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.

SALVATION
 THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION OF YOUR LIFE
by: Pastor Max Solbrekken

DON'T FORGET - YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.  Destiny is NOT CHANCE, your decisions affect your destiny

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."   -William Jennings Bryan

WE INFLUENCE AT LEAST 400 PEOPLE IN OUR LIFETIME - 

The decisions we make, the attitudes we exhibit and the way we conduct our lives have an enormous influence on a lot of people.  Children copy the actions of their parents, co-workers watch and are affected by your decisions.  It has been estimated, by experts in the funeral business - that most of us will influence at least 400 people in our lifetimes.   

ARE YOU A GOOD INFLUENCE OR A BAD INFLUENCE - ARE YOU MAKING GOOD DECISIONS?

And the question arises: Am I influencing people in a good or a bad way? Am I steering them toward the "straight and narrow" path, or am I nudging them down to the "broad and wide" precipice?

ARE YOU A GOOD EXAMPLE & INFLUENCE ON  YOUR CHILDREN, FAMILY & FRIENDS

What kind of role models are we?  What kind of role model are you for your children, what kind of role model as a Christian?  What sort of impressions do we leave in the minds of our children, grandchildren, friends and neighbours?

What are we teaching our kids about God, eternity and everlasting life?

Are we teaching our children, our offspring to be responsible, productive and God-fearing, or are we sloughing-off with the non-caring attitude: "What can I do? No one listens to me anyway! I've done my share, let someone else do it"!  Are you preparing your children for eternity, have you taught them about God and are you being a good example to them.

Parents & Grandparents have an enormous opportunity and responsibility to leave behind a legacy of honesty, fairness and compassion. It is incumbent upon us all to bequeath to our loved ones - not only material things - but those of enduring value, like truth, faith, hope, love and unselfishness!

DECISIONS - YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

It is a proven fact that we reap what we sow, and the harvest is always more than the planted seed. Having grown up on the farm, I can vouch for that!

And as a clergyman, preacher and counselor to thousands of people for more than three decades, I am forced to concur that the "wild oats of immorality" pays off in bushels! I have listened to many stories of grief and heartbreak from the lips of backsliders and willful sinners!  The same is true with respect to good planning, dependability, hard work and a balanced lifestyle!  

Reform Party Leader Preston Manning touched a raw nerve some time ago, when he addressed the problem of Canada's deficit; with regards to unemployment insurance and welfare.

He spoke about getting people off welfare by eliminating the economy-crippling deficit, which is threatening our survival as a wealthy nation! Manning zeroed in on "fifth generation welfare people"!

WE ARE OUR CHILDREN'S ROLE MODELS - ARE WE MAKING GOOD DECISIONS ?

That brings home the point of this booklet. Many people on welfare in this country have known nothing but the welfare state, because their parents and forbears before them were their role models. And they were on welfare!

The danger is that we can get stuck in a situation where there seems to be no way out and eventually - if we don't make up our minds to resolve the problem - it is possible to get comfortable in a negative situation, taking it as normal.

I'm happy to say that my Norwegian maternal grandfather, Ole Heskin who immigrated to Canada in 1904, followed by my parents Anne & Ingvar Solbrekken in 1927, refused to accept government assistance in the "hungry thirties", wanting to make it on their own. And they did!

THE MESS WE ARE IN IS DUE TO OUR DECISIONS

I believe that a good share of our problems must be laid at the feet of greedy, vacillating and weak-kneed politicians, who have for years made unrealistic promises in order to be elected!

And in some cases, they have intentionally cultivated a certain segment of the population as a ready-made vote-getting-bloc, by keeping them dependent upon their largesse. Nowhere is this more evident than in the U.S. Democratic Party!    

But that is changing too! Many poor black people in the USA are now voting Republican for the first time and shaking themselves free from the Democratic Party's WELFARE STATE POLICY OF DEPENDENCY on government, in order to "get the vote and win the next election" mentality!

And that was the major problem which faced Russian president Boris Yeltsin during their last election. Many of the old guard communists - who ate out of the trough - are willing to sacrifice freedom and support socialism for "the free meal", want the yoke back on their necks!

