SEEK THE LORD
AND
YOU SHALL FIND HIM
What
does the Bible say?
by: Pastor Max
Solbrekken, D.D.
SEEK
YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Jesus
said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
(Matthew 6:33)
WHAT
DOES IT MEAN TO SEEK THE LORD?
Jesus
said, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole
world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:34-38)
Jesus
said, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole
world, and lose his
own soul?" (Mark 8:34-38).
"Blessed
are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him
with the whole heart." (Psalms 119:2)
"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye
upon him while
he is near." (Isaiah 55:6)
"I
love them that love me; and those that seek me early
shall find me." (Proverbs 8:17)
SEEKING
THE LORD THROUGH PRAYER
Prayer
is the natural outcry from the heart of a human being to his Maker
in response to the tug of the Word of God, implanted within the
conscience.
That
tug to pray and seek the Lord is even stronger in the heart of one
who has had a visitation of the Holy Spirit's convicting presence
or has heard the gospel message! The Holy Spirit's call to
prayer becomes as natural and desirous as the call for food at
mealtime.
Prayer
is our inner man crying out for help, fellowship and spiritual
nourishment! It is born out of our need and the assurance that God
is there to meet that need and answer our prayer!
Prayer
is talking, listening and communing with our Maker as we enter
into the very presence of Almighty God.
It is
intimate fellowship on a "one-to-one basis" with God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
WHEN
WE PRAY, OUR TOTAL MAN BECOMES INVOLVED
When
we seek the Lord in prayer, our spirit cries out in response to
our needs and those of others, as God plays on our heart strings,
encouraging us to share those burdens with Him.
When
we seek the Lord God, our minds stagger under the weight of sin,
fear, worry and care and our spirits soar both to heights unknown
as well as plumb to incomprehensible depths.
As
we seek the Lord, we groan in the spirit of intercession or
exult in the joy of God, knowing that He is taking control of the
situation! And that by our compassion, care and faith people in
need are being convicted, strengthened, healed and blessed!
As
we weep and pray in travail our eyes redden, our physical strength
is taxed and our body becomes weary. Then the Holy Spirit takes
over and intercedes through us with groanings that cannot be
uttered, and we enter into a new realm as we pray in the Spirit
(unknown tongues), as St. Paul did. (1 Corinthians 14:15)
The
Divine Paraclete (the Comforter - the One sent alongside to help)
helps us as we do not know how we ought to pray. But He comes to
our rescue and prays through us to the Father.
The
entire Trinity is involved in our fellowship, as we pray to God
our Father in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord!
OUR
LINK WITH GOD IS MADE POSSIBLE ONLY BY READING HIS WORD, THE
HOLY SCRIPTURES AND THROUGH PRAYER
Prayer
is mankind's most vital link with Almighty God. It is, in fact,
entering into His very presence with our requests, petitions and
thanksgiving.
GOD
LISTENS WHEN WE DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM WITH OUR WHOLE HEART
When
we pray, God not only listens but speaks to our spirits and
answers our requests in His own way, according to His divine and
gracious will.
The
scripture says, He is closer than our hands or feet. It is
therefore, not difficult to draw upon His power by reaching out in
prayer and touching Him.
The
woman with the "issue of blood" touched Him with her
faith and received an instant miracle. Jesus turned about in the
crowd and asked specifically, "Who touched My clothes"?
Many
rubbed shoulders with Him, but one person touched Him by faith.
She had said within herself, "If I but touch His garment, I
shall be whole." She was made whole, and Jesus declared that
her faith had gotten the job done! (Matthew 9:21)
'Prayer
is talking, listening and communing with God as we enter into the
very presence of the Almighty!'
The
20th Century Bible renders the account this way: Jesus said,
"Someone has touched Me." And they said, "Master,
the multitudes press Thee and crush Thee." But He answered,
"No, someone has made a demand upon My ability."
When
we believe and reach out for a miracle, we make a demand upon His
ability and draw from His great storehouse of blessing, that which
we desire!
Another
beautiful aspect, is that the woman received the miracle without
Jesus knowing she had a need. The miracle was already accomplished
before Jesus was aware of it!
