FREEDOM
 from Satan & Sin through 
JESUS CHRIST
by:  Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

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

HOW TO RECEIVE TOTAL FREEDOM THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

How can you be free from sin, receive freedom from the binds of satan, freedom from guilt, fear, worry, sickness & guilt?  There is one solution and that power lies in our redeemer, Jesus Christ our LORD.

(I) THE DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST WAS NO ACCIDENT!

It was part of an elaborate plan formulated in Heaven before the foundations of the world were laid! The Bible speaks, "...of the Lamb slain from the foundations of the world." (Revelation 13:8)

St. Peter declared, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things...But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God". (1 Peter 1:18-21)

And the Holy Scriptures state unequivocally, "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel, and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain;" (Acts 2:23) The amplified Bible translates this verse thusly, "...according to the definite and final purpose and settled plan and foreknowledge of God..."

(II) JESUS CHRIST CAME INTO THE WORLD ON A HOLY MISSION!

"For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17)

Jesus declared, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

THERE IS ONLY ONE SAVIOR

FREEDOM FROM SIN, FREEDOM FROM SATAN, FREEDOM FROM GUILT, JESUS CHRIST GIVES US FREEDOM FROM THE BINDS OF SATAN

St. Peter stated, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved". (Acts 4:12)

The Bible says, "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. Who gave Himself a ransom for all..." (1 Timothy 2:3-6)

Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me". (John 14:6)

(III) JESUS CHRIST WAS BORN CRUCIFIED!

He was born to die. He came to purchase our salvation through His sacrificial, vicarious (substitutionary) death for us on the cross.  As the sacrificial lambs died on the altars in Jerusalem, Jesus Christ died on the cross as the 'Lamb of God'. That's why John the Baptist could point to Jesus of Nazareth as "…the Lamb of God, which taken away the sins of the world". (John 1:29)

The Bible says, "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission (forgiveness) for sin". (Heb. 9:22) "It is the blood that maketh atonement (covering) for sin". (Lev. 17:11) "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son cleanseth us from all sin". (1 John 1:7)

Isaiah prophesied Jesus’ death 700 years before His birth in Bethlehem of Judaea! "Surely He hath borne our grief's (hebrew: kholee-sickness) and carried our sorrows (hebrew: makob-pains) yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-5)

(IV) CHRIST'S DEATH ON THE CROSS DEFEATED SATAN & DESTROYED HIS POWER OVER US

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

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son:” (Col. 1:13)

“Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, Who hath raised Him from the dead. 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.” (Col. 2:12-15)

The writer to the Hebrews (probably Paul. Martin Luther believed Appollos was the author) confirms the staggering victory Jesus Christ obtained for us through His efficacious death on Golgotha.

"...that through DEATH He might DESTROY him that had the power of death, that is the DEVIL: And DELIVER them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Hebrews 2:14-15)

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:13-14)

“And they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony...” (Revelation 12:11)

(V) THROUGH HIS SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH & GLORIOUS RESURRECTION, WE ARE SAVED & MADE ONE WITH CHRIST!

"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)  “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6)

"In Whom (Christ) also we have obtained an inheritance...In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.

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

The Bible says that we shall be declared righteous in God’s sight. “...if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead: Who was delivered for our offences (sins), and was raised again for our justification."

St. Paul declared, "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved); And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus". (Ephesians 2:5-6)

“THEREFORE IF ANY MAN (PERSON) BE IN CHRIST JESUS, HE IS A NEW CREATION: OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

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

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” (Col. 3:2-4)

(VI) THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST HAS PURCHASED ETERNAL LIFE & TOTAL FREEDOM FOR US

FREEDOM FROM SIN, FREEDOM FROM SATAN, FREEDOM FROM GUILT, JESUS CHRIST GIVES US FREEDOM FROM THE BINDS OF SATAN

Jesus Christ says, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free". (John 8:32) You may ask "What is truth"? Pontius Pilate asked our Saviour those same words during His infamous trial.

He was speaking to the ULTIMATE TRUTH and didn't know it. Jesus Christ is truth personified. He was God in the flesh! He is the Living Word of God and the Holy Bible is the written Word of God!

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us..." (John 1-4, 14)

In his epistle, St. John confirms that Jesus is the Logos, the Word of God.  "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of Life;...declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:1-3)

Jesus said, "I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE..." (John 14:6) Not only is He the only way to God and the Ultimate Truth but Jesus is the life! AND SINCE HE IS LIFE, WE CAN RECEIVE LIFE FROM HIM!

The Bible says, "In Him (Jesus) was life; and the life was the light of men". (John 1:4) "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."     