I am encouraged to see some of Canada’s First Nations Indian leaders speaking out against the welfare system that for decades has kept their people dependent upon government handouts!    

When the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached among them, their lives are changed & many thousands of Canadian Indians are now faithfully serving the Lord!  They are freeing themselves of superstitions, fears, occultism, drunkenness & gambling, and becoming a driving force for good in our nations!

THE FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE ARE PERFECT EXAMPLES OF HOW IMPORTANT DECISIONS HAVE AFFECTED THEIR LIVES

I have spent 40 years preaching the gospel among the First Nation people,  and I believe their potential to affect Canada positively is enormous!

I know they have suffered terribly through sexual & other abuse heaped upon their children by homosexual perverted priests and others during the many years which the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church and United Church operated residential schools in Canada. They are very resilient however, and the Evangelicals & Pentecostals are bringing new life and hope and blessing to them in Jesus’ Name! Hallelujah!

In my opinion, isolating the Indians on reservations with very little access to higher education, treating them as second class citizens, taking away their hunting and fishing rights and the incentive to work - by doling out welfare grants - has done them enormous damage!  

The politicians who did these things are most certainly guilty of failing to plan for "the long haul". And that's a tragedy, when you consider how their present decisions will affect our children and grandchildren!  Regardless of our background, position in life or age, we should all have some goals to aspire unto. Someone said, "People with goals succeed because they know where they are going".

WE NEED TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN MORALS, TRADITIONS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR DECISIONS

For those of us who have children or grandchildren, our burning desire should be to help them grow into wise young men and women, who are able to look after themselves and be of assistance to others.  We need to teach them to make the right decisions for their lives, for their futures and for eternity.

SENIOR CITIZENS ARE IMPORTANT AND THEIR WISDOM, ADVICE AND INTELLECT IS VALUABLE

It is "laziness of mind" which dictates that SENIOR CITIZENS should only vegetate, wither up or blow away! I am adamant in saying that the wisdom and intellect found in older people is one of this nation's greatest resources!

THEN, LET'S USE IT! LET US LOOK TO THE OLDER GENERATION, THE SENIOR CITIZENS FOR ADVICE AND LEADERSHIP!

The Psalmist David understood his role as the leader of Israel and in his old age, his responsibility to pass on godly wisdom to the next generation!     

"O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to every one that is to come." (Psalms  71:17-18)

STORY OF THREE GENERATIONS OF ISRAELI KINGS

In the book of 2 Chronicles we see the effects of pride and self will in the life of King Uzziah affecting his grandson Ahaz, who became an ungodly king. (2 Chron. 28:1)

Apparently, Uzziah's son Jothan, took a lesson from God's severe judgment upon his father (2 Chron. 26:16) and served God and his country well, but Ahaz reverted back to the ways of his grandfather Uzziah!

HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR OLDER ADULTS TO BE GODLY EXAMPLES AND ROLE MODELS TO THE YOUNG! 

When I think about grandfathers, uncles or fathers, sexually or physically molesting their offspring, relatives or any child, it makes my blood boil!

CHILD ABUSE OFFENDERS &  SEXUAL OFFENDERS should be severely punished.  Is this how a positive role model would act towards a child. The decisions these sexual offenders have made, not only will affect them for eternity but will also affect their victims for a lifetime.

In my opinion such people should be arbitrarily horse-whipped in order to learn a lesson and teach others the unacceptability of their actions! And the mandatory punishment of castration should be seriously considered in Canada - as is used in the USA - in the cases of rapists and child sexual predators, perverts and molesters!

Only a warped, sick, demon-inspired mind could conceive of doing harm to babies, little children or women! As well as the elderly!    

And although there have been a barrage of court cases across Western Europe and the USA recently, in which parents and even grandparents have been unjustly accused by money-hungry, demon-deceived psychiatrists and psuedo-psychologists, the terrible problem of incest and child abuse exists on an unacceptably large scale!

Here are the concluding words of a remarkable speech given a number of years ago by Grove Patterson, editor in chief of the Toledo Daily Blade.

"My years in the newspaper business have convinced me of several things, among them that people are basically good and that we came from some place and we're going some place, so we should make our time here an exciting adventure.   

