JESUS CHRIST

                                    True God & Eternal Life

                                       By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This true God and Eternal Life.” (1 John 5:20)

Gospel Singer Andre Crouch wrote the beautiful little Chorus: O’ it is Jesus; Yes, it is Jesus; It is Jesus in my soul; for I have touched the hem of His garment, and His blood has made me whole!

Many people like Jesus of the Bible. They have heard the story of His virgin birth, born in a stable in Bethlehem. They heard that He died for us and arose from the dead. When I was a child in school and in church, we learned the significance of Christmas and Easter. Many of us learned how to sing and love the hymns.

There is nothing to dislike about Jesus Christ, until He makes a demand for us to humble ourselves, repent of our sins and receive Him as Saviour and Lord. And to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.

Many may say, ‘He is too demanding, the price of following Jesus is too high. The road is too narrow. I love the world. I will lose my friends. I can make it on my own’!

CHOOSE JESUS OR THE WORLD!

The Bible says: ‘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 forever.” (1 John 2: 15-17)

Jesus said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…Except a man be born of water (Word) and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3,5)

Jesus said: “Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3). St. Paul says: “That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the water by the Word.” (Eph. 5:26).

Water baptism does not save. It is a testimony of our belief in the death, burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ! We are born again by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit!

SOME BELIEVE: OTHERS PERISH!

The Lord 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.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the Voice of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself.” (John 5:24-26).

Jesus spoke about TWO different groups ‘of the dead’ who hear the voice of God. All human beings are born in Sin and are therefore “dead in trespasses and sins”.

The First Group hear the voice of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, repent of their sins and receive Christ through prayer, and are saved!

The Second Group are dead in their graves and hear the Voice of God to arise from the dead and be judged; some to eternal life and others to eternal damnation in Hell:

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in their graves shall hear His Voice and shall come forth: they that have done Good, unto the resurrection of Life; and they that have done Evil, unto the resurrection of Damnation.” (John 5:24-29)

St. Paul wrote to the new converts in Ephesus: “And you hath He quickened (made alive) who were dead in trespasses: Wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world…” (Eph. 2: 1,2)

“Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph.5: 14-16)

To new converts in Colosse, St. Paul wrote: “And you, being dead in your Sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened (made alive) together with Him, having forgiven all trespasses.” (Col. 2:13)

MORMON DOCTRINE DECEPTIVE!

Mormon expect you to be saved eternally through some ridiculous man-made teaching. Imagine how incredibly STUPID one must be to tie yourself eternally to teachings of men who were liars and con-men! Here are their words, not MINE!!!

“The opportunity for those who have died without receiving the saving ordinances of the gospel to have these ordinances performed for them in temples by worthy living members of the Church. The dead are taught the gospel in the spirit world and may accept the ordinances performed for them in mortality. All those who have died who would have accepted the gospel will be heirs to the celestial kingdom. - Salvation for the Dead D&C 137:7–10.

Latter Day Saints doctrines are a perversion of the Holy Scriptures and extremely dangerous. Their doctrines will be responsible for multitudes spending eternity in the Lake of Fire together with Joseph Smith and Brigham Young! Joseph Smith was a con man who dealt in dark and evil arts. He lied about the gold plates that disappeared. Satan sent Maroni, a demon spirit, to deceive multitudes! Joseph Smith had great respect for Islam’s founder Muhammed and is called, ‘The American Muhammed’. The LDS is not the Church of Jesus Christ and is not Christian!

Jesus loved people and performed great miracles of healing and deliverance everywhere He went. He was on His way to heal Jairus’ dying daughter, when a very sick and weak woman was instantly healed.

“And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, came behind Him and touched the border of His garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

THE COMPASSION OF JESUS!

“And Jesus said, Who touched Me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with Him said, Master, the multitude throng Thee and press Thee and Thou sayest, Who touched Me? And Jesus said, somebody hath touched Me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of Me.

“And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before Him, she declared unto Him before all the people for what cause she had touched Him, and how she was healed immediately.”

This miracle teaches us many things. We see the great compassion of Jesus Christ toward sick and suffering humanity!

On His way to minister to Jairus’ dying daughter, an incurably ill woman touched the hem of His garment. Many religious Jews had a ribbon of blue representing the righteousness of God, sewed to the border of their robe. Undoubtedly, she was aware of that and touched His clothes in faith for her great need!

The miracle happened without Christ’s knowledge. Jesus said, “Somebody touched me. I felt virtue leave Me.” She was bold in her actions and God met her need! With an issue of blood twelve years, she was a social outcaste and bankrupt due to medical bills. She heard about the Master and followed the crowd. In her weakness she may have fallen to her knees inching her way through the crowd. Then she touched Him! God saw her faith and answered!