PRAYER
NOT ONLY CHANGES THINGS, IT CHANGES LIVES
The
easiest way for me to illustrate God's provision for us, is to
compare it to a buffet banquet. Many tables, loaded with the best
foods sits in the middle of the room and guests help themselves at
will. The host simply walks among his friends to see if everyone
is getting enough to eat, while the servers keep loading the
tables with fresh supplies!
The
host is not really concerned whether you make one or three trips
to the tables, so long as you get enough to eat. He doesn’t
watch to see if you take one leg of chicken or two!
SEEK
THE LORD GOD THROUGH PRAYER AND YOU WILL FIND HIM
In
Jeremiah, we are instructed to seek the Lord.
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for
me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Forgiveness,
healing, blessing and prosperity are all provided for us. We can
have all we need! All we have to do, is reach out by faith in
prayer and make a demand on His ability, by receiving.
Automatically,
when we tap into His resources by faith in His finished work on
Golgotha, the miracle happens!
PRAYER
CHANGES THINGS
Through
prayer and communion with God we can affect the course of this
world and change the complexion of society!
Prayer
changes things! Many situations have been altered, lives changed
and priorities rearranged by spending time in prayer.
Why
is this? God answers prayer! God performs miracles! He is real,
and communion with Him is a glorious reality! God does answer
prayer.
PRAYER
CHANGES PEOPLE
Not
only does prayer change things but it changes people - the lives
of the ones prayed for as well as the persons praying. Thousands
of answers to prayer are recorded regularly in the books of
heaven, as well as in the remembrances of committed Christians.
Miracles
of salvation, healing, preservation, deliverance and prosperity
are common occurrences for those who really believe God’s Word
and appropriate His promises for themselves!
A
person gets a totally new outlook on life when he spends time in
God's presence. His priorities change as well as his desires and
goals in life. And his disposition becomes kinder and more caring!
SWEET
HOUR OF PRAYER
The
hymn writer penned these words which have blessed millions down
through the years.
"Sweet
hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer
That calls me from a world of care
And sets me at my Father’s throne,
Makes all my wants and wishes known.
In
seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer."
THE
CALL TO FAITH
The
twin pillars of the Christian Church are REPENTANCE and FAITH. St.
Paul makes that very plain: "Testifying both to the Jews, and
also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our
Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21)
Writing
to new converts he said: "For by grace (God's unmerited
favor) are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it
is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast."
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
To
believe in Jesus Christ and receive Him into your life is to have
faith! Faith is a fact but faith is also an act, because faith
requires corresponding action!
The
Bible says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,
but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
When
you have faith in God, you will believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and dedicate your life in His service! Real faith transforms a
person's lifestyle, because faith in God works miracles in people!
"Therefore
if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2
Corinthians 5:17)
HOW
DO WE RECEIVE FAITH?
According
to the Holy Scriptures, God has given each one of us faith to
believe in Jesus Christ, His Son and be saved: "...think
soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of
faith." (Romans 12:3)
He
has placed His Word within our conscience and our spirit which
came from God! (Romans 7:22-25) The Word of God also creates
faith! "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the
word of God." (Romans 10:17) God has called us to a life of
faith and worship, through Jesus Christ His Son!
The
Bible says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is
impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe
that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek
Him." (Hebrews 11:1,6)
FAITH
IS 3 THINGS: 1) Coming to God with our needs. 2) Believing
that God exists and that He is Who the Bible says He is. 3)
Expecting a miracle (an answer) when you pray!
'Faith
in the Father & faith in the Son
Faith in the Holy Ghost, three in the One
Demons will tremble & sinners awake
Faith in Christ Jesus will anything shake!'
Faith
is also a gift as well as a fruit of the Holy Spirit! "To
another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing
by the same Spirit;" (1 Corinthians 12:9)
"But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith," (Galatians 5:22)
THE
CALL TO SEPARATION
Jesus
calls us to righteous, holy and pure living! The Bible says,
"But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in
all manner of conduct." (1 Peter 1:15)
Sanctification
is the process by which believers are set apart for God and His
service, to be made holy and purified from sin by His gifts and
graces and our determined will to do that which is right!
