Monday, January 25, 2021

                                  GOSPEL OF CHRIST:                                           THE GOOD NEWS!                                                             By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

                                 Max Solbrekken preaching in Ukraine,  1989
Max Solbrekken & David Pereira in Lisbon, Portugal, 2009

CHURCH'S GREATEST MISTAKE!

by Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

I wrote this brief paper in 1973 following our crusade in Haiti. It is even more relevant today! M.S.

A few short years ago the then popular youth singers called the 'Beatles' made a most ridiculous and sacrilegious statement to the effect that Christianity was dead and that 'The Beatles' were more popular than Jesus Christ. Today these baggy looking Britishers are seldom ever heard of, having long since disbanded, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ marches on!

We have just concluded (Jan. 7, 1973) a history making Gospel Crusade in the Duvalier Stadium in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where local missionaries and officials estimated crowds in excess of 50,000 persons present during our final service.

In this great crusade in which tens of thousands professed new found faith in Jesus Christ, and hundreds were healed divinely and miraculously by God's power, we never heard the name of 'the Beatles' mentioned; while the mighty name of Jesus Christ was praised, worshipped, adored and lifted up as the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we might be saved. (Acts 4:12)

Fifty thousand people lifted their hands in praise and worship to our wonderful Lord; glorious and spontaneous were the outbursts of acclamation of Jesus Christ as Saviour, healer, baptizer and soon coming King. No, my beloved friend, Christianity is far from being dead - Jesus Christ is very much alive and working in the hearts and lives of those who trust Him completely.

The heavenly joy that filled the hearts and souls of the multitudes in Haiti when they realized that their sins were gone and that they were free from the devil's grip, caused them to literally leap for joy and dance before the Lord with great fervency. Outstanding physical healing and miraculous happenings also took place on a grand scale among these newly converted people. How we thank and praise God for all His goodness to us!

WHAT THE STATISTICS SHOW!

It is true that the figures show a recent continuous downward trend in church attendance among many of the Protestant, as well as the Roman Catholic churches of today. It is also true that sin has made tremendous inroads into the church, to say nothing of the sweeping mandate given to wickedness and unrighteousness across this world in this hour.

There is also another factor to consider and that is that there is still a remnant who have not bowed their knee to Baal and who have not given in to the impulses and suggestions of devilish and anti-Christ forces!

This remnant of Blood-washed, Holy Ghost filled believers is marching forward with tremendous conviction, compassion and confidence. Who can stop it? Absolutely no one! For the Bible declares that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church. (Matt. 16:18). Oh, hallelujah! This little group of Blood-washed, redeemed souls which God has sprinkled throughout the earth will do great exploits for His Kingdom in these last and closing days of time.

Recent reports bring to light the fact that even though the United Church of Canada has compromised the Word of God by bringing in the New Curriculum, which in many areas denies the Word of God, their church attendance has not increased, but rather is decreasing at a very rapid pace.

HOLY BIBLE IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY!

Why are the modernistic churches having all this difficulty while the Evangelical and Pentecostal churches are moving forward by leaps and bounds? Let me answer this in just a few sentences: The Church is a spiritual organism, meeting a spiritual need in the lives of people. The Evangelical, Pentecostal church meets the spiritual need of the people while the modernistic church is running competition with the social clubs, the political organizations and the fun clubs of the world. The United Church and her modernistic sisters have ceased to be a viable, spiritual and real organism in the propagating of the gospel. They are not fulfilling the role of the church and the Holy Spirit must be grieved.

I cannot judge any church, but Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7.16). Again, the Word of God is the Final Authority. Christendom's greatest mistake down through the generation is twofold: First their rejection of the Holy Spirit, His demonstration, His manifestation and His gifts; and Secondly: the rejection of the Word that He inspired - the Holy Bible.

THE REJECTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!

