, building up yourselves on your
most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit." (Jude 20)
ALWAYS
STAY IN THE ATTITUDE OF PRAYER -- PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
We
should always stay in an attitude of prayer. The Bible says,
"Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
The
Scottish preacher, Robert Murray McCheyne stated, "Give
yourself to prayer, and get your texts, thoughts, your words from
God. Luther spent his best three hours in prayer"
Writing
about the martyr George Fox, William Penn stated: "But above
all he excelled in prayer... the most awful, living, reverend
frame I ever felt or beheld, I must say, was his prayer. He knew
and lived nearer to the Lord than other men..."
GOD
DOES ANSWER PRAYERS
John
Wesley - founder of the Methodist Church - stated, "Give me
one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing
but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or
laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the
kingdom of heaven on earth. God does nothing but in answer to
prayer."
Martin
Luther stated, "If I should neglect prayer but a single day,
I should lose a great deal of the fire of faith."
JESUS
SAID, "WATCH & PRAY LEST YE ENTER INTO TEMPTATION"
Jesus
constantly urged His disciples to pray: "Watch and pray, lest
ye enter into temptation." (Matthew 26:41) It was after
an all night prayer session with His Father in Heaven that Jesus
chose His twelve apostles!
And
it was after fasting His forty day fast - being tempted by the
devil in the wilderness - that Jesus defeated Satan's temptations
by using the Word of God to refute and overcome him! The Scripture
records that after His victory over Satan in that temptation that
Jesus "returned in the power of the Spirit" (Luke 4:14),
and great miracles of healing and casting out of demons were
overwhelmingly present in His ministry!
It
was after a ten day prayer meeting that the Holy Spirit fell upon
120 seeking souls on the Day of Pentecost! (Acts 2:1-4)
THE
AWESOME POWER OF PRAYER
Prayer
is the natural outcry from the heart of a human being to his Maker
in response to the tug of the Word of God, implanted within the
conscience.
That
tug is even stronger in the heart of one who has had a visitation
of the Holy Spirit's convicting presence or has heard the gospel
message! The Holy Spirit's call to prayer becomes as
natural and desirous as the call for food at mealtime.
PRAYER
IS THE INNER MAN CRYING FOR HELP, FELLOWSHIP & NOURISHMENT
Prayer
is our inner man crying out for help, fellowship and spiritual
nourishment! It is born out of our need and the assurance that God
is there to meet that need and answer our prayer! To the
individual who has opened his life to the Savior.
PRAYER
IS TALKING, LISTENING & COMMUNICATING WITH OUR MAKER
Prayer
is talking, listening and communing with our Maker as we enter
into the very presence of Almighty God. Prayer is an
intimate fellowship on a "one to one basis" with God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord!
WHEN
WE PRAY, OUR TOTAL MAN BECOMES INVOLVED
When
we pray, our total inner man becomes involved with God. Our
spirit cries out in response to our needs and those of others, as
God plays on our heart strings, encouraging us to share those
burdens with Him.
Our
minds stagger under the weight of sin, fear, worry and care and
our spirits soar both to heights unknown as well as plumb to
incomprehensible depths.
We
groan in the spirit of intercession or exult in the joy of God,
knowing that He is taking control of the situation! And that by
our compassion, care and faith people in need are being convicted,
strengthened, healed and blessed!
As
we pray and weep in travail our eyes redden, our physical strength
is taxed and our body becomes weary! Then the Holy Spirit takes
over and intercedes through us with groanings that cannot be
uttered, and we enter into a new realm as we pray in the Spirit
(unknown tongues), as St. Paul did. (1 Corinthians 14:15)
The
Divine Paraclete (the Comforter - the One sent alongside to help)
helps us as we do not know how we ought to pray. But He comes to
our rescue and prays through us to the Father! The
entire Trinity is involved in our fellowship, as we pray to God
our Father in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord!
Prayer
is mankind's most vital link with Almighty God. It is, in fact,
entering into His very presence with our requests, petitions and
thanksgiving. When we pray, God not only listens but speaks
to our spirits and answers our requests in His own way, according
to His divine and gracious will.
The
scripture says, He is closer than our hands or feet. It is
therefore, not difficult to draw upon His power by reaching out in
prayer and touching Him. The
woman with the "issue of blood" touched Him with her
faith and received an instant miracle. Jesus turned about in the
crowd and asked specifically, "Who touched My clothes"?
Many
rubbed shoulders with Him, but one person touched Him by faith.
She had said within herself, "If I but touch His garment, I
shall be whole." She was made whole, and Jesus declared that
her faith had gotten the job done! (Matthew 9:21)
'Prayer
is talking, listening and communing with God as we enter into the
very presence of the Almighty!'
The
20th Century Bible renders the account this way: Jesus said,
"Someone has touched Me". And they said, "Master,
the multitudes press Thee and crush Thee". But He answered,
"No, someone has made a demand upon My ability".
When
we pray and believe and reach out for a miracle, we make a demand
upon His ability and draw from His great storehouse of blessing,
that which we desire! Another
beautiful aspect of prayer, is that the woman received the miracle
without Jesus knowing she had a need. The miracle was already
accomplished before Jesus was aware of it!
'PRAYER
NOT ONLY CHANGES THINGS; IT CHANGES LIVES!'
The
easiest way for me to illustrate God's provision for us, is to
compare it to a buffet banquet. Many tables, loaded with the best
foods sits in the middle of the room and guests help themselves at
will. The host simply walks among his friends to see if everyone
is getting enough to eat, while the servers keep loading the
tables with fresh supplies!
The
host is not really concerned whether you make one or three trips
to the tables, so long as you get enough to eat. He doesn't watch
to see if you take one leg of chicken or two!
Forgiveness,
healing, blessing and prosperity are all provided for us. We can
have all we need! All we have to do, is reach out by faith and
make a demand on His ability, by praying and by receiving.
Automatically,
when we pray we tap into His resources by faith in His finished
work on Golgotha, the miracle happens!
PRAYER
CHANGES THINGS - GOD ANSWERS PRAYER
Through
prayer and communion with God we can affect the course of this
world and change the complexion of society!
Prayer
changes things! Many situations have been altered, lives changed
and priorities rearranged by spending time in prayer.
Why is
this? God answers prayer! God performs miracles! He is real, and
communion with Him is a glorious reality!
Not
only does prayer change things but it prayer changes people -
prayer changes the lives of the ones prayed for as well as the
persons praying. Thousands of answers to prayer are recorded
regularly in the books of heaven, as well as in the remembrances
of committed Christians.
Miracles
of salvation, healing, preservation, deliverance and prosperity
are common occurrences for those who really believe God's Word and
pray and seek God and appropriate His promises for themselves!
A
person gets a totally new outlook on life when he spends time in
prayer and in God's presence. His priorities change as well as his
desires and goals in life. Prayer can change your disposition and
make you kinder and more caring!
SWEET
HOUR OF PRAYER
The
hymn writer penned these words which have blessed millions down
through the years.
"Sweet
hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
That calls me from a world of care
And sets me at my Father’s throne, Makes all my wants and wishes
known.
In
seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter's snare, By thy return, sweet
hour of prayer."
THE
CALL TO FAITH
The
twin pillars of the Christian Church are REPENTANCE and FAITH. St.
Paul makes that very plain: "Testifying both to the Jews, and
also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our
Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21)
Writing to new converts he said: "For by grace (God's
unmerited favor) are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man
should boast". (Ephesians 2:8-9)
To believe in Jesus Christ and receive Him into your life is to
have faith! Faith is a fact but faith is also an act, because
faith requires corresponding action!
The Bible says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life". (John 3:16)
When you have faith in God, you will believe the Gospel of Jesus
Christ and dedicate your life in His service! Real faith
transforms a person's lifestyle, because faith in God works
miracles in people! "Therefore if any man be in Christ,
he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all
things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
HOW
DO WE RECEIVE FAITH?
According
to the Holy Scriptures, God has given each one of us faith to
believe in Jesus Christ, His Son and be saved: ..."think
soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of
faith." (Romans 12:3)
He has placed His Word within our conscience and our spirit which
came from God! (Romans 7:22-25) The Word of God also creates
faith! "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the
word of God." (Romans 10:17) God has called us to a
life of faith and worship, through Jesus Christ His Son!