We
cannot do this in our own power. The Scripture says, "But of
Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and
righteousness and sanctification, and redemption." (1
Corinthians 1:30)
St.
Paul admonished, "For this is the will of God, even your
sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That
every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in
sanctification and honor."
"For
God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."
(1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4, 7)
God
sets us apart through the divine process of redemption and the
infilling of the Holy Spirit, but we must separate ourselves
totally and completely unto Him, in order that His miraculous
provision will work within us.
The
Bible clearly states that God desires His people to lead pure,
wholesome lives - not to live like the pagan, and to be separated
from evil practices such as lying, witchcraft, hatred, gambling,
idolatry, sodomy and adultery. His word teaches purity of
though, word and deed.
St.
Paul declared, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I
will receive you." (2 Corinthians 6:17)
God
promises to be our Father, if we believe His Word and live by it!
In His dealings with Israel - the Children of Israel, He demanded
that they separate themselves from idols and the pagan practices
of the heathen!
"But
I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they
sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye
should have fellowship with devils." (1 Corinthians
10:20-21)
As
Christians, we are followers of Jesus Christ and must not try to
drag Him down to the filth in which the ungodly live, but allow
Him to lift us to the place of purity and wholeness which He
exemplifies.
HE
SAVES US FROM SINS - not to live in our sins
The
Bible says, "If a man therefore purge himself from these
(carnal, sinful & dishonorable pursuits) he shall be a vessel
unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and
prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but
follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call
on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:21-22)
Again
God's Word states, "Having therefore these promises, dearly
beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2
Corinthians 7:1)
THE
CALL TO DEDICATION
The
word dedicate means to "set apart and consecrate to a divine
being. To give wholly or earnestly to a patron, friend or
purpose."
It is
in this sense I now use this word. We should be willing to give
ourselves wholly and earnestly unto the cause of righteousness,
loving God and our fellowman!
The
Bible does not compromise. It is clear in its teachings that if we
do certain things, God will bless and prosper us! And if we do
not, there will be no blessing!
HERE
IS HIS CLARION CALL TO DEDICATION
"And
be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)
This
stern admonition was sent to former pagans, who had converted to
Christ. St. Paul demanded that they break from evil, lustful and
perverted deeds and live in purity as Christians!
THERE
IS NO SUCH THING AS A CHRISTIAN THIEF OR A CHRISTIAN LIAR OR A
CHRISTIAN DRUNKARD, CHRISTIAN DRUG ADDICT OR CHRISTIAN HOMOSEXUAL,
OR A CHRISTIAN FORNICATOR!
When
Christ comes into our hearts, the Holy Spirit does a work in us
whereby we are liberated from the lusts and perversions of this
wicked old world!
He
admonishes Timothy and all of us: "but thou, O man of God,
flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith,
lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast
professed a good profession before many witnesses."
"I
give thee charge in the sight of God, Who quickeneth all things,
and before Christ Jesus, Who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a
good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot,
unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:"
(1 Timothy 6:11-14)
It
is certainly a slap in our face, when Muslims and other
non-Christians reject Christianity because of the lewd way in
which our so-called Christian society conducts itself!
I
hasten to say that the rock and roll music, loose living,
pornography, abortion, alcoholism and perversion, which is so
prevalent in our society, is in no way Christian! On the contrary,
it is anathema!
It
is sad to hear Muslim leaders saying that they do not want their
people contaminated with "the abominable practices of sodomy,
pornography, drug abuse, obscene rock & roll music and
alcoholism, which are rife in Western Christian culture!"
ABSTAIN
FROM ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL
The
Bible says, "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and
pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul:
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas
they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good works,
which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of
visitation." (1 Peter 2:11-12)
We
are instructed, "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
(1 Thessalonians 5:22)
May
Jesus Christ always be our example. He was perfect in all respects
- SINLESS in deity and humanity - yet was obedient to the cross,
suffering for our sin and shame, so that He could save us and
bring us to God!
The
Bible says, "Looking unto JESUS the author and finisher of
our faith; Who for the joy that was set before him endured the
cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of
the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
Jesus,
"...being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be
equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon
Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and
became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.:
(Philippians 2:6-8)
St.
