BIBLE CLOCKS

INEVITABLE SURVIVAL OF

          ISRAEL

by Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

 For 2,000 years the Jews had been homeless.Their nation dissolved, their temple destroyed, and their people decimated, killed, and sold as slaves. During the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, more than one million Jews were killed and 89,000 were taken captive to be used as gladiators or sold as slaves!

The Jews were called God’s chosen people, but there were conditions to the pact Yahweh made with them.  Moses outlines that covenant in Deuteronomy 28. It promised blessings without number if they kept the covenant, but severe judgment if they broke it. The Israelites chose to rebel against God, and history proves to the minutest detail, how authentic the Bible is.

JESUS PROPHESIED ISRAEL’S DESTRUCTION AND REBIRTH!

Jesus verified the authenticity of the Scriptures when He prophesied the destruction of Israel and the temple, as well as Israel’s rebirth in St. Matthew 23 and 24. He spoke about two generations - the one that would crucify Him, and the final one just before His return.  Jesus said the first would be responsible for all the righteous blood shed from Abel to Barachias.

The symbol of Israel has always been a fig tree, and Jesus cursed a fig tree when He found no fruit on it.  He also stated that the fig tree would someday come back to life! Thirty-seven years after Jesus uttered those prophetic words, General Titus destroyed the Temple and the Holy City and terminated the nation of Israel.

But the Jews never lost their faith, language, or their hope of returning to Jerusalem. At 4 PM on May 14, 1948, former prime minister David Ben Gurion hoisted the Israeli flag, proclaiming Israel a free, sovereign, and independent state.

ISRAEL IS GOD’S TIMEPIECE!

Jesus said, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors”.

Then he dropped a bombshell... “Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things come to pass”. That “Israel is God’s timepiece” is no doubt.  And by the same token, “Jerusalem is the second hand” of the clock.

In 1920, Arabs attacked and partly destroyed two Jewish settlements at Matiullah and Tel Hai. Since that day the Arabs have challenged Israel’s right to exist in the land that God gave to Abraham’s seed, according to the book of Genesis.  He later confirmed His covenant with Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Joshua.

                                               TO GOD BE ALL THE PRAISE & GLORY!                   

                                              Harry Rusk: An Instrument in God's hands!

                                   THE STORY OF HARRY RUSK

INTRODUCTION:

From a boy who was in a hospital for terminally ill patients to a country singer in Nashville, Tennessee, this is the story of Harry Rusk.  This is a walk through of Harry’s life, dealing with discrimination and overcoming the boundary of race.  We will talk about the way Harry Rusk used music and his voice to bring healing and the wisdom we can find in it.

Background and history of Harry Rusk:

Harry Rusk was born in Kahntah Slavey nation, 70 miles east of Fort Nelson on a trap-line and spoke Slavey language (now called Dene).  At age 11, he ended up in the Charles Camsell Indian Hospital in Edmonton with Tuberculosis.  People who end up in this hospital would spend months or even years, and a majority of them would die.  He was a fan of Hank Snow when Hank wrote the song “I’m Moving On.”

Hank Snow’s song “I’m Moving On” became number one on the country charts when Harry was in the hospital in 1949 - 1953.  In 1952 when Hank Snow did a show in Edmonton the nurses got him to come to the hospital.  Hank left a deep impression on Harry, so much so that his mom saved up her money to buy and send him a guitar.

After 4 years of his stay in the hospital, Harry Rusk miraculously made it out alive.  He learned Hank Snow’s music from a gramophone.  In 1966 Harry got his first television break with Gaby Haas on the Noon Show on CFRN CTV.  Then Harry attended a Hank Snow show and shared with Hank how Hank had inspired him to become a country music singer and guitar player.  Then Harry also shared with Hank that he wanted to record.  Upon that note, Hank advised Harry to send him his recording when that happened.  Then on June 13, 1972, which was 20 years after his visit in the hospital, Hank invited Harry to be on the Grand Ole Opry with him on June 30, 1972.  This started numerous appearances on the Opry for the next 22 years and opened many doors for Harry in the USA, and many other countries such as Norway, Poland, Israel, Mexico, etc.

