JESUS CHRIST KING OF KINGS, CREATOR, SAVIOUR, INTERCESSOR

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN VALUES

By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

“Then, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send (Lazarus) to my father's house. For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.” (Luke 16:27, 28)

If lost souls who had passed into eternity had the opportunity to speak to friends and loved ones, what would they say?

Would they bring us a strong admonition, with dire warnings? Would they share with us words of encouragement and blessing?  Would they speak of peace, gladness, sorrow or regrets? Or might they hurl verbal accusations against theologians and pastors who had lied to them about ETERNITY and the wages of sin, which is death? (Romans  6:23)

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if His ministers also be transformed as the minister if righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

I'm not referring to the hocus pocus antics of spiritualist mediums who "mutter and peep" (Isaiah  8:19) during their dubious séances, supposedly communicating with the dead - spiritualist mediums and séances which are in violation of God's Word- and often conjure up masquerading demons who dispense only half-truths, lies and deception.

Nor am I referring to the cacophony of  occult spirit guides, chanellers, yoga flyers, pyramid power and crystal balers, soul travelers and clairvoyants who make up the New Age Movement.

WHAT ARE CHRISTIAN VALUES?

The Bible played an important role in shaping British culture, values and politics. The Bible gave Great Britain a set of values and morals which made Britain what it is today.  If the Christian Church doesn't stand for something, the Church will not have the power to stand against anything.

Jesus Christ declared: "Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me". (John 5:39), and St. Paul stated that "the Scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation". (2 Timothy 3:15)

What are Christian values?  Christian values are the values that our Saviour, Jesus Christ taught us to practice!  

St. Paul warned that Satan has the ability to transform himself - as do his ministers - into "an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14,15), seeking to deceive the spiritually ignorant and gullible into trusting his lies rather than believing in Jesus Christ the true "light of the world"! (John 8:12)

I am referring to the words of Jesus Christ Who said, "I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE, no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) "Come unto Me all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28)

JESUS GAVE US CLUES OF LIFE AFTER DEATH!

Jesus told the story of two men who died and what their final outcome was. He allowed us to look beyond the veil to see what happens at the time of expiration of life and after death.

Lazarus was terminally ill, unable to work and had to resort to begging, in order to stay alive. The other man whom Jesus did not name, was very rich with no thought for God or anyone else. He had no compassion for the poor, as was evidenced by his treatment of the beggar who was carried daily to his gate and subsisted only on the crumbs which fell from his table.

THE BIBLE IS THE ONLY BOOK YOU CAN RELY ON!

Taking his last breath didn't end it for Lazarus. Jesus stated that, "he was carried by the angels into paradise - Abraham's bosom" - where he was comforted. When the "rich man" died, he was undoubtedly afforded a splendid funeral, but that wasn't the end for him either! Here is 'THE REST OF THE STORY', as Paul Harvey would put it.

THE RICH MAN SUFFERED GREAT TORMENT! 

"And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame."

Abraham refused his plea, stating: "Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed" with no traffic allowed between the Two Places! Then the 'doomed man' became missionary minded and pleaded that Lazarus be sent to urge his five brothers to repent of their sins, "lest they come into this place of torment"! Again Abraham had to refuse his request saying, "They have Moses and the prophets; Let them hear them"

The rich man remonstrated, saying: "Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead they will repent."  Abraham got the last word, however: "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, thou one rose from the dead." (Luke 16:19-31)

 DOES IT TAKE A DISASTER, A DEATH, A DIVORCE?

What will it take, to cause people to repent? To forsake their sins and be converted? To turn from their wicked ways and give their lives to God through Jesus Christ our Lord? Some are fortunate enough to get a 'FINAL WAKE-UP CALL', in the form of a national disaster, a personal bankruptcy, the loss of a loved one, a marriage break up, a terminal illness or even a jail term!  And yet others, will still continue rejecting the Lord, until it is too late. And they will be lost forever! How sad.

QUOTES BY PRESIDENTS, KINGS, AUTHORS! 

 Below are words expressing the importance of God, the Bible, Christian values and Christianity to individuals and nations. Only a very ignorant person would reject such warnings, and follow the crowds of the foolish, lust-filled sinners who are serving the god of this world!

Some time ago while preaching in Norway, I was given a copy of the powerful testimonies and quotes of a number of very influential men, who had expressed their personal beliefs in no uncertain terms. Here are several of them.

AUGUST STRINDBERG:  Shortly before his death, well-known Swedish author, August Strindberg, made this statement.  "Clearly said:  I ascribe all my misfortune to this one fact, that I have been godless! An individual that has broken contact with God, cannot receive any blessings. All this talk about 'being your own man and making your own happiness' is chaff!   If the Lord does not build the house, they labour in vain who build it. That is the whole truth!"