The Bible says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped
for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is
impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe
that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek
Him". (Hebrews 11:1,6)
WHAT
IS FAITH? FAITH IS THREE THINGS:
1)
Coming to God with our needs. 2) Believing that God exists and
that He is Who the Bible says He is. 3) Expecting a miracle (an
answer) when you pray!
'Faith in the Father & faith in the Son, Faith in the Holy
Ghost, three in the One
Demons will tremble & sinners awake, Faith in Christ Jesus
will anything shake!'
Faith is also a gift as well as a fruit of the Holy Spirit!
"To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of
healing by the same Spirit;" (1 Corinthians 12:9)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." (Galatians 5:22)
THE
CALL TO SEPARATION
Jesus
calls us to righteous, holy and pure living! The Bible says,
"But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in
all manner of conduct." (1 Peter 1:15)
Sanctification is the process by which believers are set apart for
God and His service, to be made holy and purified from sin by His
gifts and graces and our determined will to do that which is
right!
We cannot do this in our own power. The Scripture says, "But
of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom,
and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption." (1
Corinthians 1:30)
St. Paul admonished, "For this is the will of God, even your
sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That
every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in
sanctification and honor."
"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto
holiness." (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4, 7)
God sets us apart through the divine process of redemption and the
infilling of the Holy Spirit, but we must separate ourselves
totally and completely unto Him, in order that His miraculous
provision will work within us!
THE BIBLE CLEARLY STATES THAT GOD DESIRES HIS PEOPLE TO LEAD PURE,
WHOLESOME LIVES - NOT LIKE THE PAGAN - AND BE SEPARATED FROM THE
EVIL PRACTICES OF LYING, WITCHCRAFT, HATRED, GAMBLING, IDOLATRY,
SODOMY AND ADULTERY. HIS WORD TEACHES PURITY OF THOUGHT, WORD AND
DEED!
St. Paul declared, "Wherefore come out from among them, and
be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing;
and I will receive you." (2 Corinthians 6:17)
God promises to be our Father, if we believe His Word and live by
it! In His dealings with Israel. He demanded that they
separate themselves from idols and the pagan practices of the
heathen! "But I say, that the things which the Gentiles
sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would
not that ye should have fellowship with devils." (1
Corinthians 10:20-21)
As Christians, we are followers of Jesus Christ and must not try
to drag Him down to the filth in which the ungodly live, but allow
Him to lift us to the place of purity and wholeness which He
exemplifies.
HE
SAVES US FROM SINS --NOT TO LIVE IN OUR SINS!
The
Bible says, "If a man therefore purge himself from these
(carnal, sinful & dishonorable pursuits) he shall be a vessel
unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and
prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but
follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call
on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:21-22)
Again
God's Word states, "Having therefore these promises, dearly
beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2
Corinthians 7:1)
THE
CALL TO DEDICATION
The
word dedicate means to "set apart and consecrate to a divine
being. To give wholly or earnestly to a patron, friend or
purpose". It is in this sense I now use this word. We
should be willing to give ourselves wholly and earnestly unto the
cause of righteousness, loving God and our fellowman!
The Bible does not compromise. It is clear in its teachings that
if we do certain things, God will bless and prosper us! And if we
do not, there will be no blessing!
Here is His clarion call to dedication: "And be not
conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)
This stern admonition was sent to former pagans, who had converted
to Christ. St. Paul demanded that they break from evil, lustful
and perverted deeds and live in purity as Christians!
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CHRISTIAN THIEF OR A CHRISTIAN LIAR OR
A CHRISTIAN DRUNKARD, CHRISTIAN DRUG ADDICT OR CHRISTIAN
HOMOSEXUAL, OR A CHRISTIAN FORNICATOR!
When Christ comes into our hearts, the Holy Spirit does a work in
us whereby we are liberated from the lusts and perversions of this
wicked old world! He admonishes Timothy and all of us:
"but thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight
the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou
art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many
witnesses."
"I give thee charge in the sight of God, Who quickeneth all
things, and before Christ Jesus, Who before Pontius Pilate
witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment
without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus
Christ:" (1 Timothy 6:11-14)
It is certainly a slap in our face, when Muslims and other
non-Christians reject Christianity because of the lewd way in
which our so-called Christian society conducts itself!
I hasten to say that the rock and roll music, loose living,
pornography, abortion, alcoholism and perversion, which is so
prevalent in our society, is in no way Christian! On the contrary,
it is anathema! It is sad to hear Muslim leaders saying that
they do not want their people contaminated with "the
abominable practices of sodomy, pornography, drug abuse, obscene
rock & roll music and alcoholism, which are rife in Western
Christian culture!"
ABSTAIN
FROM ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL
The
Bible says, "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and
pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul:
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas
they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good works,
which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of
visitation". (1 Peter 2:11-12)
We are instructed, "Abstain from all appearance of
evil". (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
May Jesus Christ always be our example. He was perfect in all
respects Jesus Christ was SINLESS in deity and
humanity - yet was obedient to the cross, suffering for our sin
and shame, so that He could save us and bring us to God!
The Bible says, "Looking unto JESUS the author and finisher
of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before him endured the
cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of
the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
Jesus, "...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".
(Philippians 2:6-8)
St. Paul was totally dedicated: "I am debtor both to the
Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the
unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel
to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel
of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one
that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek".
(Romans 1:14-16)
THE
CALL TO CONSECRATION
Consecration
is the act of obedience, when we privately and publicly make a
statement that we have given ourselves in dedication for God's
service!
In like manner, as we consecrate a church building or musical
instruments to God's service, so we consecrate our bodies, talents
and riches unto the cause of Christ and His Church! Christ
is calling us to give ourselves wholeheartedly to His cause. To
CONSECRATE OURSELVES unto a life of righteous living and
evangelism!
He is looking for those who will be totally committed to His
gospel, so that His light may shine in this ungodly world.
The Bible says, "...let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience
the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1)
What does that mean to the liar, thief, adulterer, homosexual or
gambler? Pure and simple - STOP DOING THOSE THINGS AND BEGIN
LIVING PURE LIVES!
Jesus said, "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny
himself, and take up the cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will
save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for
My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it". (Mark
8:35-36)
Our Lord requires a full commitment and consecration from us, for
Him to trust us with His authority, gifts and power! He does not
want to be the "fifth wheel" of our existence or a
"fire-insurance policy" kept in a safety deposit box.
He must take center stage in our lives so that our lifestyle will
be pleasing in His sight, and effective in our relationship to
others!
Jesus, Who is our grand example, "set His face" to go to
Jerusalem where He knew He would die upon a rugged cross and
become "a curse for us", in order to purchase our
salvation! (Galatians 3:13)
St. Paul said, "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart?
For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem
for the Name of the Lord Jesus". (Acts 21:13)
Again he stated, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the
time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I
have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" (2 Timothy
4:6,7)
The great apostle was totally dedicated to Jesus Christ. His life
was consecrated to His Gospel!
Martin Luther emphasized: "I live as though Jesus Christ was
crucified yesterday, arose today & is coming again
tomorrow." The great leader of the Protestant
Reformation was consumed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that
is why God used him so mightily to bring back the simplicity,
truth, purity & power of Christ’s Gospel to a corrupt,
idolatrous and backslidden Church!
This is the commendation given by the leaders of the Primitive
Church regarding the preachers they sent out: "These are men
that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ". (Acts 15:26)
A proper way to consecrate ourselves to God is through a
'Disciplined Christian Life'! Fasting & prayer is a good way
to humble ourselves before God and to become consecrated wholly to
God and His Kingdom!
THE
CALL TO SERVICE
Jesus
declared, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;
but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15)
The paramount duty of the Christian is to communicate the gospel
to our fellowmen by our chaste lifestyles, honesty, compassion and
wholesome outlook. We are 'saved to serve'!
Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the
first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang
all the law and the prophets". (Matthew 22:37-40)
The only road to true happiness is going God's way, walking the
Gospel road, by loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves!