The Bible is very explicit on the Ministry of the Holy Spirit and the place He must have in our lives and in the church. He is the Spirit of Truth, the Great Teacher and the Divine Paraclete. The Holy Spirit is very God, being the Third Person in the God Head. The Scriptures warn, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit". (1 Th. 5:19)

Again, the Bible reports the judgment that befell those who resisted the Holy Ghost. (Acts 7:51). Great stress is laid upon the fact that we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit and allow His gifts to operate in our lives for the edifying of our own selves, the edifying of the church and the perfecting of the Body of Christ. (1 Cor. 14:4-5, 12; Eph. 4:12)

The Bible says, "Despise not prophesyings", which are given by the Holy Spirit. (1 Th. 5:20). When someone despises you because of your experience with God, he is despising God. When someone ridicules you because of your experience in the Holy Spirit he is despising the Holy Spirit. (1 Th. 4:8)

BLASPHEMING THE HOLY GHOST!

There is a sin mentioned in the Bible that is unpardonable - the sin of blaspheming the Holy Ghost. Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, all sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme. But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness but is in danger of eternal damnation". (Mark 3:28-29)

The Bible says: "Wherefore I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto man; and whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come". (Matt. 12:31-32)

Let us read what triggered this warning by our Master: "Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, is not this the Son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, this fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils". (Matt. 12:22-24)

Jesus pinpoints the sin of blaspheming the Holy Ghost: "Because they said He (Jesus) had an unclean spirit". (Mark 3:30). Jesus was filled with the Holy Ghost at the River Jordan (Luke 3:21-22); He returned from the wilderness temptation in the power of the Spirit. (Luke 4:14)

The Bible says: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and power, who went about doing good and healing all who are sick for God was with Him". (Acts 10:38). Jesus stated that He cast out devils by the Spirit of God (Matt. 12:28) and yet the carnal religious leaders of His day declared that He used the power of Satan (Beelzebub) to heal the sick and cast out devils.

Jesus declared that the devil cannot cast out the devil, and then He warned them concerning blaspheming the Holy Ghost. They had called the Holy Ghost a dirty, filthy, unclean devil! (Mark 3:30). Those who today ridicule the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, deny His power and attribute His gifts, manifestations and demonstrations to the devil are blaspheming the Holy Ghost as their predecessors did in the time of Jesus.

REJECTING HIS GIFTS IS REJECTING HIM!

The Bible speaks of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the Spirit as follows: "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed; and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

"And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another diverse kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues; but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will." (1 Cor. 12:1-11)

After Christ ascended to Heaven, God placed the Holy Spirit in the Church to lead us (Eph. 1:22). Jesus said, "And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:16-18)

Again, Jesus said, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you". (John 14:26)

"But when the Comforter is come, Whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me". (John 15:26). Jesus stated, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:7-14)

In most churches the Holy Spirit has no room to operate because organization and man-made programs have taken over. The church has taken the leadership out of the hands of the Blessed Holy Ghost and put it into the hands of mere mortals. God has been displeased and the Holy Spirit and His works and manifestations are simply played down as nothing.

EVEN IN EVANGELICAL CHURCHES!

In many churches today the moving of the Holy Spirit is not welcome! The religious pray for revival but when He begins to move in a supernatural way in their midst they do not have enough of God in their lives to know this is an answer to their prayers. Anything which they cannot understand is rejected, thereby eliminating the moving of the Holy Spirit, for He certainly is not a man and if we could understand Him we would either be God or He would be a mere mortal.

The Bible likens the Holy Spirit to the wind which you can feel, but cannot see. You can see the effects of the wind blowing on the trees; you can feel the effect of the wind blowing on your person, but you cannot see the wind. (John 3:8). God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform.

Again, the Scriptures teach: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST!

When God answered the prayers of the waiting one hundred and twenty on the day of Pentecost, He certainly did not do it as they expected, I am sure; He did it nevertheless as He wanted it done. If many of, "this generation's theologians" would have been present, they would have cried "wildfire, fanaticism and emotionalism" and run out of the room in total disgust, as the Holy Ghost fell upon the one hundred and twenty.

The Bible says that He came as a rushing mighty wind and in tongues of supernatural fire. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost and He began to speak through them in other tongues, bringing praise to God. These waiting believers were praying, praising and worshipping God, when Jesus poured out upon them the promised Holy Ghost.

Then they began to speak in tongues and worship God in other languages not learned. The Bible says they were accused of being drunken and I suppose they staggered around like drunken men and women under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Some may have fallen on the floor as they were immersed in God's Holy Spirit. What a sight!