Now moving on later in life he has many stories of the discrimination he has encountered.  These 2 stories are just a fraction of what he has faced in his life.  When he was leaving the drugstore in Edmonton, 2 police officers grabbed him by his arms and pinned him to a wall telling him to empty his pockets because they believed he stole something because he is Indigenous.  His friend Omar and he pleaded that they should be able to ask the lady at the till to prove they didn’t steal anything.  The lady at the till concurred with their story and the police officers let them go.  The fact that they were accused of stealing solely based on race is unjust.  Another story Harry Rusk has is when he walked into a café in Edmonton with friends of his.  He was told to leave the restaurant because they didn’t serve Indigenous people.  The cook who was kicking them out noticed that Harry Rusk was a famous country singer and gave him the exception to stay.  Harry chose not to stay and joined his friends in another nearby café.

What is Harry most known for and what great achievements:

Harry Rusk is most known for his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee performing alongside Hank Snow.  He play the Don Messer Show, Country Time, the Noon Show and many other famous T.V. outlets.  Harry Rusk did shows in Hawaii during the Vietnam War, and also performed in various shows with his wife Gladys during the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Highway.  Rusk has recorded 55 albums and sold over 2 million records.  To name a few, My Northern Memories, Rose of Mexico, Red Man and the Train plus others.  Harry Rusk has met many influential people throughout his years as a country singer.  Some of these people include Hank Snow, Johnny Cash, George Foreman, a 2-time heavy-weight champion, and many other musicians and notable people.

What skills does he possess that help him effectively bring healing:

Harry switched to Gospel music and took ministerial training at ORU, Oklahoma.  He relied on the Holy Spirit for correct spiritual guidance.  Harry was a big influence in breaking the barrier between Indigenous and white people.  He was the first full Indigenous musician on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry and was treated equally.  The Americans loved him and vice versa.  Harry Rusk says that there has been a lot of discrimination towards him and his people.  He remembers seeing many Indigenous people quit because they were scared to stand up for their rights, and also some getting fired when they were innocent.  Harry’s story of perseverance through discrimination and getting his voice heard can be a big inspiration to other Indigenous people to get their stories heard and help bring peace and healing.  Harry gives all the glory to the Lord for all his positive achievements.

What wisdom can we find from Harry’s life that we can apply in our own lives moving forward:

There was a story that Harry Rusk told me in a personal telephone interview about a man who died and they prayed for him.  He was dead for 9 minutes and he came back to life.  The faith that Harry and others around him had was strong, and God answered their prayers.  If we can have this strong faith in God and reliance on him in our day to day lives, we can see miracles happen. 

Another story of how we can learn from Rusk’s life is when he got shot at and had to hide in the bush for 2 days.  He learned to forgive and helped these same people, showing the love that Jesus had for others and being a good example.  Although we all have times when we are under fire and persecuted you should always return it with love and kindness.  We will not grow individually and as a community if we return anger with anger.  Even through all his toils he would pray for his enemies.  “One of the prayers was that God would bless them with good health, peace, joys and happiness, with their families, loved ones, friends and neighbours, that He would give them better wages, promotions, whatever they were seeking, yet didn’t seem to find.” 

Rusk also says in his book, “No matter what they threw at me maliciously, I returned it all with kindness.”

Conclusion:

To conclude, Harry Rusk was quite the influence not only in music, but also by showing others that you can stand up to prejudice and yet your voice heard.  Harry Rusk is the perfect example of an underdog story because he grew up on a trap-line in Northern B.C. and made it to the big stage in Tenessee and played with the top country artists of his generation.

In closing, Harry has 5 children that he’s thankful for, and here’s one for Fort Nelson.  Harry was the first to be inducted into the North American Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.  To all of this Harry says, “I give all the praise and glory to the living Son of God, Jesus.”