Paul was totally dedicated: "I am debtor both to the Greeks,
and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as
much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are
at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it
is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to
the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:14-16)
THE
CALL TO CONSECRATION
Consecration
is the act of obedience, when we privately and publicly make a
statement that we have given ourselves in dedication for God's
service!
In
like manner, as we consecrate a church building or musical
instruments to God's service, so we consecrate our bodies, talents
and riches unto the cause of Christ and His Church!
Christ
is calling us to give ourselves wholeheartedly to His cause. To
CONSECRATE OURSELVES unto a life of righteous living and
evangelism!
He is
looking for those who will be totally committed to His gospel, so
that His light may shine in this ungodly world.
The
Bible says, "....let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the
race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1)
What
does that mean to the liar, thief, adulterer, homosexual or
gambler? Pure and simple - STOP DOING THOSE THINGS AND BEGIN
LIVING PURE LIVES!
Jesus
said, "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself,
and take up the cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his
life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake
and the gospel's, the same shall save it." (Mark
8:35-36)
Our
Lord requires a full commitment and consecration from us, for Him
to trust us with His authority, gifts and power! He does not want
to be the "fifth wheel" of our existence or a
"fire-insurance policy" kept in a safety deposit box.
He
must take center stage in our lives so that our lifestyle will be
pleasing in His sight, and effective in our relationship to
others!
Jesus,
Who is our grand example, "set His face" to go to
Jerusalem where He knew He would die upon a rugged cross and
become "a curse for us", in order to purchase our
salvation! (Galatians 3:13)
St.
Paul said, "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For
I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for
the Name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 21:13)
Again
he stated, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of
my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith:" (2 Timothy 4:6,7)
The
great apostle was totally dedicated to Jesus Christ. His life was
consecrated to His Gospel!
Martin
Luther emphasized: "I live as though Jesus Christ was
crucified yesterday, arose today & is coming again
tomorrow."
The
great leader of the Protestant Reformation was consumed with the
Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that is why God used him so mightily
to bring back the simplicity, truth, purity & power of
Christ's Gospel to a corrupt, idolatrous and backslidden Church!
This
is the commendation given by the leaders of the Primitive Church
regarding the preachers they sent out: "These are men that
have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ." (Acts 15:26)
A
proper way to consecrate ourselves to God is through a
'Disciplined Christian Life'! Fasting & prayer is a good way
to humble ourselves before God and to become consecrated wholly to
God and His Kingdom.
THE
CALL TO SERVICE
Jesus
declared, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;
but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15)
The
paramount duty of the Christian is to communicate the gospel to
our fellowmen by our chaste lifestyles, honesty, compassion and
wholesome outlook.
We are
"saved to serve".
Jesus
said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first
and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all
the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)
The
only road to true happiness is going God's way, walking the Gospel
road, by loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
LET
US ALWAYS FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE
"Do
unto others as you would have them do unto you." (Luke 6:31)
Born
again Christians automatically seek the "high road of
life"after an encounter with 'Jesus Christ'. We are
concerned about the needs of others, spiritual, emotional and
physical, because our lives have been changed: "Therefore if
any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed
away; behold, all things are become new." (2
Corinthians 5:17)
Angelic
beings brought the message of Christ's victory to the disciples,
at the empty tomb on that first resurrection morning. They said,
"Come and see the place where our Lord lay, and go and tell
His disciples..."(Matthew 28:6, 7)
It
is incumbent upon all Christians to experience God's blessings
through Christ, and then to "go and tell" others the
good news that there is hope for our nation and our world!
AND
THAT HOPE LIES ONLY IN THE PROCLAMATION AND RECEPTION OF THE GOSPEL
OF JESUS CHRIST!
The
Bible says, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached
in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall
the end come." (Matthew 24:14) The End Times -
second coming of Jesus.
Christ
has no hands but our hands, to do His work of preaching and
spreading His Gospel to the ends of the earth. Let us be about our
Father’s business!
CHRIST
IS CALLING US ALL TO COMMUNICATE, SHARE, SPREAD, DISPENSE,
ARTICULATE AND LIVE HIS GOSPEL BEFORE THIS WICKED WORLD, SO THAT
MANY MORE WILL BE SAVED BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!