Peter calmed the skeptics by saying, "These are not drunken as you suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken the Prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh... (Acts 2:17-18; Joel 2:23-28)

Isaiah the Prophet also prophesied concerning the outpouring of the Holy Ghost and speaking in other tongues when he said, "For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, this is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing; yet they would not hear." (Isaiah 28:11-12)

Here is the reason the churches are floundering today: Their rejection of the manifestation of the Holy Ghost - The rejection of speaking in tongues! "Yet they would not hear." No wonder Paul wrote: "Forbid not to speak with tongues (1 Cor. 14:39) despise not prophesyings (1 Th. 5:21) and grieve not the Holy Ghost". (Acts 7:51)

LET EVERYTHING BE DONE!

There is a verse in Holy Scripture which the opponents of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost use. Here it is: "Let everything be done decently and in order". (1 Cor. 14:40)

The problem lies in what is interpreted as "decent and in order". Man's interpretation is often slightly or greatly different than God's interpretation. Reading the Bible, we notice that when His people allowed the Holy Spirit to work through them, they accomplished things that religious leaders today would classify as out of order, but which was perfectly in order.

We find a classic example in Luke 19:37-40: "And when He was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; saying, blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto Him, Master rebuke thy disciples. And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."

The Bible says that the whole multitude (thousands) began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice. Can you imagine the noise from thousands shouting and praising God with a loud voice. Some Pharisees from among the multitude were offended and told Jesus to stop them; Jesus totally rejected their suggestions and put His stamp of approval on what they were doing, saying: "I tell you that if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out". (v. 40). The Pharisees thought it was not decent and in order, but Jesus said it was perfectly and totally in order and very decent!

Some time ago my good friend Rev. John Harbarenko, who is a full gospel pastor at Swan River, Manitoba, was discussing this ministry with some other ministers; he was telling of the mighty things God was doing through this ministry. A few didn't like the way I was doing some things. John D. Harbarenko countered by saying, "I like the way Max Solbrekken is doing it better than the way you preachers are not doing it"!

I like that because it is scriptural. First, let everything be done. So many people are so afraid they won't do anything right that they never do anything! And as human beings we all are prone to make some errors in judgment!

The Bible says, "There is none righteous, no not one". (Rom. 3:10). St. Paul declared that he was not perfect but was pressing on toward the mark of perfection in Christ. (Phil. 3:12) It is tragic LIE to believe that a fallible cardinal suddenly becomes infallible because white smoke came out of the chimney at the Vatican instead of black smoke.

Certainly, none of us are perfect in ourselves, but we are perfect in Christ, and must strive to do His work by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let everything be done decently and in God's order! Amen!

REJECTION OF THE WORD THAT HE INSPIRED!

Once you reject an individual it is not difficult to reject his works. When the Roman Catholic Church rejected John Hus condemning him to death, they condemned and burned his writings. If you have no respect for an individual you will have no respect for the work he has accomplished, because you will be prejudiced against it.

Multitudes today have rejected the blessed Holy Spirit saying that He is just a presence, or just a force, or a figment of man's imagination, or simply a myth. They have rejected His workings among men as wildfire, fanaticism and emotionalism. What a tragedy! These same multitudes have also rejected the Holy Bible which He inspired.

Some say they believe it, but their actions prove otherwise. Some blatantly attack the Holy Scriptures, others add to it with their man-made doctrines, dogmas, traditions and rituals. Still others remove from the Holy Scriptures what they do not believe, going so far as to translate the Holy Bible and make a new version for the sole purpose of propagating their teaching.

What a shame! Hear the indictment God gives against these false teachers: "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Rev. 22:18-19)

WHERE DID THE BIBLE COME FROM?

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:19-21)

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees of His day because they rejected the Word of God in favor of their own traditions: "He answered and said unto them, well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, this people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups; and many other such things ye do. And he said unto them, full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." (Mark 7:6-9)

Hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ to the unbelievers of His generation: "And if any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father which sent Me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that His commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto Me, so I speak." (John 12:47-50)

The words of Jesus Christ shall judge mankind in that day; yes, my friend, the Word of God will be opened on the Judgment Day and you will face the unadulterated Word of God and be judged thereby.

THE WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT!