LET
US ALWAYS FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE:
"Do
unto others as you would have them do unto you". (Luke 6:31)
Born
again Christians automatically seek the "high road of
life" after an encounter with 'Jesus of Nazareth'. We are
concerned about the needs of others - spiritual, emotional and
physical - because our lives have been changed: "Therefore if
any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed
away; behold, all things are become new". (2 Corinthians
5:17)
Angelic
beings brought the message of Christ's victory to the disciples,
at the empty tomb on that first resurrection morning. They said,
"Come and see the place where our Lord lay, and go and tell
His disciples.." (Matthew 28:6, 7)
It
is incumbent upon all Christians to experience God's blessings
through Christ, and then to "go and tell" others the
good news that there is hope for our nation and our world!
AND
THAT HOPE LIES ONLY IN THE PROCLAMATION AND RECEPTION OF THE
GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!
The
Bible says, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached
in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall
the end come". (Matthew 24:14)
Christ
has no hands but our hands, to do His work of preaching and
spreading His Gospel to the ends of the earth. Let us be about our
Father’s business!
CHRIST
IS CALLING US ALL TO COMMUNICATE, SHARE, SPREAD, DISPENSE,
ARTICULATE AND LIVE HIS GOSPEL BEFORE THIS WICKED WORLD, SO THAT
MANY MORE WILL BE SAVED BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!
And
that includes paying our tithes and giving offerings to God's
work. Let us remember the words of our Lord Jesus: "It is
more blessed to give than to receive". (Acts 20:35)
He
also stated: "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)
Sir
Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, but
we make a life by what we give". My question to us all is:
Are we doing our share to spread the Gospel through our giving?
Or
are we guilty of spending too much time & money pampering
ourselves when multitudes are going to a 'Christless Eternity'
because NO ONE HAS SHARED THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST WITH THEM.
William Penn stated: “"f there is any kindness I can show,
or any good thing I can do to my fellow human being, let me do it
now, and not deter nor neglect it. I shall not pass this way
again."
Francis
of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel everyday and if you must
use words...It is in giving oneself, one receives; it is in
forgetting oneself, that one is found; it is in pardoning, that
one obtains pardon". He taught his students that there is no
point in, "walking somewhere to preach, unless you can preach
while you are walking"!
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 instructs: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:
and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you
a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
(1 Peter 3:15)
"Charge
them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, Who giveth
us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be
rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the
time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1
Timothy 6:17-19)
God
loves you, my friend. He has purchased your total salvation
through the death of His Son Jesus Christ Who paid for our sins
with His pure and perfect blood! The
Bible declares that He not only died for our sins on the cross,
but arose from the dead for our justification! (Romans 4:25)
Here
is our Lord's invitation to you: "Come unto Me, all ye that
labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest".
(Matthew 11:28)
Part
1 -
Christians identity crisis
Part
2 - Do we know who we are?
Part
3 - God has made the Divine call - It's time
Part
4 - God's call to PRAYER
IS
EVIL INHERENT
OR
LEARNED BEHAVIOR?
by:
Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.
"For
My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me the
fountain of living water and have hewn themselves out cisterns,
broken cisterns that can hold no water." (Jeremiah 2:8-13)
ARE
WE BORN EVIL OR DO WE LEARN EVIL?
Many
years ago, on Canada Day, I was a guest of Radio CJCA's Ron
Collister show. For many years I joined that popular host
and his listeners in lively debates, on interesting and relevant
topics.
Our
July 1 program featured the very important subject, 'Is evil
inherent or is evil a product of environment or learned behavior?'
Is a person born with the propensity to do evil, or is evil a
learned behavior?
IS
GOOD OR EVIL WINNING IN OUR WORLD TODAY?
Ron
Collister asked each caller the same question he asked me:
"Which of these - good or evil - in winning in our world
today?"
Most
of the callers seemed to think that the scourge of evil was
dominating our society and winning big time. The callers
felt that evil was ruling this world.
INCREASE
OF EVIL IS A SIGN OF THE LAST DAYS
My
answer mirrored the words of Jesus when he referred to the
increase of evil as a sign for the last days: "Because
iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
(Matthew 24:12)
"As
it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the
Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives,
they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into
the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all."
"Likewise
also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they
bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same
day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from
heaven, and destroyed them all. Even this shall it be in
the day when the Son of man is revealed." (Luke
17:26-30)
HOW
EVIL WERE CONDITIONS ON EARTH BEFORE GOD SENT THE FLOOD?
The
conditions on earth were VERY EVIL when God sent the flood
& the conditions on earth were VERY EVIL when God wiped out
Sodom & Gomorrah with fire & brimstone!
The
conditions on earth were very evil during those 2 time
periods. Here is the Bible record of the EVIL that existed
during those 2 events:
"And
God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and
that every imagination of his heart was only EVIL
continually. And it repented the Lord that He had made man
on the earth, and it grieved Him in his heart. And the Lord
said, I will destroy man....." (Genesis 6:5-7)
Again
Moses reports: "The earth also was corrupt before God, and
the earth was filled with VIOLENCE." (Genesis 6:11)
DID
GOD DESTROY THE EARTH WITH THE FLOOD DUE TO MUCH EVIL ON THE
EARTH? What about Sodom & Gomorrah? Were the
people evil?
The
people of Sodom & Gomorrah was so IMMORAL, EVIL & VIOLENT
that when two angels visited Lot - to evacuate him and his family
before the destruction began - the men of the city demanded
that Lot bring out the two strangers so they might sodomize them!
"But
before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom,
compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from
every quarter. And they called unto Lot, and said unto him,
Where are the men which came into thee this night? bring
them out unto us, that we may know (have sex) them."
(Genesis 19:4-5)
When
Lot refused, the large crowd of homosexuals tried to break down
his door, TO COMMIT GANG RAPE! They told Lot to get
out the the way, warning him: "Now we will deal worse with
thee than with them." (Genesis 19:4-9)
THE
HOMOSEXUALS IN SODOM & GOMORRAH WERE VIOLENT, EVIL &
BRUTAL
Please
NOTE...The homosexuals in Sodom & Gomorrah were extremely
evil, violent and brutal. They threatened Lot with violence
and punishment if he refused to turn over these two young
strangers to satisfy their EVIL and perverted lust.
The
angels forcibly rescued Lot and smote the attackers (the men of
the city of Sodom & Gomorrah) with blindness, in order to
prevent them from tearing down the door.
OUR
WORLD IS NOW AS EVIL AS THE DAYS OF THE FLOOD & SODOM &
GOMORRAH
Wow!
That is strong and hits very close to home! When you
consider what is presently happening in the world today, violence,
evil, hatred and immorality is at an all time high, sexual
morality is almost non-existent. The violence and evil is all
over this earth, this world, and we are in days as EVIL as the
time of Sodom & Gomorrah.
St.
Paul warns that evil will escalate as we near the last days,
the end of this age.
EVIL
WILL INCREASE GREATLY AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE LAST DAYS
"This
know also, that in the last days PERILOUS TIMES SHALL COME.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,
unholy,"
"Without
natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent,
fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady,
high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God."
"But
evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and
being deceived." (2 Timothy 3:1-4, 13)
Again,
he admonished: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in
the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and DOCTRINES OF DEVILS;"
"Speaking
lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot
iron." (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
When
you consider the recent evil, brutal and horror filled deaths of
eight foreigners in Uganda's National Park by Rwandan rebels, it
is not hard to believe that they were very unconscionable.
A
study of the horrible raping and killing of dozens of young women
by pornography sadist Ted Bundy, and the serial killings of dozens
of young homosexual men - whom he first sodomized - by pervert
killer John Wayne Gacy proves that consciences can become seared.
The
killing of little children by their mothers like Jones of Alabama,
and recently the three small children killed by their mother, as
well as the killing of parents by children like the Menendez case
when the 2 Menendez brothers brutally murdered their mom and dad
for their wealth is ample evidence of the evil that reigns in the
heart of lost and depraved humanity.
No
wonder the prophet declared: "The heart is deceitful above
all things and desperately wicked: Who can know it?"
