Thursday, October 3, 2024

Pope Francis Crosses All Red Lines With Claim 'All Religions Are A Path To God'

By PNW Staff September 24, 2024

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Pope Francis has made several questionable statements over the years causing people to debate just what he meant by certain words. However this time he has made it pretty clear what he believes about the exclusivity of the Gospel and now has many Catholics questioning how this man can be Pope while contradicting the core tenets of the faith.

During a three-day visit to Singapore and while attending an interreligious meeting with young people at a Catholic junior college, Pope Francis departed from his prepared remarks and declared to the gathering that "every religion is a way to arrive at God." He continued, "Sort of a comparison, an example, would be they're sort of like different languages in order to arrive at God."

The leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics continued along this universalist tack: "But God is God for all. And if God is God for all, we are all sons and daughters of God."

He lamented that some argue, "But my God is more important than your God!" and asked, "Is that true?"

Answering his own question to the young people, the pontiff finished,

There is only one God and each of us has a language, so to speak, in order to arrive at God. Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Christian. There are different paths. Understand?

And the leaders on stage, representing various religions, happily shook their heads in agreement.

Reacting to the pontiff's comments, Bishop Joseph Strickland, who oversaw the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tyler, Texas, until his dismissal by the Vatican last year, said in a post on X,

"Please pray for Pope Francis to clearly state that Jesus Christ is the only Way. To deny this is to deny Him. If we deny Christ, He will deny us, He cannot deny Himself."

Strickland was ousted for disagreeing with Francis on the issue of banning pro-abortion Catholic politicians from receiving communion and over the degree to which outreach to the LGBT community is acceptable in the Catholic Church. A petition created in defense of Strickland last year said he was ousted because he "publicly corrected several heterodox statements from Pope Francis."

Jesus didn't say, "Go out and point people toward any random religion or philosophy," nor did he offer any prompt that affirms "all religions are paths to God." The pope's claims simply do not stand up to the Bible's historical and theological narrative -- and even an atheist understands this reality.

The proclamation is a head-turning, show-stopping moment considering it slipped from the lips of the man who heads the world's largest Christian denomination. Critics were quick to appropriately react in sheer horror, frustration and with corrective rebuke.

If Francis is correct, then Jesus was wrong when He stated, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me" (John 14:6).

The false doctrine which Francis proclaimed has been around for centuries. But Jesus did not die on the cross to merely provide "one more way" of getting to God. He died for our sins because it was the only way we could be reconciled to our Father in Heaven.

"God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them" (2 Corinthians 5:19). It is only through Christ that anyone can be reconciled to the Father. There simply is no other way, period.

You see, "If righteousness could be gained through the Law, Christ died for nothing" (Galatians 2:21). In other words, if a person could get to God without Christ, the Father would never have sent His only Son to suffer the agony of crucifixion for our salvation.

The world wants Christians to embrace the false gospel that Pope Francis unashamedly presented as truth. The world is unable to comprehend the true Gospel. And without the working of the Holy Spirit, you and I could never understand and believe the Gospel.

Pray for Pope Francis to repent of his false teaching and come to know the true Gospel. This is no minor doctrine but is a foundational issue for every professing believer and every professing church body.

Francis previously faced criticism and accusations of heresy on social media back in May for claiming the human heart is "fundamentally good" during a "60 Minutes" interview.

When asked by interviewer Norah O'Donnell what gives him hope about the world, the pope responded with "everything," citing acts of goodness by people as proof of humanity's inherent goodness.

"You see tragedies, but you also see so many beautiful things," he said. "You see heroic mothers, heroic men, men who have hopes and dreams, women who look to the future. That gives me a lot of hope. People want to live. People forge ahead. And people are fundamentally good. We are all fundamentally good. Yes, there are some rogues and sinners, but the heart itself is good."

At the time, many commenters on X criticized Francis for his remarks, with some accusing him of failing to grasp the basic teaching of the Gospel. Others quoted portions of Scripture that teach God alone is good and that humanity has a sinful nature.