"The Architect of the universe didn't build a stairway leading nowhere and the greatest Teacher of all, the Carpenter from the Galilean plains, gave us the secret time and time again; 'As ye believe, so shall it be done unto you'."

I BLAME SIGMUND FREUD & HIS ILK!

People who like to blame others for their misfortunes often have a hard time forgiving and forgetting the past. Many refuse to let bygones be bygones, so constantly live in a turmoil filled with hate, animosity and bitterness.  I blame Sigmund Freud and his ilk.

My advice to such people is this: "Drop that heavy load. Take your problems to Jesus and let Him look after them. And don't pick them up again, but leave them on God's holy altar"!  

Allow me to share a parting word from George Bernard Shaw:   

"People are often blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances! The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them!"

It is unfortunate that someone couldn’t have gotten through to the weird, kinky father of psycho-analysis before he infected a generation of psychologists & psychiatrists with his erroneous teachings.

Sigmund Freud was not original, however. He learned from Adam who refused to take responsibility for his rebellious & sinful actions.

He blamed the woman - his wife Eve - for his sin and ultimately God, for giving him the woman. “...the woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat”. (Gen. 3:12)

HAVE YOU MADE THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION OF YOUR LIFE

What about you, my dear friend?  Have you made the MOST IMPORTANT DECISION of your life?

The most important decision of your life, my friend, is what you do with the claims of Christ! Whether to believe that He is the Son of God and the Saviour of the world or to reject His claims on your life!

YOUR DECISION WILL DETERMINE YOUR ETERNAL DESTINY

Your decision will not only determine your eternal destiny but will greatly affect the way you live your life, do business and treat your family and your neighbours!

And ultimately, your decision  will affect your children and grandchildren, as they will automatically look to you as a role model! THEY WILL FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS. The decision is yours.

YOUR DECISION WILL AFFECT YOUR CHILDREN

Jesus said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul”? (Mark 8:36-37)

Here, the words of warning from our Lord Jesus: “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

“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)   

The Bible states unequivocally: “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 on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:11-13)

MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION - CHOOSE JESUS

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

“...and him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” (John 7:37) May God bless this nation and may the decisions we make be the wise ones.  Make the most important decision of your life to accept Jesus Christ into your heart.  Make the decision that lasts for all time and eternity.

BIBLE VERSE CAN CURE 
SICKNESS & DISEASE
by:  Pastor Max Solbekken, D.D.

GOD'S HEALING COVENANT

"And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I AM the LORD that healeth thee." (Exodus 15:26)

NONE OF THESE DISEASES

One of the most helpful books in print today is the classic, 'None of These Diseases' by Dr. S.I. McMillan.

The author, Dr. S.I. McMillan, a prominent medical doctor uses humor, common sense and a biblical perspective, in dealing with the causes and cures of today's diseases.

"It is lamentable that peace does not come in capsules", he utters in failure as he remembers the thousands of patients who left his office with "nothing but a prescription for a bottle of pills that would only relieve the symptoms of their illness but not attack the diseases.

The good doctor laments that he now wishes he had rather prescribed his book, 'None of These Diseases', so that a permanent cure could have been affected!  According to Medical Science, between 60 and 100% of all diseases are caused by nervous tension, emotional stress and strain.

Dr. McMillan states that emotions such as fear, sorrow, envy, resentment and hatred are responsible for the majority of our sicknesses and diseases.  And that emotional stress can cause high blood pressure, toxic goiter, arthritis, migraine headaches, apoplexy, heart trouble, gastro-intestinal ulcers and other serious illnesses and diseases.

And recently (about 1996) the American Medical Association released the findings of a nation-wide survey of tens of thousands of their medics. One of the questions dealt with their success ratio in treating patients.  The answer is shocking - Only 10% of patients had received any lasting help through their medical procedures.

MEDICAL SCIENCE HISTORY RESTS ON SHAKY FOUNDATION

Having any problems with falling hair?  What do you do to cover up that bald spot and receding hairline?

Probably the only solution is to massage your head, comb your hair forward, get a toupee or just simply let it fall.

CRAZY CURES FOR DISEASES 3500 YEARS AGO

If you had lived about 3500 years ago you would have gotten very different advice - not from a therapist but from your physician.