IN
THE END, RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL TRIUMPH BECAUSE JESUS SHALL RETURN AS
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
I
answered Ron Collister: "Yes, it appears that evil is gaining
ground and at present, may have the ascendancy but in the end,
RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL TRIUMPH. One day, Jesus Christ will
return and put away EVIL for good."
I
interjected that there is however, some good news, a great revival
of righteousness is presently occurring in our world.
Since
the break up of the Soviet Union, a revival of Christianity is
sweeping Eastern Europe. Recent estimates put the figure at
6,000 conversions to Jesus Christ every day.
Although
gangsters, evil and crime is rampant in those countries, yet a
mighty statement of righteousness and goodness is being made
through the successful endeavors of God's people.
I
might add, that in our recent crusade (1992) in Truskavets,
Ukraine - a health resort city which boasts many sanitariums and
draws people from across Eastern Europe - Mikhael Gorbachev's
sister - Galina Sergiovana - answered a salvation altar call to
confess Jesus Christ as her Saviour.
Evangelical
Christianity is so strong in South Korea, the Church is growing
faster than the population in that former Buddhist stronghold! And
in 1986, Newsweek carried a story titled, 'LATIN AMERICA:
TRADITIONALLY ROMAN CATHOLIC RED IS TURNING PROTESTANT BLACK'.
The
large feature article reported that the gospel of Christ as
preached by Evangelical Christians were gaining converts at 400
per hour. That's 9,600 every 24 hours! The 'red' spoke of the
scarlet colors used by Roman Catholic prelates and the 'black'
referred to the Bible carried to church by Protestants.
CHRISTIANS
TORTURED DYING FOR THEIR FAITH
Believers
in Jesus Christ are being tortured in a number of Muslim dominated
countries, and forced to convert to paganism under threat of death
and starvation! A classic case is Sudan, where fanatical Muslims
have since 1989 murdered more than a million black Christians in
an unparalleled "religious cleansing".
They
are being given the ultimatum, "Convert to Islam, or
die". From numerous authenticated reports, we understand that
this present genocide is much greater than that of the demonized
Muslim strongman, Idi Amin, who terrorized Uganda in the not too
distant past.
And
who is presently being granted protection by Saudi Arabia. Several
years ago, 'Newsweek' carried a report by one of their journalists
who had proof that the Muslims of the north were selling black
animist & Christian women as slaves for $15 US. Recently, Rev.
Cal Bombay, long time TV broadcaster with 100 Huntley Street
together with a TV camera crew traveled to Sudan, met the Muslims
and documented the purchase of 319 black Christian & animist
women and girls, into freedom.
After
his initial success, Bombay undertook a second dangerous and
costly journey to purchase the freedom of hundreds more slaves
from their Muslim captors! The 'Canadian Press' quotes
Bombay: "I want the world to know what a rotten thing is
happening in the south of Sudan, by a rogue government that is
fundamentally violent and trying to force people to become
Islamic".
INHUMANE
EVIL TREATMENT OF CHRISTIANS IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES HAS INCREASED
The
inhumane, EVIL treatment of Christians in Muslim dominated lands
today, has to go down in history as comparable to Adolf Hitler's
holocaust of 6 million Jews, Joseph Stalin's murder of 7 million
Ukrainians by starvation in 1933 and Mao tse Tung's genocide of
between 40 to 80 million Chinese.
According
to Dr. David Barrett, an Anglican minister & statistician -
who has been tracking this phenomenon for more than a decade - an
estimated 330,000 Christians are martyred every year, somewhere in
the world - for their faith in Jesus Christ! That is what I
call real EVIL.
Oral
Roberts said a number of years ago: "I don't know how we're
doing it, but somehow we are winning." And Billy Graham
stated, "I have read the last chapter in the book and it
says: 'We win'!"
EVIL
- EXACTLY WHAT IS EVIL?
The
Webster Dictionary meaning of evil: Daniel Webster defines
'evil' as "morally wrong, immoral, sinful, wicked, causing
injury, mischief, trouble, pain, bad, harmful, repulsive".
The
Webster Dictionary meaning of inherent: And his definition
of 'inherent' is: "forming an essential or intrinsic element
of; existing inseparably within an object or person".
Is
the human race cursed with two strikes against it at birth? Could
there be a genetic defect in those who rise to infamy such as
Attila the Hun, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Saddam Hussein,
Jeffry Dahmer or John Gacy?
Or
has this evil come to us because of the fall of our first parents,
Adam and Eve, as the Bible states?
WHAT
ABOUT ENVIRONMENT: home, church, school, friendships,
fraternities? What part does upbringing, training, nurturing,
learning and companionship play in a person's character?
I
BELIEVE THAT EVIL IS BOTH INHERENT & LEARNED
In
more than 40 years of very active Christian Ministry, I have
formulated a definite opinion that - without doubt - EVIL is both
inherent and learned.
The
Bible states, "The wicked are estranged from the womb. They
go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies". (Ps alms
58:3) And, "The scripture hath concluded all under sin".
(Galatians 3:22)
You
don't need to teach infants how to lie. We've all seen them do
that even before they can talk. Holding a cookie behind his back,
little Billy will shake his head saying, "No, I didn't raid
the cookie jar".
St.
Paul blames Adam for our fallen condition: "Wherefore, as by
one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death
passed upon all men, for that all have sinned". (Romans 5:12)
THE
REMEDY or ANTIDOTE AGAINST EVIL
Then,
he gives us the antidote or remedy against EVIL. "For as by
one man's (Adam) disobedience many were made sinners, so by the
obedience of One (Jesus Christ) shall many be made
righteous". (Romans 5:19)
Again,
the Bible says, "For all have sinned and come short of the
glory of God; Being justified freely by His grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus". (Romans 3:23-24)
Here,
we find the dilemma of the human race. We were born with a nature
that is at enmity with God. We are sinners by birth, by nature and
unfortunately, sinners also by choice.
But
God, sending His Son to die for our sins - as our substitute -
paid the ransom price to purchase our salvation. Through His
grace, we receive a new nature and are born again from above.
Here
is the good news, then: "For the wages of sin is death; but
the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord". (Romans 6:23) In the letter to the Romans, St.
Paul agonizes over the fact that.
"For
I know that in me (that is in my flesh), dwelleth no good thing:
for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is
good I find not, for the good that I would I do not: but the evil
which I would not that I do."
"O
wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this
death?" THEN HE GIVES US THE KEY: "For the law of the
Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of
sin and death". (Romans 7:18, 19, 24; 8:2)
EVIL
IS ALSO A LEARNED BEHAVIOR
The
Bible verifies this as well: "Be not deceived: evil
communications corrupt good manners". (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Here
are a couple of true sayings: "Birds of a feather flock
together", and "Show me who your friends are and I'll
show you who you are".
It's
a known fact that most child abusers were themselves abused as
children. And the majority of perverts were themselves corrupted
by older relatives, friends or authority figures.
Sad
to say, the fourth case involving molestation of young boys in the
Edmonton area - a number of years ago - was reported
among the Uncles-at-Large membership.
Homosexual
child molesters know how to infiltrate places of respectability,
influence and position of authority among the most vulnerable to
their advances, namely teenage boys.
Proof
of this has been documented and reported far too often in the past
few years, about young Canadian hockey players sexually
manipulated, intimidated and perverted by coaches and others
working around hockey arenas.
EVIL
HOMOSEXUAL SEX CRIMES IN THE NHL
Our
hats go off to NHL hockey player Sheldon Kennedy - who fingered
well-known hockey coach, the homosexual predator, who is now
serving time in prison for his EVIL sexual crimes.
It
is no wonder the sodomist community around the world rejoiced in
jubilation when OUR GUTLESS CANADIAN GOVERNMENT, against all
decency - lowered the legal age of homosexual activity to 14,
something which the child molesters who have been lusting after young
boys have desired for years.
RONALD
REAGAN CALLED FORMER SOVIET UNION an "evil empire"
COMMUNISM
- EVIL OF EVILS! US President Ronald Reagan called the
former Soviet Empire an "evil empire" and he was right!
Now we know the enormity of the crimes of that wicked system, with
Eastern Europe bankrupt economically and the ecology so terribly
polluted that it will take billions of dollars and decades of hard
work to bring things back to normal there.
