THE TRUE GOSPEL OF GOD

The true gospel of God and his son Jesus Christ.

PREFACE

"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtility, so your mind should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (2 Corinthians  11:3)

A number of years ago, a West Indian Anglican Bishop condemned Evangelists for presenting the Gospel and "Reading the New Testament in simplistic terms, and third world countries are being victims of this."

He singled out Oral Roberts, Max Solbrekken and Billy Graham in his attack.

Here is a strange paradox.  While St. Paul was concerned about people getting away from the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ, a twentieth century Church Leader is afraid that Evangelists are preaching it in easy-to-understand terms.

The reason large crowds came to hear Jesus Christ preach, was because He was honest, sincere, truthful and had the power to back up His message with signs, wonders and miracles.

THERE WAS ONE MORE FACT - THE MESSAGE OF GOD'S SON,  JESUS CHRIST WAS SIMPLE AND PLAIN. (John 16:29)   

Ever since the beginning of time, some have tried to confuse the issue by complicating it.  We all know however, that the simpler the device, the easier to construct and maintain.  The simpler the instructions, the easier to understand and follow and the simpler the message, the easier to comprehend.

During the Dark Ages, only certain theologians of the Roman Catholic Church were allowed to read the Bible, while the laity were kept in total ignorance and darkness.  The vernacular used in the liturgy was Latin - and the people were told that they were too uneducated to read the Bible for themselves.

Dr. Martin Luther - an Augustian monk - who hadn't seen a Bible until he was more than 20 years of age - got the opportunity to study the Bible.  The Word of God changed Martin Luther's life and the gospel message he began to preach, changed the world.

AND MARTIN LUTHER'S CO-LABOURER IN THE REFORMATION, Dr. Carlsdadt, had attended the best Roman Catholic Seminaries and Universities.  Dr. Carlsdadt graduated with a Doctor of Theology Degree, without ever reading the Bible.

THE MOST DIFFICULT HOUR OF THE WEEK

Trying to gain prominence and respect from the people, some clergymen in their arrogance and pride like to "grand stand" by using words, phraseology and terminology which the average person does not understand.  The result is that the preacher is left alone in the pulpit with a few half-asleep parishioners, while the rest have stayed at home.

Before entering the full time ministry, I spent some time in the business world.  A manager of a large supermarket once remarked, "Isn't it strange, I can sit here and listen to you for hours as you talk about Jesus and the Bible, and yet the longest hour of my entire week is attending church Sunday morning and trying to stay awake from 11 AM to 12 noon .  I understand what you are saying but my Pastor's message goes over my head".

The reason Oral Roberts, Billy Graham and Max Solbrekken are able to draw large crowds and reach the multitudes, is because we preach the simple message of Jesus - His death, resurrection, love, power and present day ability to meet the needs of all who come to Him by faith.

FIVE TRUTHS THAT HAVE CHANGED MY MINISTRY

In June 1957, I embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its entirety, was converted and baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Every year that passes and every new day that dawns, draws me deeper into the love and mercy of God and the simplicity that is in Christ.

The message that I share with you is not something I haven't always known but something that has grown in my heart in recent years, until it has totally changed my approach to life and the ministry God has so graciously granted unto me.  To God be all the praise, honour and glory.

Your Servant For Jesus’ Sake,
Max Solbrekken,  Edmonton, 1978

 PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION

All the basic fundamental truths I had incorporated into the first edition of this book, are still intact.

The name has been changed however, from "The Revelation That Changed My Life", because many thought the title inferred the book was my life's story.  I wanted to correct that.

My experience of six years as the Religion Columnist for the Edmonton Sun and many years of writing for other newspapers and magazines helped improve my literary style.

May the Lord Jesus Christ become more real to your heart and life, through the reading of this book.

As the True Gospel of Christ is now being translated into most of the languages of Eastern Europe , may God use it as a tool to bring salvation and healing to multitudes there before Jesus comes again!