He would have quoted from the famous medical authority of that day, Papyrus Ebers.

"When it falls out, one remedy is to apply a mixture of six fats, namely those of the horse, the hippopotamus, the crocodile, the cat, the snake and the ibex. To strengthen it, anoint with the tooth of a donkey crushed in honey."

THE PAPYRUS EBERS - AN ANCIENT MEDICAL WORLD GUIDE - REMEDIES FOR DISEASES 1552 BC

The Papyrus Ebers was published about 1552 BC and occupied a dominant position in the ancient medical world and was one of the leading guides for practicing physicians for a long time.

There are literally hundreds of remedies for diseases in this book, such as lizard's blood, swine's teeth, putrid meat, stinking fat, moisture from pig's ears, milk goose grease, asses hooves, animal fat from various sources, excrete from animals, including human beings, donkeys, antelopes, dogs, cats and even flies.

THROUGH MOSES, GOD MADE HIS HEALING COVENANT WITH THE JEWISH NATION

Moses was born about the time the 'Papyrus Ebers' was written in Egypt.  He was educated in their highest schools of learning - scholars think he was also a physician - as the son of Pharaoh's daughter.

But when God called Moses to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage, he did not borrow from the "occultist clap-trap" in their medical books of disease remedies.  He rejected the highest, most respected medical authority of that day.

Moses' directive was "Heed the voice of God, do right, obey His commandments, keep His statutes and I will heal you".

God did not borrow medical advice from the 'Papyrus Ebers'. His advice to Moses was contrary to the most highly respected medical thought of that day.

THE CHURCH WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN STOPPING THE BLACK DEATH DISEASE

Millions of Europeans died of the disease Leprosy for hundreds of years.  Some physicians thought the cause of the disease Leprosy was eating hot food or the meat of diseased hogs.  Others blamed the disease Leprosy on malign conjunction of the planets.

Approximately 60 million people died from the BLACK DEATH disease in the 14th century.  Dr. George Rosen of Columbia University writes: "Leadership was taken by the Church, as the physicians had nothing to offer.  The Church took as its guiding principal the concept of contagion as embodied in the Old Testament.

DISEASE OF LEPROSY - PEOPLE AFFLICTED WITH THIS DISEASE WERE QUARANTINE

"Once the condition of leprosy has been established, the patient was to be segregated and excluded from the community...it accomplished the first great feat...in methodical eradication of disease."

Possibly, the Church needs to investigate measures to insure that the AIDS epidemic does not leap from high risk groups to the general population, since governmental and medical bodes are again "doing nothing".

For centuries in Europe, multitudes perished from deadly diseases because of improper hygiene, sanitation and sloppy hospitals.  In many villages, human excrement and waste was dumped into the streets, bringing deadly diseases, creating epidemics of typhoid, cholera and dysentery.

GOD HAD GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BURYING OF WASTES 3500 YEARS AGO

The solution to the problem that was causing these deadly diseases, the burying of wastes, had been given by God 3500 years before (in Deuteronomy 23:12-13).

HYGIENE CUT MORTALITY RATE - GOOD HYGIENE STOPPED DISEASES FROM SPREADING

Vienna in the 1840s was famous as a medical center.  One of the most famous teaching hospitals of that  day was Allegemeine Krakenhus.  In its maternity ward, one out of six women died.

Dr. Ignaz Semmelveis discovered that if doctors washed their hands well, after doing autopsies and before examining expectant mothers, the mortality rate dropped drastically.

Dr. Semmelveis was not applauded by the Medical Profession.  However, he was ridiculed by his peers, discredited, lost his position and eventually succumbed to the pressure, dying in a mental hospital.

Moses had given the same advice many centuries before (in Numbers 19).  If wasn't until 1878 that the method of cleaning hands and instruments was introduced by men like John Tyendall, Louis Pasteur and Sir Joseph Lister that the mortality rate began to drop.

The New York State Department of Health, in 1960, issued a book describing a method of washing the hands very similar to that found the BIBLE - Numbers Chapter 19.