"That misfortune can also strike a person of faith, we know. But the outcome is not the same. These accidents seem only like trials that pass over and leave peace in their wake. A curse rests upon everything that an ungodly person puts his hand to. If money comes his way, it will disappear like it came. Nothing remains, nothing prospers in the life of the ungodly!"

SIR WINSTON CURCHILL:  When Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain visited Norway shortly after World War 11, he spoke at Oslo's University. Here are some of his remarkable words.

"In order to make excuses for myself, I could mention the school teachers of my youth who rejected Christianity. But I will lay the blame upon myself. Then, maybe I'll find ONE who will carry that for me. Nothing can come against the future of a people who has the Christian ethic as their leading light. Christianity is the most secure foundation for a people!"

 PRESIDENT EISENHOWER: In a radio and television speech, US President Eisenhower said: "The Christian Faith is the surest strength and the greatest preserve that America has. On the battlefields we learned that there are no atheists in the foxholes. In the highest sense, the Bible is to us the unique repository of eternal spiritual truths. In the most tangible sense, it is the ultimate and indispensable source of inspiration for America's life in freedom."

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN: "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to mankind. All of the good from the Saviour of this world is communicated through this Book; but for this Book, we could not know right from wrong. All of the things desirable to man are contained in it".

Many world leaders declare that Christianity is the most secure foundation for any people! Why is that so? Jesus Christ is the Rock of Ages and the same yesterday, today and forever! He is the Saviour of the world and the Prince of Peace!

PRESIDENT GEORGES CLEMENCEAU:

The French President, Georges Clemenceau was an atheist and God rejecter. Shortly before his death in 1929, he wrote this letter to his friend, Gustav Herve (1871-1944), French politician and publicist.

"Dear friend! I will soon leave this world. You know that during my entire life-time I have run roughshod over Christianity, and similarly, so has my republican government done.

I am now convinced, however, that it is impossible to build an ordered society upon unbelief. If I had understood this earlier, I would have without fear of being ridiculed stood in the breach for it, like you are doing.  I hereby give you full authority to officially make known my testament, as an educational lesson for the next generation."

PRINCE OSKAR BERNADOTTE:   At the conclusion of a speech, Prince Bernadotte (1859-1958) of Sweden, stated: "To all here present I wish to testify, that the greatest thing in my life is to be a witness for Jesus. A person could easily believe that someone in my position should always be happy, but that is not the case.  Being in possession of the very choicest of what this world has to offer, wouldn't give an individual peace. The heart of man longs for something better!"

"Immediately, after receiving the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart, that restless longing for something more was gone. My desire and goal in life is to be a witness about His love in word and deed. "And I wish to say to all who listen to these words, that it is a joy to serve Him, a great -  great joy."

HERE ARE SOME MORE POWERFUL WITNESSES FOR JESUS AND HIS GOSPEL, WHICH PROVE THE ENNOBLING AFFECT CHRISTIANITY HAS HAD AND CONTINUES TO HAVE UPON INDIVIDUAL LIVES AND SOCIETY AT LARGE.

CROWN PRINCE HAAKON MAGNUS:   In an interview with NRK TV Oslo, on July 20, 1991, Norway's Crown Prince Haakon stated: "Jesus is my hero, my role model."

The interview took place on Haakon's 18th Birthday and his declaration about Jesus was in response to a question he was asked about whether he had any other role models outside his immediate family.

He said, “I believe that Christianity is a very fine model, whether people are religious or not. In many ways Christianity is the strength that carries us in Norway. Especially when times are tough and difficult, it is important that people know that there is a spinal-cord in our faith, nationally".

When asked if this faith was important for him personally, Haakon answered: "Yes, since very young. I have a very strong relationship, especially with the New Testament. I remember my confirmation was a strong experience for me - not just the ceremony in the Palace Chapel, but also preparing for it."

THE NORWEGIAN ROYAL FAMILY:   Norway's Royal Family has always had a strong Christian influence on that nation! As the Nazis were invading Norway, during World War II, King Haakon was forced to flee with his family and the entire government to England.

Speaking to the Norwegian people on BBC radio from London on Christmas Eve 1940, the king stated: "Men have removed my name from the official prayers of the Norwegian Church. I include in my prayers, my Christmas wishes and thoughts for all the Norwegian people, that you will join with me and mine in a red-hot prayer for the future of Norway".

KING OLAV V:   When this godly man was crowned in 1958, he said: "It seems only natural to me that the king should pray for forgiveness for his deeds."

Several years before his death, King Olav spoke in 'King Haakon's Cathedral' in Copenhagen. His closing remarks were: "I pray that this Church will continue to be a great blessing to the Danish people, even until the Coming of Jesus Christ".  When the service was concluded, the Bishop asked King Olav if he believed in the 'Second Coming of Jesus Christ', to which the king answered emphatically, "JA VIST!" meaning "YES, OF COURSE".