Max Solbrekken,  Edmonton,  1994  

CHAPTER 1

GOD LOVES ME - GOD LOVES YOU

"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.  God sent His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

Almost everyone who attends Church has at one time or other read, memorized or heard someone quote John 3:16.  This verse of scripture has been called, “The golden text of the New Testament” and “The Central Theme of the Bible”.

Martin Luther called this verse "The Miniature Bible".  Every Gospel Minister has preached from it and referred to it repeatedly.  Yet so few really know what John 3:16 says; so few allow these life-giving words to sink deep into their hearts.

D.L. Moody often preached from this text.  In one crusade, he preached every night for an entire week on John 3:16.  When one of his elders suggested that he could change his text, Moody replied, "When the people do what John 3:16 requires - believe on Jesus Christ - I will stop preaching from it".

David Wilkerson was warned by the leader of a street gang:  "If you don't stop preaching at us, we'll cut you up in little pieces".  The preacher replied, "And every piece will scream 'God Loves You'".

This world is empty, jaded and sick, and needs the love of God.

It's phony love-ins, lewd sex orgies, perverted homosexuality, immoral wife-swapping, pornographic videos and magazines, obscene nudity and lustful fornication and adultery binges, do not satisfy people.  People are left unsatisfied and still searching, but are unsure of what they are are searching for.

When the party is over, when the love affair ends, there is still loneliness and the craving for more of the same; this sinful life style only  temporarily satisfies the animalistic urges of the flesh.

This world cannot satisfy man’s inner hunger, which invariably desires communion with God.  Blaise Pascal,  famous religious philosopher stated, "There is a vacuum in every heart that only God can fill"!  Mankind tries to fill it with many other things hoping for satisfaction and fulfillment, but to no avail.

The Bible says, "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.  There is no peace saith my God to the wicked". (Isaiah 57:20-21)  

OH, LOVE OF GOD SO RICH & PURE

"If you could with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made.
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,

To write the love of God above
would drain the ocean dry,
nor could the scroll contain the whole,,
Through stretched from sky to sky.

Oh, love of God, so rich and pure,
So measureless and strong.
It shall forever more endure,
The saints and angels song."

St. Francis of Assisi proclaimed, "Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ every day, and if necessary use words."

This world needs to know the real love of Jesus and hear the Song of Salvation, preached and lived; loud and clear.

There must be no doubt in anyone's mind about the validity of the Gospel and its ability to relate to man's need in this twentieth century.

THE TELEPHONE HARDLY STOPS RINGING

The desperate, terrible and awful needs of a lost world are causing psychiatrists to commit suicide, preachers to leave the ministry and medical doctors to get hooked on alcohol and drugs.

Clergy men cannot cope because of satanic oppression and lack of spiritual power, marriage counselors have nervous breakdowns because of stress and politicians resign in disgrace because of pressure from opposition members and the attack of a bloodthirsty press.

Prisons and mental hospitals are overcrowded, unemployment and welfare offices could be open 24 hours a day, together with the ever growing line at the soup kitchens of skid-road missions.

And liquor stores have begun opening at 8:00 AM in some cities in order to facilitate the ever growing demand of winos and street people, for booze.

This new experience is an offering from a spiritually bankrupt society, which has substituted the senseless gospel of Freud for the real Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our planet is in such a mess that world leaders are afraid of the growing threat of annihilation by overpopulation, pollution, starvation or a nuclear holocaust.

My telephone lines keep busy constantly as people from all walks of life and all religious persuasions call the "Man of God" for help.  The sick and disabled, the unemployed and mentally disturbed, the alcoholic, homosexual and drug addict, the lonely and depressed - all have tremendous needs.

The voice on the other end tells the story of frustration, defeat and woe.  "My wife has left me; my husband is a drunkard; our children are wayward; my mother has cancer; my dad has had a heart attack, I am tormented by spirits of lust and perversion!  We need help!  We need help!  We need help!"

