GOD CARES FOR US

                                                      By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

Although the Lord God is compassionate, merciful, and patient, He also judges His people. The Scripture states that God is love, (1 John 4:8) and yet the same Bible warns that He is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:29) Again the Bible speaks of God as a lawgiver, (Isaiah 32:22) who demands divine justice, and yet declares the beautiful fact that Jesus Christ brought grace into this world. (John 1:17)

The Bible says that there are given to us great and precious promises that by these we might be partakers of the Divine nature. (II Peter 1:4). The Word of God that saves us and gives us eternal life (John 10:28) will be opened at the judgment and will condemn those who reject the Gospel of Christ. (Revelation 20:12) God has certain laws by which He operates and governs in the universe, as well as in heaven and upon earth. There are certain laws by which he saves or condemns.

THE LAWS OF GOD STILL EXIST

The same is true in the realm of physical healing. To His people He said, “If though wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.” (Exodus 15:26)

God’s law stated that if His people would serve and obey Him, He would heal and bless them. If they rebelled against His Word and broke their covenant with Him, His blessing and healing would depart and the curses which were reserved for God’s enemies would cleave unto them.

If there is a vacuum created by God’s absence in a life, the Devil fills that vacuum and places his curse upon them. When God’s protection is lifted off a life, there is an open door for torment, death, and destruction to enter.

The Bible says, “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return to my house from whence I came out; and when he is come he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

“Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the first state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12:43 – 45)

THE GOODNESS OF GOD TRULY AMAZES ME!

How many times God has sustained us, protected us, and stopped the devil from harming us I will never know, but I do know that; “The angel of the Lord encampeth roundabout them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” (Psalms 34:7) “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” (Isaiah 59:19)

Even though hell is a literal burning place of torment, the worst thing about it will be the ABSENCE OF GOD and the knowledge for those incarcerated, they will never feel His sweet presence again.

Sickness and disease came into the world because of sin, and death followed because of sin. There was no sin, sickness, disease or death before the fall and there won’t be any after Satan is bound for 1,000 years during the millennium. (Revelation 20:2) Praise God!

The promises of God for His repentant, believing children as touching forgiveness and healing are numerous: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved;” (Acts 2:21) “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest;” (Matthew 11:28)

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;” (Mark 16:16) “Ask, and it shall be given to 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;” (Matthew 7:7, 8)

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:11 – 14)

“Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:14, 15)

WHATSOEVER SORE OR WHATSOEVER SICKNESS

Here is a powerful verse from the Old Testament taken from Solomon’s prayer during the dedication. “If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillars, if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land;

“Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when everyone shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house: Then hear Thou from heaven they dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart Thou knowest; (for Thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men)” (2 Chronicles 6:28 – 30)

Does God Really Care? God’s laws work in every area of our lives. Those who believe in the name of Jesus, repent of their sins and confess Him as Lord are saved. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are filled. (Matthew 5:6) The baptism of the Holy Ghost is given to those who obey God and desire more of Him. (Acts 5:32)

Physical healing is as much a part of our inheritance (last will and testimony of Jesus Christ) and as much a part of the atonement as the forgiveness of sins. “For he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: (healing for our spirits) the chastisement of our peace was upon him; (healing for our minds or souls) and with his stripes we are healed.” (healing for our bodies) (Isaiah 53:5)

GOD PROSPERS HIS PEOPLE!

“Beloved, I wish above all things…” John was writing by the Holy Spirit. John’s will here was God’s will… “that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 2.) St. John, the beloved Pastor, wanted many good things for his flock. (God wants us to receive many good things too)

The three most important things were number one – That they would prosper, number two – be in health, number three – that their souls would prosper. The first and second blessings were contingent upon the third, “even as thy soul prospereth.”

 According to the spiritual blessing we receive from Christ, will determine how much physical, mental, and material blessing we will receive from Him. You may say, “I know of godly people who are sick and poor.” Godly people are not always rich in faith. Many people who lead good lives and trust Christ as Saviour MAY HAVE NOT trusted Him as Healer for their bodies or Baptizer in the Holy Ghost or Provider for their needs. You may ask why?

1. Because they do not know the scriptures.
2. Because they do not believe that God is interested in their problems, e.g. cancer, arthritis, poverty. (because of wrong teaching). God warns pastors who do not bring the truth of divine healing and God’s blessing to the people. Please read Ezekiel 34:2-5.
3. They underestimate God’s power. “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29)
4. They do not appropriate God’s promises for themselves. It is always for those in Bible times or during the coming millennium, but not for today: “Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (John 11:24) Jesus said however, “I am the resurrection, and the life;” Today! (John 11:25)
5. They believe God chastises His children with foul cancer, evil spirits of insanity and crippling arthritis. They further believe that they are receiving a great blessing from their sickness when the Bible calls disease a plague, (Mark 5:34) and a curse. (Deuteronomy 28).

God is a million times better than we are and yet we would never put a curse or disease on any of our children to make them better or to chastise them!

6. They believe that they are suffering for God’s glory, yet they run to doctors, clinics, and hospitals constantly. They have surgery and swallow innumerous pills to get rid of the blessing, but they have no faith for healing through prayer.
7. There are three ways to get rid of poverty.
1. Get a job.
2. Begin to give to God’s work.
3. Believe that God will prosper you according to His word when you give in faith.