HIS MAJESTY KING HARALD:   During a 1995 interview, King Harald expressed himself thusly: "t is good to receive letters from people informing me that they are praying for me. There is power in the 'folded hands', and when that power is concentrated on the work of the king, clearly it feels good."

CHARLES LAMB:   In a letter published after his death, Robert Browning, the famous poet, quoted the utterances of men of genius concerning the Christian faith. Here is one from the eminent Charles Lamb, British author and critic (1775-1834):

"In a gay fancy with some friends as to how they would feel if some of the greatest of the dead were to appear suddenly in flesh and blood once more, on the final suggestion, 'And if Christ entered this room?' he changed his manner at once and stuttered out as his manner was when moved, "You see if Shakespeare entered we should all rise; if HE appeared, we must kneel."

VICTOR HUGO:   The distinguished French author Victor Hugo (1802-1885), wrote: "England has two great books, the Bible and Shakespeare. England made Shakespeare and the Bible made England".

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN:   "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to mankind. All of the good from the Saviour of this world is communicated through this Book; but for this Book, we could not know right from wrong. All of the things desirable to man are contained in it".

ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE:  In 1931, Alexis de Tocqueville was given a commission by the government of France to examine the prisons and penitentiaries of America. While in that country, he gathered information for a penetrating study of American society and politics.

This led to the publication of his two volumes on 'Democracy in America' (1835, 1840) which won him a reputation in Europe and a seat on the 'French Academy'. The Encyclopedia Britannica says: "...his writings proved him to be one of the shrewdest, if more pessimistic, political observers of his century".

Tocquille wrote: "I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbours and her ample rivers, and it was not there: in her rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America, and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness, did I understand the secret of her genius and power."

EMPEROR NAPOLEON BONAPARTE:   Fredrick W. Kates' article in ‘The Churchman' states: "It is hardly to such a man as Napoleon Bonaparte one would turn for spiritual enlightenment: but it is interesting indeed to note what he said about Jesus of Nazareth and the Christian religion:

"I see in Lycurgus, Numa and Mohammed only legislators who, having the first rank in the state, have sought the best solution of the social problem", said Napoleon, "but I see nothing there which reveals divinity...nothing announces them divine. On the contrary, there are numerous resemblances between them and myself, foibles and errors which ally them to me and to humanity."

"IT IS NOT SO WITH CHRIST", he continued in this conversation with General Bertrand, one of his companions during the twilight days of his meteoric career! "Everything in Him astonishes me. His spirit overawes me, and His will confounds me. Beside Him and whoever else in the world, there is no possible term of comparison. HE IS TRULY A BEING BY HIMSELF. His ideals and His sentiments, the truths which He announces, His manner of convincing, are not explained either by human organization or by the nature of things."

"His birth and the history of His life; the profundity of His doctrine, which grapples the mightiest difficulties, and which is, of those difficulties, the most admirable solution; His Gospel, His apparition, His empire, His march across the ages and the realms, is for me a prodigy, a mystery insoluble, which plunges me into a reverence which I cannot escape, a mystery which is there before my eyes, a mystery which I cannot deny or explain. Here I see nothing human.  The nearer I approach, the more carefully I examine, everything is above me, everything remains grand - and of a grandeur which overpowers."

"His religion is a revelation from an intelligence which certainly is not a man. There is a profound originality, which has created a series of maxims before unknown. Jesus borrowed nothing from our sciences. One can absolutely find nowhere, but in Him alone, the imitation or the example of His life."

IN ANOTHER PLACE, NAPOLEON WROTE:  "I know men; and I tell you that Jesus is not a man. Superficial minds see a resemblance between Christ and the founders of empires, and the gods of other religions, that resemblance does not exist. There is between Christianity and other religions, the distance of infinity..."

PRESIDENT CHIANG KAI SHEK:   Here is the personal testimony of Taiwan's President Chiang Kai Shek to his people, after fleeing the onslaught of China's communist chief and mass murderer, Mao Zedong.  "How I wish that all the people would read the Bible, worship and believe in the One and Only True God! The Bible which is God's living, inspired and true Word teaches us about the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit."

"The Bible also declares that we can attain righteousness by our faith in His Son Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself through His death on the cross, and shed His blood as an offering for sin. God's righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ exalts a nation. That has been proven historically."

"Christ is FREEDOM'S rock. His love covers a multitude of sins. Everyone who believes on Him shall receive eternal life!"

JOHN NEWTON:  One of the world's most beloved hymns called "Amazing Grace" was written by John Newton. Here is the first verse of that song:

"Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found, Was blind, but now I see."

The epitaph of John Newton's tombstone, in his own words give a powerful testimony of GOD'S GRACE in his life: "I was an infidel, libertine and slave trader, but by the rich mercy of Jesus I was preserved, restored, pardoned and appointed to preach the faith I long laboured to destroy."