And
that includes paying our tithes and giving offerings to God's
work. Let us remember the words of our Lord Jesus: "It is
more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)
He
also stated: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good
measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over,
shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye
mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)
Sir
Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, but
we make a life by what we give." My question to us all
is: Are we doing our share to spread the Gospel through our
giving?
Or
are we guilty of spending too much time & money pampering
ourselves when multitudes are going to a ‘Christless Eternity’
because NO ONE HAS SHARED THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST WITH THEM?
William
Penn stated: "If there is any kindness I can show, or any
good thing I can do to my fellow human being, let me do it now,
and not deter nor neglect it. I shall not pass this way
again."
Francis
of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel everyday and if you must
use words...It is in giving oneself, one receives; it is in
forgetting oneself, that one is found; it is in pardoning, that
one obtains pardon". He taught his students that there is no
point in, "walking somewhere to preach, unless you can preach
while you are walking."
SEEK
YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Jesus
said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
(Matthew 6:33)
The
Bible instructs: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:
and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you
a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."
(1 Peter 3:15)
"Charge
them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, Who giveth
us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be
rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the
time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."
(1 Timothy 6:17-19)
God
loves you, my friend. He has purchased your total salvation
through the death of His Son Jesus Christ Who paid for our sins
with His pure and perfect blood.
The
Bible declares that He not only died for our sins on the cross,
but arose from the dead for our justification! (Romans 4:25)
Here
is our Lord's invitation to you: "Come unto Me, all ye that
labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28)
"Behold,
the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it canot save, neither his
ear heavy, that it cannot hear." (Isaiah 59:1)
JESUS
CHRIST DIED
FOR YOU
#1
- JESUS CHRIST LOVES YOU
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.
#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)
"Tis
so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word, Just to
rest upon His promise, Just to know, Thus saith the Lord."
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) God knows and He is ready to help -
Say it to yourself, "God knows about my existence and He
loves me - His eyes are upon me and I know everything will be
alright."
#3
- JESUS CHRIST CARES ABOUT YOU
"Casting
all your cares 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 get 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.
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 God loves me, He knows all about me
and that He cares about me - my difficulties and my needs.
Praise God! Say it to yourself - "I know God cares
about me and will help me!"
#4
- JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOU
"But
God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
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 "Apodictic" 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
foolish person 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)
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.
WHY
WAS
JESUS CHRIST BORN?
Jesus
Christ was born to to destroy the works of the devil
Sin,
however, was in the world because Satan (the devil). 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 (the devils) rebellion and hatred for God, he had
cunningly planned his strategy by tempting Eve, with the Tree of
Life, 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 & Eve. Now,
for the moment of truth. How would Adam & Eve feel?
Would they now be wise as God, as Satan (the devil) had promised
them? Was the rebellion and disobedience towards God worth
it? No - a thousand times NO.
Adam
& Eve's eyes were opened. But, what did they see?
Adam & Eve saw their own vulnerability, stupidity, weaknesses,
sin and nakedness. Fear stalked and filled their souls.
They had never felt fear before sin entered their lives.
They realized they were naked, vulnerable and inadequate.
Now, they realized they must face the music, and meet God alone.
But
where was Satan (the devil)? Where was the evil one who had
been their wise tempter such a short time ago?
Of
course, 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
inevitable outcome of their sin. The inevitable outcome, the
separation, dis-fellowshipping of God and His special creation,
man.
THE
DEVIL REJOICED OVER ADAM & EVE'S FEAR & TERROR
Evil
satisfaction filled the devil's heart as he observed Adam &
Eve's plight, their complete confusion, perplexity, fear and
terror.
Adam
& 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! Adam 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 preacher who enjoyed portraying woman 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, "Woman, 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 (Satan).
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 (the devil) 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
(the devil) IS TO BLAME. Shout it loud and clear - the devil
is the troublemaker.
JESUS
CALLED THE DEVIL A LAIR & MURDERER
Jesus
called him a liar, deceiver, murdered 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
(the devil) 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 (at the cross)
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)
Again our blessed Saviour said, "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
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)
The
Bible says, "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 Ghost, 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 the 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 'fear 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! THEY WERE OFFENDED IN HIM.