                     __________________________________________________________

Written by a grade 12 school student,
Joel Lorensen – Abottsford, B.C.

                              Harry & Gladys Rusk at House of Prayer, New Sarepta, AB

                                                                      

                                            In These Perilous Times                                                                          GOD CALLS US TO PRAYER                                                                          By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

The Bible says, "If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble    themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

Prayer to God is important. Prayer is vital. If we are to have communion with God, we must pray.  We must listen to the call of the Holy Spirit to our hearts. Without prayer we lose contact with the One who made us, knows us, and loves us!

AN IMPORTANT PRAYER TO REMEMBER 
 
"Dear God be merciful to me a sinner, forgive my sins and save my soul! I trust in the blood of Jesus Christ to atone for my sins. I now renounce the devil, all his works and all his ways. I now receive Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and Lord in His Name. And dear Lord, I Call upon You for great power of Divine Healing for my body, family and friends, Amen".

When fellowship has been restored with God through prayer, we can pray for our needs, and pray for others! The Lord's prayer is found in the Bible chapter of Matthew 6:9-13. The Lord's prayer is a powerful model:

WE CALL IT ‘THE LORD’S PRAYER’
 
"Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew  6:9-13))

First, we address Almighty God as our Father. His name is to be honoured above all other names. We declare that His Kingdom will one day be set up on earth as it is in Heaven. Then, we petition Him for our daily needs. We ask for His forgiveness for our sins as we forgive those who have harmed us in any way.

Restrain us from doing evil deeds and deliver us from the onslaughts and temptations of the world, flesh and the devil! We glorify God through His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, giving Him all the honour, praise and glory. Amen.

SPEND TIME ALONE IN PRAYER WITH GOD

We should spend time alone with God in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving as well as in corporate prayer with fellow believers!

Jesus invites: "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." (Matthew  7:7-8)

St. Jude wrote about the EVIL, FILTHY, LUSTY LIFESTYLES OF MANY.  He warned of the End times, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the Rapture and the coming Judgment upon those who continue in their pernicious, lascivious ways. Then he admonished the believers: "But ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit." (Jude  20)

ALWAYS STAY IN THE ATTITUDE OF PRAYER -- PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

We should always stay in an attitude of prayer. The Bible says, "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians  5:17). The  Scottish preacher, Robert Murray McCheyne stated, "Give yourself to prayer, and get your texts, thoughts, your words from God. Luther spent his best three hours in prayer.”

Writing about the martyr George Fox, William Penn stated: "But above all he excelled in prayer... the most awful, living, reverend frame I ever felt or beheld, I must say, was his prayer. He knew and lived nearer to the Lord than other men...”

GOD DOES ANSWER PRAYERS

John Wesley - founder of the Methodist Church - stated, "Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth. God does nothing but in answer to prayer.”

Martin Luther stated, "If I should neglect prayer but a single day, I should lose a great deal of the fire of faith.”

JESUS SAID, WATCH AND PRAY LEST YE ENTER INTO TEMPTATION!

Jesus constantly urged His disciples to pray: "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation."  (Matthew 26:41) It was after an all-night prayer session with His Father in Heaven, that Jesus chose His twelve apostles!

And it was after His forty day fast - being tempted by the devil in the wilderness - that Jesus defeated Satan's temptations by using the Word of God to refute and overcome him!

 The Scripture records that after His victory over Satan in that temptation, Jesus "returned in the power of the Spirit" (Luke 4:14), and great miracles of healing and casting out of demons were overwhelmingly present in His ministry!

It was after a ten-day prayer meeting that the Holy Spirit fell upon 120 seeking souls on the Day of Pentecost! (Acts 2:1-4)

THE AWESOME POWER OF PRAYER

Prayer is the natural outcry from the heart of a human being to his Maker in response to the tug of the Word of God, implanted within the conscience.