“And Jesus said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” (Luke 8:43-48). In the literal Greek, it says: ‘Your faith has made a demand upon My ability.’ He said to the poor, distraught, sick woman, ‘Daughter, be comforted. Receive My peace. You now have a new life.’

During our 1967 New Glasgow, Nova Scotia CRUSADE the newspapers stated that more than 100 miracles had occurred. There were 405 conversions, 78 received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, several large water baptisms followed. The Roman Catholic Church officially ex-communicated 89 members, and within a year a large Pentecostal Church seating 500 persons was erected! Rev. Paul Melnichuk was the pastor and Rev. Bob Hoover was our morning speaker!

As I walked into the stadium one evening, a gentleman was also making his way into the service. Not knowing that he had suffered a stroke and had come for a miracle, I briefly shook his hand. Later that evening I learned that he was well. To God be the glory!

JESUS: THE GREAT PHYSICIAN!

“While He yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead, trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

“And when He came into the house, He suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her; but He said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

“And they laughed Him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And He put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway; and He commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished; but He charged them that they tell no man what was done.” (Luke 8:49-56)

From the beginning of His earthly Ministry, Jesus healed the sick and cast out Evil spirits! He was filled with the Holy Spirit at His baptism and went out to deliver the people and continued until He was arrested and condemned to the Cross.

“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

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

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to Heal the broken hearted, to preach Deliverance to the Captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at Liberty them that are bruised. To preach the Acceptable year of the Lord.” (Is. 61: 1,2)

He Bible says: “And He closed the book and gave it again to the minister and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him. And He began to say unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears.” (Luke 4: 19,21)

CHAIR OF THE COMING MESSIAH!

The Acceptable Year spoke of the fiftieth year when debts were forgiven, and all prisoners were released. In prophecy, the Acceptable Year would usher in the Messiah. When Jesus established His Church, the Accepted Year of the Lord began and will continue until His return in the Rapture of the Church!

Jesus had attended that synagogue for many years as Joseph’s son.. He had since been filled with Holy Spirit, defeated Satan in His wilderness temptation and was about to declare Himself the Jewish Messiah.

In the synagogue there was an empty chair reserved for the Messiah. When Jesus finished reading the Scripture, He sat down in Messiah’s chair and said, This day, is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare Him witness and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?

“And He said unto them, ye will surely say unto Me this proverb, Physician heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernum, do also here in this country And He said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in His country. But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when the great famine was throughout all the land. But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon unto a woman that was a widow.

“And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Esaias the prophet; and none of them were cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. And they were all filled with wrath. And rose up, and thrust Him out, and led Him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong. But He passing through the midst of them went His way.” (Luke 4: 16)

They became very angry and sought to kill Him, but He escaped out of their hands and continued preaching and healing the sick and casting our demons!

FOUR MIRACLES OF THE MESSIAH!

The Jews believed that the coming Messiah would perform miracles and do many other wonderful acts in the name of God. There were four distinct miracles, however, that would confirm Him as their Messiah. When they heard of His miraculous works, they watched Jesus carefully and followed Him constantly. The four miracles were: cleansing a Jewish leper, opening the eyes of someone born blind, healing someone deaf and dumb and raising from the dead someone who had been dead four days!

1. CLEANSING A JEWISH LEPER!

Leprosy was such a deadly disease that severe restrictions were placed upon those who were afflicted by it. They were separated from the community and lived a very tortured life. The only leper that had been cleansed in Israel was Captain Naaman from Syria through the ministry of prophet Esaias. There were very strict rules which were administered by the priests in the law for their cleansing.

When Jesus healed lepers, He always commanded them to show themselves to the priest! He also wanted to know that as the Messiah, He had fulfilled one of the miracles expected of Him:

“When He was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me Clean. And Jesus put forth the hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

“And JESUS saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.” (Matt. 8:1-4)

2. HEALING ONE BORN BLIND!

“And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

“I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay with the spittle, and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

“And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, which is by interpretation Sent. He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” (John 9: 1-7)

3. HEALING OF DEAF AND DUMB BOY

“And when He came to his disciples. He saw a great multitude about them, and scribes questioning with them…And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto Thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him, and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away; and spake to Thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not;

“He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto Him: And when he saw Him, straightway the spirit tare Him: and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And He asked his father, How long is it ago sine this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters to destroy him: but if Thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out with tears. Lord, I believe; help Thou in unbelief.

“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.

“And the spirit cried and rent him sore, and came out of Him: and he was as one dead; insomuch as many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up; and he arose.” (Mark 9: 14-27)

4. RAISING LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD AFTER 4 DAYS

“Then when Jesus came, He found that he had been lain in the grave days already…Jesus therefore again groaning in Himself cometh to the cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto Him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

“Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank Thee, that Thou hast heard Me.

