LIFE THROUGH CHRIST                                                                               By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was Life; and the life was the light of men. And the Light shineth in the darkness and the Darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-3)

The Apostle John laid out in Majestic terminology the awesome grandeur, power, and position of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, the Light of the world, the Creator of all things, and the Redeemer of sinful Mankind. He was with God the Father and the Holy Ghost in Heaven where, "the blood of the Everlasting Covenant" was planned. 

The Father knew that the world He would create would be defiled by a rebel archangel, who would deceive the first man that He would create to begin the human race!

BLOOD OF THE EVERLASTING COVENANT!

"Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will..." (Heb. 12:20,21)

To save the human race, God the Father would give His Son as a sacrifice to pay for all the sins of the human family committed by Adam until the end of time. The Eternal Son of God would be incarnated, conceived by the Holy Spirt and born of a virgin woman. 

He would suffer under cruel hands and die as the substitute for all humankind and rise again from the dead, as the Saviour of the World. The Holy Spirit was totally involved throughout the Salvation plan of His Son's death and resurrection! 

"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Jesus from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Rom. 8:11)

The Bible states: "He was in the world and the world was made by Him, and the world knew 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. 

"He was born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:10-14)

 St. Paul stated emphatically: "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 goats and calves, but by His Own Blood He entered in once into the Holy of Holies, having obtained Eternal Redemption for us.

PURGE YOUR CONSCIENCE!

"For if the blood of bulls and 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 the Eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to 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; Nor yet that He should offer Himself often as the high priest entered into the Holy Place every year with blood of others; For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world:

"But now ONCE in the end of the world hath He APPEARED to put away away SIN by the SACRIFICE of Himself. And as it is appointed men to once to DIE, but after this the Judgment: 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)

JOHN FELL AT HIS FEET!

Only one who had been in the presence of such Majesty, walking with JESUS in His earthly Ministry, seeing Him crucified, rising from the dead on the third day,  received his Apostolic calling, and physically beholding Him being lifted and carried away into  Heaven, would undoubtedly prepare him to write this outstanding Scripture!

 "And from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own BLOOD, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

"Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even, Amen. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a Great Voice as of a trumpet, I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last: and, What thou seest, write in a Book and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia...

"And I turned to see the Voice that spake unto me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven 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 forever more, Amen; and have keys of hell and of death." (Rev. 1:6-18)

I TREMBLE AS I READ THIS!

I praise God for the Grace of Jesus Christ, His Mercy and Love toward us all. How St. John must have felt as he wrote His Gospel as well as his three epistles! How will we feel when we see Jesus at the Rapture of the Church or at the hour of our death? How could we ever repay our Lord for all the blessings He has showered upon us? 

And the answer is that we can never repay the debts that we owe our Lord Jesus for taking our place as our Substitute on the Cross on Golgotha, outside of Jerusalem's city wall!  All we can do is to receive  His forgiveness for our sins, and constantly proclaim His Lordship over us. as we believe His Holy Word. 

THE SEED OF THE WOMAN!

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed. It shall bruise (knuse, crush) your head, and thou shalt bruise His heel" (Gen. 3:15). Jesus Christ is the seed of the woman. When He died upon that Roman Cross on Golgotha, Satan's head was crushed. When Jesus arose, His death was only "bruising of His heel".

The Bible states: "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 (St Paul in Malta) ; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; They shall lay their hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16: 15-18)

TETELESTAI: IT IS FINISHED!

Satan, the enemy of God and man is a conniving, deceiving Liar and the father of it!  He is a Murderer and Deceiver! He brings sin, fear, torment, sickness, disease and death. He is a defeated despot because he has been crushed by the all-powerful shed BLOOD of Jesus Christ, God's Lamb!

Satan is the "accuser of the brethren." He accuses the redeemed before God, day and night. His name is also, the Devil, which means LIAR.  He is the Opposer and Enemy of God and all believers in Christ! He is constantly accusing, condemning, and oppressing God's people. He is the great Slanderer but is himself under condemnation. He is consigned to spend eternity in the 'Lake of Fire'. (Rev. 20:10)

The Bible states: "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head and gave up the ghost." (John 19:30) The word Jesus used was tetelestai from the Gr. verb teleo which has three essential meanings: 'To finish something or bring something to an end; to fulfill something; to pay for what is owed!

Jesus had finished His work of Redemption for the human race, and brought to an end Satan's power. He had fulfilled all the O.T. Scriptures about Himself the Messiah. He had paid for all our sins, sicknesses, diseases! Praise be to God!