That tug is even stronger in the heart of one who has had a visitation of the Holy Spirit's convicting presence or has heard the gospel message!   The Holy Spirit's call to prayer becomes as natural and desirous as the call for food at mealtime.

PRAYER IS THE INNER MAN CRYING FOR HELP, FELLOWSHIP & NOURISHMENT

Prayer is our inner man crying out for help, fellowship, and spiritual nourishment! It is born out of our need and the assurance that God is there to meet that need and answer our prayer: To the individual who has opened his life to the Saviour.

PRAYER IS TALKING, LISTENING & COMMUNICATING WITH OUR MAKER

Prayer is talking, listening, and communing with our Maker as we enter the very presence of Almighty God.  Prayer is an intimate fellowship on a "one to one basis" with God, through Jesus Christ our Lord! When we PRAY our total man becomes involved!

When we pray, our total inner man becomes involved with God.  Our spirit cries out in response to our needs and those of others, as God plays on our heart strings, encouraging us to share those burdens with Him. Our minds stagger under the weight of sin, fear, worry and care and our spirits soar both to heights unknown as well as plumb to incomprehensible depths.

We groan in the spirit of intercession or exult in the joy of God, knowing that He is taking control of the situation! And that by our compassion, care and faith people in need are being convicted, strengthened, healed, and blessed!

As we pray and weep in travail our eyes redden, our physical strength is taxed, and our body becomes weary! Then the Holy Spirit takes over and intercedes through us with groanings that cannot be uttered, and we enter into a new realm as we pray in the Spirit (unknown tongues), as St. Paul did. (1 Corinthians 14:15)

The Divine Paraclete (the Comforter - the One sent alongside to help) leads us as we do not know how we ought to pray. But He comes to our rescue and prays through us to the Father!  The entire Trinity is involved in our fellowship, as we pray to God our Father in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord!

Prayer is mankind's most vital link with Almighty God. It is entering into His very presence with our requests, petitions and thanksgiving.  When we pray, God not only listens but speaks to our spirits and answers our requests in His own way, according to His divine and gracious will.

The scripture says, He is closer than our hands or feet. It is therefore, not difficult to draw upon His power by reaching out in prayer and touching Him.  The woman with the "issue of blood" touched Him with her faith and received an instant miracle. Jesus turned about in the crowd and asked specifically, "Who touched My clothes"?

Many rubbed shoulders with Him, but one person touched Him by faith. She had said within herself, "If I but touch His garment, I shall be whole." She was made whole, and Jesus declared that her faith had gotten the job done! (Matthew  9:21)

'Prayer is talking, listening and communing with God as we enter into the very presence of the Almighty!’ The 20th Century Bible renders the account this way: Jesus said, "Someone has touched Me". And they said, "Master, the multitudes press Thee and crush Thee". But He answered, "No, someone has made a demand upon My ability".

When we pray and believe and reach out for a miracle, we make a demand upon His ability and draw from His great storehouse of blessing, that which we desire!  Another beautiful aspect of prayer is that the woman received the miracle without Jesus knowing she had a need. The miracle was already accomplished before Jesus was aware of it! 

PRAYER NOT ONLY CHANGES THINGS. IT CHANGES LIVES!

The easiest way for me to illustrate God's provision for us, is to compare it to a buffet banquet. Many tables, loaded with the best foods sits in the middle of the room and guests help themselves at will. The host simply walks among his friends to see if everyone is getting enough to eat, while the servers keep loading the tables with fresh supplies!

The host is not really concerned whether you make one or three trips to the tables, so long as you get enough to eat. He doesn't watch to see if you take one leg of chicken or two!

Forgiveness, healing, blessing, and prosperity are all provided for us. We can have all we need! All we need to do, is reach out by faith and make a demand on His ability, by praying and by receiving. Automatically, when we pray, we tap into His resources by faith in His finished work on Golgotha, the miracle happens!