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live...For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself;" (John 5:24-26)

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life." (John 6:47-48)

Jesus said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

(VII) THE HOLY SPIRIT GUARANTEES OUR SALVATION

By trusting in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, we are born again and receive eternal life. The Bible says, “In Whom (Jesus Christ) also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest (GUARANTEE) of our inheritance of the purchased possession...” (Eph. 1:13-14)

Here is the staggering truth - the Baptism of Holy Spirit is the guarantee that God's seal is upon us and the Blessed Holy Spirit Himself is 'the Guarantor' Who guarantees that we are the Children of God. We are going to make it to Heaven. He has already given us Eternal Life!  

His guarantee will last until we are glorified and presented unto our Heavenly Father by Jesus Christ Himself! "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." (Jude 24)

Jesus declared, “My Father, Which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand”. (John 10:29)

A WORD OF WARNING

A word of warning is necessary here: God’s promises are conditioned upon our willingness to obey or not obey Him. “No man can pluck us out of God’s hand”, but a believer can unilaterally walk away from God through deception, pride, bitterness, hatred, lust or rebellion!

In such case, God’s mercy would no longer be covering that individual because He cannot force anyone against his own will to love God!

St. Paul again confirms the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers who trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Who was preached among you by us… was not the yeah and nay (yes and no) but in Him was year (yes)."         

“For all the promises of God in Him are yeah (yes), and in Him (Jesus Christ) the amen (even so be it), unto the glory of God by us. Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, in God:

“WHO HATH SEALED US, AND GIVEN US THE EARNEST (PART PAYMENT OR DEPOSIT) OF THE SPIRIT IN OUR HEARTS.” (2 Cor. 1:19-22)

Jesus promises believers, however: “...and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (age)”. (Matt. 28:20)  And St. Paul confirmed His words in Hebrews 13:5: “...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”.

Jesus used a double imperative (gr.) which makes His promise even stronger. He actually said, “I WILL NEVER, NO NEVER LEAVE THEE. I WILL NEVER, NO NEVER FORSAKE THEE”.   

St. John declared, “Beloved, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:1, 2)

FREEDOM FROM SIN, FREEDOM FROM SATAN, FREEDOM FROM GUILT, JESUS CHRIST
 GIVES US FREEDOM FROM THE BINDS OF SATAN

In closing this brief paper, I present these awesome words from our Master: "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be FREE INDEED". (John 8:32, 36)

SALVATION
 - Are you searching for happiness?
Jesus Christ is a life altering experience !
by:  Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

Jesus Christ said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

JESUS CHRIST OFFERS SALVATION AND A NEW LIFE

Are you searching for happiness?  Has life become meaningless and have things turned out much differently that you thought they would?  Read these words of hope and encouragement and find out how to get a new life with Jesus Christ.

HOW TO RECEIVE SALVATION AND JESUS CHRIST -  AND BEGIN YOUR NEW LIFE & A LIFE ALTERING EXPERIENCE

Jesus Christ can offer you a new life.  Jesus Christ is a life altering experience....and its free.  

Perhaps you have lost your job, or lost your family.  Maybe you have become addicted to alcohol or drugs in the search for happiness.

You may have lost your ambition or even your faith in God or of other people.  You may feel there is nothing left in life and no where to turn.  Read these words and find the answers on how to get a new life.

Jesus Christ can offer you what you are looking for.  He can offer you a brand new life.  Jesus Christ can completely change your life and fill you with peace, joy and happiness.  You will have hope for the future and hope for all eternity.

Jesus Christ said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  (Matthew 11:28)

THE WORLD HAS BECOME A SELFISH, COLD PLACE

We are living in a world that has become a very selfish, cold place to live in and life can at times seem  very hard to bare.  Jesus Christ is your answer for a new life, for a new future and for a reason to continue with your life.  Let Jesus Christ become your life changing experience.  Once you turn to Jesus, you will not want to return to your old life.

You may think you have done so many things wrong that nothing can repair your life.  You may have a criminal record or be involved in illegal activity.  There is hope for you, Jesus Christ will not turn even the worst person away.  Read the words of Jesus Christ and find the wonderful truths that can give you salvation and new life.

#1 - FOR ALL HAVE SINNED

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."  (Romans 3:23)

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

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3:10)

"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 - GOD HATES SIN BUT HE LOVES THE SINNER

"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. God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."  (John 3:16-17)

"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)

#3 - GOD WANTS ALL MEN TO BE SAVED

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."  (1 Timothy  2:3-4)

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter  3:9)

#4 - JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS SO WE COULD BE FREE

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  (Romans  5:8)

"...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..."  (1 Timothy 1:15)

#5 - JESUS CHRIST AROSE FROM THE DEAD AND HAS THE POWER TO SAVE US

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

"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)

"...and Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37)

#6 - HE WILL SAVE THE VERY WORST SINNER

"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." (Hebrew  7:25)

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah  1:18)