The
Bible says that God will destroy those who destroy the earth!
(Revelation 11:18) The callous attitude of Soviet Communists
toward human life and the ecology has brought God's judgment upon
them.
GOD
WARNS US ABOUT PEOPLE "WHO CALL EVIL GOOD AND GOOD EVIL"
God's
Word warns about those who, "call evil good and good
evil". (Isaiah 5:20) Prophet Amos exhorted, "Seek good
and hate evil". (Isaiah 5:14-15) And Moses warned: "Thou
shalt not follow a multitude to do EVIL". (Exodus 23:2)
THE
LORD'S PRAYER: Deliver us from Evil
Jesus
knew that we would be targeted by the "enemies of
righteousness", who seek our destruction. Being in "all
points tempted" like ourselves. He knew that we would be
tempted, tried and buffeted by the flesh, the world and the devil.
He
gave us 'His Model Prayer'; so that we would know how to pray and
what to pray about, in order to receive strength from Almighty
God! Our Lord declared: "Even so every good tree
bringeth forth good fruit; but a good tree cannot bring forth evil
fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."
"Wherefore
by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:17-20)
Again
Jesus stated: "For out of the heart proceed EVIL thoughts,
murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,
blasphemies:" (Matthew 15:19)
10
YEAR OLD BOYS COMMITTING MURDER - NOW THAT IS EVIL
The
tragic killing of two-year-old James Bulger in Liverpool, England
a number of years ago by two ten-year old boys certainly tells us
something about EVIL.
How
the two boys could have conceived in their hearts to trick a
little toddler -- who had walked away from his mother in a
shopping mall - into accompanying them to his death is
inconceivable! - Except for one thing ..
THERE
IS A REAL DEVIL and he came only to "STEAL, KILL &
DESTROY", and the devil is to blame! But so are
parents who refuse to serve God themselves, and have no regard for
their children's spiritual upbringing.
And
now, the golden text of the Bible: "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)
Jesus
said: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into
the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because THEIR
DEEDS WERE EVIL". (John 3:19)
He
invites us all: "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are
heavy laden and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28)
WE
CAN NEVER BECOME GOOD ENOUGH, IN OUR OWN STRENGTH, TO PLEASE GOD
OR BECOME RIGHTEOUS:
ONLY
THROUGH THE ALL-ATONING DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS FOR US,
CAN WE ATTAIN RIGHTEOUSNESS OR GOODNESS.
The
Bible says, "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us
from all sin"! (1 John 1:7)
And
St. Paul states: "If any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new
creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become
new". (2 Corinthians 5:17)
FOR
BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED
"For
by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good
works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in
them." (Ephesians 2:8-10)
"For
unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given...of the increase
of His government and peace there shall be no end....with justice
from henceforth even for ever." (Isaiah 9:6)
God
is eternal and infinite. He does not think with a finite
mind as we do! His thoughts and actions reflect His
omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence and eternalness.
God's
plans and purposes for this universe and all of us, were
formulated in His mind before He created the foundations of the
world.
He
cannot make a mistake, lie or be wrong in His intentions of deeds,
for He is totally righteous, all knowing and all wise.
EVERYTHING
GOD DOES IS FOR ETERNITY
He
knows the future and sees the pitfalls and snares that await our
stumbling feet. And He helps us, protects us from the devil,
the world and ourselves! In these the last days, the last days
before Christ returns in the blessed Rapture, God is protecting
his children from evil.
WHY
ARE WE SO IMPORTANT TO GOD?
Firstly,
we were made in His image. Secondly, Jesus personally died
for our sins and finally, through the new birth, we are a part of
Him - his body.
The
words, "there shall be no end" and "for ever",
show the eternal purposes of God in the birth of Christ. THE
INCARNATION WAS SERIOUS STUFF.
The
moment, of God the Son - wrapping Himself in human flesh - coming
down to save us, was deliberately and perfectly timed and
executed.
"But
when the fullness of time was come, God sent His Son, made of a
woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law,
that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians
4:4-5)
This
wasn't an after thought or a fill in. The decision to send
King Messiah to this earth, was communicated to Satan - the
adversary - immediately after Adam and Eve's tragic fall.
"And
I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed
and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shall bruise His
heel." (Genesis 3:15)
Here,
God promises a "virgin born" savior (her seed),
Who would conquer Satan through His substitutionary death.
In the process, the Savior would suffer a minor wound (bruise His
heel), and Satan would be totally defeated (bruise his head).
Although
Jesus suffered more than any man, was wounded and marred for our
total salvation, it was minor because He laid down His life of His
own free will. (John 10:15-18)
Satan
could not take it from Him! And He arose again on the third
day, destroying Satan and his power over us!
"Forasmuch
then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also
Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He
might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the
devil;" (Hebrews 2:14)
FROM
THE INCARNATION TO THE RESURRECTION, AND THROUGHOUT THE 'GOSPEL
AGE', GOD HAS CONTINUED THE EXECUTION OF HIS ETERNAL WILL, THROUGH
HIS CHURCH, THE CALLED-OUT-ONES.
This
is why it is so important that we live with "eternity in
mind". All our plans and goals should reflect this mind
set, in our relationships to God, the Church - His body - and the
world! We need to prepare, in these last days, for eternity, for
Christ's return and to spend eternity in heaven with God.
Let
us study the Word, pray, witness and give joyfully, to help build
His eternal Kingdom.
Jesus
said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom
of God. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born
again." (John 3:3,7)
The
Bible makes it clear that, "He who hath the Son hath
everlasting life: and he who believeth not the Son shall not see
life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36)
That
means that all those who do not personally know Jesus Christ, must
receive Him as Savior and Lord in order to be saved.
IS
THERE A REAL HEAVEN & A REAL HELL
St.
John emphasized: "If we receive the witness of men, the
witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He
hath testified of His Son. He that believeth on the Son of
God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God
hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God
gave His Son.
And this is the record, that God hath given to
us eternal life, and this life is in His son. He that hath
the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not
life. These things have I written unto you that believe on
the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal
life, and that ye may believe in the name of the Son of God."
(I John 5:9-13)
HERE
IS THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH - All who reject Jesus Christ and refuse to
receive Him as Lord & Savior are calling Almighty God a LIAR,
"because he believeth not the record that God gave of His
Son." (I John 5:9-10)
Do
you think for one moment that anyone will escape the judgment of
God when they reject Jesus Christ - His gift to the world - and
call Him a liar?
That
is serious stuff, since He is the judge of the entire world!
How do you think an earthly judge would react if someone in his
courtroom called him "a liar"? He would
immediately be guilty of 'contempt of court' of worse.
St.
Paul puts it all in perspective when he says, "For if the
word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and
disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we
escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began
to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that
heard him." (Hebrews 2:2-3)
In
the Apocalypse, St. John warns: "And the DEVIL that
deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where
the BEAST and the FALSE PROPHET are, and SHALL BE TORMENTED DAY
AND NIGHT FOR EVER AND EVER. And I saw a great white throne,
and Him that sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven
fled away; and there was found no place for them."
"And
I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books
were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of
life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books, according to their works."
"And
the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell
delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged
every man according to their works. And death and hell were
cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast
into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:10-15)
HERE
IS THE GOOD NEWS
Jesus
invites, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
"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)
May
the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father and
the fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all,
both now and forevermore.
WHAT
DOES THE BIBLE SAY
ABOUT SIN
A
discussion of sin is very important to anyone who believes in God
and wants to live for Him. If you accept the existence of a Creator, your next
major concern is to please Him. Consider...an Omniscient,
Omnipotent Being is responsible for your existence. Your
continued well-being is totally dependant upon His whim. Is
it not in your best interest to determine what He desires of you,
what is acceptable and unacceptable to Him.
SIN
SEPARATES US FROM GOD
Sin,
put as simply as possible, is that which is unacceptable to
God. It is what angers God. It is what separates man
from God, and from the possibility of ultimate happiness.
Since the Bible is the word of God, it is logical to go to it to
find out about sin. This is an important initial
point. If you want to know what sin is, and what things are
sinful, you must go to God to find out...NOT MAN.