Some X users noted that Francis' comment appeared to be an example of Pelagianism, a fifth century heresy that denied original sin and taught the essential goodness of humanity.

The Holy Bible states, "Whosoever shall confess that JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD, God dwelleth in him, and he in God: " (1 John 4:15)

Max Solbrekken World Mission
Box 44220 RPO Garside
Edmonton, AB T5V 1N6
email: [email protected]

Blog: www.maxsolbrekken.com
www.comehometojesus.ca
Youtube; Facebook: max solbrekken

Donations can be sent by e-Transfer:
Make your donations to: [email protected]
Thank you so much and may God bless you. Amen.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

IT’S TIME TO TAKE STOCK!
by Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

TAKING INVENTORY

"According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: WHEREBY ARE GIVEN UNTO US EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:4-11)

Usually around the end of the year business people begin taking inventory - to take stock of what has sold and what has not! Often, businesses find out what they have been dreading all year – that their businesses didn’t do so well!

With the tremendously high interest rates, inflation and excessive taxation come countries fare better than others and some businesses better than the rest. Whether their fiscal year comes to an end on the 31^st day of October or December, ever business knows that after 12 months of operation – you must take stock!

HAVE OUR LIVES BEEN PROFITABLE? The ultimate questions the book-keeper and auditor answer is, “Did we go in the black red, or did we just break even”?

Every farmer must evaluate, on a yearly basis – how his operation paid off. The financial statements tell the story in the business world.

HOW ABOUT THE CHURCH? How are we doing, and what did we accomplish this year?

How did we do numerically, financially & spiritually? What kind of individual growth, as well as corporate growth did we have? How many souls have we reached for Jesus in 2023?

Now is a good time to answer the question that the hymn writer asked, "How many are the lost that I have lifted, how many are the chained I've helped to free, I wonder have I done my best for Jesus, when He has done so much for me"?

My personal feeling is that the last day of the year is a good time to take inventory. The end of the year is a good time to take stock of our accomplishments for God's kingdom and for our fellowmen. However, I also think that we ought to take time on a weekly basis to evaluate our efforts and the results we are having throughout the year!

If a farmer is constantly losing money or making little or no profit, then certainly he will do something to change the situation; perhaps change to a different grain, begin using different fertilizer, improve his methods of breeding or change variety. Can we - in the Church - do less for God's Kingdom that a farmer would do for himself!

If our methods or "modus operandi"? is not giving us the desired result, let us seek the Lord for direction and our brethren for advice. Certainly we want to be and desire to be productive!

MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE

St. Paul speaks of the power of God and the promises of the Lord to usward who believe, in his epistles to the Ephesian Christians. (Eph. 1:19-20; 3:20) He often refers to the power of God that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

The Apostle Peter, in my text, speaks of the same thing. God's power has given us life! He writes of precious promises and the Divine nature that we receive when we believe those promises. When we are converted, we escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

The real pollution is the pollution or corruption of the mind and spirit, which Satan has unleashed upon the earth, by the vehicle of lust. (un-controlled passions)

Christianity is serious business and living the Christian life is a 24-hour a day job! There must be and can be no let ups - "Neither give place to the devil.." (Eph. 4:27) "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Cor. 2:11) "...If ye do these things, ye shall never fall." (2 Peter 1:10)

We must also GIVE ALL DILIGENCE - touch all the bases, follow the rules and obey the instructions, if we are to succeed in the Christian Life!

ADD TO YOUR FAITH, VIRTUE!

The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through FAITH..." (Eph. 2:8)

"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." (Heb. 11:6)

FAITH IS THREE THINGS!

No. 1 - Faith is Coming to God - presenting your problem, need or petition before Him. You would not come to Him if you did not believe He is greater, wiser and more powerful than you and can help you.

No. 2 - Faith Is Believing That God Is Whom He Claims To Be - The Eternal, Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent God. That Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that the Bible is Divine, Authoritative and True.