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)
Box 44220
RPO Garside, Edmonton, AB T5V 1N6 www.mswm.org
email: max@maxsolbrekken
FOUR
ESSENTIAL TRUTHS
that must not be
diminished, downgraded or dismissed!
by:
Pastor Max Solbrekken
THE
WORD OF GOD has power to free you from bondage, sin, fear and
sickness. The Bible says, "He hath sent His Word and
healed them, and delivered them from all their destructions."
(Psalms 107:20)
THE
BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST is so powerful that it cleanses us from
all our sin and purges the conscience. The Bible says,
"If we walk in the Light as He is in the Light, we have
fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ, God's
Son cleanses us from all sins." (1 John 1:7)
THE
HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD baptizes us into the Body of Christ at
conversion and as we totally surrender to God, He fills us with
His presence (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Bible says:
"And be not drunk with wine, wherein in excess; but be filled
with the Spirit; (Ephesians 5:18, 19)
THE
NAME OF JESUS CHRIST is the greatest weapon to drive Satan
away from us. Jesus said: "Go ye into all the world and
preach the Gospel unto every creature, He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved. He that believeth not shall be
damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe.
In My Name, shall they cast out devils..." (Mark 16:15-20;
Luke 10:17-20)
HEALING
FOR
SPIRIT, SOUL & BODY
by:
Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.
The
Greek word SOZO means to 'protect, deliver, heal, preserve, save
and make well.' In reality it means the 'Salvation of God'.
Seven hundred years before Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the Prophet
Isaiah declared, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a
sign, Behold a VIRGIN shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall
call His name Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
The
Angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph saying, "....Fear not to
take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her
is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and
thou shalt call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from
their sins."
"Now
all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of
the Lord by the prophet saying, Behold a 'virgin' shall be with
child, and shalt bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name
Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD WITH US."
(Matthew 1:20-23)
The
name of 'Jesus' in Hebrew is 'Yeshua' which means 'the Salvation
of God'. God's salvation for mankind is 'forgiveness,
healing, protection, wellness and deliverance' from the power of
the Devil and His evil work.
The
name of 'JESUS' means: 'Saviour, the salvation of God; the God who
saves, heals, protects, delivers and makes well."
Everywhere
our Lord went, he preached the Gospel and confirmed His message by
healing the sick and casting out evil spirits from those who were
bound: "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that
He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8)
The
Bible states: "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the
Holy Ghost and power who went about doing good and healing all who
were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts
10:38)
"...Jesus
of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and
wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye
yourselves also know." (Acts 2:22)
"How
shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation, which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by
them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with
signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy
Ghost, according to His own will." (Hebrews 2:3,4)
GOD'S
WORD says: "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
word SOZO used here means to heal the sick and make them well, is
used interchangeably for forgiveness and healing for body or soul
in the following Scriptures: Mark 5:23, Mark 5:34, Mark
6:56, Mark 16:16, Luke 8:36, Luke 17:19, Luke 18:42, Acts 2:21,
Acts 14:9, Acts 4:12 and Ephesians 2:8.
THE
HOLY RECORD states: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget
not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who
healeth all thy diseases." (Psalms 103:2,3); "He was
wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our
iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with
his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4,5)
"And
when the even was come, they brought unto Him (JESUS) 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);
"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness, by
Whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Peter 2:24)
The
BIBLE says, "He hath sent His Word and healed them and
delivered them from their destructions." (Psalms 107:20);
"He brought them forth with silver and with gold' and there
was not one feeble person among their tribes." (Psalms
105:37)
"I
am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything to hard
for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27); "And ye shall serve the Lord
your God, and He shall bless thy bread and thy water, and I will
take sickness away from the midst of thee." (Exodus 23:24,25)
GOD'S
HEALING COVENANT WITH ISRAEL
In
His great love and concern for His people, Israel, Almighty God
made a 'Healing covenant with Moses' on their behalf. Here
it is:
"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)
The
ten plagues which Jehovah the Covenant God of Israel released upon
the Egyptians that finally forced Pharaoh to allow the Hebrew
slaves leave their bondage did not adversely affect God's people.