"And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire; This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Rev. 20:11-15)

The Bible states that the books will be opened; one of those books will be your individual record; the other one will be the Holy Bible, God's Word, and then another book which is the Lamb's Book of Life. (v. 12). Judgment is coming - I warn you my friend, put your house in order: prepare to meet God and get right with God and your fellowmen!

The Bible says: "The Scriptures cannot be broken". (John 10:35). Again, the Bible says: "The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up". (2 Peter 3:10). My beloved friend, I assure you that God's Word will never fail because God will never fail. His Word will not return void but will accomplish that which He determines it to do, for His Word is totally perfect, authoritative and completely pure, unadulterated and infallible. Hallelujah!

                 THESE RELIGIONISTS ARE SENSUAL!

The churches, denominations, clergymen, preachers and teachers that reject the Holy Spirit, His demonstrations, His manifestations and His gifts and reject the Word that He inspired, are dead spiritually and are as phony as a three dollar bill in their claims to be saving mankind in the Name of God. Jude puts his finger on these ungodly rejecters of the true gospel when he writes:

"These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear; clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit." (Jude 4:12-19)

These people are sensual, worldly and filled with pride, so they separate themselves from the true believer who is filled with the Holy Spirit. Jude continues in verse 20 by saying, "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost". (1 Cor. 14:2). Praying in the Spirit means praying in other tongues!

St. Paul said, "I will pray with the Spirit (unknown tongues) and I will pray with the understanding also". (1 Cor. 14:15) (Languages he had learned), The Bible says, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself". (1 Cor. 14:4) (builds himself up). No wonder then that Jude writes, "But ye beloved, building up yourselves (edifying yourselves) on your most Holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost". The Bible states: "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth..." (1 Cor. 14:14)

                                        I TAKE MY STAND!

St. Peter writes: "These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." (2 Peter 2:17-19)

In view of the grave situation in religious circles today and the almost wholesale departure from the faith of some church denominations, I take my stand privately and publicly as a defender of the faith which was once delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)

As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a servant of God, I proclaim that I believe that the blessed Holy Spirit is in fact the third person in the Godhead; that He is the Divine Paraclete; the wonderful comforter and great teacher, leading the Church of which Jesus Christ is the only Head. Jesus Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22; 5:23; Col. 1:18) (of which I am a member), comprised of blood-washed believers from every tribe, kindred and nation. (Rev. 5:9). I believe that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is for every born again believer in this generation:

"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 2:39). I further believe that His demonstrations, manifestations and gifts are available for His people today and will be until Jesus Christ comes again for His bride.

"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. For now we see through a glass darkly; but then (at the coming of Jesus) face to face; now I know in part, but then (in eternity with Christ) shall I know even as also I am known". (1 Cor. 13:9-10, 12)

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." (1 Cor. 12:7). Finally, since God has placed the Holy Spirit in the world, He will be here until Jesus Christ comes again. "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work, only He who not letteth (Holy Spirit) will let, until He be taken out of the way". (at the coming of Christ) (1 Th. 2:7)

                              PROPHECY FROM GOD SAVED HIS LIFE!

GORDON LINDSAY founded Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas, and was a great writer and promoter of Full Gospel Evangelists. He also raised money to help build churches in a number of Third World countries. In March 4, 1966 he was scheduled to visit the Philippine Islands. A group of women were in a time of prayer and Pastor Lindsay stopped by to request prayer for his journey. An elderly lady laid hands on him and prophesied these words: “When you arrive in Tokyo, do not turn to the left or right. Go straight ahead.”

When he arrived in Tokyo, he would have to turn left to connect with the All Nippon Airways to continue his flight to the Philippines. To go straight ahead would necessitate staying over night in Tokyo. He felt that he must obey the words of warning in the prophecy he was given. When he got settled in a hotel room, he heard the news that his Airways flight had shortly after takeoff, malfunctioned and crashed into Tokyo Bay killing 133 on board.

While in the Philippines, Thomas Tutyko and I met Gordon Lindsey in a little village where he was providing funds for the roof on a new church. We thank God for His protection through the blessed Holy Spirit.

There were only three flights a week with Canadian Pacific from Vancouver to Tokyo when Tom and I began our 3 ½ month Preaching Crusade beginning in Hong Kong. On March 4, 1966, Canadian Pacific flight number 402 from Vancouver crashed on landing at Haneda Airport, Tokyo due to poor weather. Death toll was 52 passengers and crew. About a week earlier Tom and I had made that same journey.