No. 3 - Faith Is Expecting An Answer When You Pray! The Gospel of Jesus Christ purges our old sins, and the blood of Jesus frees us from condemnation and fear!

Virtue comes only by consistent Christian living, through Bible reading and prayer. And constant dedication of our lives to Christ, with submission to His will. The scripture speaks of "mortifying the deeds of the flesh." (Rom. 8: 13)

We must ask ourselves, "Do we have virtue?" Before we can have any virtue, we need faith which cometh by reading God's Word. (Rom. 10:17)

ADD TO KNOWLEDGE, TEMPERANCE!

It is so important for us to be balanced in our Christian lives. A balance in doctrine, belief, conversation and life style!

St. Paul said, "Let your moderation be known unto all men..." (Phil. 4:5) Why? Because..."The Lord is at hand."

Far out, fanatical, extremes in life style, wearing apparel and practices is not scriptural. We must be temperate and moderate in all things! There is no doubt that God is very balanced and sensible, and that any good common sense we have, has been given to us of the Lord!

ADD TO TEMPERANCE, PATIENCE!

How hard it is to be patient! But, how wonderful and how rewarding... St. Paul wrote to the Hebrew Christians concerning patience... "Cast not away therefore your confidence, (FAITH) which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." (Heb. 10:35-36)

ADD TO PATIENCE, GODLINESS!

Christians are supposed to be Christ-like, Jesus-people, who exemplify the Lord and emulate the Saviour! We should become more and more like Him, the longer we live and study His word, seek His face and witness for Him to our fellowmen.

The Bible says we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. (Rom. 8:17; 1 John 3:1) We are sons of God now, and the only Bible that some people will read. St. Peter declared, "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men." (2 Cor. 3:2)

I love the old song, "To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, all I ask is to be like Him, so meek and lowly, so humble and Holy, All I ask is to be like Him".

It is high time that we make Him our example as well as our Saviour and Lord! We need to be godly in our living, actions and in our conversation.

We are seated with God (as believers) in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:6) and our conversation is in Heaven! (Phil. 3:20) The Bible says, "Be ye Holy, for I am Holy, saith the Lord." (Lev. 11:44)

ADD TO GODLINESS, BROTHERLY KINDNESS!

A little girl was saying her prayers one night. Her mother overheard her daughter utter these words, "O Lord, there are so many bad people in this world. Please make all the bad people good and Lord please make all the good people NICE!"

What a prayer, "Make all the good people nice!" Some good people - who are saved - are not kind and charitable and anything but nice! "HELP US O LORD TO HAVE BROTHERLY KINDNESS!"

To treat all Christians the same way we treat our own brothers and sisters, sharing the joys and sorrows of others in the household of faith.

Jesus made a tremendous statement when He said, 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' (Matt. 7:12) We call that verse “THE GOLDEN RULE.” How good it is to dwell in unity and peace with one another and to love each other with godly "agape" charity or love! St. Paul wrote, "Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the laws of Christ." (Gal. 6:2) St. Paul also said, "Let brotherly love continue." (Heb. 13:1) I say Amen to that!

ADD TO BROTHERLY KINDNESS, CHARITY!

Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35) "...he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." (Rom. 13:8) The law of the world is the law of the jungle: "Dog eat dog and every man for himself!"

Jesus came into this world with another law - "...Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you...Give, and it shall be given unto you...Lend, hoping for nothing again!" (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:38; Luke 6:35)

IF YE DO THESE THINGS YE SHALL NEVER FALL!

What comfort these words of admonition give us - If ye do these things ye shall not fall! WHAT THINGS? "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

St. Peter declares emphatically that if we keep God's Word we will be fruitful in our Christian Life. He also warns of the consequences of living a ship-shod , carnal life without morals, guidelines and ethics, while still calling ourselves ‘Christians.’