The calls come from the educated and illiterate, the rich and poor, the young and old, the religious and non-churchgoer.  The letters tell the sad, sad story of misfortune, pain, suffering and agony.

"Nobody loves me, nobody cares, there's no use in trying any longer.  I am a failure, I'm going to commit suicide and end it all!"

The voice on the other end of the line is desperate.  "I'm a homosexual and I hate myself - please help me!"

When they say, "Nobody loves me", I ask them, "Then why did you call Pastor Max Solbrekken?  Why did you bother calling me, if nobody cares"?

Finally they admit that they believe I care for them or they would not have called me.  Then I tell them:

"I care because God cares, I love you because God loves you and there is hope in Jesus!  Put away the bottle of pills, put down that gun, don't jump off the bridge - everything is going to be alright.  Just relax and put your trust in Jesus!"

GOD NEVER DISAPPOINTS ANYONE AND ALWAYS ANSWERS PRAYER, IF WE CALL UNTO HIM IN SINCERITY AND FAITH

The greatest news I have ever heard, is that God loves me.

Almighty God, Who made all things and by Whose Word and power all things exist and consist, actually loves me.  The omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God of the universe loves Max Solbrekken and He is interested in me.

God loves me and if He loves me, He loves everyone else in the whole wide world.  He loves you, your family, your neighbours, your friends and even your enemies.

The greatest love story ever told, the most tender, touching and beautiful picture ever painted or song sung, is the story of God's love to mankind.

I NEED 365 DAYS

Many years ago in Greece there lived a very intelligent and wise old man called Simonides.  One day a group of philosophy students came to this great teacher and philosopher for some help.  They wanted to know, Who or What is God?

After a few minutes meditation the grand old man asked the group of students to return the next day, so he could think on the matter.  The following day the students came expecting an answer.  They said, "Most noble Simonides tell us Who or What is God".

He scratched his beard and thought for a moment and said, "This is a very deep subject.  I need thirty days to study and think, research and philosophize".

In one month's time the students returned only to be told by the scholarly poet, that he needed more time.  He still had no answer.  They were asked to come back in a year's time.

After 365 days the group of inquisitive, anxious students were ushered in before the great man.  "Most noble Simonides", the spokesman began, "We have come to you for some words of wisdom and understanding.  Would you tell us Sir, What or Who is God?  We are troubled and would like an answer from you."

The great philosopher stroked his beard and scratched his head as he sat in deep thought.  Then he rose to his feet and said, "Men of Greece :  For 365 days I have pondered and thought.  I have meditated and researched.  I still have no answer - I do not know and I cannot tell What or Who is God!"

THE ROMANS THOUGHT GOD WAS "POWER"

The early Hebrews believed that God was Holiness.  The Greeks believed God was Wisdom, the Romans though God was Power, and the heathen advocate that God is Mystery.  The Scientists say God is Energy.

God is all these and more.  The New Testament tells us what He is:  "God is Love!" (1 John 4:8)

Yes, God is Holiness and Wisdom.  God is Power and Mystery, God is Energy and He is greater than all these.  God is Love, and God loves us all.

God's love is greater than the love of a mother for her child, a husband for his wife - greater than human love.  God's love is heavenly and pure.  It is divine, eternal and past finding out and it is unconditional.

Don't ever forget it, my friend, God Loves You.  Let it sink deep into your heart - GOD LOVES YOU.

Many years ago in a mid-western US city, a mother and her five-year-old daughter waited in a railroad station for Daddy to return from a business trip.

The mother and daughter were dressed up so beautifully for the occasion.  While they waited, trains came and went and hundreds of people hurried "to and fro" carrying their bags and suitcases with them.

Stepping off a train was a criminal who was being taken to a maximum security prison, possibly for execution.  He was handcuffed to a guard and as they stepped onto the platform, people automatically gazed at the sight.  The young man - his head shaved - was dressed in prison stripes with a number on the back of his shirt.