TEXAS GOVERNOR GEORGE W. BUSH: "Christ is the  greatest Philosopher. He changed my Life!

During the current Republican primary (Feb/2000), Texas Gov. George W. Bush made a very profound statement, more intellectually brilliant than many of the theologians, philosophers and politicians I have studied for the past forty years! When asked by reporters, "Who do you consider the greatest philosopher"? he answered, "Christ. He changed my heart!."

I have often used those very same words, stating unequivocally that the 'PHILOSOPHY OF JESUS' like: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...and thy neighbour as thyself", is unparalleled among any group of secular philosophers or religious gurus you may name.

Ask yourself:  Could anyone improve upon His parable of the 'Good Samaritan' which He used to lecture the lawyer who asked, "Who is my neighbour?" The answer is, "CERTAINLY NOT!"

Let's look at the statements and actions of some of the so-called great philosophers we have had to study over the years:

PLATO - (427-348 B.C.):    Plato, the Greek Philosopher - a student of Socrates, a Greek teacher of wisdom and ethics - in 375 B.C. stated:

"Our men & women should be forbidden by law to live together in separate households and all women should be common to all men. Similarly, all children should be held in common. No parent should know its child or child its parent."

Have you heard of anything so warped, wanton and twisted, coming from the pen of a so called brilliant philosopher?  Without doubt, Plato was a DEVIANT and PERVERT of the first degree.

After reading such a carnal, lustful and immoral statement about the sacred state of marriage, love and family, how could anyone trust his opinions about God, existence, the purpose of life, death or the 'afterlife'!  The teaching of Socrates, who advocated that "virtue is wisdom", was most certainly lost on his protégé Plato.

JESUS HAD A LOT TO SAY ABOUT LIFE!

He said, "I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me". (John 14:6) He stated, "The thief (devil) cometh not but to steal, kill and destroy. I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)  And He spoke about ETERNAL LIFE: "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)

BERTRAND RUSSELL:  This supposedly brilliant philosopher lived to be almost 100 years of age and died as an unbeliever. And, that is sad.

He wrote the book, 'Why I am Not a Christian', even after having had the privilege of reading the greatest of all books, 'THE HOLY BIBLE', which is the Word of God:

Jesus Christ declared that "Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me". (John 5:39), and St. Paul stated that "the scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation". (2 Timothy 3:15)

We cannot compare Jesus Christ, the Son of God, with a SPIRITUAL illiterate like Bertrand Russell, who at an advanced age - when he should have known better - allegedly dispensed advise about loosening our moral codes to give more license to "free sex".

What an uncaring person,  to give such advice to a generation of young people - who were already 'chomping at the bit' to kick-over-the-traces sexually, causing broken hearts, broken homes, aborted babies and untold suffering for so many for years to come! They say, "There's no fool like an old fool" and I say, "There is no fool like an old philosopher".

JAMES RUSSEL LOWELL:

James Russell Lowell was a literary genius and one time U.S. minister ambassador to Great Britain. Here is his answer to a sarcastic critic.

"I challenge any skeptic to find a ten square mile spot on this planet where they can live their lives in peace and safety and decency, where womanhood is honoured, where infants and old are revered, where they can educate their children, where the Gospel of Jesus Christ has not gone first to prepare the way. If they find such a place, then I would encourage them to emigrate thither and there proclaim their unbelief."

I challenge any pointy headed University professor, seminary theologian or media talking-head to come up with a better philosophy than the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which changes hearts and lives for the better.

JESUS REGULARLY QUOTED THE LAW, PSALMS & THE PROPHETS

Jeremiah stated, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (incurably sick): who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9; Ecclesiastes 9:3)

And Jesus declared, "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness." (Mark 7:21,22)

Ezekiel stated: "Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions...A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh."

"And will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them." (Ezekiel 18:31; 36:26,27)

THE BIBLE SAYS: "Therefore, if any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation; behold, old things are passed away; all things become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Jesus Christ is not only the Savior of the world, the Great Physician and Healer of broken hearts, minds and families, but He is also the greatest Teacher and dispenser of Wisdom and Understanding this world will ever know.

AND YES, THE WORLD'S GREATEST PHILOSOPHER, AS WELL, BECAUSE HE CHANGES HEARTS AND LIVES TODAY! AND ISN'T THAT WHAT EVERYONE HOPES AND LONGS FOR?

By the Person of the blessed Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ is reaching out even now to bring forgiveness, love, peace, joy and healing to each one of us at this very moment. He said, "Come unto Me, all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28). Amen.

           IN THE NATION OF FINLAND

        ON TRIAL FOR A BIBLE TWEET!

                 

Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola stood trial in Helsinki, Finland, on 24 January.