"For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." (2 Peter 1:8-9)

St. Paul agrees with Peter’s warning: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Cor.13:5)

BECAUSE OF THESE THINGS

The Bible warns: "Let no man deceive you with vain words: For because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were somtimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." (Eph. 5:6-8)

BECAUSE OF THESE THINGS! What things? "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.

“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints." (Eph. 5:2-3)

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them, for it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

“But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light, See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:11-17)

HE HATH FORGOTTEN THAT HE WAS PURGED!

St. Peter makes the analogy of a backslidden Christian to a sow that has been washed clean and ends up in the muck again and a dog that goes back to its own vomit. "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

“For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." (2 Peter 2:20-22)

The difference between a sheep and a pig is that if a sheep falls in the mud it will seek not the repeat the error. A sheep doesn’t enjoy filth, while a sow will go right back into the slop and mire again.

If we fall into sin, the thing to do is to repent and confess our sins to God and carry on serving God to the best of our ability by His grace and power.

DO NOT STAY IN THE PIG PEN! ANYTIME IS A GOOD TIME TO TAKE STOCK!

A final word from the apostle Peter, "But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his own sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." (2 Peter 1:9-10)

IT IS DEFINITELY TIME TO TAKE INVENTORY – to take stock of our achievements for Christ and His Kingdom, now!

NO. 1 - How many souls have we won to Christ this past year? This past week? Have we talked to someone about their soul's salvation today? Do we give out gospel tracts (NEW LIFE BOOKLETS) on a regular basis? (We will supply all you need on a free will offering basis!)

NO. 2 - How is our prayer life? Do we communicate with our Heavenly Father on a regular basis? Do we pray in Jesus precious name, evoking His intermediacy and intercession? Do we ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us? Do we seek God's face regularly?

NO. 3 - How about praise, worship and intercession? Do we pray in tongues regularly (in the Spirit)? (1 Cor. 14:2) Do we intercede with groanings which cannot be uttered? (Rom. 8:26) Does the Spirit help our inability to pray by introducing a new dimension (that of the Spirit-filled believer) in our lives? (Rom. 8:27) Do we magnify God? (Acts 10:46)

NO. 4 - Are we reading the Bible regularly or does dust gather on its cover? Do we listen to gospel music instead of worldly music? A great blessing to me is "The Bible on Cassette." I can listen to 20-30 chapters (or more) per day instead of just reading only 2 or 3.

NO. 5 - Are we a regular tithe payer? Or, do we slough off by saying, "We're not under the law but under grace!"? Tithing was instituted before the law, confirmed under the law and definitely is in effect today.

The tithe is the least we should give to God. The rule of thumb in the New Testament is to do more than what is expected of us. (Matt. 5:39-42) We should give as God has prospered us! (1 Cor. 16:2)

G. Letournoux made an agreement with God and went into the road building business in partnership with OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. In the beginning he gave 10% to God. Before he died Brother Letournoux was so wealthy that he lived on only 5% of the profits and gave 95% to the Kingdom of God.

Have you made an agreement with God? Have you taken Him as your partner? Do you regularly and consistently give God His share? If you don't, will you please start today?

NO. 6 - Are we fasting to the Lord on a regular basis? Years ago we set aside Wednesday as our regular fast day. (Drink at least 8 glasses of water or juices on any given regular day you decide to fast.) Some people fast a mean a day and spend time in prayer.

Jesus said, "Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?...when the bridegroom shall be taken away, IN THOSE DAYS SHALL THEY FAST!" (Mark 2:19-20)

John Wesley stated - when he saw worldliness creeping into the church - that If believers were not fasting on a regular basis they were as backslidden as if they were not praying regularly! That's quite a statement from a mighty man of God! (The Methodists fasted Wednesdays & Fridays, the morning and noon meals in imitation of the EARLY CHURCH).

NO. 7 - Are you letting your light shine for Jesus by living a kind, considerate and loving as well as compassionate, consistent Christian life? Or are you mean, snarly, sarcastic and proud? Let us all humble ourselves regularly and ask ourselves, "Am I kind and sweet or am I a poor representative to this world for the Kingdom of God?"