Many
do not believe that dressing immodestly is sin. Others go so
far as to think there is nothing sinful about lying, getting
drunk, gambling or cursing. Are abortion, homosexuality,
racism sin? You can always find someone who will deny such things
are sinful. But it doesn't matter what man may think about
such things. The question must be, "What does the Bible
say about sin?"
It
is only in asking this question that we can know what God
considers sinful And it is only in knowing what God
considers sinful that we can ensure we are pleasing to Him.
THE
DEFINITION OF SIN
The
Greek word translated "sin" in the Bible is an
interesting term. It, (hamartano) literally means "to
miss the mark". Think of it this way. In shooting
an arrow from a bow, if you arrow flies beyond the target or falls
short of it, if it veers to the right of the target or to the
left, you "miss the mark."
If
in our lives we go beyond the will of God, doing things God has
said not to do; if we fall short of the will of God by not doing
these things commanded by God; if we veer away from God's will,
doing things for which we have no authority, we "miss the
mark" or we sin.
As
John states in 1 John 3:4, "Whosoever committeth sin
transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of
law."
So,
sin is lawlessness. God has revealed to us His law and His
will. The Bible is the final authority on sin and its
consequences.
WHAT
DOES THE BIBLE SAY IS SIN
So,
what is sinful and what is not sinful? The Bible clearly
states the things that are sinful in the eyes of God.
In
the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul identifies a list of sins
as 'works of the flesh'. "Now the works of the flesh
are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings,
murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of which I tell
you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which
do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
(Galatians 5:19-21)
All
things that are in conflict with the nature of God and God's will
are sinful.
WHAT
ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN?
Sin
is serious. Sin is repugnant to God and there are consequences to
sin. Sin separates us from God. "Behold, the LORD'S
hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy,
that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between
you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that
he will not hear." (Isaiah 59:1-2)
Sin,
in separating you from God, separates you from life. Paul
rejoiced in the fact that we can be forgiven from our sins and do
not have to be separated from God.
"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 2:13-15) All
of us are "dead" in our trespasses (sins) until we
receive forgiveness.
If
we remain in our sin, and die without having our sins forgiven, we
are consigning ourselves to an eternal death and punishment,
separated from God for eternity.
There
are many examples of dire consequences of sin in the Old
Testament. Below are a few examples:
Because
of their sin, Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden,
and were denied access to the tree of life. (Genesis 3)
God
destroyed the world with a flood because of wickedness and
ungodliness. (Genesis 6-8)
Sodom
and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire and brimstone because of the
wickedness and sin, and the abomination of homosexuality (Genesis
19)
The
Bible tells us of these recorded events to serve as examples of
the consequences of sin and disobedience to God.
The
LORD saved the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt but
afterward destroyed some of them because of their unbelief and
disobedience. This is documented in the book of Jude as
follows:
"I
will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this,
how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of
Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
And
the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own
habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness
unto the judgment of the great day."
Even
as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner,
giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange
flesh, ARE SET FORTH FOR AN EXAMPLE, suffering the
vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 1:5-8)
These
examples show us that there are many physical consequences to
sin. We only need to look as far as to our current society
to see the truth of consequences to sin.
We
see a world plagued with addictions, drug abuse, teenage
pregnancy, crime, anarchy and hatred. In government and
business we see greed, dishonesty and slander as the norm.
Division and the rejection of Bible truths is characteristic of
religious denominations in our times. All of these things
have figured prominently in destroying the homes and lives of so
many. The devil has been very thorough in his work.
But
even though the physical consequences are great, the spiritual
consequences of sin are even greater and more devastating.
In the book of Galatians Paul spoke of the eternal consequences of
disobedience and sin.
"Now
the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, "
"Idolatry,
witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies,"
"Envyings,
murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I
tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they
which do such things SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD."
(Galatians 5:19-21)
THERE
ARE ONLY TWO DESTINATIONS IN ETERNITY
When
we die, there are only two destinations in which we will spend
eternity. Those who inherit the kingdom of God will spend
eternity in heaven with the Lord. Those who do not
inherit the kingdom of God spend eternity in Hell. The Bible
describes Hell as a place where "their worm dieth not and
the fire is not quenched".
"And
if thy hand offend thee, cut if off: it is better for thee to
enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell,
into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their
worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." (Mark
9:43-44)
Hell
is also described in Matthew as a place of "outer
darkness" where there will be "weeping and gnashing of
teeth". "But the children of the kingdom shall be
cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing
of teeth." (Matthew 8:12)
"In
that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you
see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the
kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out. (Luke 13:28)
"The
Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out
of his kingdom all things that offend, and then which do
iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: they
shall be waiting and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:41-42)
"But
the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into out darkness:
there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 8:12)
THE
CURE FOR SIN
We
are all sinners, no one is exempt from sinning. Every person
alive is guilty of sin, and as such we all face eternal separation
from God. "For all have sinned, and come short of the
glory of God; (Romans 3:23)
Because
God loves each and every one of us so much, and does not want any
to perish, he had to make the ultimate sacrifice to atone for our
sins. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our
place. "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)
Because
God is just, the penalty for sin had to be paid. Because God
cares for us, He sent His Son to pay that ultimate price.
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might e made the righteousness of God in him." (2
Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus is the cure for
sin!
SIN
IS A DISEASE, A SPIRITUAL CANCER
Dear
reader, your eternal well-being is at stake. Sin is a
disease, a spiritual cancer. Sin leads to death, but Jesus
Christ paid the ultimate price for humanity to have a possibility
of rebirth. You can be born again through the precious blood
of Jesus. There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus that asked
Jesus how a person can be born again. Jesus answered him the
following:
"There
was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the
Jews: The same came to Jesus by night and said unto him,
Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher came from God: for no man
can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with
him."
"Jesus
answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of
God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he
is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and
be born?"
"Jesus
answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of
God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that
which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:1-6)
Have
you repented of your sins?
The cure for sin is Jesus. You can turn to Jesus Christ and
repent of your sins. The invitation is open to all, no exceptions.
You can be forgiven and you will be able to stand before the
judgment seat of Christ, secure in the knowledge that your sin has
been removed through the blood of Jesus Christ the Saviour.
"And
Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to
me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never
thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and
believe not."
"All
that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to
me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from
heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."
"And
this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he
hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again
at the last day. And this is the
will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and
believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him
up at the last day." (John 6:35-40)
I
pray that you will turn to Christ, and have your sins forgiven
before it is too late.
 WHAT MUST
I DO TO
BE SAVED?
Jesus
said, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Yes,
my dear friend, God is still in the business of setting men and
women free from their sins, sorrows, heartbreaks, fears and
troubles. In this age of frustrations, nervous tensions and
mental collapses, Jesus Christ is still granting peace to the
troubled, joy to the discouraged, strength to the weary and
healing to the sick!
1
- You must admit that you are a sinner
The
Bible says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of
God”. (Rom. 3:23) “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have
turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the
iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)
2
- You must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God
You
MUST believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that Jesus died
on the cross, was buried and rose again from the dead.
“That
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal
life. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: buot he that
believeth not is condemned already.” (John 3:15,18) “Verily,
verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on
Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)
 3
- You must repent of your sins
The
Bible says, “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
(Luke 13:3) “Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous
man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will
have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon”.
(Isaiah 55:7)
4
- You must receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour
The
Bible says: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,
but have everlasting life”. (John 3:16)
“Behold,
I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open
the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he
with Me.” (Rev. 3:20) “He that hath the Son hath life: and he
that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5:12)
5
- You must confess Jesus Christ as your Lord
The
Bible says: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him
from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is
made unto salvation”. (Romans 10:9-10)
“…Whosoever
shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man confess
before the angels of God: But he that denieth Me before men shall
be denied before the angels of God.” (Luke 12:8, 9)
HOW
DO I INVITE
JESUS CHRIST INTO MY LIFE?
Pray
to God, a prayer - from your heart.
Tell Him that you
are a sinner and that you need forgiveness. Tell him that
you believe Jesus Christ died for your sins. Tell him that
you are willing to change, to turn away from sin. Ask Jesus
Christ to come into your heart and life and be your personal
Saviour.