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS - GOD ANSWERS PRAYER

Through prayer and communion with God we can affect the course of this world and change the complexion of society!

Prayer changes things! Many situations have been altered, lives changed, and priorities rearranged by spending time in prayer.  Why is this? God answers prayer! God performs miracles! He is real, and communion with Him is a glorious reality!

Not only does prayer change things but prayer changes people - prayer changes the lives of the ones prayed for as well as the persons praying. Thousands of answers to prayer are recorded regularly in the books of heaven, as well as in the remembrances of committed Christians.

Miracles of salvation, healing, preservation, deliverance, and prosperity are common occurrences for those who really believe God's Word and pray and seek God and appropriate His promises for themselves!  A person gets a totally new outlook on life when he spends time in prayer and in God's presence. His priorities change as well as his desires and goals in life. Prayer can change your disposition and make you kinder and more caring!

SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER

The hymn writer penned these words which have blessed millions down through the years.

"Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, That calls me from a world of care 
And sets me at my Father's throne, Makes all my wants and wishes known.

In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief 
And oft escaped the tempter's snare, By thy return, sweet hour of prayer."

THE CALL TO FAITH

The twin pillars of the Christian Church are REPENTANCE and FAITH. St. Paul makes that very plain: "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21) 
 He said: "For by grace (God's unmerited favor) are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast". (Ephesians 2:8-9) 
 
To believe in Jesus Christ and receive Him into your life is to have faith! Faith is a fact, but faith is also an act, because faith requires corresponding action! 
 
The Bible says, "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) 
 
When you have faith in God, you will believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ and dedicate your life in His service! Real faith transforms a person's lifestyle, because faith in God works miracles in people! 

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

HOW DO WE RECEIVE FAITH?

According to the Holy Scriptures, God has given each one of us faith to believe in Jesus Christ, His Son and be saved: ..."think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3) 
 
He has placed His Word within our conscience and our spirit which came from God! (Romans 7:22-25). The Word of God also creates faith! "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans  10:17). God has called us to a life of faith and worship, through Jesus Christ His Son! 
 
The Bible says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him". (Hebrews 11:1,6)

WHAT IS FAITH?  FAITH IS THREE THINGS:

It is coming to God with our needs, believing that God exists, and that He is whom the Bible says He is. It is expecting a miracle (an answer) when you pray!  

We sing this marvellous song: 'Faith in the Father and faith in the Son, Faith in the Holy Ghost, three in the One!  Demons will tremble and sinners awake, Faith in Christ Jesus will anything shake!' 
 
Faith is also a gift as well as a fruit of the Holy Spirit! "To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;" (1 Corinthians 12:9)  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." (Galatians 5:22)

2. THE CALL TO SEPARATION 

Jesus calls us to righteous, holy, and pure living! The Bible says, "But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conduct." (1 Peter 1:15) 
 
Sanctification is the process by which believers are set apart for God and His service, to be made holy and purified from sin by His gifts and graces and our determined will to do that which is right! 
                                                                                            
We cannot do this in our own power. The Scripture says, "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:30) 
 
St. Paul admonished, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor." 
 
"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4, 7) 
 
God sets us apart through the divine process of redemption and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, but we must separate ourselves totally and completely unto Him, in order that His miraculous provision will work within us! 
 
THE BIBLE CLEARLY STATES THAT GOD DESIRES HIS PEOPLE TO LEAD PURE, WHOLESOME LIVES - NOT LIKE THE PAGAN - AND BE SEPARATED FROM THE EVIL PRACTICES OF LYING, WITCHCRAFT, HATRED, GAMBLING, IDOLATRY, SODOMY AND ADULTERY. HIS WORD TEACHES PURITY OF THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED! 
 
St. Paul declared, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (2 Corinthians 6:17) 
 
God promises to be our Father, if we believe His Word and live by it! In His dealings with Israel, He demanded that they separate themselves from idols and the pagan practices of the heathen!  "But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils." (1 Corinthians 10:20-21) 
 
As Christians, we are followers of Jesus Christ and must not try to drag Him down to the filth in which the ungodly live, but allow Him to lift us to the place of purity and wholeness which He exemplifies.