Let us emulate Jesus in order to effectively share His Love and grace to a searching, lost and dying world! Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) Amen.

Max Solbrekken World Mission
Box 44220 RPO Garside
Edmonton, AB T5V 1N6
email: [email protected]

Blog: www.maxsolbrekken.com
www.comehometojesus.ca
Youtube; Facebook: max solbrekken

Donations can be sent by e-Transfer:
Make your donations to: [email protected]
Thank you so much and may God bless you. Amen.

Saturday, September 28, 2024

THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF MAN

By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

The 1984 Nobel Literature prize was awarded by the Swedish Academy, to 83 year old dissident poet Jaroslav Seifert of Czechoslovakia.

He had been chosen "for his poetry which, endorsed with freshness, sensuality and rich inventiveness, provides a liberating image of the indomitable spirit of man", said the academy spokesman.

Seifert is an individualist who broke with the communist party in 1928 and took strong objections to Russia's overthrow of Alexander Dubcek in 1956. The communist government has criticized Seifert, who was regarded as the greatest living poet in Czechoslovakia "for social ambition", but did not imprison him due to his great popularity.

Hats off to Jaroslav Seifert and the ‘indomitable spirit of man’! And praise be to God in whose image man is created and by whose very life we continue to exist, even in tough times.

When you consider the historical record of humankind's flexibility, resourcefulness and ingenuity to adapt and survive, then it's easy to believe that we were created by divine design for a special purpose!

Consider Adam and Eve and God's directive to them, "be fruitful, multiply and replenish the earth". What a charge Adam received, and today there are 8.2 billion people on this planet! Not bad for one man and one woman!

JEWISH RACE A MIRACLE

Consider Abraham and Sarah and God's command to him to leave the idol worshippers of the Chaldees and go to the land of Palestine, where He would bless and give them a homeland.

God also promised Abraham a son and great posterity, even though Sarah was barren. A miracle happened and at the age of 100 Abraham became the father of a baby boy, born to a 90 year old woman, who had never been able to bear.

The survival of the Hebrew race in itself is not only a miracle of God, but also a demonstration of the ‘indomitable spirit of man’.

When you consider the great achievements of explorers who have blazed trails across the unknown, men of medicine who have pioneered heart, kidney and lung transplants and the phenomena of communication satellites, travel and space conquest, it simply staggers the imagination!

The ‘indomitable spirit of man’ has rid the world of smallpox, nearly conquered polymialytis and is working on a cure for cancer, genital herpes and AIDS! A medical scientist is anticipating a cure for ALS.

The ‘indomitable spirit of man’ has helped conquer the frozen tundra, inhabit inhospitable jungles, and harness the wind, water and fire, as well as the atom itself!

The driving force of man's spirit has irrigated deserts, reclaimed land from the sea, scaled the highest mountain peaks, defied hostile elements, overcome insurmountable obstacles and reached for the stars!

Man has survived and will continue to survive because built into each of us is a sophisticated defense mechanism, together with a natural desire to stay alive. And an intense yearning to know our Maker!

THERE ARE PITFALLS!

There are pitfalls however; hatred, lust and greed consume mankind through violence and war as well as self destruction by alcoholism, venereal disease and suicide!

The ‘indomitable spirit of man’ has also been harnessed in favour of unrighteous and selfish causes which have resulted in much waste, hurt and bloodshed; through conquest, induced famines and sloth.

Since we are created in God's image however, and He has placed His word in our hearts (conscience) it is no wonder our spirits are indomitable!

Man's incredible recovery after the devastation of Noah's deluge, the scattering of the human race at Babel and the liberation of Israeli slaves from Egyptian bondage under Moses, is astounding. In later years, Christians battled to end slavery in America.

The rebirth of the nation of Israel after nearly 2000 years, and freedom from the tyranny of religious leaders in the middle ages gives great hope to those still in captivity in the world today.