CHRIST OUR REDEEMER!

A powerful poem I love to quote and share is called, 'I Plead the Blood':

I have a source of strength when I am weak, that takes me through when life is pressing me. I know a source of power from Above. I'm covered over by a shield of love.

I claim the blood Jesus shed  on Calvary. Those precious blood stains, were made there just for me. For all my sin, my sickness and my pain. When I need healing, I Claim those precious bloodstains! 

I do not know how others make it through, who never go to Calvary like I do. For there is a healing, cleansing stream that still flows with peace that only His Redeemed can know.

JESUS IS THE LAMB OF GOD!

"And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne and the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, 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 sitteth 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 viols full of incense, 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 wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God, by Thy BLOOD out of every kindred, and tongue and people and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth: " (Rev.5:6-10)

WHAT CAN JESUS DO FOR US TODAY?  He stands ready to hear our prayers and and meet our needs even today. Call upon Him in faith believing and He will hear your call. Amen.

Max Solbrekken World Mission Box 44220 RPO Garside Edmonton, AB T5V 1N6 Email: [email protected]. comehometojesus.ca; YouTube, Face Book. Read the Holy Bible!

JESUS SPOILED SATAN’S KINGDOM

by Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

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

 In my opinion this is one of the greatest statements ever uttered by mortal man. It is loaded with truth and clearly defines the basic doctrines of God! Not only does it state in broad strokes the reason God sent His Son to the earth, but it allows us to see His plans and purposes for His Church!

This Scripture deals with two powers, the one Good and the other Evil, and the Goodness of God in destroying the Evil works of the Devil. The Purpose of God is the Salvation of the human Family in destroying Satan’s ability to harm us. In His great wisdom, Almighty God our Heavenly Father sent His Eternal Son Jesus Christ to earth to redeem us all from satanic slavery! 

 The Bible states: “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. 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)

 ADAM’S SIN OF HIGH TREASON!

 In the Courts of Heaven, Adam’s Sin of High Treason against the Creator was so grievous that Eternal Life on earth was cancelled. The process of Death had already begun within Adam and Eve and that process would continue among their posterity!  To restore fellowship between man and His Creator, the sin debt of Adam had to be paid! 

An innocent man had to die for the sins of the world and rise from the dead.  Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son was incarnated, (God in human flesh) conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin as the Second Adam, be crucified and rise from the dead in power and great glory, to seal the Redemption of Mankind!

 TO RESTORE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD!

 St. Paul wrote: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteousness, and godly, in this present world:

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Who Gave Himself for us, that He might Redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar (purchased) people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)

The Bible says: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps …Who His own Self bare our sins in His own body on the tree (cross), that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: By Whose STRIPES ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

“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.” (Matt. 8: 16,17, Is. 53: 4,5)

 HOLY SPIRIT INTERCEDES FOR US!

The Bible says: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me Free from the law of sin and death.

“But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Rom. 8:1,11)

 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities (takes a hold of against our infirmities): for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Rom. 8: 26). When we pray for guidance in other tongues, the Holy Spirit prays through us to the Father! Praise be unto God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord!

“He that spared not His Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Rom.8:32)

Nothing can separate us from the mercy, grace, and love of our Heavenly Father! The Word of God states that since God did not spare His Son but sent Him to the Cross to purchase our salvation, and because JESUS IS ALIVE today, sitting on His Father’s Right hand, we are welcome to everything He purchased for us!

THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL!

JESUS came against these works of the Devil: Sin, Fear, Poverty, Sickness and Disease, Demons!

SIN: “But if we walk in the Light as He is in the Light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7): “In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Eph. 1:7)

The only antidote for sin is the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for us all on the Cross on Golgotha: “How much more shall the BLOOD of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” (Heb.9: 14)

FEAR: “For God hath not given you the spirit of Fear; but of Power and Love and of a Sound Mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7). God has given us Power over the devil, the Love of God, and a Sound Mind. Hallelujah!

The BIBLE says: “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come unto thy dwelling.” (Ps.91: 10); “Fear thou not for I am with thee: be not dismayed for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee. Yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” (Is. 41:10)

POVERTY: “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil.4:19); “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them for with the same hat are the called according to His purpose,” (Rom.8:28)

“Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38): “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not Want.” (Ps. 23:1)

SICKNESS & DISEASE: “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)

“Surely, He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are Healed.” (Is, 53:4,5); 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)

DEMONS & EVIL SPIRITS: “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 their hands on the sick and they shall recover.” (Mark 16: 15-20).