As they walked "back and forth" on the platform waiting for a connecting train, the young man noticing the stares of the people, hardened his heart and stiffened his resolve to get even.

Inwardly, he cursed the day he was born, together with his mother and father who had brought him into this world.  He cursed the policeman who had apprehended him, the judge who had sentenced him and the guard to whom he was handcuffed.

MR. BAD MAN, MAYBE NOBODY LOVES YOU

The little girl was watching the convict intently.  She asked, "Who is that strange man with his hair shaved off and his hand chained to the policeman"?  "Don't look at him" said the mother, "He is a bad man whom they are taking to a penitentiary somewhere".

"What will they do with him, Mommy?" asked the little girl.  “They will put him in a cell with bars for windows and they will lock him up, so that he will not hurt anyone else."

"Will his Mommy go there with him?  Will anyone love him?" asked the concerned little girl.

"He probably doesn't even have a Mommy, and nobody loves a bad man.  Don't even look at him.  He's awful and bad!"

The little girl could not keep her eyes off the convict.  Her eyes followed his every move.  Finally she could stand it no longer.  She pulled the red rose out of her mother's coat lapel, ran over to the convict, handed it to him and said, "Mr. Badman, maybe nobody loves you, but God loves you and I love you too".

Shaken, the prisoner took the flower just as her mother caught the little girl and carried her away for a spanking.

The prisoner arrived at Sing Sing Prison - insolent, violent and vengeful.  He was placed immediately in solitary confinement on death row.  He was a vicious, cruel killer, guilty of murder.  When the guards came to his cell he would snarl, growl and curse.

Day after day however, a change was coming over the prisoner - he kept pacing back and forth, he did not snarl, growl or curse the guards and he neither ate nor slept.

After one week, a guard looked in through the bars and noticed the prisoner reading the Bible with tears streaming down his face.  The Chaplain was called and he approached the man on Death Row.

He was simply sitting there repeating over and over the words, "Mr. Badman maybe nobody loves you, but God loves you and I love you too".  Pressed between the pages of that old Bible was a faded red rose.

The prisoner experienced the revolutionary dynamics of conversion and was filled with God's love and compassion.  The change was so significant that his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, I HEARD THE GREAT NEWS THAT HE HAD PASSED AWAY IN PRISON, AT AN OLD AGE, HAVING LED 365 INMATES TO CHRIST.

CHAPTER  2

GOD KNOWS ALL ABOUT ME - GOD KNOW ALL ABOUT YOU

Princess Elizabeth had just been crowned Queen of England and the Commonwealth.  She was on a tour of Canada with her husband, Prince Phillip.

Edmonton 's Jasper Avenue was lined with tens of thousands of people.  School had been let out for the occasion and thousands of children lined the streets or stood on roof tops waiting for the procession.

Leading the procession were the red coated Royal Canadian Mounted Police, on their horses, then the dignitaries in their Lincolns and Cadillac's, and finally the Queen and her Consort.  Young and beautiful, the Queen waved her white gloved hand to the cheering thousands.  Shouts of exultation and merriment were everywhere.  The procession passed by and the crowd dispersed.

A ten year old girl stood on the sidewalk crying, drying her tears with the little flag in her hand.  An elderly man walked up to her and said, "Little girl, why are you crying?  Did you not see the Queen?"

"Oh yes", beamed the girl through her tears, "I saw the Queen and she was so beautiful."

"Why are you crying then?" asked the gentleman.  "Oh you see, just as she turned to look toward me a man stepped in front of me.  I saw the Queen sir, but she did not see me!"

THE SECOND GREATEST TRUTH I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU IS THAT GOD - AS GREAT AND ALMIGHTY AS HE IS - KNOWS ALL ABOUT US.

You are not so small or insignificant that God does not see you.  He sees you, knows you and is well aware of your situation, difficulty and problem.