JOHN WESLEY, FOUNDER OF THE METHODIST CHURCH DECLARED IT WAS GOD'S WILL FOR MIRACLES TO BE IN THE CHURCH, BUT THE MIRACLES HAD BEEN LOST DUE TO UNBELIEF

It's interesting to note that John Wesley - founder of the Methodist Church declared that it is God's will for miracles to be in the Church, for the entire Church age, but have been lost to the church because of UNBELIEF.

He further stated, "The only method of physics employed by the Early Church for the first 400 years, was the prayer of faith."

Medical science has come a long way since Papyrus Ebers was published in 1552, BC and even since the 1840's in Vienna, but I still think that when your family physician advises you to get a second or third opinion about an operation, its a good idea.

Now if anyone wants to try the remedy for falling hair, don't let me discourage you. But then where would you find a hippopotamus these days?

As for me and my house, we will Trust the Lord and serve Him only!

WHY WAS JESUS CHRIST BORN?
By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

Jesus of Nazareth, True God and True Man, was born to salvage a lost world of sinning men, to destroy the works of the devil and to build His Church.  He came to this sin curses world to introduce us all to His Heavenly Father, to redeem mankind through His sacrificial death on the Cross and His glorious resurrection from the dead.  He came to heal us and to fill us with His Blessed Holy Spirit!

Sin was in the world because Satan was in the world.  The devil, who is the father of sin and death, had been cast out of Heaven and is called the 'Prince of the power of the air', as well as the 'god of this world'.  (Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4)

The devil had caused previous disruption and chaos. (Genesis 1:2; Ezekiel 28:-13-19); Isaiah 14:12-17)

Because of Satan's rebellion and hatred for God, he had cunningly planned his strategy by tempting Eve, with the 'Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil' in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:1-6; Job 1:8-22; Job 2:1-8)

GOD CALLED - "ADAM WHERE ART THOU?"

The great transgression had been made by Adam and Eve.  Now, for the moment of truth..... How would Adam and Eve feel?  Would they now be.

 GOD CALLED: “ADAM WHERE ART THOU?”

The great transgression had been made by Adam and Eve.  Now, for the moment of truth.  How would Adam and Eve feel?  Would they now be wise as God, as Satan had promised them?  Was the rebellion and disobedience towards God worth it?  No - A thousand times NO..

Adam and Eve's eyes were opened.  But, what did they see?  Adam and Eve saw their own vulnerability, stupidity, weaknesses, sin and nakedness.  Fear stalked them and filled their spirits.  They had not felt fear before sin entered their lives.  They realized they were naked, vulnerable and inadequate.  Now, they understood they must face the music, and meet God alone.

But where was Satan?  Where was the Evil One who had been their wise counsellor such a short time before?

The devil was gone to gloat over his victory.  I'm sure that the devil, the liar and deceiver was not far away, probably hiding behind a tree, excitedly waiting to see the outcome of their sin.  The inevitable outcome was the separation, dis-fellowshipping of God and His special creation, man.

THE DEVIL REJOICED OVER ADAM & EVE'S FEAR AND TERROR

Evil satisfaction must have filled the devil's mind as he observed Adam and Eve's plight, their complete confusion, perplexity, fear and terror.

Adam and Eve heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.  God said, "Adam, where art thou?  ADAM, WHERE ART THOU?"

As God called Adam that day, He is still calling you and me. "John, where are you?  Mary, where are you?"

Adam answered, "We are hiding; we are naked; we are afraid"!  God questioned, "Who told you that you were naked?  You were clothed with My glory.  Have you eaten of the fruit that I forbad you"?

Adam gave a typical answer from a typical sinner!  He said, "The woman you gave me, she gave me of the fruit.  It is Eve's fault, she gave me the forbidden fruit and it's really Your fault, Lord, because You gave me the woman".

EVERYONE LIKES TO PASS THE BLAME TO SOMEONE ELSE

It seems normal for people to justify themselves.  It's much easier to pass the buck or to blame someone else rather than take the blame, saying, "I made a mistake, I am wrong, please forgive me."

It's similar to the Minister who enjoyed portraying women in a negative way.  One Sunday morning as he was preaching on 'The Fall of Man', he vigorously attacked Eve.  If Eve, the weaker vessel, hadn't fallen, the world wouldn't be in the mess it's now in.  The preacher nailed Jezebel and Delilah: "Women are the ruination of many good men", he shouted.