HE SAVES US FROM SINS --NOT TO LIVE IN OUR SINS!

The Bible says, "If a man therefore purge himself from these (carnal, sinful, dishonorable pursuits) he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:21-22)

Again God's Word states, "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1)

THE CALL TO DEDICATION

The word dedicate means to "set apart and consecrate to a divine being. To give wholly or earnestly to a patron, friend, or purpose".  It is in this sense I now use this word. We should be willing to give ourselves wholly and earnestly unto the cause of righteousness, loving God and our fellowman! 
 
The Bible does not compromise. It is clear in its teachings that if we do certain things, God will bless and prosper us! And if we do not, there will be no blessing! 
 
Here is His clarion call to dedication:  "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans  12:1-2) 
 
This stern admonition was sent to former pagans, who had converted to Christ. St. Paul demanded that they break from evil, lustful and perverted deeds and live in purity as Christians! 
 
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CHRISTIAN THIEF OR A CHRISTIAN LIAR OR A CHRISTIAN DRUNKARD, CHRISTIAN DRUG ADDICT OR CHRISTIAN HOMOSEXUAL, OR A CHRISTIAN FORNICATOR! 
 
When Christ comes into our hearts, the Holy Spirit does a work in us whereby we are liberated from the lusts and perversions of this wicked old world!  He admonishes Timothy and all of us: "but thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." 
 
"I give thee charge in the sight of God, Who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, Who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:" (1 Timothy 6:11-14) 
 
It is certainly a slap in our face, when Muslims and other non-Christians reject Christianity because of the lewd way in which our so-called Christian society conducts itself! 
 
I hasten to say that the rock and roll music, loose living, pornography, abortion, alcoholism and perversion, which is so prevalent in our society, is in no way Christian! On the contrary, it is anathema! 

It is sad to hear Muslim leaders saying that they do not want their people contaminated with "the abominable practices of sodomy, pornography, drug abuse, obscene rock and roll music and alcoholism, which are rife in Western Christian culture!”

ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL

The Bible says, "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul: Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation". (1 Peter 2:11-12). We are instructed, "Abstain from all appearance of evil". (1 Thessalonians 5:22) 
 
May Jesus Christ always be our example. He was perfect in all respects.  Jesus Christ was SINLESS in deity and humanity - yet was obedient to the cross, suffering for our sin and shame, so that He could save us and bring us to God! 
 
The Bible says, "Looking unto JESUS the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) 
 
Jesus, "...being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross". (Philippians 2:6-8) 
 
St. Paul was totally dedicated: "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek". (Romans 1:14-16)

THE CALL TO CONSECRATION

Consecration is the act of obedience, when we privately and publicly make a statement that we have given ourselves in dedication for God's service! 
 
In like manner, as we consecrate a church building or musical instruments to God's service, so we consecrate our bodies, talents and riches unto the cause of Christ and His Church!  Christ is calling us to give ourselves wholeheartedly to His cause. To consecrate ourselves unto a life of righteous living and evangelism! 
 
He is looking for those who will be totally committed to His gospel, so that His light may shine in this ungodly world. 
 
The Bible says, "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1). What does that mean to the liar, thief, adulterer, homosexual or gambler? Pure and simple - STOP DOING THOSE THINGS AND BEGIN LIVING PURE LIVES! 
 
Jesus said, "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up the cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it". (Mark 8:35-36) 
 
Our Lord requires a full commitment and consecration from us, for Him to trust us with His authority, gifts and power! He does not want to be the "fifth wheel" of our existence or a "fire-insurance policy" kept in a safety deposit box.  He must take center stage in our lives so that our lifestyle will be pleasing in His sight, and effective in our relationship to others! 
 