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee (in terror) from you.” (James 4:7)

 WHERE IT ALL BEGAN!

In the Garden of Eden, God Almighty delivered His long-range prophetical plan for the salvation of mankind and the deliverance of the human family! Adam and Eve had just committed the world's first sinful act. They had disobeyed God and rebelled against His commands.  Sin had impacted God's special creation - man - whom He had made in His own image and likeness.

Sin, however, was in the world because Satan - the father of sin and death - had been cast out of Heaven and is the 'Prince of the power of the air', as well as the 'god of this world'. (Eph. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:4).

He had caused previous disruption (Gen. 1:2) and chaos. (Ez. 28:13-19; Is. 14:12-17).  In his rebellion and hatred for God, Satan had cunningly planned his strategy by tempting Eve. The great transgression had been made.  (Job 1:8-22, 2:1-8; Gen. 3:1-6)

Now for the moment of truth.  How would Adam and Eve feel?  Would they be wise as God, as Satan had promised?  Was the rebellion worth it?  A thousand times NO! Their eyes were opened! 

SATAN GREATEST LIAR!

But, what did they see?  Their own vulnerability, stupidity, weakness, sin, and nakedness!  Fear stalked and filled their souls.  They were naked, vulnerable, and inadequate.  Now they must face the music and meet God alone!

Where was Satan?  Where was the wise tempter?  Gone to gloat over his victory.  Not far away, probably hiding behind a tree to see the inevitable outcome; the separation, dis-fellowshipping of God and His special creation, man!  Evil satisfaction filled his heart as he observed Adam and Eve's plight, their confusion, perplexity, fear, and terror! They heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.  God said, "Adam where art thou?"

As God called Adam that day, He is still calling us today.  "John, where are you.  Mary, where are you?” Adam answered, "We are hiding, we are naked, we are afraid"!  God questioned, "Who told you that you were naked?  You were clothed with My glory.  Have you eaten of the fruit that I forbad you"? 

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

EVERYONE LIKES TO PASS THE BUCK!

It seems normal for people to justify themselves, pass the buck, or blame someone else rather than take it on the chin, saying, "I made a mistake, I am wrong, please forgive me"! It's like the preacher who enjoyed portraying women in a negative way. 

One Sunday morning as he was preaching on 'The Fall of Man', he vigorously attacked Eve.  If Eve - the weaker vessel - hadn't fallen, the world wouldn't be in the mess it's now in.  He 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, others were glad to get out the door. A tall lady shook his hand, and she wasn't smiling.  She gripped his hand, looked him square in the eye and asked, "Pastor, what is the telephone number of the Garden of Eden"? 

He said, "I don't know what you are talking about"!  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!

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 put the blame where it belonged.  "The serpent beguiled me and I did eat”! Satan is the culprit.  The devil is to blame for all the sin, fear, heartbreak, divorce, alcoholism, drug addiction and juvenile delinquency.  He is the architect of all that is evil, wicked, and destructive.  Riots, anarchy, thievery, murder, sickness, disease, and war are the outcroppings and results of his plans, goals, purposes, and seduction!

Satan is to blame!  Shout it loud and clear, the devil is the troublemaker! Jesus called him a liar, deceiver, murderer, and thief. (John 8:44; 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, Satan is to blame! God said, "THE SEED OF THE WOMAN SHALL BRUISE THE SERPENT'S HEAD.”

Almighty God declared: "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..." (Gen. 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 (crush) thy head..."

On Golgotha's Hill, Jesus defeated the devil.  When he paid the supreme sacrifice for the sins of the world, and rose again from the dead, He had delivered the death blow to Satan! When Jesus cried, "It is finished", He had defeated Satan and since that very hour the blood of Jesus Christ washes away all the sins of the repentant sinner, and His stripes bring healing to the believing sick person.

The Holy 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 Tim. 2:5).

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 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". (Matt. 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"! (Isa. 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 on the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on Him". (John 3:36)

 THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY!

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". (Matt. 11:28).

 Jesus Christ is the only hope, life, and salvation of this world. Amen.

Max Solbrekken World Mission Box 44220 Garside, Edmonton, AB T5V 1N6 Email: [email protected] ; comehometojesus.ca: Youtube, Facebook

THE RACE
AGAINST TIME!
by: Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

 Mankind has inadvertently been thrust into the cycle of life and death - in a race against "Father Time"! Time waits for no man and ever since "The Garden of Eden" tragedy, the challenge has continued unabated.  Man against time with "The Old Man" always winning!