                              SINCE HE IS PRESENT NOW!

Since He is present now leading and guiding the Church of Christ, His gifts will have to be in operation until He is taken away. "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." (1 Cor. 12:28)

Since God has set these gifts in the church and has nowhere withdrawn them, who are these ignorant man-ordained preachers and teachers who try to tie the hands of God and change His Word! They are in grave danger for tampering with the eternal Word of God! I further believe that the Holy Bible is the infallible, only, authoritative, divine and holy Word of God.

I give honour, praise, glory and worship unto Almighty God our Heavenly Father in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, reverencing the blessed Holy Spirit and standing on God's Holy Word. This is my stand, so help me God! Amen.

                               CHRIST IS WORKING MIRACLES!

                                            DuValier Stadium, Port- au- Prince Haiti, 1973
Darfur, Sudan, 2007
Darfur, Sudan, 2007
Morvant, Trinidad, 1968
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 1998
Cordova, Argentina, 1978
Durban, South Africa, 1974
San Salvador, El Salvador, 1986
Morvant, Trinidad, 1968
                                                   Timisoara, Romania, 1990

Friday, January 22, 2021

 

CHRIST THE DELIVERER

By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

Right from the Garden of Eden, the stage was set for the Mighty Deliverer to step onto the world stage! The Promise came from Almighty God Himself, Who had earlier created the heavens and the earth, the cosmos and everything therein.

Although the great plan of Redemption and the 'Coming of the Deliverer' to ransom fallen man was already a done deal, it was not until the wicked, treasonous Lucifer had caused the greatest catastrophe to befall the human race, that the great God and Creator made it public.

Certainly, Adam and Eve, the first human beings to rebel, couldn't have seen the announcement coming, as things had escalated out of the precise order they were so accustomed to previously.

That Wicked One, the conniving Deceiver, undoubtedly knew there would be a strong response from the EVER LIVING ONE to his dastardly deed. But, the 'Coming of the Deliverer' was more than he had expected.

He was stricken with panic as he heard the Almighty question Adam and Eve: “Adam, why did you do this”? Adam passed the buck, using a blame game approach: “The woman you gave me is to blame. She gave me the fruit. It is not my fault.”

God asked the woman: “What hast thou done?” Eve answered truthfully, “The serpent beguiled me and I did eat.” She pointed at the devil in the SNAKE and said, “Satan is to blame.”

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and Her SEED; it shall bruise (crush) thy HEAD and thou shalt bruise His heel.” (Gen.3:15)

The Eternal God stated: “Because you have done this unrighteous deed, I have placed enmity between man and snakes. People will loath serpents and hate them. Snakes will crawl on their belly and eat dust because it allowed the Deceiver to enter its body. Lucifer, you will identify with the lowest of the low and be named the great Serpent."l,./


THE DELIVERER'S VIRGIN BIRTH!

In God's judgment of Lucifer, this is the message He communicated: The Deliverer will be born to a woman without a human father. He will be True God from eternity and True Man through His virgin birth; incarnated (God in human flesh) without sin.

He will meet the Demands of Divine Justice to atone for the sins of the world. Through this act of LOVE, He will atone (pay the penalty) for Adam and Eve's treasonous deeds. The shedding of His righteous, sinless blood, and His resurrection from the dead will guarantee forgiveness for members of the human race, who will receive Him!

But, for Lucifer, there will be no peace or redemption. His fate is sealed forever. He is an eternally doomed Despot. The blood of the Deliverer will obliterate his power to dominate Adam's race. In the future, his sins of Pride, Greed and Hatred will fuel his torments.

Fear will constantly haunt you as you search for clues of the Coming Deliverer. You will seek to destroy Him, but will be unable to do so. Because of His perfect redemption, He will provide total liberty, forgiveness, healing and eternal life for Adam's fallen race!

In the Final Battle, the Deliverer will CRUSH your head, Lucifer. And you will be cast into the Lake that burns with Fire and Brimstone for ever and ever. Throughout eternity, Lucifer, you will be known as Satan, the Liar, Deceiver, Opposer of all righteousness – an Enemy of God and Man!