#7 - WE RECEIVE HIM INTO OUR HEARTS BY FAITH

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

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."  (Acts 16:31)

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:18)

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43)

#8 - A NEW LIFE IS OPENED UP FOR YOU

"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)

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And Iwill put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." (Ezekiel  36:26-27)

#9 - ONLY JESUS CAN OFFER SALVATION - ONLY JESUS CAN SAVE YOU

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."  (Acts 4:12)

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life."  (John 6:47)

"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (1 John 5:12)

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  (John 14:6)

"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."  (John 10:9)

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5)

#10 - WHY DO WE ASK YOU TO COME FORWARD TO ACCEPT CHRIST PUBLICLY

"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 therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33)

#11 - WILL YOUR SALVATION LAST ? THAT WILL DEPEND ON YOU !

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."  (Philippians 1:6)

"...For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."  (2 Timothy  1:12)

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:28)

"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:5)

"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished." (2 Peter  2:9)

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy." (Jude 24)

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans  8:38-39)

#12 - NOW THAT I HAVE GIVEN MY HEART TO CHRIST, WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?

Now that you have given your heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ you will want to attend church regularly.  You will truly want to fully experience this life altering experience.

You should attend a church where pastor and people believe 100% in the Bible - its authority, validity, and infallibility.

I would like to recommend you to attend a church that teaches all that Jesus taught when He was here upon the Earth. I would strongly suggest that you attend a church that is Full Gospel and believes in present day miracles and healing for the sick, wrought in Jesus' name.

I would strongly recommend a church that believes in, and practices Water Baptism by immersion. After you have given your heart to Jesus Christ you will want to follow the Lord's command and be baptized in water.

I would encourage you to attend a church where they believe the Full Gospel and allow the Holy Spirit of God to have His way.

Jesus Christ is the only answer for a new life.  Without Jesus Christ in your life your life, there will always be an empty space in your heart.  But when you accept Jesus into your life, you will fill that empty hole and feel satisfied and whole.

THE BIBLE HAS THE ANSWER TO EVERY QUESTION & EVERY PROBLEM

Always remember that God's word is the final authority and the Bible has the answers to every question and problem. God will lead you and direct you.  You will now have the peace and assurance that not only do you have a new life, but you will go on to live forever with Christ Jesus when you die.  You can know for sure, in your heart, that your future is sealed, and you will live in Paradise with the Lord for all eternity.

Pray the SINNERS PRAYER a few paragraphs down, and believe the words you say.  Jesus Christ the Lord will hear your prayer and your name will be written down in the "Lamb's Book of Life".  You are now a child of God, you have a new Heavenly Father who cares about you.

For further spiritual counsel or prayer for unsaved loved ones, sick and suffering, please write me.  When you write, please let me know if you accepted Christ after reading these words.

MY CONFESSION OF FAITH

As God is my witness I do hereby solemnly declare that I NOW receive Jesus Christ into my heart and life. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for me on Calvary's Cross and rose again from the dead. By His grace and power I will live for Him the rest of my life.

Signature:

Date:

THE SINNER'S PRAYER

Almighty Eternal God, I come unto thee in the wonderful Name of Jesus Christ, thy Son - O Lord be merciful to me a sinner and save my soul from the power of the evil one. I now renounce the devil and all his works and all his ways and I repent of all my sins which are many. I have sinned against God and against my fellowman. I am willing to forsake my sins, with God's help. I believe that Jesus Christ died for me on the cross - arose again from the dead and is alive forevermore - come into my heart Lord Jesus - I receive you now by faith into my life as my Lord and Saviour.  I receive your gift of a new life and take it gladly.   In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Five Things You Should Know about JESUS CHRIST

NO. 1 ~ JESUS CHRIST  LOVES YOU

"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)

Millions of people have never heard these words - they do not know that the great God of Heaven - the Creator of man and the universe, loves them. Many sit in pagan darkness, fearful, tormented, sick and lost without hope and without peace; still others have heard the message of God’s love but seemingly it has not penetrated their heart or their minds - their understanding had been clouded and their spiritual eyes blinded.

No more beautiful words were ever spoken by men or angels than these, "I know God loves me!" Praise God. Say these precious words and believe them and you will see what a change will be affected within your life.

NO. 2 ~JESUS CHRIST KNOWS ALL ABOUT YOU

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

In every situation of life God knows about you during every trial, heartbreak and discouragement. In the temptations and struggles of life Jesus knows about us and makes a way of escape. (1 Corinthians 10:13) He knows and He is ready to help  - Say it to yourself, "God knows about my existence and loves me - His eyes are upon me and I know everything will be alright."

NO. 3 ~ JESUS CHRIST CARES ABOUT YOU

"Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Life often seems like a rat race with dog eat dog and whoever gets in first gets what he needs and whoever gets in last misses everything. People can often be hardhearted and cruel.  Circumstances and situations can make life almost unbearable and many times Satan has filled peoples' hearts and minds with such tremendous disillusionment and depression that they have in utter hopelessness taken their own lives.