"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 1:12)
"Therefore
if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2
Corinthians 5:17)
If
you prayed and ask Jesus Christ into your heart - YOU HAVE NOW
RECEIVED THE GIFT OF SALVATION - YOU HAVE BECOME A CHILD OF GOD.
God Bless You.
-
Powerful AUDIO Bible sermons/messages
by: Pastor Max Solbrekken
- click on
message to listen -
Bible
Scriptures verses on marriage
 marriage,
divorce, re-marriage, adultery
(King James Version
- KJV)
Ephesians
5:22-24 - (kjv) -
"Wives,
submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the
head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives
[be] to their own husbands in every things." Ephesians
5:25-28 - (kjv) -
"Husbands
love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave
Himself for it: That He might sanctify and cleanse it with
the washing of water by the word. That He might present it
to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any
such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He
that loveth his wife loveth himself."
(Ephesians 5:25-28) Ephesians
5:29-33 - (kjv) -
"[Whoso]
findeth a wife fideth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the
LORD.." Proverbs
18:22 - (kjv) -
"For
no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth
it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his
body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a
man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his
wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great
mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife
even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her]
husband." Hebrews
13:4 - (kjv) -
"Marriage
[is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers
and adulterers God will judge." Genesis
2:242-24
- (kjv) - "And
the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman,
and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now
bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called
Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a
man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his
wife: and they shall be one flesh.." Proverbs
21:9 - (kjv) -
"[It
is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a
brawling woman in a wide house." Proverbs
19:14 - (kjv) -
"House
and riches [are] the inheritance of fathers: and a a prudent wife
[is] from the LORD." 1
Corinthians 7:39
- (kjv) - "The
wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her
husband is dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will;
only in the Lord." Deuteronomy
24:5 - (kjv) -
"When
a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither
shall be be charged with any business: but he shall be free at
home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath
taken." Psalms
128:1-4
- (kjv) - "Blessed
is every one that feareth the LORD; That walketh in his
ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands.
Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy
wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine
house: Thy children like olive plants round about thy
table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that
feareth the LORD." Deuteronomy
24:1-3
- (kjv) - "When
a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that
she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some
uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement,
and give [it] in her hand, and send her out of his house.." Matthew
19:3-9
- (kjv) - "The
Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him,
It is lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he
which made [them] at the beginning made them male and
female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father
and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be
one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one
flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not mean
put asunder. They
say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of
divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses
because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away
your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say
unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for
fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and
whoso marrieth her which put away doth commit adultery. Mark
10:6-9 - (kjv) -
"But from the beginning of the creation God made them male
and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and
mother, and cleave to his wife, And they twain shall be one flesh:
so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." Mark
10:12 - (kjv) -
"But from the beginning of the creation God made them male
and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and
mother, and cleave to his wife, And they twain shall be one flesh:
so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." 2
Corinthians 6:14
- (kjv) - "Be ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" 1
Timothy 3:3
- (kjv) - "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of
one wife." 1
Timothy 3:12
- (kjv) - "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,
ruling their children and their own houses well.." 1
Peter 3:12
- (kjv) - "Likewise, ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own
husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without
the word be won by the conversation of the wives;" Ephesians
5:3-5
- (kjv) - 'But fornication and all uncleanness, or
covetousness, let it not be once among you, as becometh saints;
Neither filthiness....For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor
unclean person....hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ
and of God." Hebrews
2:14-15
- (kjv) - "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of
flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same;
that through DEATH He might DESTROY him that had the power of
death, that is the DEVIL; And to DELIVER them who through fear of
death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." 1
Corinthians 13:4-7
- (kjv) - "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of
flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same;
that through DEATH He might DESTROY him that had the power of
death, that is the DEVIL; And to DELIVER them who through fear of
death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Matthew
5:32 -
(kjv) - "But I say unto you,
that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of
fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall
marry her that is divorced commiteth adultery." 1
John 4:4 -
(kjv) - "Greater is He that is in you, that he that is in the
world." 1
Corinthians 7:10 -
(kjv) - "And unto the married I command, Ye not I, but the
Lord." 1
Corinthians 7:11 -
(kjv) - "Let not the wife depart from her husband: but and if
she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her
husband, and let not the husband put away his wife, 1
John 5:14-15 -
(kjv) - And
this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us: .. And if we know that
he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions
that we desired of him. Philippians
2:13 -
(kjv) - For
it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good
pleasure. Romans
8:32 -
(kjv) -
He that spared not his own Son, but
delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely
give us all things?
Bible
Scriptures verses on prayer
power
of prayer, the Lord's prayer, importance of prayers
(King James Version
- KJV)
1
Thessalonians 5:17 - (kjv) - Pray without ceasing. Mark
11:24 - (kjv) - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever
ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye
shall have [them]. Philippians
4:6 - (kjv) - Be
careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Ephesians
6:18
- (kjv) - Praying
always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints; James
5:16 - (kjv) - Confess [your]
faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be
healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much. Romans
8:26 - (kjv) - Likewise the
Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we
should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. John
15:7 - (kjv) - If
ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye
will, and it shall be done unto you. Matthew
21:22 - (kjv) - And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in
prayer, believing, ye shall receive. 1
John 5:14-15 - (kjv) - And this is the confidence that
we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will,
he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we
ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. Matthew
6:5 - (kjv) - 5) And
when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hyprocrites [are]: for
they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of
the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto
you, They have their reward. Matthew
6:6 - (kjv) - But
thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast
shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy
Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew
6:7 - (kjv) - But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as
the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their
much speaking. Matthew
6:8-13 - (kjv) - After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy
kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the
power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Colossians
4:2 - (kjv) - Continue in prayer, and watch in the same
with thanksgiving; Psalms
55:17 - (kjv) - Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I
pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Psalms
118:5 - (kjv) - I called upon the LORD in distress: the
LORD answered me, [and set me] in a large place. Matthew
18:19 - (kjv) - 5) -
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as
touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them
of my Father which is in heaven. Hebrews
4:16 - (kjv) - Let
us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Matthew
26:39 - (kjv) - And he went a little further, and fell on his
face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this
cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt]. Mathew
6:8-13 - (kjv) - After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy
kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the
power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Isaiah
55:6 - (kjv) - Seek ye the LORD while he may be found,
call ye upon him while he is near: Psalms
127:13 - (kjv) - Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD:
[and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward. 2
Chronicles 7:14 - (kjv) - If my people, which are called
by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face,
and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and
will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Matthew
7:7 - (kjv) - 5) -
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you: Psalms
88:13 - (kjv) - But
unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer
prevent thee. Psalms
55:16 - (kjv) - As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD
shall save me. Joshua
1:8 - (kjv) - This book of the law shall not depart out
of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that
thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written
therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then
thou shalt have good success. 1
Thessalonians 5:18 - (kjv) - In every thing give
thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you. 1
Timothy 2:8 - (kjv) - 5) -
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting. James
4:10 - (kjv) - Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Luke
6:12 - (kjv) - And it came to pass in those days, that he went
out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to
God. Acts
7:34 - (kjv) - I have seen, I have seen the affliction
of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groanings,
and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send
thee into Egypt. Jonah
2:1 - (kjv) - Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God
out of the fish's belly. Proverbs
15:8 - (kjv) - 5) -
The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but
the prayer of the upright [is] his delight. Psalms
9:20 - (kjv) - Put
them in fear, O LORD: [that] the nations may know themselves [to
be but] men. Selah. James
4:8 - (kjv) - Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye]
double minded. John
17:1-26 - (kjv) - 5) -
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and
said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also
may glorify thee: Acts
1:14 - (kjv) - These
all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the
women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 2
Corinthians 12:8 - (kjv) - For this thing I besought the Lord
thrice, that it might depart from me. John
16:24 - (kjv) - Hitherto
have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that
your joy may be full. James
5:17 - (kjv) - Elias was a man subject to like passions as we
are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained
not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. Romans
8:26-27 - (kjv) - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our
infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:
but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings
which cannot be uttered. Acts
9:40 - (kjv) - But
Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and
turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she
opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Exodus
14:15 - (kjv) - And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest
thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go
forward: James
4:2 - (kjv) - Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire
to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not,
because ye ask not. Hebrews
11:6 - (kjv) - But without faith [it is] impossible to