At the close of the service, the Minister stood at the door shaking hands.  Some complimented him on a wonderful sermon, while others were glad to get out the door.

A tall lady shook his hand and she wasn't smiling.  She squeezed his hand until he said, "Lady, you are hurting me".  She looked him square in the eye and asked, "Pastor, what is the telephone number of the Garden of Eden"?

He answered, "I don't know what you are talking about".  She squeezed his hand again until he said, "Ouch".  She spoke again, "Pastor, do you know the telephone number of the Garden of Eden"?  He answered, "Woman, I do not and by the way you are hurting me."  She said, "Well, I know the telephone number of the Garden of Eden.  It's Adam 8-1-2", and she let go of his hand and left.

Adam ate one too!  Eve wasn't the only one to blame.  Adam also disobeyed God, but really the blame goes into further - straight to the evil one, the Devil.

THE DEVIL IS TO BLAME

God didn't argue with Adam.  He turned to Eve and said, "Woman, what is this that thou hast done?"  Eve made more sense than her husband.  She put the blame where it belong: "The serpent beguiled me and I did eat."

I agree with Eve.  Satan is the culprit.  The devil is to blame for all the sin, fear, heartbreak, divorce, alcoholism, drug addiction and juvenile delinquency.  He is the architect of all that is evil, wicked and destructive.  Riots, anarchy, thievery, murder, sickness, disease and war are the outcroppings and results of his plans, goals, purposes and seduction.

SATAN IS TO BLAME.  Shout it loud and clear - the devil is the troublemaker.

JESUS CALLED THE DEVIL A LIAR & MURDERER

Jesus called him a liar, deceiver, murderer and thief. (John 8:44; John 10:10)  Our Lord said, "The thief cometh not for to steal, kill and destroy.  I am come that they might have life and more abundantly." (John 10:10)

YES - THE DEVIL IS TO BLAME FOR ALL SIN

God said, "THE SEED OF THE WOMAN SHALL BRUISE THE SERPENT'S HEAD."

Almighty God called out: "Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou among all the beasts of the field.  Upon thy belly shalt thou go all the days of thy life..." (Genesis 3:14-15)

It is noteworthy that some scientists believe that at one time serpents and snakes walked upright and didn't crawl on their bellies as today.

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed (the wicked) and her seed (the righteous).  It (Jesus, the seed of the woman) shall bruise thy head..."

JESUS DEFEATED THE DEVIL WITH HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS

On Golgotha's Hill, Jesus defeated the devil.  When Jesus paid the supreme sacrifice for the sins of the world, and rose again from the dead.  He had delivered the death blow to Satan.

When Jesus cried, "It is finished", He had defeated Satan and since that very hour the blood of Jesus Christ washes away all the sins of the repentant sinner, and His stripes bring healing to the believing, sick person.

The Bible says, "He (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

WHY DID JESUS COME INTO THE WORLD?

The Bible says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."(John 3:16-17)  Hallelujah.

The Bible says: "Neither is there salvation through any other, for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby you may be saved, but by the Name of Jesus"! (Acts 4:12) "There is one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5)

JESUS CAME THAT WE MIGHT HAVE LIFE

Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)  And St. John stated: "For this purpose was the Son of God manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil". (1 John 3:8)  The Scripture says, "When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick:  That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."  (Matthew 8:16-17)

WHAT DID ISAIAH PROPHESY?

Hear it and hear it well: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.  The chastisement of our peace was upon Him (Jesus) and by His stripes we are healed."! (Isaiah 53:5)

The Bible says, "Who His own self (Jesus) bare our sins in His own body on the tree (cross) that we, being dead to sins should live unto righteousness, by Whose stripes ye were  healed"! (1 Peter 2:24)  "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36)

THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY - JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH & THE LIFE

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life and no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6); "I am the door, by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved..." (John 10:9)  Again He said, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE?

The Bible says, "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sins." (Hebrews 9:22)  "It is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11)  Again, "The soul that sinneth it shall surely die." (Ezekiel 18:20)

In Old Testament times, an animal - without spot or blemish - would be sacrificed, spilling his blood. (Atonement means "covering")  AS THE LAMB DIED ON THE ALTER IN THE TEMPLE, JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD, DIED ON THE CROSS TO PAY FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD.