In every instance "time" has run out as the sands emptied through the hour-glass and days have turned into weeks, months into years.  Muscle has become flab, smooth skin turned into wrinkles and strength succumbed to weakness!

What happened to the once young, healthy, beautiful woman and the handsome, robust, powerful young man?  Time had taken its ravaging toll preparing man for his journey back to the dust; out of which he was made.

"Deep calleth to deep" stated the prophet and earth surely calls to earth as another chapter closes on the book of man's history, and the curtain falls on "the last act" of another life...

And God says "Close for the Night"!

 NEVER ENOUGH TIME

We never seem to have enough time to do all we desire, always battling deadlines and never quite getting all the finishing touches done, until the wee hours of the morning and the last day of the month.

The house has to wait for the second coat of paint until spring - the frost came too soon.  The children grew up before we really got to know them, and before we realized it, Mom and Dad were gone as well!

Stewart Hamblin said it for all of us in his hit parade song of the 1950's, 'This Old House'.

Prince Philip said about a decade ago, "I seek after leisure like a poor man seeks after money"!  Many use valuable time to enrich themselves materially, others to search after pleasure while some strive for peace and spiritual tranquility!

Still others with all their money, fame and social standing endure a miserable existence and seek to destroy themselves through a violent suicide or slow, painful death by addiction to cigarettes, alcohol, drugs or unrestrained sexual permissiveness!

When death comes, however, whether slowly or abruptly, almost all are unprepared in one way or another!  Great, wealthy, and powerful men and women have begged for another hour of life, to no avail!

History is replete with stories of pathetic endings of the rich, famous, and talented, while millions of poor across the world struggle for another meal to keep soul and body together!

Famous American writer Ernest Hemingway said of life, "It is as empty as the vacuum in a radio tube when all the batteries have gone dead and there is no more juice to plug into". In the end, he took his own life.  How sad that he did not know Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour!

Declared the infidel, Voltaire, "I wish I have never been born".  When dying, the US millionaire Jay Gould stated, "I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth"!

Lord Beaconsfield wrote:  "Youth is a mistake, middle age is a struggle, and old age a regret".

How foolish we were as young people, when we complained, "I'm bored.  Time drags.  I don't know what to do with myself".

Silly songs like "If you've got the money honey, I've got the time" and slogans like "I've got more time than money" must seem almost sacrilegious to the author who wants to finish his book, but can't!

Or the scientist working on a cure for some dread disease when his call comes...

A good example is brilliant scientist Werner Von Braun, head of NASA's man-on-the-moon project who died of incurable cancer.  In the prime of life, with so much more to do! But he had somewhere to go to.  His personal testimony in Jesus Christ was ‘solid as a rock’

Or like Rock Hudson who succumbed to ravaging AIDS so young and far too soon!  For quite some time he had despaired of life, drinking heavily.  His death however was a real shocker to everyone, as the earlier so-called 'Gay Plague' reduced him to nothing.

Or Rocky Marciano who was doing so well in business after one of the world's most successful boxing careers.  Cut down in a tragic and fatal airplane crash!

Time ran out on the industrious young US President John F. Kennedy as the vengeful loser-turned-Marxist Harvey Oswald pulled the trigger on his 303 Lee Enfield, on that fateful day in Dallas. Rich and poor, black and white, famous and unknown, good and bad; all must one day answer the Grim Reaper's roll call

DEATH IS THE GREAT EQUALIZER!

It was reported that immediately after his death John F. Kennedy who hours before had been the most powerful man in the world, was wheeled into the morgue at a Dallas hospital. Laying naked on cement slabs next to him were the corpses of two vagrants found dead on the streets the night before.  At that moment there was no difference!

Death comes to all, and all will be summoned to the Judgment Bar of Almighty God.  The Scripture says, "And it is appointed until man once to die and after this the judgment". (Heb. 9:27)

St. Paul wrote, "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.  So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Rom. 14:10, 12)

"Let us all heed St. Paul's warning:  "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:  for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand:  let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." (Rom. 13:11-14)

Again the Scriptures state, "And I saw the dead small and great stand before God..." (Rev. 20:11)

Sentimentality declares, "Only the good die young" when a child is taken.  And the songwriter penned the words "Gathering flowers for the Master's banquet, beautiful flowers that will never decay!"