“Alongside her bishop, Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen is standing criminal trial for expressing Christian beliefs on marriage and sexuality.

The case began as too many of today’s assaults on free speech do: with a tweet. Räsänen is a member of the Lutheran state church. When she discovered that her church had become an official sponsor of the Pride parade in 2019, she questioned their decision by posting a picture of a Bible verse.

Then the police knocked on her door.

Since she was charged with hate speech, her prosecutors have unearthed more “evidence” of her misdeeds. They clipped a sound bite from a 2019 radio interview and dug up a church pamphlet she authored almost twenty years ago. For publishing this pamphlet for his congregation, Bishop Juhana Pohjola also faces trial,” writes Sofia Hörder, Communications Officer for ADF International in The Critic.

                    SATAN'S DEFEAT IS ETERNAL                                     By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

 Satan, the defrocked archangel is an enemy of God and man. He is a serious threat to the Church, even though he is an eternally doomed Despot. He is a defeated foe, a vanquished enemy, but nevertheless a ruthless tyrant who uses every opportunity to advance his lying, deceptive and corrupting agenda of hatred, fear, violence, sickness, disease and death!

He was exposed, defeated and rendered powerless by our Lord Jesus Christ. In His wilderness temptation, Satan used his most powerful temptation against the Son of God, but failed miserably. Jesus of Nazareth used the Word of God to defeat the evil, corrupt and deadly Liar called Satan.

During His earthly Ministry our Saviour preached the Gospel, forgave sinners, healed the sick, raised the dead, and cast out thousands of demons! While suffering excruciating pain and agony on the Cross, Jesus cried out, 'tetelestai' in Greek. That word is taken from the verb 'teleo' and has three essential meanings: “To finish something, to bring something to an end; to fulfill something; to pay that which was owed.”

The Bible says: “And it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, Father into Thy hands I commend My spirit: and having said thus, He gave up the ghost.” (Luke 23: 44-46)

Jesus had finished His ministry. He had brought to an end Satan's power over the human race. He had fulfilled every Old Testament Scripture about the coming Messiah, and He had paid the ransom price for every man, woman and child from the time of Adam until our Lord's Return!

Christ's vicarious death on the Cross for us had effectively met the righteous demands of  Divine Justice against the human race through Adam's treasonous deeds in the Garden of Eden!

 SATAN ENTERED THE SERPENT!

 Hiding in a serpent, Satan deceived Eve into disbelieving God's command to Adam. He was consumed with an evil, rebellious desire of seizing power over Heaven itself. He had sown discord among the angelic host and the most wicked, ridiculous thoughts had taken over his Evil heart. He would soon learn the hard facts that sin has terrible consequences!

The Bible says: “Now the Serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the Garden? And the woman said unto to the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the mist of the garden, we may not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and  that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desired to take you wise, she took of the fruit thereof and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the Voice of the Lord God walking in the Garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

“And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked: and I hid myself. And He said, Who told thee that thou was naked? Has thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou should not eat?

“And the man said, The woman whom Thou gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; and upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat  all the days of thy life.

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her Seed; It shall bruise thy head, and thou shall bruise His heel.  Unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

“And unto Adam He said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field:

 "In the sweat of thy face, thou shalt eat bread, til thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Gen. 3: 1-19)

HERE IS SATAN'S IGNOMINOUS END!

“And I saw an angel come down from from Heaven, having the Key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in is hand. And he laid hold of the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.

“And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up. And set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more...And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night or ever and ever.” (Rev. 20: 1-3, 10)

An archangel, created by Almighty God and given the high honour of leading the praise and worship of  the Eternal God, Saviour, Giver of Eternal Life, will be consigned to the Lake of Fire for ever and ever!

How could this be? A pure, righteous archangel becomes the evil, perverted, unclean and most hateful being ever created? How did pride and jealousy enter his heart while living in the presence of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost?  How sad, tragic and unthinkable! What more could he ever want? Did he become proud of his beauty, wisdom and position?

Is it possible that Lucifer became jealous of Adam and Eve whom God had created as His very own children? He couldn't stand the competition. The man and his wife would be co-creators with God and there would be offspring who would walk and talk with God.

Jesus said: “He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is NO truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a LIAR, and the father of it.” (John 8:44).

  LUCIFER FELL BECAUSE OF PRIDE!

Lucifer was created without sin, but 'he abode not in the truth'. Jesus called him a murderer. When he lied to Eve he was committing murder, because the sin of Adam and Eve brought death to them and the entire human race!

Satan put it into the heart of King Herod to destroy Jesus when He was  a small child.  He tempted Jesus to throw Himself off the pinnicle of the temple.  He stirred up the scribes and Pharisees to stone Him or kill Him. He put it in Judas' heart betray Him and Simon Peter to deny Him. Where did Lucifer learn to lie and kill? He was the first to lie and kill. 