“And I knew that Thou hearest Me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that Thou hast Sent Me. And when He had thus spoken, He cried with a loud Voice, Lazarus Come Forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound and foot, with grave clothes: and his face bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him and let him go.” (John 11: 1-44)

“And it came to pass on a certain day, as He was teaching that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem; and the POWER of the Lord was present to heal them.

“And, behold, they brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before Him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

“And when He saw their faith, He said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?

“But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

“But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, He said unto the sick of the palsy, I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go unto thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up thereon he lay, and departed to His own house, glorifying God.” (Luke 5:17-25)

The pharisees believed that Jesus could heal the sick but only God could forgive sins. They did not believe that JESUS was God the Son. To prove that He could forgive sins, He healed the sick! When the pagan see God's power healing the sick, they very often receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. This has been my testimony!

The Bible says: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and power: Who went about doing good and healing All that were OPPRESSED of the Devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and showed Him openly.” (Acts 10:38-40)

Jesus Christ is True God and Eternal Life! The Bible say: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal Life, and this life is in His Son. He that hat the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us. And if we KNOW that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we KNOW that we have the petitions we desired of Him.” (1 John 5: 11-15). Amen.

THE DOUBLE CURSE and

THE DOUBLE CURE

By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D

The Bible states: “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42: 10); “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)

“Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all His benefits. Who forgiveth all my iniquities and healeth all my diseases.” (Ps. 103: 1, 2); “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he hath committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:15)

In the above Scripture texts we see two things: sin and forgiveness; sickness and healing! Job was greatly afflicted with sore boils over his entire body until God healed him. Isaiah declared that Messiah's vicarious death provides forgiveness of sins and healing of sicknesses and diseases. And St. James states that the prayer of faith saves (heals) the sick and forgives those who have sinned!

Jesus Christ said: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19: 10); “And when they had found Him, they said unto Him, All men seek Thee. And He said unto them, Let us go into the next towns that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. And He preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.” (Mark 1: 37-39)

SICKNESS & DISEASE IS CAPTIVITY!

Sickness and Disease is Captivity. Destruction of the house and death of Job's children is captivity. Losing his property and reducing him to poverty is captivity. The horrible boils covering his body which Satan brought upon Job is cruel captivity!

Without doubt, Job was a captive of Satanic invention. Job was assaulted by the Devil and all his emissaries who killed his servants and stole his cattle. He was targeted by Satan who engineered the storm that destroyed his house and killed his children. It was Satan who brought destruction, death, sorrow, sickness and pain upon a godly man!

The GOOD NEWS is that even though Job suffered under the brutal hand of Satan for about six months to a year, in the end he was exonerated. God totally healed him and restored back to him twice as much as Satan had stolen!

Sickness and disease is Captivity. Christ, however, has purchased our Freedom from Satan's Prison House of fear, bitterness, anguish, torment, condemnation, doubt, oppression and depression, which often accompany severe sickness and disease!

The shed blood of Jesus Christ brings peace, forgiveness with assurance, wholeness of spirit, soul (mind) and body. Divine Healing from our Lord causes joy and blessings beyond compare, and a tranquility filled with thanksgiving and praise unto Jesus Christ our Lord!

JESUS CAST OUT MANY DEMONS!

Jesus cast out devils everywhere He went. Demons feared Jesus during His earthly ministry and they fear His servants today as we preach in His Name! The Holy Bible states: “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. And they were astonished at His doctrine: for His Word was with power.

“And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone: What have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who Thou art; the Holy One of God.

“And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold Thy peace and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown Him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.” (Luke 4:14; 32-35)

The scribes, pharisees and chief priests were amazed by the power and authority Jesus of Nazareth possessed. Our Master was able to heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead and perform other great miracles, after He was filled with the Holy Spirit. (John 3: 34). He had taught in the synagogue for years without any miracles of healing or deliverance, before He was filled with the Holy Spirit.

“Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto Him: and He laid His hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And He rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that He was Christ.” (Luke 4: 40,41)

The Bible says: “The thief cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy; I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10: 10): “And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto 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.” (Luke 10:17-19)

Just prior to His ascension, our Lord Jesus Christ issued the Great Commission to His followers: “And He said unto them, Go ye unto all the world, and preach the Gospel unto every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.” (Mark 16: 15-18)

My Prayer is: “Come Lord, turn the captivity of sickness, disease and pain away from Thy children according to Thy Word and Thy precious promises which fail not, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son! Amen.”

                                    WHY DID JESUS HEAL THE SICK?