The Bible says, "Then shall the body return to the earth as it was:  and the spirit shall return unto God Who gave it". (Eccl. 12:7)  Ironic is it not, that every chemical and mineral found in the human body is also found in the earth?

 WHAT MUST WE DO?

1.  ACKNOWLEDGE your lost state: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23; “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

2.  BELIEVE the gospel: “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:30,31); “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life; and H that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on Him.” (John 3:18,36)

3.  REPENT of your sins: “I tell you, Nay; but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3; “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: And let him return unto the Lord and He will have mercy upon Him; and to our God, for He will abundantly perish.” (Isaiah 55:7)

 4.  RECEIVE Christ as your Saviour: “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); “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 and he with Me. (1 John 5:12)

5, CONFESS Him as your Lord: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Rom.10:9,10).

“And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after Me, after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his 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. For what shall it profit a man. If he shall gain the world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He cometh in the Glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:34-38)

THE MOST WONDERFUL THINGS OF LIFE!

Some time ago, I was called upon to officiate at a funeral of a man whom I did not know.  He was a truck driver in his 50's who had suffered a heart attack. His daughter had been brought to our church by a friend, but the rest of the family were unknown to me!

As I drove to the funeral chapel I prayed for a message, but no text would come.  As I met the widow and family however, I had my answer! Every member of that large family were in tears, weeping.  I thought "Oh, how they loved him!"

I titled my message, "The Most Important Things in Life".  When life is over and it's all said and done, the most important things are "a man's relationship to God, his family and his fellowmen". Not - How much money did he have in the bank?  How many degrees had he earned?  How popular was he in the community, but..

1.  HOW WAS HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?  Had he accepted the gospel message and was he born again?  Did Christ live in his heart?

2.  WHAT KIND OF A RELATIONSHIP DID HE HAVE WITH HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN?  Did he love and provide for them?  Was he protective, and a good example for them to follow?

3.  AND WHAT HAD HE DONE FOR THE POOR, NEEDY AND STRUGGLING OF THE WORLD?  Did his relationship with his fellowman inspire him to share the gospel?  Was he kind and did he love his neighbours?  Did he seek to help win the heathen for Christ? I believe that when it's all wrapped up and life is over, these are the only things that will really matter! 

LET US PRAY:

      Dear Heavenly Father:

     I acknowledge my need for forgiveness and mercy.  I believe the GOOD NEWS that Jesus Christ Your Son died for my sins and rose again from the dead.  By faith I receive Him now as my personal Saviour and confess Him as my Lord! Come into my heart Lord Jesus and save me for Christs' sake.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 Max Solbrekken World Mission Box 44220 RPO Garside, Edmonton, AB T5V 1N6 : YouTube Face book; Email: [email protected]; comehometojesus.ca; 

                                    THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

                                        By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

There lived in Greece many years ago, a famous philosopher named Simonides. One day, a group of students approached him. "Most noble Simonides", began the spokesman, "We have come to ask of you a very important question. We are baffled about, "The One called God!  What or Who is He"? The learned man thought for a moment and said, "Return in 24 hours for my answer". The following day Simonides replied, "I need longer - Come back in 30 days and I will tell you, What or Who is God"!

One month later he reasoned, "This subject is much deeper than I thought - I need one year to consider the matter". The following year they returned; "Most noble Simonides", began the leader, "We are troubled and wish to know, What or Who is God.  Can you tell us"? The great philosopher thought for a long time - Finally he stood to his feet and said, "I  have contemplated for 365 days on this matter, and must confess that I do not know and I cannot tell, What or Who is God"!

Does God really exist or is He only the product of our imagination, as the atheists say?  If He does exist, what are His attributes, where does He dwell and how does He feel about us? Who is God, and is it possible to make contact with Him? Does He really love us? And is Jesus Christ the world’s only Saviour?

THE HOLY BIBLE DECLARES HIM!

Who is God, and is it possible to make contact with Him? How do we know if God is a “He” and not a “she” as modernist and militant feminists intimate? Is God eternal, omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent? What of the Trinity? Is there any Scriptural basis for the “three-in-one / one-in-three” doctrine?

And is the Bible really God's Word or is it only a compilation of wise, inspirational and philosophic sayings? Is the Word of God infallible, eternal and authoritative? Can God and His Word be trusted?  Is He definitely the fountain - head of truth, wisdom and goodness? Does He really love and care for the human race, or is our submission to His authority His only concern?