The Scripture says, "If we walk in the light as He is in the light we have fellowship one with the other, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." (John 1:7)

Jesus is the Lamb of God, Who was slain for our sins: "One of the elders saith unto me, weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.  And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne...stood a lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.

And He came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.  And when He had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints."

"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;....Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."

"And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." (Revelation 5:5-13)

JESUS SPOILED SATAN'S KINGDOM

The Bible says, "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross, and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."(Colossians 2:12-15) Oh, Praise God.

We serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today.  I know that 
He is living, whatever men may say...
I see His hand of mercy....I hear His voice of cheer....And just 
the time I need Him....He's always near.

He lives....He lives...Christ Jesus lives today.
He walks with me and talks with me, along life's narrow way.

He lives...He lives....Salvation to impart....
You ask me how I know He lives....He lives...within my heart.

What power!  What might!  What strength, and what great ability Jesus has.  St. Paul brings it out so graphically in his epistles.  Drink in these truth and be set free and filled with all knowledge, joy and Holy Ghost power.

The WORD of God declares: "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when he raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.  And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church." (Ephesians 1:18-22)

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." (Ephesians 3:20)

St. Paul writes, "Who (God) hath delivered us from the power of darkness (Satan) and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son (Jesus Christ) IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, even the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13)

In referring to Jesus, John the Baptist made the startling statement, "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away from the sins of the world." (John 1:29)  To this agree the angel's words to Joseph, "Ye shall call His name Jesus (Salvation) for He shall save (salvage) His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)

THIS DAY IS THE SCRIPTURE FULFILLED

The book of Isaiah is called the "Gospel of the Old Testament".  The 53rd chapter prophecies the death of Messiah Who would bring forgiveness and healing to His people.  Isaiah 7:14 speaks of His virgin birth; Isaiah 9:6 speaks of His Kingship and the fact that He is very God; Isaiah 28:11-12 foretells the gift of the Holy Spirit and the end-time phenomena of glossalalia, or "speaking with other tongues" as a gift of God to bring stability, rest and peaceful strength to the Church in times of pressure and tension.  Isaiah 61:1-3 prophecies the Gospel Age of His salvation with forgiveness, healing, deliverance and joy!

"And he came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.  And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias.  And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written,

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because he hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, the recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

"And He closed the book, and He gave it again to the minister and sat down.  And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him.  And He began to say unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:16--21)

Jesus entered the synagogue in Nazareth and read from Isaiah the Prophet.  He ended the reading by saying, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears". He declared Himself the Son of God and Jewish Messiah by those words.

The year of Jubilee could not begin until first the Great Day of Atonement had taken place.  He would die on the cross like the lambs died on the alters of Jerusalem because He is the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world." (John 1:29)

He would fulfill the Old Testament 'Great Day of Atonement' when the high priest entered into the Holy of holies with the blood of the sacrificial animal.  Jesus was not only the Sacrifice but also the High Priest Who carried His own blood into the Holy of holies in Heaven itself. (Hebrews 9:11-14)

The scapegoat (Leviticus 16:7-21) is also a type of Jesus carrying away our sins He is our substitute!  Every 50th year Israel celebrated the 'Year of Jubilee' when all the prisoners and slaves were freed and debts were forgiven.  This is a picture of the Gospel Age when everyone is set free by the blood of Christ and His everlasting Gospel! 

My dear friend, Let me admonish you to receive him into your heart and life as your Lord, Saviour, Redeemer, Healer, Baptizer and King.

JESUS CAME TO SEEK & SAVE THE LOST

Jesus said, "I am come to seek and save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) You are included in that number, for "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God". (Romans 3:23)  You say, 'I cannot live a Christian life in my own strength'!

You are absolutely right.  You can't do it in your own power, but He will change you and give you the power to live for Him.

The Bible say: "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.  But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." (John 1:11-12)

Jesus promised, "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you...." (Acts 1:8)  Finally Jesus said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)"...and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20) Receive Him today, as your Lord and Saviour! Amen