Theologian John Gill wrote: “Lucifer abode not in truth, neither in integrity, innocence and holiness, in which he was created; nor in veracity, or as a creation of veracity, but spake lies, and formed one by which he deceived Eve, saying, “Ye shall not surely die, when God had said they should; nor in the truth of the gospel, which was at least in part made known unto him, particularly that the Son of God should become man, and in that nature be the head of angels and men; This he and his associates, in the pride of their hearts, not bearing that the human nature should be exalted above that of theirs, left their first estate, broke off their allegience to God and turned rebels against Him.” - John Gill on John 8:44.

JEALOUSY INSIDEOUS & EVIL!

Jealousy is insidious and an evil thing! It is as cruel as the grave... (Solomon 8:6). We do not know if that is what happened, but it is a possibility! Let this tragedy be a strong warning for us all to stay near to the heart of God in our love and devotion for Jesus Christ and not ever let pride and jealousy find a place in our hearts!

We must guard ourselves against pride and jealousy and remain pure in heart and fervent is spirit in our praise and worship of Jesus Christ our Lord! St. James warns: "But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to unto the humble. 

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. RESIST THE DEVIL, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will raw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. HUMBLE yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift thee up.” (James 4: 6,7,8,10)

 JESUS IS THE STRONGER MAN!

In their rejection, jealousy and hatred of the Saviour, the scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out evil spirits by the power of Beelzebub the prince of devils. Jesus said: “No man can enter into a strong man's house and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man: and then He will spoil his house.” (Mark 3:27).

The Bible states: “And He called them unto Him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself and be divided he cannot stand, but hath an end.” (Mark 3: 23-26)

Satan is the strong man who has captured many unbelievers, whom he constantly harasses, torments and destroys. Jesus the Stronger Man stands ready to liberate all who call upon His Name in faith! The devil fears Jesus Christ and His servants who carry His name, wield the sword of the Spirit and use our SAVIOUR’S all powerful name to liberate lost souls from his prison house of lies and terror.

The Bible says: “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also and sent them two and two before His face into every city and village, wither He Himself would come. Therefore, said He unto them, the Harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest that He would send out labourers into His harvest.

“And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The Kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. And the SEVENTY returned again with joy, saying, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name. And He said unto them, I beheld Satan fall from Heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10: 1,2, 9, 17-19)

JESUS was referring to the rebellious archangel Lucifer being cast out of Heaven in ages past. The Holy Bible chronicles that decisive time when Almighty God judged the lying, deceiving and evil Satan: 

“How art thou fallen, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thy heart, I will ascend into Heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north.

“I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to Hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms? That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? (Is. 14: 12-17)

Some theologians believe that when Lucifer was cast out of Heaven, he fell upon the earth with such fury and hatred that he destroyed the earth, which caused it to become a wilderness. And then, God began the recreation as is found in verse three. 

This is called the ‘Gap Theory’ which would explain the gap between verses 1 and 2 of Genesis chapter one: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”  Only God knows whether that happened or not. One thing we know for sure is that God created all things through Jesus Christ His only begotten Son. 

The Bible says: 

“But unto the Son He sayeth, Thy Throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy Kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of Gladness above Thy fellows. And Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundations of the earth; the heavens are the work of Thy hands: They shall perish: but Thou remainest; and they shall all wax old as doth a garment. And as a vesture shall Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: But Thou art the same and Thy years shall not fail."

“But to which of the angels said He at any time, SIT ON MY RIGHT HAND UNTIL I MAKE THINE ENEMIES THY FOOTSTOOL.” (Heb.1:8-13)

 JESUS DESTROYED SATAN AT THE CROSS!

 Not only did Jesus Christ destroy Satan's kingdom and works, but He also destroyed him by nullifying his power! He has no power over those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb and are anchored to the Rock Christ Jesus! There is no power that can withstand the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, the Name of Jesus and the pure, holy and all-atoning BLOOD of Jesus Christ!

The Word of God states: “Forasmuch 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)

“He that commiteth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8); “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good and healing all were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.” (Acts 10: 38)

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of him openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Col. 2: 13-15)

 St. Paul gives us an analogy of a Conquorer returning to his capitol city with multitudes lining the streets shouting, 'Long live our King'. In his chariot is the armour and crown of the defeated king, who is running behind his chariot stripped of his armour with his hands tied to a tether. Christ is the Victor and Satan is the defeated enemy! Christ's victory has been witnessed in three worlds; Heaven, Hell and Earth!

WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR US!

Jesus Christ's vicarious death has purchased our eternal salvation; forgiving, healing and adopting us into the Family of God, making us sons of God, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. He has delivered from the power of darkness and translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son. (Col. 1: 13);

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit, PURGE your conscience   from dead works to serve the Living God.”  Heb. 9:14)

We are partakers with Christ of His death, burial and resurrection. We died with Christ, we were buried with Christ and we arose with Christ. We live with Christ and will reign with Christ.