Your name Devil, will identify you as a Liar above all liars, a Swindler, Traducer, and Slanderer. You have earned your titles well; Beelezub means the Master of flies; dirty, filthy flies! You deceived the woman, but the God/Man Who will be born of a Virgin, will lift the heavy burdens from God's children. His pure and perfect blood will be shed for all human beings and will free all who believe on His Name.”


IS YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?

The Book of Revelation states: “And the Devil that deceived them was cast into the Lake of Fire and brimstone where the Beast and False Prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.

And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

And death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the Second Death. And whosoever was not written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.” (Rev. 20: 10 15)

What is the Book of Life? Whose names are recorded in the Book of Life? How does one get his name inscribed into the Book of Life? Are some names blotted out of the Book of Life? Why do many Jews during the Jewish New Year season use this greeting: “May your name be inscribed in the Book of Life?”

After their campaigns, Jesus' disciples were joyous: “And the seventy returned again with joy saying, Lord, even the devils are subject to us through Thy name.

And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning FALL from Heaven. Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and NOTHING shall by any means hurt you.

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the (evil) spirits are subject unto you: but rather REJOICE because your names are written in Heaven.” (Luke 10: 18-20)

At the very moment a person is born again by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, his name is inscribed in the Lamb's Book of Life. That is the MIRACLE of Christ's redemptive work in our hearts and lives.

In his powerful altar calls at our church in Edmonton, Baptist evangelist Dr. Hyman Appleman used to say: “The recording angel is waiting to inscribe your name into the Book of Life.” Even now, sinner friend, the recording angel waits for your decision to receive Christ as your Saviour, to write your name in that great Book!

PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE!

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

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth within him, and he in God.” (1 John 4: 12-15),

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of Him. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar because he believeth not the Record that God gave of His Son.

And this is the record that God hath given to us Eternal Life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God: that ye might know that ye have eternal life, and that ye might believe on the name of the Son of God. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given an understanding, that we may know Him that is true and we are in Him that is True, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5: 1, 11-13,20)

THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN!

In his letter to former pagans in Corinth, St. Paul the founder of the Church among the Gentiles, declared that Jesus Christ is the Only Saviour and that all other deities or paths to God, Heaven and eternal life, are false. He stated that they will not save you!

But to us (Believers) there is but One God, the Father, of Whom are all things, and we in Him; and One Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom are all things, and we by Him.” (1 Cor. 8: 6). The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins. Jesus Christ saves us by His Blood. The Blessed Holy Spirit brings us into the presence the Father.

The Bible says: “For through Him (Jesus Christ) we both (all believers) have access by one Spirit (Holy Spirit) unto the Father.” (Eph. 1:18)

Jesus Christ is the only WAY to God and Heaven! He said: “I am the DOOR, by Me if any man enter in he shall be SAVED, and shall go in and out and find pasture. The thief (Satan) cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy. I am come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.” (John 10: 9,10).

Karl Barth, outstanding European theologian made this powerful claim for Jesus Christ: “The last word which I have to say...is not a term like “grace”, but a name, “Jesus Christ”. He is grace, and He is the last, beyond the world and the Church and even theology...

What I have been concerned to do in my long life has been increasingly to emphasis this name and to say: There is no salvation in any other name than this. For grace, too, is there. There, too, is the impulse to work, to struggle, and also the impulse towards fellowship, towards human solidarity. Everything that I have tested in my life, in weakness and in foolishness, is there. But it is there.”

JESUS: THE ONLY SAVING NAME!

The angel of God spoke to Joseph in a dream, saying: “Joseph, thou son of David, 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 they shall 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 shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matt. 1:20-23)

JESUS means Saviour: the salvation of God! JESUS means: The God who saves; the God who heals; the God who delivers! The Bible says: “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, give I unto thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3: 6);

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom ye crucified, Whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth his man stand before you whole. “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: 10, 12).

St. Paul stated: “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 be 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 which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things 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.” (Phil. 2: 5-11)

JESUS' NAME DRIVES AWAY SATAN!

Many years ago, a Spirit filled Lutheran from southern Saskatchewan shared this amazing testimony. His grandfather, who had been a heavy drinker, was born again and his life was filled with great joy and began attending church regularly. The devil, however, was upset and began tormenting him with demons taunting him and laughing at him. Some people thought that he was just imagining these things.