Is it certain, that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God and the Saviour of the world? What or Who is God? In this Work, I will seek to answer these and other pertinent questions about "The Eternal One", we call God!

IN THE BEGINNING GOD !

I like the way God introduces Himself in the Tenach (O.T.).  In the beginning God! His formal introduction is staggering to say the least!  He does not excuse Himself for intruding into our lives - He has a right to enter. He was here before we were!

In the beginning, there was nothing - except God.  Then, He spoke into existence that which has been created from the beginning, until now! He is the "Eternal One, the Creator, the Almighty, the Great I Am, and The Lord God of all flesh"!

In the very first verses of Genesis (Heb. Bereshit), God announced Himself to humanity, as the Triune God: "IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH".  The English language cannot contain this spectacular declaration...neither can the grammatical rules of the Hebrew encompass this staggering statement! God Almighty has spoken and our finite minds are boggled!  His first disclosure about Himself to man, is a colossal grammatical discord...

For in the Hebrew language the noun, its verb and its adjective MUST all agree in number and gender! Yet, in the opening statement of Genesis, these rules of Hebrew grammar are totally shattered, because the singular verb לְחוֹלֵל . "created" is used with the plural masculine noun אֱל֙וֹהַ֙‎ (Eloah), literally "Gods".

Strange but true; God, who is perfect in harmony - in order to introduce Himself to the human family, had to do so with an excruciating, discordant note! Let me repeat:  "Gods" (plural) "created" (singular) is a colossal grammatical error!

UNIQUESNESS OF DIVINE UNITY!

Why did He do it?  Because of the UNIQUENESS of the DIVINE UNITY of the ETERNAL GOD! No language can contain the description of ONE who is Three Persons: co-eternal, co-equal and co-existent! The Eternal God our Heavenly Father is so GREAT that no human language can express Him or His greatest of all names in the Universe!

God spoke to me in 1966, while sitting on the platform at the Ghandi Freedom Park in Guntur, Andrah Pradesh, India. There were about 15,000 people sitting on the grass with about a hundred dignitaries on the platform. Suddenly, I heard a voice saying, “Son, you are helping to fulfill My Word.” I turned to see who was speaking to me. No one looked my way.  I prayed, “Is this You, Lord?  He repeated His Words. I said, “But Lord, how could I, a young preacher from Canada possibly help to fulfill Your Word?”

He answered: “Ask Brother Vandenam, how many people in this throng, have never once heard the name of Jesus, My Son.”  I  asked Brother Vandenam, “How many people in this crowd, do you believe have never heard the name of Jesus before? He answered, “About 95 %.”  Immediately, I was led to Isaiah 45: 5,6: “I am the Lord, and there is None Else, there is no God beside Me. I girded thee, thou thou hast not known Me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord, and there is NONE else.”

What does that mean? The Eternal God and Creator of the universe and all else, wants everyone to know the reason for our being on this earth and the immense sacrifice He made to save us all for time and eternity. In His great love and mercy, He sent His only begotten Son to REDEEM us through His vicarious death on the Cross on Golgotha, outside Jerusalem’s City walls.

Jesus Christ’s death for us all and His resurrection from the dead purchased our complete freedom from the Evil Satan and his filthy empire!

IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD?

Is anything too hard for God?  To the father of a deaf and dumb and demon possessed boy, Jesus said: “If though canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” (Mark 9:23). 

“When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, Come out of him and enter no more into him. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And He said unto them. This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9: 23-29)

St. John stated: "And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. 

"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, saying, HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES, AND BARE OUR SICKNESSES." (Matt. 8:14-17)

JESUS HAS ALL POWER & AUTHORITY!

"And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there were also with Him other little ships. And there arose  a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: And they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master carest thou not that  we perish?

"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, Be still.  And the wind  ceased, and there was a great  calm. And He said unto them, WHY ARE YE SO FEARFUL? How is it that ye have No faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the waves obey Him?" (Mark 4:36-41)

JESUS FREES DEMON POSSESSED MAN!

"And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when He was come out of the ship, immediately there met Him a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: 

"Because he had  been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped Him. And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of the Most High God? I adjure Thee by God, that Thou torment me not.

"For He said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And He asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion, for we are many. And he besought Him much that He would not send him away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought Him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave.

THE UNCLEAN SPIRITS WENT OUT!

"And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea (they were about two thousand) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and n his right mind..." Mark 5:1-15)

JESUS RAISED A LITTLE GIRL!