The
promise of divine healing and health was reserved for the Hebrews
and by extension to all who trust in Christ our Great physician
Who fulfilled all the types of the coming Messiah.
"He
brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not
one feeble person among their tribes." (Psalms 105:37)
"Then they cried unto the lord God in their trouble, and He
saveth them out of their distresses. He sent His Word and
healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."
(Psalms 107:20)
"God
is a very present help in time of trouble." (Psalms 46:1);
"The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life: of whom shall I be
afraid?" (Psalms 27:1)
"No
good thing will God withhold from them who walk uprightly."
(Psalms 84:11); "There shall no evil befall thee, neither
shall any plague come nigh unto thy dwelling." (Psalms
91:10); "Delight thyself in the Lord, and He shall give thee
the desires of thine heart." (Psalms 37:4); "Unto you
that fear My name shall the Son of righteousness arise with
healing in His wings." (Malachi 4:2)
"No
weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue
that shall rise against thee shalt thou condemn. This is the
heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is
of Me sayeth the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17)
Divine
Healing is promised for those who fast and pray and seek the Lord:
"Is not the fast that I have chosen? To lose the bands of
wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go
free, and that ye break every yoke?"
"Is
it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the
poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the
naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from
thine own flesh?
"Then
shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health shall
spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee,
the glory of the Lord shall be thy rear guard. Then shalt
thou call and the Lord shall answer: thou shall cry, and He shall
say, Here am I..." (Isaiah 58:6-8)
THIS
IS THE REASON JESUS CAME
"For
this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy
the works of the enemy." (1 John 3:8); "The thief
(Satan) cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy. I am
come that you might have life and more abundantly." (John
10:10)
"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); "And He said unto them, Go ye into all the
world, and preach the Gospel unto 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 lay their hands on the sick, and they
shall recover." (Mark 16:15-20)
Jesus
said: "Come unto Me all ye who labour and are heavy laden and
I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28); "All that the
Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I
will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37)
He
invites us to fellowship with Him through prayer, praise and
meditation. He said, "Ask and it shall be given you;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
For everyone that asketh receiveth; he that seeketh findeth; and
to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7,8)
Then
He shared this great analogy: "And what man is there of you,
whom if his son asks bread, will he give him a stone?" Something
useless! "Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a
serpent?" Something dangerous!
"If
ye then, being evil, know to give god gifts unto your children,
HOW MUCH MORE shall your Father in Heaven give good things to them
that ask Him? (Matthew 7:9-11) He stated: "I will never
leave thee nor forsake thee. I will be with thee unto the
end of the world." (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)
In
this PROMISE our precious Lord Jesus used a 'double imperative' to
drive home a very important truth. He actually said: I will
never, NO NEVER leave thee. I will never, NO NEVER forsake
thee, I will be with thee until the end of the world.
Of
all the promises our Lord gave us, I think this is the most
touching. Jesus was so concerned that we know the truth of
His presence and nearness to us at all times!
"The
promises of God in Christ Jesus is Yea and Amen." The Bible
states: "If God be FOR US, who then can be against us?"
(Romans 8:31) "Greater is He that in IN US that he that is in
the world." (1 John 4:4) His promises are 'YES'...and
not NO.
"God
hath delivered us from the power of DARKNESS, and hath translated
us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, in Whom we have REDEMPTION
through HIS BLOOD." (Colossians 1:13, 14)
When
Satan's power was defeated in our lives and we were translated
into Christ's KINGDOM, Satan's power to harass us was finished.
We can tell him to remove his sickness and disease from us for we
are God's PROPERTY.
We
have been purchased by His blood: "Ye are BOUGHT WITH A
PRICE: therefore glorify God in your BODY, and in your SPIRIT,
which are GOD'S." (2 Corinthians 6:20)
My
Friend: In the NAME of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and upon the
authority of God's Word and by the BLOOD of the everlasting
covenant, I command the pain to LEAVE YOUR BODY and the power of
Satan to be broken off your entire being.
We
can legally say: "SATAN: IT'S OVER! YOU HAVE LOST
and WE HAVE WON through JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD! Amen.
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