1. SATAN THE SOURCE OF SICKNESS & DEATH:

There was no sin, sickness, disease or death in the Garden of Eden before the Fall: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him, male and female created He them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it. “And God saw that everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good...” (Gen, 1: 27, 28, 41)

The Holy Bible states: “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest of it thou shalt surely die.” (Gen. 2: 16, 17)

“And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; But of the fruit in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” (Gen. 3: 4).

And the serpent (Satan) said unto the woman: “Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day that ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil... (Gen. 3:19)

When God's Hammer fell, He stated: “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return to the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Gen. 3:19)

St. Paul declared: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned. For if by one man's offense, death reigned by one, much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 5: 12,17)

Jesus Christ is our Liberator: “The thief (devil) cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy; I am come that ye may have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10: 10); “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking who he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith.” (1 Peter 5:8)

2. HE CAME TO LOOSE THOSE WHO WERE BOUND:

Jesus came from Heaven to bring freedom to Adam's fallen race. His mandate was to Liberate the Captives held by the tyrant Satan, the enemy of God and man. Our Saviour spent three years dismantling the kingdom of darkness by preaching the Word of God, healing the sick and casting out evil spirits!

After being filled with the Holy Spirit at the Jordan River and defeating the great Liar in the Wilderness Temptation, He returned in the Power of the Spirit declaring that He was the One whom Isaiah prophesied would usher in the Gospel Age, which was called the “acceptable year of the Lord.” Immediately, He began casting out devils and healing the sick!

This text defined His Ministry: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty to them that are bruised.” (Luke 4: 18).

Here is Moffat's translation of Isaiah 61:1:“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me. He hath anointed Me to preach the Good News, to tell the Prisoners that they are FREE, to tell the Captives that they are Released.”

St. Paul stated that Jesus Christ's vicarious death on Golgotha and glorious resurrection three days later, totally destroyed Satan's power over the human race: “For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same, that through Death He might Destroy him that had the power of death that is, the Devil: and Deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Heb. 2: 14, 15)

When something is destroyed, it cannot be fixed. He is an eternally doomed despot and in the near future will be heading for Hell, and the Lake of Fire forever. And it will take only one angel to bind him and cast him into the bottomless pit!

“And I saw an angel come down from Heaven, having the key of the Bottomless Pit and a great chain in his hand. And laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the Bottomless Pit, and shut him up...” (Rev. 20: 1,2)

3. TO BEAR AWAY OUR SINS, SICKNESS & PAIN:

Seven hundred years before our Saviour was born in Bethlehem, God's prophet declared: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised and we esteemed Him not.

“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.

“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.” (Is. 53: 3-6)

“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, Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a Body hast Thou prepared Me; By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all.

“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for EVER, sat down on the right hand of God:

“For by one Offering He hath perfected for EVER them that that are sanctified. And their sins and their 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. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; For He is faithful that promised.” (Heb. 9:28 10: 5,9-14, 17-23)

This is the greatest truth ever revealed to mortal man! Nothing in a million years could compare with the magnanimous goodness, mercy and grace of Jesus Christ's gift of eternal salvation freely given to us through His all atoning, compassionate and vicarious death for us on Golgotha's Cross. We have been PERFECTED forever through Christ's PROPITIONARY offering, because He was delivered for our offenses and was raised for our justification! (Rom. 4:25)

4. TO BREAK THE DEUTERONOMY CURSE:

In the Covenant of Blessing and Cursing, Moses declared: “But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all His commandment and His statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee.

“Moreover He will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee. Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the Lord bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.

“And the Lord shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way which I spake unto thee, thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall ye be sold to your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy thee.” (Deut. 28: 15,60,61,68)

The Mosaic Covenant that God made with the Children of Israel was one of Blessing and Cursing which stated that if they would obey the Lord and refrain from pagan idolatry they would be the most blessed in all the earth, but if they disobeyed, His blessings would leave them and they would be cursed.

JESUS PAID FOR JEWISH FREEDOM!

In His mercy, God the Son was incarnated (God in human flesh), true God from eternity and true man through His virgin birth and became a curse, by dying as God's paschal Lamb for them and the whole world. He had come to lift the curse, but was reviled and rejected by their religious leaders.

St. Paul wrote: “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ that we might receive the blessing of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal.3: 13).

Jesus stated: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” (John 3:14). When the nation of Israel rejected their Messiah, Almighty God turned His back upon His people. When they revolted against the Romans, more than a million Jews were killed and 89,000 were taken as slaves and sent back to Egypt.

In 70 A.D. the Roman Empire destroyed the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. For 2,000 years, the Jewish people were homeless, hated, persecuted and destroyed! Adolf Hitler's Holocaust shocked the world and by God's will and U.S. President Harry S. Truman's influence in the United Nations, Israel was given statehood. At 4:00 o'clock on May 14, 1948, in the Art Museum, Tel Aviv, President David Ben-Gurion proclaimed Israel, a free and independent State, the first Jewish state in 2,000 years.