"While He yet spake, there came from the ruler certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He sayeth unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And He suffered no man to follow Him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And He cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

"And when He was come in, He saith unto them, Why make ye all this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed Him to scorn, but when He had put them all out, He taketh the father and mother of the damsel, and them that were with Him, and entered in where the damsel was lying. And He took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

"And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years . And they were astonished with a great astonishment." (Mark 5:365-422). All honour, glory and praise to God! Hallelujah!

NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR THE LORD!

The Bible records: “And the Lord said unto Abraham…Is anything too hard for the Lord?  At the time appointed I will return unto thee according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Gen.18:14); When you consider the fact that Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 years of age when Isaac was born, no one can doubt that God performed a miracle to keep His promise to Abraham! On top of that, we know that Sarah was barren!

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac; and he that had received the promises offered up His Only begotten Son. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy Seed be called: According that God was able to raise him from the dead; from whence also received him in a figure.” (Heb.11:17-19)

“Therefore it is of Faith, that it might be by Grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed: not to that only which is of the law, but to that which also is of the FAITH of Abraham, who is the father of us all…Who against hope believed in hope so shall thy seed be. That he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

“And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb; He staggered not at the promise of God through UNBELIEF; but was strong in FAITH, giving glory to GOD; and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. And therefore, it was imputed to him for righteousness.

“Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we BELIEVE ON HIM  that raised up Jesus from the Dead; who was Delivered for our offences, and RAISED again for our justification. Therefore being justified by Faith, we have Peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom.4:16, 18- 25)

 TWO WORDS FOR ONE!

When God commanded Abraham, "Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac.." (Gen. 22:2), He used the word "Yahid" to describe Isaac as Abraham's ONLY son; but, when God joined Adam and Eve as man and wife, they became "one flesh".  Here the word "ehad" is used to denote the compound unity of one.

Moses also used the word "ehad" for one, which correctly denotes a compound unity - rather than "yahid", which is the word for an absolute unity or singularity, in His declaration: "Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD". Elohim. Let us go DOWN - Let us make man.

The famous scientist Herbert Spencer spoke of five ways to make the unknowable (God) divisible:  They are space, time, matter, energy and force! The Holy Bible gives us the Answer. Although Herbert Spencer was not a Believer, he has given us the Proof of God’s existence and the Truth of God’s Word, the Holy Bible!

The Bible says: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Gen.1:1)

Here it is: In the beginning (time), God created the heavens (space) and the earth (matter) and the spirit of God (energy) moved (force). There it is in a nutshell! As far as we know, Herbert Spencer didn’t connect the two, but we see it clear. Praise the Lord!

An atheist, seeking to confuse a young Christian asked, "Have you every seen God?  How big is He, what does He look like"?  The new convert to Christ replied, "My God is so BIG the heavens can't contain Him, and so SMALL He lives in my heart"! Hallelujah. 

GOD’S WORD EFFECTS US ALL!

The Holy Bible states: “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. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be SAVED.

“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: 16,17, 36)

JOHN KNOX, founder of the Protestant Church in Scotland was a mighty Soldier of the Cross. Bloody Queen Mary stated that she feared the prayers of John Knox more than the armies of England. By the grace of God he kept Scotland free from the Papacy!

When he was dying John Knox said to his wife, “Maggie bring me the book”. When she brought him the Bible he said, “Read me the place where I first cast my anchor.” He had been  a galley slave on a French ship. She instantly turned to John Knox’s ‘salvation verse’, St. John 17:3: “And this is Life (Zoe Gr.) Eternal, that they might know Thee the Only True God and Jesus Christ, Whom Thou hast sent.”

ALL HAVE SINNED AND ARE GUILTY!

The Bible says: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  (Rom.  3:23 ); “There is not one that is perfect, no not one.” (Rom. 3:10 ): “Come now, and let  us reason together, sayeth the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Is. 1:18)

“For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God  without effect? God forbid; yea, let God be true and every man a liar…Now we know what things soever the law sayeth, it sayeth to them that are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God,” (Rom.3:3,4,19)

“Therefore  being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His BLOOD, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if we were enemies, we were reconciled by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be SAVED by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we now have obtained the Atonement.

“Wherefore, as by one man Sin entered into the world, and death by Sin; and so that death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised to from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of Sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve Sin. For he that is dead is freed from Sin. Now if we be dead  with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.” (Rom. 5: 1,6-12; 6:3-8)

 PROPITIATION: COVERING, SATISFACTION

 “Herein is LOVE, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His SON to be the Propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10). The word propitiation means the Covering, the Mercy Seat, the expiation, and the satisfaction! In short, propitiation means that the Father was satisfied with Jesus Christ’s Redemptive work on Golgotha for us. His vicarious death for us, purchased our eternal salvation.