The Word of God says, there are three things that He wants for His people more than anything else He could desire for them (3 John 2) Number one, spiritual prosperity – repentance, faith, love and joy, the baptism of the Holy Ghost, the gifts of the Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit and a burden for souls with fasting and prayer.

Number two, as we prosper spiritually, we will also be in health as we accept the Word of God regarding divine healing. Number three, then as we work hard, give to God’s work in faith believing, we will prosper financially and materially. Praise God.

 The Bible states, “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.” (Proverbs 3:9, 10)

“And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.” (Exodus 23:25) Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

St. Paul wrote, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). God’s Law of Sowing and Reaping, of Planting and Harvesting, and of Caring and Sharing Is Still Valid and Works Today!

Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)

Elijah said to the window woman, “but make me thereof a little cake first;” (I Kings 17:13) When she gave to God’s servant out of her need, God’s blessing came upon her unto life. (I Kings 17:15, 16) “Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God; Give FIRST and it shall be given unto you; Honour the Lord with your substance and the FIRST FRUITS of all thine increase.”

WE SHARE BECAUSE WE CARE: Caring means sharing. We as Christians do not really care unless we are willing to share with others. Let us share the Gospel of Christ with the heathen of this world so that they may learn of Jesus, believe on His name and live.

MY PERSONAL TESTIMONY!

In 1958, I was given a wonderful vision by the Lord – here it is:

It was just after we had purchased our own first new car (before, I had driven company cars) and I had obtained a very good job earning several thousands of dollars a year more than I had been earning previously. My wife had just been converted to Christ and I was so happy for what God had done for me – as I lay in bed thinking about the goodness of God (my wife had already fallen asleep) suddenly I saw a vision. (whether I was asleep or not I cannot tell.

I saw a large silver tray with a very large bowl sitting in the middle of it. Then, as I continued watching I saw a clear, pure liquid resembling water, being poured into the bowl from up above and entering the bowl from every angle. I watched as the bowl filled up and I wondered if it would stop, but it kept on coming – over-flowing the bowl and filling the platter – I wondered “Would it stop then?” but it kept coming and overflowed the platter.

Then I heard a voice say, “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” I knew it was the voice of God and immediately I was wide awake – I knew God had spoken to me and that He was with me and that I would prosper. Ever since then God has blessed me.

 When I was a commercial traveler, God helped me to always be one of the top salesmen. When I left my well-paying position, I still had the blessing of God. The Lord has helped me, led me and guided me, so that tens of thousands of souls have been brought to Christ through our ministry, and great numbers have received miracles of healing and deliverance through our prayers.

SEVEN REASONS WHY GOD WANTS TO BLESS US

1.      Because of His great love for mankind and especially for His children. (Matthew 15:26; 3 John 2)

2.      Because of His Word which He will fulfill and His promises which He is duty bound to keep. (Luke 6:38)

3.      Because of a definite law, both spiritual and physical which states, “you will reap what you sow, and the harvest will be greater than the seed planted.” (Genesis 8:22; Galatians 6:7, 8)

4.      Because we are His children and therefore, His responsibility. He wants us to have the best and since we are His advertising agents, I am sure that He wants to show the world that His gospel can accomplish and do in the lives of men. We are proof that the benefits of Calvary really work.

He certainly has the power to bless His people to the extent that we can represent Him properly. (Malachi 3:17; Philippians 4:19)

5.      Because of the testimony of the lives of men of God in times past.

a.      Abraham: “And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man could number the dust od the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.”  (Genesis 13:16)

b.      Job: “So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning ---So Job died being old and full of days.” (Job 42:12-17)

c.      Solomon: “That the Lord appeared unto Solomon…I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before Me, I have hallowed this house…”  (I Kings 9:3-5)

d.      Daniel: “… That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel…He delivereth and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions….so this Daniel prospered…” (Daniel 3:1 to 30: 6:1 to 28;)

6.      Because God has never changed, and we have proven His word to be true again and again when we give in faith. In my own life I have proven God honours our faith, answers our prayers and fulfills His word. Thousands of people have also proven the same thing!

7.      Because our Heavenly Father has promised to honour those who love and serve His Son Jesus Christ. My prayer is that many reading these words will be blessed abundantly with good health and His blessing!

“If any man serve Me let him follow Me; and where I am, there will My servant be: If any man serve Me, him will My Father honour.” (John 12:26)

8.      Because God wants His people to prosper so that they can use their money to help the poor and reach the lost with the glorious gospel of Christ before it is too late. Please note “the scripture cannot be broken.” (John 10:35)

Whatever Jesus said will come to pass. The laws of God are absolute and what you sow you will reap. When you give to God, there will be a return far greater than what you give. God is not a respector of persons and God is no man’s debtor.

In closing let me give you this scripture, “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalms 84:11) And again, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully… for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (II Corinthians 9:6, 7) Amen.

Max Solbrekken World Mission Box 44220 RPO Garside, Edmonton, AB T5V 1N6; Facebook; Youtube; Blog MSWM; Donations can be made through e-Transfer. Make your donation to [email protected]. Thank you.