Died with Christ: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  (Gal. 2:20); “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world.” (Gal. 6: 14)

Buried with Christ: “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 up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in the newness of life. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.” (Rom.6:3, 4,8)

Arose with Christ: “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen through the faith of the operation of God, Who hath raised Him from the dead. And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” Col.1:12, 13);

Live with Christ: “Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee life. See then that ye walk circumspectly and not as fools, but as wise. Redeeming the time because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5: 14-16; 2 Tim.2: 11); “For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. For Christ Who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” (Col. 3: 3, 4)

 Reign with Christ: “It is a faithful saying; If we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us: If we believe not, yet He abideh faithful: He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Tim.2: 11-13);

“For ye are the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then ye are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Gal. 6: 26-29)

Ye are Complete in Christ: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him; Rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been haughty, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition f men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.” (Col.2: 6-10).

A new Creature in Christ: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new.” (2 Cor. 5: 17): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2: 8,9)

Satan has been soundly and eternally defeated by our Lord Jesus Christ, who purchased our Freedom from the powers of Darkness by paying the ransom price of His own precious and holy blood to meet the demands of divine justice on our behalf. 

Almighty God was satisfied when His own dear Son took our place on the cross of shame as our propitiation, thereby liberating us from the servitude to the Evil One and placing us into the Kingdom of His Eternal Son forever and ever!  Hallelujah. Amen.

Note: More to follow soon!      

 - A BIG HELLO to BILL GATES' & SORO'S student -

Canadian Truckers Launch “Freedom Convoy” to Protest Job-Killing Vaccine Mandates

January 25, 2022

Screenshot: YouTube, CBC Canada

A large group of Canadian truckers is making its way in a massive convoy of big rigs across the country to the capital city of Ottawa to protest extreme vaccine mandates that threaten to leave thousands out of work.

The Freedom Convoy 202, which has already raised over $3 million for the cross-country demonstration, was organized in response to regulations that beginning January 15, required all drivers returning from the United States to quarantine for two weeks and all those crossing into the U.S. to be vaccinated.

Similar requirements from the American federal government require all truckers driving into the U.S. to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as well.

Christ is the Answer                  by Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

This life is full of problems, trials, and heartaches and many have gotten caught in the tide, as the storms of life have come surging over them and almost overtaken them.  They may even feel that life is not worth living, as their lot has been only sorrow, grief, and woe! Dear Reader, are you such a one?  If you are, then I want to say, “I have good news for you. Christ is the Answer, and He answers prayer.”

Look up and do not despair, even though you don’t know which way to turn! Your friends may have forsaken you.  Your loved ones have proven unfaithful and untrue.  You have lost confidence in everyone. Remember dear friend, man may fail you, but God will not and cannot fail!  

He says, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee:” (Heb. 13:5) Jesus declares to all believers:  “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matt. 28:20). The word always is a measure of time, but alway is a measure of distance. Our Lord said, I will go the distance with you, even to the end of time! 

 YOU MAY BE FEARFUL OR TROUBLED!  

 You may be scared, and fear has gripped your heart.  You are fearful of the future, your employer, even your friends and relatives!  You may be afraid of what you yourself may do.  Possibly you are afraid that you will crack up, go insane or commit suicide.

 Dear Reader, listen to the words of our Blessed Lord, “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”. (Isaiah 41:10). That is God speaking to you right now. Accept His promise for yourself and claim that promise!     

The Holy Bible says, “Perfect love casteth out fear”. (1 John 4:18); “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). God loves you.  If you love Him, that is perfect love and your fears must leave instantly.  How is this possible?  Christ has conquered fear! 

“Through death He (Jesus) might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them that through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage”. (Heb. 2:14-15)

HELP IS ON THE WAY TO YOU!

Just remember - Christ is your only hope and the only answer to your every problem! You may be in real turmoil and things have gone backwards for you, spiritually.  You do not have the desire you once had to witness and testify for Jesus Christ. 

You have lost the victory in your life and you have grown cold in your love and devotion to God.  Listen to the words of Jesus, “...If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me as the scripture hath said, out of his belly (innermost being) shall flow rivers of living water”. (John 7:37-38)

The Bible states, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. (Acts 2:38-39)

Humble yourself, confess your sins to God and rejoice as the joy of the Lord floods your soul.  Hallelujah!

YOU HAVE LOST YOUR JOB! 

The bills may be stacking up and you are at the end of the rope, financially.  Life seems to have given you a rough time. Have you prayed about it?  Remember, Christ is the answer to every problem!