His holy and pure BLOOD was shed on the CROSS for the SINS of the entire world from Adam until Christ’s Return! God's gift of Eternal Life  is available  to everyone who believes that Jesus Christ is God's Eternal Son who died for their sins and rose from the dead. They must receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, repent of their sins, and follow Him as their Lord!

 His Resurrection from the dead on the Third Day purchased our Justification and Eternal Life: “In this was manifested the Love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him.” (1 John 4:9)

The Bible Says: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of Life. For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you the Eternal Life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also my have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His SON Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1: 1-7)

 IF WE WALK IN THE LIGHT!

The Holy Bible states: “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His SON Jesus Christ. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in Darkness, we lie, and do not the Truth. But if we walk in the Light we have fellowship one with another and the Blood of Jesus Christ His SON cleanseth us from all sin.

“If we confess our sins (to God), He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin NOT. And if any man sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous; And He is the Propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 1:3, 6-9; 2:2)

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the Love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the Pride of Life is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world  passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of  God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2: 15-18)

 GOD RAISED UP A LITTLE BOY!

By the grace of God, I had the privilege of preaching in Europe and much in the former Soviet Union from 1989 to 1995. In Ukraine I worked with a team of young preachers. A Pentecostal Church in Norway had given this Group a large Touring Bus which we used in many of the Revival Meetings across the country. The Lord gave us many precious souls and some wonderful miracles of healing in a number of those Crusades!

In one town, about a thousand people were gathered outside the Community Hall,  seated mostly on the grass, and some on chairs. Approximately, one half of the population were in attendance that evening. There was one Protestant Group called 'The Believers' with 22 members, who had been vigorously requesting that we have a Meeting in their town.

During my message, a lady jumped to her feet and with her young son in her arms, ran toward us shouting, "My son has just died, my son has just died!" Several members of her group joined her directly in front of me. I asked my interpreter if he knew those people, and he replied, "Yes, they are the only Protestants here and their church has 22 members and is called 'The Believers'.

"The parents have attended several of our crusades, begging us to have a service in their town because the little boy is incurably ill. He was born with a congenital heart disease and they have been told by the doctors to stop rushing him to the hospital, because he is beyond hope! They would say, "He will die tomorrow. Stop bothering us. We cannot help him."  

I asked the mother if everyone there knew them, and she replied that they did. Then I asked the large congregation if they knew that couple and they shouted back that they knew them. I asked, "Do you believe the boy is dead and did they believe that God would bring him back to life?"

They said that little boy should have died before and that they believed God would raise him up. They stated that the parents told them that their son would be healed and that is why they came to the meeting!

I asked everyone to stand to their feet, lift their hands toward Go and pray after me. We prayed a lengthy prayer asking God for forgiveness and inviting Christ to come into their hearts. We prayed the Lord's prayer. After that, we made the Confession of Faith and the Prayer of Thanksgiving.

I prayed the Prayer of Thanksgiving. Then, I prayed for Mercy and Grace, and for Faith to believe that God would grant a Miracle. I was overwhelmed by the great challenge as I had never before been in such a situation. They had come to the service to see a miracle and now it was too late. The little boy was dead! Up to this point, I did not have the faith to command the little boy to come back to life!

In desperation, I began to praise God for His faithfulness while confessing my weakness and lack of power. Suddenly, something happened to me and I felt God's power moving in me. I reached over and touched the little boy, commanding the spirit of death to leave and the spirit of life to come back into him. I asked God for a miracle of healing in his body, in Jesus' mighty Name.

At that moment, his left leg moved out and so did his right arm. I asked for a cup of water and in Jesus' Name, I threw it in his face! His eyes opened and almost immediately, he was on the ground walking about.

The whole crowd came alive and were excitedly rejoicing and worshipping Jesus Christ who had showed Himself alive in open view for them all to see! I tremble as I write this today as I recall those very tense moments before Jesus put His Gift of Faith in my heart and took control of the situation! Truly, all things are possible to those who believe His Word and Promise to hear and answer Prayer. Amen. 

No thanks to me, whatsoever.  All the honour, glory, and praise belong to Jesus Christ our Lord and our Heavenly Father! Amen. - Max Solbrekken