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
|