Our Saviour, is very concerned about us, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched by the feeling of our infirmities”. (Heb. 4:15) 

He said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened”. (Matt. 7:7-8)

Jesus proclaimed, “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it”. (John 14:14). The Bible states, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper, and be in health, even as thy soul doth prosper”. (3 John 1:2).  Maybe, you have robbed God! Read Malachi 3:8-12 to see the gravity of that!

Examine your life, repent of your sins, and pay your vows.  Then you can claim God’s promise: “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase - so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine”. (Prov. 3:9-10)

ARE YOU BOUND BY EVIL HABITS?  

You cannot seem to break free. You are powerless against them.  When you think you have the victory, there is a compelling urge to have another cigarette or another drink of whiskey!  Or to gamble at Bingo, VLT’s or the Casino ‘dens of iniquity’.

You may be an alcoholic or drug addict! My friend, no one else may care, but Jesus cares!  He loves you and wants to deliver you and make you free! Get on your knees and cry out to God.  He will answer your prayer and you will no longer be a slave to those evil habits. 

 Do not be discouraged, help is on the way to you.  God knows all about you and wants to liberate you! He said. “Come unto Me, all ye who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heat; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11/; 28-30)

YOU’RE SICK AND DISEASED!  

Perhaps you are deaf or blind.  You may have heart trouble, cancer, diabetes. MS or even AIDS.  The disease is eating away your body; the sickness is slowly taking your life.  You may be crippled or paralyzed, and the doctors have done all they can do - all human help is gone.

My friend do not despair! Dry your tears and listen to the Words of Jesus.  “The thief (devil) cometh not, but to steal and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

The devil has afflicted you and wants to destroy you, but Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Jesus Christ overcame death, hell and the grave. He was victorious over Satan, making a show of him openly, triumphing over him. (Col. 2:15)

THE DEVIL IS A LIAR & A DEFEATED FOE! 

And you are not going to continue to be sick.  You are not going to die of that awful disease if you reach forth your hand by faith right now and take the nail-scarred hand of Jesus! He said, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise case out”. (John 6:37). Again, Jesus declared, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth”. (Mark 9:23)

Our Lord Jesus came to deliver the captives, open the eyes of the blind, and set at liberty them that are bruised. (Luke 4:18). You may feel, “My sickness is too great - no one can help me”.  Listen, my friend, Jesus is greater than your sickness! He is greater than blind eyes or deaf ears:  Christ is greater than anxiety, panic attacks, arthritis, MS or cancer. 

BELIEVE HIM NOW!   

He said, “I am the Lord that healeth thee”. (Ex. 15:26); “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 soul 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 eagle’s.” (Ps. 103:1-5)

Accept Him now as your healer!  Get ready to act your faith in Jesus Christ.  I will pray for you in a moment.  As you read my prayer, turn your faith loose toward God and take your healing by faith in the finished work of Calvary.

Remember, the Bible says: “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”. (Isaiah 53:5)

IF YOU ARE LOST WITHOUT CHRIST: 

I say to you, Jesus came to seek and to save them that are lost. (Luke 19:10). ARE YOU BACKSLIDDEN?  Has your heart grown cold to the call of God?  Friend, come back to Jesus today, repent of every sin and confess that you cannot save yourself. Cry out to Him to be merciful to you and He will, for God’s Word declares: 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9); 

“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 (fellowship) with him and he with Me”. (Rev. 3:20)

OPEN HEART’S DOOR:  RECEIVE HIM AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOUR! 

Now, thank Him for saving you and let your light shine for Him in your daily life! Attend a Church where they believe in and preach the Full Gospel. There, you will find love and fellowship among the saints who have received ‘The Baptism of the Holy Ghost’, according to Acts 2:4. 

It should be a Church where they pray for the sick, believe in sanctification and dedication to God, and have a desire to win souls for Jesus!

Obey the command of the Lord and be baptized in water by immersion according to Matt. 28:19, Acts 2:41 and Acts 8:36-39. 

READ THE BIBLE DAILY AND PRAY EARNESTLY!  

Read the Bible every day and seek God for the ‘Baptism of the Holy Ghost’ (Acts 2:39), and witness continually wherever possible to others, about Jesus Christ. Remember. Christ is the Answer and wants to deliver you this very moment, as I pray.

“Almighty God, I pray in the Name of Thy Son Jesus Christ that You will bless each one reading these words!  I command every evil spirit, sickness, and disease to leave those that are afflicted. O’ Lord, save, heal and deliver each one now in the Name of Jesus.  AMEN!”

THE BIBLE SAYS:

“Be of good cheer!  It is I; be not afraid.” (Mark 6:10); “Peace be unto you.” (Luke 24:36); “Be of good comfort.” (Luke 8:48); Fear not, only believe.”  (Mark 5:36); “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22). The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27); “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37);

“Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27). Come unto ME, all ye who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)

 Dear Lord Jesus: Please bless, save, and heal everyone reading this Message. And may Your Peace fill their hearts and lives. Amen.

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