5. TO DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL:

St. John declared: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that He might Destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3: 8). Through many years of studying the Holy Bible and other theological materials and a half century of ministering God's Word to multitudes across the world, I am convinced there are five works of the Devil.

The first work of the devil is SIN, which is a transgression or disobedience of God's laws (1 John 3:4). Through the call of the Holy Spirit and preaching of God's Word, sinners are born again. (John 3:3,7). There is deliverance from sin through Jesus' precious blood (1 John 1:7): “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” (Rom. 3:23); “For the wages of SIN is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23)

The second work of the devil is Fear. The Bible says: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7). Satan is the author of fear. Fear hath torment and perfect love casteth out fear. Every time Jesus spoke to troubled people, He said: “Fear thou not; “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give I unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14: 27)

The third work of the devil is sickness, disease and death. Sickness is incipient death. Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead and He has given us the power to heal the sick in His name. Through His vicarious death and resurrection, He tasted death for every man. And because He lives, we shall live also! Jesus Christ Lord of the Living and Dead!

The fourth work of the devil is poverty. When Jesus witnessed a funeral procession with a widow mourning the death of her only son, He was moved with compassion and stopped the procession. He raised the boy from the dead and him gave him back to his mother. He made sure that she would be cared for! (Luke 6:38)

The fifth work of the devil is demon oppression and possession. On multiple occasions, Jesus cast out demons from those who were bound by them. He commanded them to be quiet and to leave, which they did. The demons were terrified of Him and begged that He might not torment them for they knew who He was. He commanded them to depart. And He gave us His power to do the same!

In his Great Commission He says: “And these signs shall follow them that believe. In My Name, shall they cast out devils...” (Mark 16: 15-20)

After Jesus' resurrection and ascension to Heaven, St. Peter said, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and power who went about doing good and healing those who were oppressed of the devil for God was with Him.” (Acts 10: 38)

6. TO DO HIS FATHER'S WILL:

“Giving thanks to the Father, which made us meet to be partakers of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of Darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, in Whom we have redemption through His Blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:12-14)

“For as much then as the children are of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise also took part of the same; that through Death He might Destroy him who had the power of death, that is the Devil, and Deliver them who through fear of death, where all there lifetime subject to Bondage.” (Heb 2: 3-4)

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nailing it to His cross; and have spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Col. 2: 14, 15); “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, Whom is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” (Col. 3:3,4)

Divine Healing is God's will: “And a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His Miracles which He did on them that were diseased. (John 6:2); “Ye men of Israel, hear these words Jesus of Nazareth, a Man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs witch God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.” (Acts 2: 22); And He that sent Me is with Me; the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” (John 8:29);

7. TO FULFILL THE SCRIPTURES:

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. 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 transactions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our Peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to His own way; and the Lord have laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.” (Is. 53: 3-6)

“When the even was come, they brought forth 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 spoke by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities and bare our Sicknesses.” (Matt. 8:16,17)

“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):

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who Redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth is Renewed like the eagles.” (Psalm 103: 1-5)

The Holy Bible refers to Jesus Christ healing the sick and oppressed through His Word, His shed blood, His awesome Name and by the Blessed Holy Spirit. He frees us from every curse, plagues, bondage, fear, sickness, disease and torment and protects us, delivers and blesses us!

FASTING AND PRAYER!

Seven hundred years before the birth of Messiah Jesus, Isaiah prophesied the coming of our Saviour. He also preached powerful messages of righteousness and laid out specifically what God's people must do to prepare their hearts for a great Revival! Here he teaches the importance of fasting and prayer:

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” (Is. 58: 6,7)

Early in my Ministry for JESUS, I learned the value of fasting and prayer! For years, while working as a pastor and evangelizing simultaneously, we usually began the New Year with seven days of fasting and prayer. A number would join us in this effort, with great blessing. Personally, I would continue the fast for a longer duration.

The disciples of Jesus had tried in vain to free a little deaf and dumb boy from demon spirits. When Jesus came on the scene, He healed him. When they asked why they could not, Jesus answered: “Because of your unbelief...Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Matt. 17: 17-21)

Jesus Christ our Lord said: “Can the children of the bride chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom is taken from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” (Mark 2:20)

This is God's way to reach those who are unsaved, sick or suffering from demon oppression. God's promises are sure and certain and when we seek God in fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit gives us the power to liberate Satan's slaves in Jesus' Name!

LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE!

“To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and bread to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor to thy house?