Ever since the demise of communism, supernatural and occult is enjoying a revival! The danger however is that mankind’s spiritual hunger will be absorbed in the pursuit of the devious, dangerous and destructive teachings of men and the doctrine of devils, rather than the clear-cut gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ!

My crusades in Eastern Europe from 1989 -1995 were greatly blessed by Jesus Christ with multitudes turning to Christ, and the sick healed in His name!

How far can man go in his pursuits, and what will be his end? The danger I perceive, is a parallel to the building of the tower of Babel in 3500 B.C.

‘Man's indomitable spirit’ can become proud, self-sufficient and deceived in seeking to bypass his Maker in his clamor for prestige, position and power!

THAT WOULD BE THE FINAL FOLLY!

Jesus said, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosever shall lose his life for Me and My sake and the Gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for His own soul?

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. (Mark 8: 35-48)

God’s clear-cut warning of coming judgment upon a spurious, demonic and Christ rejecting world still stands. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! His judgment will come suddenly and time shall be no more. The Day of Judgment will have arrived, with no recourse!

GOD IS STILL CALLING!

“Come unto me, all ye that 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 of heart, and ye shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30). Let us all adhere to His invitation and receive eternal Life! (John 3:36)

Jesus Christ stated, “I am the Door, by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to seal, kill and destroy: I am come that they might have Life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10: 9-11)

The Bible invites us all to believe in Jesus to receive His Life, deliverance from evil and “a peace that passeth all understanding.” (Phil. 4:7). Jesus invites: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in unto him, and will sup with him and he with Me. (Rev.3:20).’ Amen.

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

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Whosoever Means You!
by: Max Solbrekken, D.D.

“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)

Martin Luther called this Scripture verse “The Bible in miniature.” D.L Moody preached from it time after time. Hyman Appleman often weaves it into his messages. All the great preachers quote it repeatedly. I have preached many sermons from John 3:16. It is considered the Golden Text of the New Testament and the central theme of the Scriptures, since it gives the exact position of God in relation to man. “He loves us!”

It shows man’s depravity and totally lost condition without Christ – “Without Christ we would perish!” It lets us have a glimpse into the eternal bliss of the redeemed. “He gives us Everlasting life!” The Fountain of Youth at Last! Praise God. A never dying life with Christ, which starts on this earth with the acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and continues with the glorious appearance of our glorified Christ at His appearing (the rapture of the Church) or at our department from this life and transition into the glories of the next at the occasion we call death.

It also talks about the cost of Salvation. The price paid for our redemption: “God gave His only begotten Son.” How did He give His Son and whatever happened to Him? The answer of course is one many of us know, but one that is not known by millions yet across the world and sad to say, many who do know but do not really care.

I have told this glorious story to millions by radio, television, printed page and crusades across the globe. Now I joyfully share it again – The Almighty, Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent, Holy and Righteous Creator of the Universe who we call GOD, in order to redeem fallen and sinful man from judgment, torment and hell, sent His Only Son Jesus Christ to be born of a woman in order to be able to die for our sins like a man (God cannot die). He came to earth to show us what God was really like (God is love).

He lived a perfect life, helped people everywhere, forgiving their sins, healing their sick bodies and even raising the dead. The official religious order of that day rejected Him in jealousy and envy and nailed him to the cross (that was the Roman death penalty for a criminal). He shed His blood to pay for the sins of a lost world, to meet the demands of a Holy God and His code of Divine Justice.

After Jesus Christ had died as our substitute, (he was prefect, never having committed sin) He went down into Hades (the plalce of the righteous dead) for three days and three nights before arising from the dead in power and victory. HE IS ALIVE TODAY and stands ready to save those for whom He died! That means you and I! I accepted His offer of mercy in the month of June 1957. He changed my life and He can change yours.