Jesus, Who is our grand example, "set His face" to go to Jerusalem where He knew He would die upon a rugged cross and become "a curse for us", in order to purchase our salvation! (Galatians 3:13) 
 
St. Paul said, "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus". (Acts 21:13) 
 
Again he stated, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" (2 Timothy  4:6,7). The great apostle was totally dedicated to Jesus Christ. His life was consecrated to His Gospel! 
 
Martin Luther emphasized: "I live as though Jesus Christ was crucified yesterday, arose today and is coming again tomorrow."  The great leader of the Protestant Reformation was consumed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that is why God used him so mightily to bring back the simplicity, truth, purity and power of Christ's Gospel to a corrupt, idolatrous and backslidden Church! 
 
This is the commendation given by the leaders of the Primitive Church regarding the preachers they sent out: "These are men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ". (Acts 15:26) 
 
A proper way to consecrate ourselves to God is through a 'Disciplined Christian Life'! Fasting and prayer is a good way to humble ourselves before God and to become consecrated wholly to God and His Kingdom!

THE CALL TO SERVICE

Jesus declared, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15) 
 
The paramount duty of the Christian is to communicate the gospel to our fellowmen by our chaste lifestyles, honesty, compassion and wholesome outlook. We are 'saved to serve'!  
 
Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets". (Matthew 22:37-40) 
 
The only road to true happiness is going God's way, walking the Gospel road, by loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves!

LET US ALWAYS FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE:

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". (Luke 6:31)

Born again Christians automatically seek the "high road of life" after an encounter with 'Jesus of Nazareth'. We are concerned about the needs of others - spiritual, emotional and physical - because our lives have been changed: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new". (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Angelic beings brought the message of Christ's victory to the disciples, at the empty tomb on that first resurrection morning. They said, "Come and see the place where our Lord lay, and go and tell His disciples..."  (Matthew 28:6, 7)

It is incumbent upon all Christians to experience God's blessings through Christ, and then to "go and tell" others the good news that there is hope for our nation and our world!

ONLY IN THE PROCLAMATION AND RECEPTION OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!

The Bible says, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come". (Matthew 24:14)

Christ has no hands but our hands, to do His work of preaching and spreading His Gospel to the ends of the earth. Let us be about our Father's business!

CHRIST IS CALLING US ALL TO COMMUNICATE, SHARE, DISPENSE, ARTICULATE AND LIVE HIS GOSPEL BEFORE THIS WICKED WORLD, SO THAT MANY WILL BE SAVED BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!

And that includes paying our tithes and giving offerings to God's work. Let us remember the words of our Lord Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than to receive". (Acts 20:35)

He also stated: "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)

Sir Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give". My question to us all is: Are we doing our share to spread the Gospel through our giving?

Or are we guilty of spending too much time and money on ourselves when multitudes are going to a 'Christless Eternity', No one having shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them! William Penn stated: "If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to my fellow human being, let me do it now, and not deter nor neglect it. I shall not pass this way again."

Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel everyday and if you must use words...It is in giving oneself, one receives; it is in forgetting oneself, that one is found; it is in pardoning, that one obtains pardon". He taught his students that there is no point in, "walking somewhere to preach, unless you can preach while you are walking"!

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)

The Bible instructs: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (1 Peter 3:15)

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1 Timothy  6:17-19)

God loves you, my friend. He has purchased your total salvation through the death of His Son Jesus Christ who paid for our sins with His pure and perfect blood!  The Bible declares that He not only died for our sins on the cross but arose from the dead for our justification! (Romans 4:25)

Here is our Lord's invitation to you: "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28). Amen. 

Max Solbrekken World Mission Box 44220 RPO Garside Edmonton, AB T5V 1N6. Email: [email protected]; comehometojesus.ca; Blog: MSWM; Facebook; Youtube; Donations can be made by e-Transfer. Make your donation to [email protected]. Thank you very much and may the Lord bless you abundantly. Amen.