“This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. For He hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from Heaven did the Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death.” (Ps.102: 19-21)

“A voice was heard upon the high places; weeping and supplication of the children of Israel; for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the way of the Lord their God. RETURN ye backsliding children and I will heal your backslidings. Behold we come unto Thee; for thou art the Lord our God.” (Jer. 3: 21,22)

“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 them.” (James 5:14,15)

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him. God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to His will?” (Heb.2:3,4)

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a ,man approved of God among you, by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, which you all know: Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom, God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.” (Acts 2:22-24)

THE BLESSINGS OF OBEYING GOD!

Obeying the Word of God bring great blessing and healing, but disobeying His Word brings His judgment: There is a law that states: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Gal.6:7, 8)

You reap what you sow and when people and nations, There is a price to pay for disobedience. The Bible says that SIN is a stench in God's nostrils! (Is. 65: 5). To understand what God thinks about sickness, disease read: Duet 28: 15, 18 22, 27, 28, 34, 35, 45.

I CONCUR WITH GOD'S WORD!

God's Word cannot return unto Him void. It must accomplish that for which it was sent. It is impossible for God to fail. He has placed His Word above His Name, therefore it is impossible for God's Word to fail. “He sent His Word and healed them and delivered them from all their destructions.” (Ps. 107: 20).

The Holy Bible states: “God is not a man that He should lie, neither the son of a man that He should repent (change). Has He said and shall He not do it, or hath He spoken and shall He not make it good?” (Nu. 23: 19)

God's great heart of mercy and grace desires to bless and heal all who are hurting and suffering today. I do not believe it is God's will for any of His children to suffer the pain, agony and torment which Jesus suffered for us on the whipping pole and on the cross!

All sickness and disease was conquored by our Saviour Jesus Christ who took upon Himself our sicknesses and pains. The Bible says: “For 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)

“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 bear our sicknesses.” (Matt. 8: 16, 17);

“Who His own Self bare or 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). Our Lord is good and His mercy endureth forever. My deepest convictions and my personal belief about Jesus Christ is identical to the Holy Scriptures. I concur totally with the Word of God! Amen.

        Gospel: God's love to Man 

                                    By Max Solbrekken, D.D.

"Tell me the story of Jesus 

Write on my heart every word 

Tell me the story most precious

Sweetest that ever I heard." 

"Tell of the cross where they nailed Him

Writhing in anguish and pain 

Tell of the tomb where they laid Him 

Tell how He liveth again.

"Love in that story so tender 

Sweetest that ever I see Stay,

 let me hear while you whisper 

Love paid the ransom for me 

- -FANNY J. CROSBY

In summing up my worldly achievements in more than eighty years of life, I am at a loss to find anything worthwhile to report, except what I have done to make Christ known as the world's only Saviour and Healer!

Without the love, care and nurturing of family, of course, nothing worthwhile would be possible. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only True Foundation of a loving, caring and believing family!

I am convinced that all else - higher learning, social standing, wealth, political aspirations and good deeds – pale into insignificance when compared with the "cross-work" of Jesus!

Like St. Paul, I am persuaded that all else is "dung" and that life's most important accomplishment is to believe, receive and propagate the Gospel of Christ to "fallen man", for the glory of God.

To be a "vessel of honor" and a channel of God's blessing ministering His grace, goodness and power to a lost, sick and suffering world is mankind's greatest achievement!

All else is vain and for naught, when examined under the scrutiny of God's Word and in the light of eternity!

Taking into consideration the many things I have seen and experienced, people I have met, together with all the books and journals I have read during 50 years of "world evangelism", I still wonder at the grace of God to me.

I join the hymn writer in humbling myself - in His presence - with this confession:

"Nothing in my hand I bring

Simply to Thy cross I cling

Oh, take me as I am

My only plea, Christ died for me

Oh, take me as I am."

There is no one as wonderful as Jesus. Everyone who hears His gospel and is impacted by His power, must realize that He was, is and always shall be WONDERFUL!

We stand in awe as we consider His supernatural conception, birth, life, death and resurrection. As well as the outpouring of the Blessed Holy Spirit upon His Church for the past two thousand years!

The words of the prophet - uttered 700 years before His birth at Bethlehem - under the inspiration of God - should not surprise us.

"His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace..." (Is. 9:4)

Max Solbrekken

Edmonton, 2020

                                        CHAPTER 1                                                 WORLD'S GREATEST LOVE STORY!

"Tell me the story of Jesus

Write on my heart every word

Tell me the story most precious

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Tell how the angels in chorus

Sang as they welcomed His birth

                                  Glory to God in the Highest

                              Peace and good tidings to earth.”

"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)

The story of God's great redemptive plan is without equivocation, the greatest love story ever told.