HE CHANGED MY LIFE AND HE CAN CHANGE YOURS

Whosoever means you, my beloved friend – you may receive God’s mercy and love into your heart and life simply by an act of the will - accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and confessing Him as your Lord. The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!” (Acts 16:31) Again the Scripture says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, but with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)

The Lord speaking through His prophet said, “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.” (Joel 2:32). St. Paul in writing to the Church in Rome made the same declaration when he said, “For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

St. Peter gives us the same scripture in Acts 2:21, “And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” The truth is clear s crystal and the facts are established and the Good News is on the streets and everywhere!

JESUS CHRIST PAID THE PRICE FOR YOUR SALVATION!

Jesus died for all, that all who believe and receive Him will live. That includes YOU! Simply call upon His Name today and you will never be sorry. The Bible says, “He that hath the Son hath Life: he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5:12) You say, “But how can I be saved? How can I approach God? How can I know for sure?” You must trust God and totally rest in His promises!

WHY DO WE ALL NEED TO BE SAVED?

The Bible gives the answers to all our perplexing questions: We all need to be saved because we are sinners in our unregenerated state.

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23)

“All we like sheep have gone astray: we have turned everyone to his own way; but the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

“But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (Gal.3:22)

Jesus answered and said unto him, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

We all need to be saved because outside of Christ we and without hope. “He that believeth in the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not se life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES SAY:

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Tim. 2:5) You approach God through Jesus Christ, who died for you! You may ask, “How can I be sure God wants to save me?” The Bible says, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Again the Word of God tells us Jesus says, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Mat. 11:28)

“But you say, “I do not have the power to live the Christian life.” THAT IS TRUE! You and I do not have the power to live above sin in our own selves, but thanks be unto God, He gives us the power we need. The Bible states: “But as many as received Him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” (John 1:12)

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Hallelujah!

GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS

The scriptures tell us that “God is no respecter of persons.” “……Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with God.” (Acts 10:34-35)

He will save “All who come to God through Christ.” (Heb. 7:25) “Wherefore He is able also to save then to the uttermost that some unto God by (Jesus) Him, seeing He every liveth to make intercession for them. (Heb. 7:25)

God is no respecter of persons when it come to Salvation.”… whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17) Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth of Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of Living Water.” (John 7:37-38)

Here the Bible speaks about God granting the Gift of the Holy Ghost to all believers who truly are hungering and thirsting after righteousness. “But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:39)

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

God is no respecter either when it comes to the Judgment! If you have not received Christ as your Saviour there will be no second chance! You will be judged like everyone else if you are unsaved.

Here is what will happen to you: “And I saw the dead, small and geat, stand before God: and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

"And the sea gave up the dead which were in it: and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And WHOSOEVER was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.” (Revelation 20:12-15)

NOTICE – “Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved!” (Romans 10:13) WONDERFUL!

But here is another great truth and equally as important – “And whosoever was not found written in the book of Life was cast into the lake of Fire!” (Rev. 20:15)

“Whosoever heareth”, shout, shout the sound!
Spread the blessed tidings all the world around;
Tell the joyful news wherever man is found,
WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME!

Whosoever cometh need not delay,
Now the door is open, enter while you may;
Jesus is the true, the only Living Way;
WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME!

“Whosoever will” the promise is secure;
“Whosoever will” forever must endure;
“Whosoever will” til life forevermore!
WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME!

“Whosoever will, whosoever will!”
Send the proclamation over vale and hill;
‘Tis a loving Father calls the Wander home;
“WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME!
“Whosoever will, whosoever will.

Send the proclamation over vale and hill;
‘Tis a loving Father calls the Wanderer home;
“WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME.”

CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD TODAY, confess your sins to Christ, repenting of them and accept Jesus Christ as you personal Saviour. Confess him before men and then OBEY HIM in all things (Water Baptism, Holy Ghost Baptism, Witnessing, Tithing and Giving offerings to His Missionary Program, and Faithfulness in attending God’s house) and you will be glad you did! AMEN!