The hymn writer penned the words, "What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and grief's to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!" I am thrilled with the great news of God's love every time I hear it.  I am thrilled that He loves me, knows all about me and that He cares about me, cares about my difficulties and my needs. Thank God “He knows and He cares"! Praise God! Say it to yourself - "I know God cares about me and will help me."

NO. 4 ~ JESUS CHRIST DIES FOR YOU

“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans  5:8)

“Oh love of God so rich and pure, so measureless and strong. It shall forever more endure, the saints and angels song."

You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. No wonder the Apostle John wrote, “We love Him because He first loved us”. There is a word that is seldom used in today’s world but one which is probably one of the most powerful in our vocabulary. It is the word “Apodeictic” and it means “Evident beyond contradictions”. It is one of my foremost words because it relates to the gospel and to Christ our wonderful Lord. When you speak about God, His power, His words, His promises, His grace, His goodness and His mercy and love - the word Apodictic covers them all.

Evident beyond Contradiction! His existence is so real that only a fool could try to contradict the fact. No wonder the Bible says, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God”. (Psalm 14:1)

THE LOVE OF GOD IS APODICTIC - EVIDENT BEYOND CONTRADICTION - CALVARY PROVED THAT

“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)

“A rugged cross, became His throne. His kingdom was in hearts alone. He wrote His love in crimson red, And wore the thorns upon His head.” Praise God. What a wonderful Saviour. He died that we might live - that is real love and no one can dispute it.

He died for me and He died for you - Say it to yourself, “Jesus Christ actually died for me in order to save me”.

NO. 5 ~ JESUS CHRIST AROSE FROM THE DEAD AND WILL HELP YOU TODAY

A dead man has no power to help anyone - He cannot even help himself! That is why so many traditional churches and nominal Christians receive no answers to their prayers and have no victory in their lives. They believe in and worship a dead Christ. They wear crucifixes that have a resemblance of Christ, dead on the cross. Beloved friends, the cross is empty - Jesus Christ is alive for evermore with all power at His disposal.

He has the power to set His children free from every bondage and situation in which we find ourselves that is embarrassing, improper, humiliating and painful.

“Lo behold the man of sorrow, lo behold Him in plain view. There He stands that mighty conqueror, since He rent the veil in two."

“I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer and just the time I need Him, He’s always near. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me, along life’s narrow way. You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.” Hallelujah.

The very essence of Christianity, the heart of the gospel and the foundation truth of the church is that Jesus Christ, God’s Son died upon a cross for our sins and that He was raised from the dead on the third day for our Justification! (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Of all religions only Christianity can boast a resurrection and only Christ is a Saviour, for He only is Alive Forevermore. Praise His Name.

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY

No wonder Peter said, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”. (Acts 4:12)

Why? Because the name of a dead man can save no one but Jesus is not dead HE IS ALIVE FOREVERMORE! Hallelujah. 

His entire ministry while upon this earth revolved around preaching the gospel, healing the sick, forgiving the sinful, restoring the diseased back to health, feeding the hungry and raising the dead. 

When He was crucified His ministry came to an end abruptly - until 50 days later - after He had risen from the dead and spent 40 days with His disciples He ascended into heaven and poured out upon His followers the “Baptism of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4)

Then His ministry continued greater than ever through those who believed upon Him - The blind saw, the deaf heard, the lame walked, the dead were raised and the gospel was preached to multitudes.

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping and praising God.” (Acts 3:1-9)

“And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

“Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” (Acts 5:12-16)

THE GREAT COMMISSION

It is evident the Book of Acts is a continuation of the ministry of Jesus Christ through His followers by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that it is God’s will for His power to continue to bring blessing and healing to His people in every generation until the church age is over and Christ sets up His kingdom and ushers in the millennium.

Notice His words to all who believe, “And he said unto them, 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. And these signs shall follow them that believe, In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover”. (Mark 16:15-18)

The Holy Bible says, “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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

If you are called, you are saved and if you are saved, the baptism of the Holy Ghost and power is for you! Again see what St. James writes to the church, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him”. (James 5:14,15)

THE SCRIPTURE CANNOT BE BROKEN

Now in closing let us see what Jesus Himself said concerning praying and receiving an answer..

“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 7:7,8)

“Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:11-14)

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mark 9:23)

“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.” (Matthew 18:19)

“If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7)

My beloved friend, Jesus Christ is indeed alive and waiting to hear from you. If you will accept Him as your personal Saviour and trust in Him you will definitely receive answers to your prayers and the assurance that all is well with your soul, for He has promised and guaranteed you that His word is true and the scripture cannot be broken. (John 10:35)

Amen.