When he died, these two grandsons, both in their early twenties moved into his cabin. One night they were awakened by a fierce entity growling under their bed. They were so frightened as they huddled together against the wall. Suddenly, my friend remembered their pastor saying that if they were ever confronted by the devil, speak the Name of Jesus. They both cried out, “JESUS, JESUS!”

Instantly, the horrible intruder caused the bed to shake and slammed the door. In the morning, they found the door still locked. The experience caused these two young men to repent and return to faith of Jesus! The Name of Jesus drove the devil away and changed their lives!

About forty years ago in Ontario, a prominent member of the Business Community related a scary encounter he had experienced with the devil, shortly after his conversion. This gentleman was a trucker and owned a summer camp at a nearby lake. On week-ends many of his business friends would gather at the camp for drinking, gambling and

and wild parties.

One day he attended a Gospel Crusade and became an on-fire Christian and began hosting summer camp meetings. He was hauling gravel and stopped at his home for a little lunch and make some telephone calls. His wife and children were at the camp. He was in the kitchen, standing up with the phone in his hand when suddenly the devil appeared in the doorway beckoning him to go for a ride in his truck.

The devil was very tall with a commanding evil presence. This truck driver did not realize since he was a new Christian, that he could have commanded him to leave in Jesus' Name. He knew, however, that if he could get to his bedroom and fall on knees he would be safe by calling upon the Lord. Using all his strength, he dropped the phone and ran for the bedroom and threw himself on his knees and cried out, “JESUS!”, just as he felt the devil's claw make a sweep across his head. And then he was gone! That experience made him pray desperately for the Gift of the Holy Spirit and he became a strong testimony for Jesus and the Church. Praise the Lord!

As my friend told that story, it was so real that you could sense the power of the name of Jesus to protect and free us from Satan's evil and ugly power. That man became a real leader among business people in that area. Hallelujah!

JESUS' BLOOD PURGES THE CONSCIENCE!

The Bible states: “But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

How much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the Eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot unto God, PURGE your CONSCIENCE from dead works to serve the living God.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: So Christ was once OFFERED to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Heb. 9: 11-14, 24, 28)

In St. Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews he details the amazing affect the ever living pure and holy BLOOD of the Crucified and Resurrected Jesus Christ has on those who receive Him as Saviour, Lord, Healer and Deliverer:

But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God... For by one offering He had perfected for ever them that are sanctified...

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh;

And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” (Heb. 10: 12-24). Amen.

Monday, January 18, 2021

                       EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS (Rev. 22:20)

                  WHO IS THIS THAT COMETH?

                                      By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

WHO IS THIS that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in His apparel, travelling in the greatness of His strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art Thou red in thine apparel, and Thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

I have trodden the winepress alone, and of the people, there was none with Me: for I will tread them in Mine anger, and trample them in My fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon My garments, and I will stain all My raiment.

For the Day of vengeance is in Mine heart, and the year of My Redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was no none to uphold; therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me; and My fury it upheld Me.” (Isaiah 63: 1-5)

Dr. Henry Morris shines light on this amazing Scripture. He writes: “The Spirit of God in some way has "transported" the prophet to a time future to himself... Clearly this is prophetic or eschatological and is one of the most majestic, intriguing descriptions of the Messiah at His Second Coming. While it is a passage addressed to Israel, it is a passage filled with great hope of a great future redemption by our Great God, Who alone is mighty to save...”

The prophet refers to the Messiah's First Advent as the Sacrificial Lamb bringing salvation to all who believe, as well as His Second Advent in the Rapture of His Church. He also warns sinners that following mankind's rejection of God's Mercy, there will be an outpouring of His Judgment such as the world has not before seen!

                WHO IS THIS? JESUS OF NAZARETH!

The Bible says: “And when He was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves. And said of them, It is written, My House shall be called the House of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple and He healed them.”

Who is this Man that called Almighty God His Father, healed the sick, forgave sinners, cast out devils and raised the dead? Who is the Man that is called Wonderful, Counsellor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God and Everlasting Father? Who is the Man named the Way, the Truth and the Life? Who is the Man that is true Vine, the Door to Heaven, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and Life and the Chief Cornerstone?