No human drama - ever so tender, touching and grand - could even begin to compare with God's love for mankind.

As a child I heard a gospel song that made a profound impact upon my young heart. Here are the words:

"Into a tent where a gypsy boy lay,

Dying alone at the close of the day

News of salvation we carried. Said he,

Nobody ever has told it to me!

"Tell it again! Tell it again!

Salvation's story repeat o'er and o'er

Till none can say of the children of men

Nobody ever has told me before.

"Did He so love me a poor little boy

Send unto me the good tidings of joy?

Need I not perish, my hand will He hold?

Nobody ever the story has told!

Bending, we caught the last words of his breath

Just as he entered the valley of death

God sent His Son; Whosoever said He

Then I am sure that He sent Him for me.

"Smiling, he said as his last sigh was spent

I am so glad that for me He was sent

Whispered, while low sank the sun in the west,

Lord I believe! Tell it now to the rest."

"Tell it again! Tell it again!

Salvation's story repeat o'er and o'er

Till none can say of the children of men,

Nobody ever has told it before."

The urgency conveyed by that song, which I learned at Daily Vacation Bible School - at our Lutheran Church in rural Saskatchewan - made a profound impact upon my young heart.

I remember weeping as we children drove our horse and buggy home from church that summer day, so many years ago.

Even then, I secretly hoped that one day, I would be able to preach the gospel to other little gypsy boys. Throughout the years, it has been my great privilege to proclaim the glad story of Jesus to this world's unfortunates, gypsies included.

In 1964, I preached at the U of S, and the Beatnik Club in Saskatoon. And in 1966, I reached the head hunters in Northern Luzon, Philippines. I also was privileged to preach to the large crowds of Gypsies in Portugal and Spain.

By God's grace, I was allowed to minister to 500 prisoners on death row in Kandy Sri Lanka, and to the infamous Pavon Prison in Guatemala in 1985. A door was opened for me at Stu Hart's Wrestling Event in Edmonton in 1970. Only God held that key!

                     US MISSIONARY NICK GRUICK!

In 1972, God opened the door for our ministry in Haiti. More than thirty thousand people attended the powerful Spirit-filled services at the Du Valier Stadium at Point- au- Prince, Haiti.

U.S Missionary Nick Gruick invited hundreds of preachers to sponsor our effort. We were also operating a children's Home at Grande Guave, Haiti at that time as well. Were they ever excited as they entered to the enormous Stadium!

A year later we returned for...”the most powerful crusade ever held in Haiti with 50,000 persons in the Stadium,” according to Rev. Nick Gruick!

The January, 1973 Haiti Miracle Crusade was well organized, with 535 pastors registered for the Minister's Seminar. Pastor David Minor wrote:

“The climazing meeting, however, was on Thursday when I spoke to the ministers on the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Over 40 received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

                         KEN BECAME VERY SICK!

Everything was going so well, and then the devil struck us! My 14-year-old- son, KEN became seriously sick. He had been perfectly well and then suddenly he was stricken with a unusual, serious asthma.

Medical authorities wanted to take him to the Hospital but I refused saying, “Ken will stay with me at the Hotel.” Rev. Nick Guick located the most knowledgeable foreign Medical Doctor in Haiti and he was able to dispense a medical drug, that I believe proved effective.

The medical doctor was also a born again believer in Christ and we joined our faith together for Ken's miracle! I stayed with Ken in constant prayer as he struggled to breath! Whenever I had to leave his side, I employed a born again Nurse to look after him.

I had made an agreement to purchase 4 hours each evening from Radio Haiti, blanketing the nation with our crusade. Each evening before I left for the Stadium I would say: “Ken, I am leaving for the crusade now. I will be on the Radio and I will pray for you during my preaching. And I'll see you soon. I love you my son.”

A number of times during my message, I would say, “God is with you Ken. Don't be afraid. Jesus was wounded for you on the cross. By His stripes, you are HEALED. In Jesus' name.” Amen.

My interpreter didn't know what was happening, but just kept on interpreting and the Revival moved ahead. Multitudes gave their hearts to Christ!

This went on for several days and nights! Then, it broke and Ken was healed! He had started as our official Crusade photographer and returned home well. Hallelujah! And he has never been afflicted with it since! Praise the Lord!

Ministering at the Women's Prison in Chernigov, Ukraine in 1992 to 100 inmates who had killed their husbands was sad, and victorious as many sought God for forgiveness!

And while writing this (1992), I am preaching in Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and other Eastern European countries. How I thank God for that opportunity! Please Note: I compiled most of these notes during the lonely after the midnight hours in the countries of the former Soviet Union.

                                      THEN JESUS CAME!