please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,
and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Ephesians
3:20 - (kjv) - 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, John
16:23 - (kjv) - 5) -
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing, Verily, verily, I say
unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will
give [it] you. Mark
9:29 - (kjv) - And
he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by
prayer and fasting. Matthew
26:36 - (kjv) - Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place
called Gethsemane, and saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here,
while I go and pray yonder. Psalms
40:1 - (kjv) - (To
the chief Musician, a Psalm of David.) I waited patiently
for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. Psalms
22:2 - (kjv) - O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou
hearest not; ;and in the night season, and am not silent. 2
Kings 20:11 - (kjv) - And Isaiah the prophet cried unto
the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which
it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz. Daniel
9:3 - (kjv) - And I set my face unto the Lord God, to
seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and
ashes: 1
Samuel 1:10 - (kjv) - And she [was] in bitterness of
soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. Matthew
5:44 - (kjv) - 5) -
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew
7:7-9 - (kjv) - Ask,
and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it
shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and
he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be
opened. Matthew
14:23 - (kjv) - And when he had sent the multitude away, he
went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was
come, he was there alone. Judges
16:28 - (kjv) - And
Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I
pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God,
that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. Romans
15:13 - (kjv) - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power
of the Holy Ghost. Romans
12:12 - (kjv) - Rejoicing in hope; patient in
tribulation; continuing instant in prayer Romans
10:13 - (kjv) - 5) -
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts
2:42 - (kjv) - And
they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. John
16:26 - (kjv) - At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say
not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: John
15:16 - (kjv) - And
Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I
pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God,
that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. John
9:31 - (kjv) - Now
we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a
worshipper of God, and doeth his will, for he heareth. John
4:24 - (kjv) - God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him
must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. John
4:23 - (kjv) - But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true
worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for
the Father seeketh such to worship him. Luke
18:1 - (kjv) - And he spake a parable unto them {to this
end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Luke
11:1 - (kjv) - 5) -
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place,
when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us
to pray, as John also taught his disciples. Mark
13:33 - (kjv) - Take
ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Mark
11:25 - (kjv) - And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have
ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may
forgive you your trespasses. Mark
1:35 - (kjv) - And
in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out,
and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. John
9:31 - (kjv) - Now
we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a
worshipper of God, and doeth his will, for he heareth. Matthew
18:20 - (kjv) - For where two or three are gathered together
in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Psalms
4:1 - (kjv) - (To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of
David.) Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness:
thou hast enlarged me {when I was} in distress; have mercy upon
me, and hear my prayer. Ephesians
6:18 - (kjv) - Praying always with all prayer and supplication
in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and
supplication for all saints;
Bible
scriptures verses on
REPENTANCE,
SALVATION, FORGIVENESS
(King James Version)
1
Thessalonians 5:17 - (kjv) - Pray
without ceasing.
1
Peter 3:12 - (kjv) - The
eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His
ears are open unto their prayers but the face of the Lord is
against
them that do evil."
2
Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as
some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not
willing that any should perish, but that all should come to
repentance.
John
3:5 -
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be
born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
kingdom of God.
Acts
2:38 - (kjv) - Then Peter
said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1
Peter 3:12 - (kjv) - The
eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His
ears are open unto their prayers but the face of the Lord is
against
them that do evil.
Luke
24:47 - (kjv) - And that repentance and remission of sins
should be preached in his name among the nations, beginning at
Jerusalem.
John
6:37 - (kjv) -
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that
cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John
3:16 - (kjv) -
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.
Ephesians
2:8-9 - (kjv) - For
by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
[it is] the gift of God.
Luke
13:3 - I tell you, Nay: but,
except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Mark
16:16 - (kjv) -
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned.
Acts
4:12 - (kjv) - Neither
is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Romans
1:16 - (kjv) -
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power
of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew
first, and also to the Greek.
John
5:24 - (kjv)
- Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and
believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall
not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.
2
Timothy 1:9 - (kjv) - Who
hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according
to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which
was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
Ephesians
1:3-23 - (kjv) - Blessed
[be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed
us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ.
2
Corinthians 5:15
- (kjv) - And [that] he died for all, that they which live should
not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for
them, and rose again.
1
John 5:11 - (kjv) - And
this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and
this life is in his Son.
1
Peter 1:5
- (kjv) - Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Hebrews
5:9 - (kjv) - And
being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him;
Hebrews
2:10 - (kjv) - For
it became him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all
things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of
their salvation perfect through sufferings.
Hebrews
7:25 - (kjv) - Wherefore
he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God
by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
1
John 5:11 - (kjv) - And
this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and
this life is in his Son.
Hebrews
6:4 - (kjv)
- For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and
have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the
Holy Ghost.
Titus
2:11 - (kjv) - For
the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Acts
28:28 - (kjv) - Be
it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent
unto the Gentiles, and [that] they will hear it.
Romans
13:11 - (kjv) - 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.
2
Corinthians 5:15
- (kjv) - And [that] he died for all, that they which live should
not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for
them, and rose again.
1
Peter 1:10 - (kjv) - Of
which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched
diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto
you;
Acts
16:31 - (kjv) - And
they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shal be
saved, and thy house.
1
John 4:9 - (kjv) - Not
by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of
the Holy Ghost;
Titus
3:5 - (kjv) - But
we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren
beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen
you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief
of the truth.
2
Timothy 1:10 (kjv)
- But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus
Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and
immortality to light through the gospel;
Peter
3:18-22 (kjv) -
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the
unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the
flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Hebrews
11:6 (kjv) -
But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that
cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder
of them that diligently seek him.
Acts
15:11 (kjv) -
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we
shall be saved, even as they.
Acts
13:39 (kjv0 -
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from
which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
John
6:35 (kjv) -
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh
to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never
thirst.
Revelation
21:6 (kjv) -
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst
of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Ephesians
1:3-5 (kjv) -
Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath
blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in
Christ:
Galatians
3:1 (kjv) O
foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should
not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been
evidently set forth, crucified among you.
Galatians
2:16 - Knowing
that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the
faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that
we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works
of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be
justified.
2
Corinthians 5:17
(kjv) Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
John
15:5 (kjv) - I
am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I
in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can
do nothing.
John
15:4 (kjv) -
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit
of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye
abide in me.
John
10:16 (kjv) -
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I
must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be
one fold, [and] one shepherd.
John
6:47 (kjv) -
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath
everlasting life.
Amos
5:4 (kjv) - For
thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye
shall live:
Psalms
7:7 (kjv) - So
shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their
sakes therefore return thou on high.
Revelation
7:10 (kjv) And
cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which
sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
James
2:18 (kjv) -
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew
me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by
my works.
Hebrews
13:8 (kjv) -
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
1
Timothy 1:16 (kjv)
- Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus
Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them
which should hereafter believe on him to everlasting.
Ephesians
2:10 (kjv) -
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good
works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Acts
3:19 (kjv) - Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your
sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come
from the presence of the Lord;
John
20:31 - But
these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his
name.
John
14:6 - Jesus
saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John
6:44 (kjv) - No
man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:
and I will raise him up at the last day.
John
3:3-12 (kjv) -
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Romans
5:8 (kjv) - But
God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us.
John
15:1 (kjv) - I
am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
John12:36
(kjv) - While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be
the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and
departed, and did hide himself from them.
John
11:25 - Jesus
said unto him, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that
believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John
8:24 (kjv) I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die
in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die
in your sins.
John
6:65 (kjv) And
he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me,
except it were given unto him of my Father.
John
6:47 (kjv) -
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath
everlasting life.
John
5:25 - Verily,
verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the
dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear
shall live.
CONTACT
INFORMATION
For further spiritual counsel,
prayer or gospel literature, please contact us!
www.mswm.org
www.maxsolbrekken.com
email: max @maxsolbrekken.com Max
Solbrekken World Mission, PO Box 44220, RPO Garside, Edmonton,
AB T5V 1N6 (780) 460-8444
The House of Prayer, New Sarepta, AB (780)-941-2372
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