Who is the Man that has the power to forgive sins? Who is this Man that was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, crucified, buried and rose again on the third day? Who is this Man that lived only thirty three years and yet is the same yesterday, today and forever? Who is this Man that promises “world without end” to those who answers the call to surrender all and follow Him? Who is this Man before whom angels bow down and worship, and demons scream, “We know who Thou art, the Holy One of God?” Who is this One that laid aside His power and authority, was denied by Simon Peter, betrayed by Judas Iscariot, rejected by the Jews and crucified by the Romans?

               JESUS CHRIST SAVIOUR SON OF GOD!

Who is this Man that proclaims, “Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will carry your load of guilt, fear and sorrow?” Who is this Man that says, “Call upon Me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth, for I AM God and there is none else.” Who is this Man that turns night into day and fear into faith? Who is this Man that speaks peace and blessing and burdens are lifted, fear is gone and sickness departs? Who is this Man that speaks the Word and turns torment, despair and anxiety into peace, joy and tranquility. Who is this Man whom Pontius Pilate said, “I find no fault in Him”, and the thief on the cross stated, This man has done nothing wrong”. Looking to Jesus, he prayed, “Lord, remember me when You enter Your Kingdom.”

Who is this Man that caused the earth to open, tremble, quake, the rocks to split and the sun to darken during His suffering, agony and death? Who is this Man who caused the Roman Centurion and his soldiers to fall on their knees and cry, “Surely this man was the Son of God.” I will tell you Who He is!

He is the One who created the worlds and all things! He is the architect of Creation and by His Words the creation consists! He overcame death, Hades and the grave. He is the One who conquored Satan eternally. He is Jesus Christ the crucified, risen and ever living Saviour of the World and Lord of lords and King of kings. He is my Saviour, Lord, Healer and Redeemer. He is Eternal Life! Glory be to God the Father and Son of the Living God forever and ever!

'He came to earth, the promise to fulfill. A rugged cross, He bore up Calvary's hill; And for my sins, He cried Father please forgive; Born to die, So that I might live.

Born to die, A cruel cross to bear; Born to die, So that I His love may share. Born to die, His precious life to give; Born to die so that I might live.

Accused of sin, yet silent He remained; No one came forth to witness for His Name Between two thieves, He bowed His head and cried, It is finished now, I came to die'.

             JESUS CAME TO SAVE THE WORLD!

Our Saviour stated: “I am the Door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be Saved and shall go in and out and find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” (John 10: 10,11, 14,15); “I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25).

Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on Me believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me. And He that seeth Me seeth Him that sent Me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to Save the world;

He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath One that judgeth him; the Word that I have spoken, shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father which sent Me. He gave Me a commandment, what I should speak. And I know that His commandment is Life Everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto Me, so I speak.” (John 12: 44-50)

               JESUS' HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER!

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to Heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee. As Thou hast given Him Power over all flesh, that He should give Eternal Life to as many as as Thou hast given Him. And this is Life Eternal, that they might know Thee the Only True God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou has sent.

I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own Self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was. I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them Me; and they have kept Thy Word.

They are not of the world, even as I am not of this world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth. As Thou has sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou has sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be made perfect in one: and that the world may know that Thou has sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.

And the glory which Thou gavest Me, I have given them: that they may be one, even as We are One: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved Me Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world.

O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them and I in them.” (John 17: 1-26)

                        BEHOLD HE COMETH!

Behold He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see Him, and them also which pierced Him, and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so. Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come the Almighty.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last...And I turned to see the Voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw even golden candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow: and His eyes were as a flame of fire; and His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters. And He had in His right hand seven stars: and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive forevermore, Amen. And have the keys of Hell and of Death.” (Rev.1:7-18)

                           JESUS' GREAT COMISSION!

Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen. 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; thy 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.”

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.” (Matt. 24:14). Amen.

As it was in the time of Christ, so it is today. The sins of unbelief and hardening of heart are two of the worst sins in the church! The cause of these two sins is a lukewarm spirit that has pervaded the church. Jesus gives us the medicine for lukewarmness, hardness of heart and unbelief: Repent and Return to Christ: 

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to Him, and will sup with him and he with Me.” (Rev. 3:20). Amen.