The world was hopelessly doomed and condemned to an eternity without God. Then Jesus came to, “seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

The Bible says, "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 Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the only begotten Son of God.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds should be manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:17-21)

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a Ransom for all...” (1 Tim. 2:2-6)

                              CHRIST'S BLOOD FREED US!

Only the great love of The Eternal, and Christ's sacrifice on Calvary was able to free us from Satan's grasp. There was no other way!

“And as it is appointed unto men once 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: 27, 28)

Isaiah made it so clear: "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 are we healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

Jesus the Messiah, died upon Golgotha's hill - between two thieves as a common criminal - just like Jewish preachers had prophesied centuries and even millennia earlier.

No wonder Zechariah ben Joseph (John the Baptist) cried out, "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world", when he saw Him. (John 1:29)

Just like the sacrificial lambs which had been slaughtered on Jewish altars for centuries - a type of the coming Lamb of God - Jesus died on the cross, for the sins of the entire world.

This classic song tells it like it is:

"Oh love of God, so rich and pure

So measureless and strong

It shall forever more endure

The saints and angels song.

"Could we with ink the ocean fill

And were the sky of parchment made

And every man a scribe by trade

To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry

And could the scroll contain the whole

It would stretch from sky to sky.

"When hoary time shall pass away

And tongue and pen of men shall fall

When wicked men refuse to pray

Upon the rocks and mountains call

God's love so pure shall still endure

The saints and angels song."

It's hard to fathom God's love! It is past finding out. His grace is unlimited and His mercy reaches out to all men everywhere...even to those who hate and despise Him and His gospel. It encompasses the entire world!

His great love engulfs even those who persecute His emissaries and blaspheme His great, holy and lovely Name. It encompasses the entire world.

It is no wonder we sing songs like:

"This is why I love Him

He gave Himself for me

To purchase my salvation

They nailed Him to the tree

At last He cried 'Tis finished'

He bowed His head and died

Oh, what a sight for sinners

My Jesus crucified.

"What an awful price He paid

To pardon you and me

When in death He fully paid the cost,

O Soul so far astray, Come & plunge today

In the blood that stained the old

rugged cross."

No wonder that St. John, overcome by the goodness of God, exclaimed, "We love Him because He first loved us". (1 John 4:19) Amen.

                       THE CRY OF THE SYNAGOGUE!

Even though the Jewish people obeyed the Law of Moses and kept all the feasts, they still felt condemnation for their sins. Once a year on the Day of Atonement, the Rabbi would stand outside of the synagogue and shout, “Let One innocent come and atone for the guilty.”

Year after year, 'The Cry of the Synagogue' was shouted out but no one answered the call, because all men are sinners. The Bible says, “All have sinned and came short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;

“Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His BLOOD, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” (Rom.3: 23-25)

Then one day John the Baptist pointed to Jesus Christ, shouting, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” (John 1: 29)

The SINLESS ONE had come! The long awaited Jewish Messiah had arrived who would REDEEM the world through the sacrifice of Himself!

                             GOD'S LOVE FOR A SUICIDE!

William Cowper (1731-1800) lived in London England. He believed the Gospel but could not believe that Jesus Christ would save him. On a number of occasions he attempted suicide, but failed repeatedly.

On one occasion, he lifted a glass of deadly hemlock to his lips. His lips trembled, his hand shook and the glass fell onto the cement floor.

Leaving his home, he ran out onto the Bridge over the Thames River. He said that when he sought to cast to himself into the water, “ I was strangely restrained.”

On one other occasion, having hung himself, friends came by and cut him down. He was brought to St. Albans Insane Asylum outside of London. He picked up the Holy Bible. The Word of God came alive in his hand. He read:

 "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His BLOOD, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." (Rom.3:25)

                                              CHAPTER 2

                              GOD'S LOVE FOR US ALL!

In ancient Greece there lived a wise old man and Master of philosophy, called Simonides. One day a group of philosophy student asked permission to see him personally. They said: “Simonides, thou great learned one, we have come to ask you this question, “Who or what is God?

The old gentleman stroked his beard and answered, ''I will need seven days to think, study and philosophize on that deep subject.'' A week later the same group of philosophy students were told that the subject matter was so large that he needed 365 days to arrive at a definite answer to that awesome question.

Again the philosophy students approach the legendary, man with the same question: “We men of Greece have waited, most Noble Simonides for your valued answer to the question, “Who and What is God?”

Simonides slowly rose to his feet and said, “I am sorry to disappoint you. After more than one year of studying, philosophizing and thinking on this great subject, I do not know and I cannot cannot tell what or who is God!”

                         GOD IS GREATER THAN ALL!

St. Paul says: “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ would be made of none effect. For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1: 17, 18). Amen.

TO BE CONTINUED