The Scripture says that God, "sees the sparrow fall to the ground". (Matt. 10:29)  He cares for and "clothes the lilies of the field" (Matt. 5:28 ) and He will "supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus". (Phil. 4:19)

God knows our down sittings and uprisings.  He is acquainted and even familiar with our needs. (Psalms 139:2-3)

IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME, THAT GOD WILL TOTALLY LOOK AFTER ME AND MY FAMILY

In all my traveling around the world; among strangers, friends and even enemies, God knows about me, my mission, my crusades and my needs.  The Bible says, "Not a hair shall fall from your head without My Heavenly Father knowing it". (Matthew 10:30)

God knows our weaknesses, shortcomings and strengths.  He also knows our sicknesses, fears, frustrations, victories and defeats!  He sees, knows and understands.  Praise God.

When the sailing is smooth God knows, when the going is rough, God also sees, knows and understands.  God is on our side and we don't ever need to worry or fear, because God is there to meet every need and to answer every prayer.

The Bible says, "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling". (Psalms 91:10)  This Scripture means so much to me.  It means God will totally look after my family and myself, through it all.  Praise the Lord.

The Bible says, "Fear thou not; For I am with thee:  be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee:  yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness". (Is. 41:10)

AND I HAVE COME DOWN

Another Scripture that means a lot to me personally, is found in Exodus 3:7-8.  It is the account of God speaking to Moses from the burning bush of fire.  Here are His words, "...I have surely seen the affliction of My people which are in Egypt and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters for I know their sorrows and I am come down to deliver them..."

God said, "I have seen, I have heard, and I know".

God knows all about you, my beloved friend.  And God wants to help you, for He said, "I am come down to deliver them".  Nearly two millennia's ago, Jesus came down to bring deliverance by shedding His blood for the forgiveness of our sins, and rising from the dead for our justification.

"Jesus paid it all.  All to Him I owe.  Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."

God knows about us, like the father in the parable which Jesus told His disciples.  The son was selfish, disobedient and rebellious, but still the father gave him freedom to choose.  He didn't force him to stay home, but when the son returned, the father was waiting to welcome him back.

He knew about him and his waywardness but waited until his son decided to return.

He forgave him and restored him to fellowship and home.

Now to show you that He really cares, He has sent Max Solbrekken to preach the Gospel to multitudes everywhere and a copy of this message has fallen into your hands, to help you.

GOD CAME LOOKING FOR ADAM

Immediately after Adam & Eve had sinned, God came down "in the cool of the day" searching for His son.

God called out, "Adam where art thou"?  Then God set about implementing the plan of salvation for Adam, Eve and the entire human race.

To the serpent, He said, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed.  It (King Messiah) shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel". (Genesis 3:15)

"THE LAW OF THE FIRST MENTION"

This is what theologians call, ‘The Law of the First Mention’.  It is the first mention of the coming Messiah, Who would die for the sins of the world.  And this is the only place in the Old Testament where it speaks of the seed of the woman; instead of genealogies of men begetting sons.  e.g. Abraham begat Isaac and Isaac begat Jacob. (Matthew 1:2)

Jesus Christ, the Messiah was born of the Virgin Mary (the seed of the woman) without the aid of a natural father.

RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING OF HUMAN HISTORY GOD HAS KNOWN ABOUT MANKIND'S NEEDS, AND CAME TO OUR RESCUE.

After He had killed an innocent animal, in order to cover Adam & Eve (THE BLOOD COVERED THEIR SINS AND THE SKINS THEIR BODIES), He drove them out of the Garden of Eden, lest they should eat of the fruit of the "tree of Life" and live forever in their sins! (Genesis 3:23-24)

The Bible says, "And God remembered Noah" (Genesis 7:1) and kept His promise to him and his family.

God came down to speak to Abraham about the grievous sins of Sodom and Gomorrah and the deliverance of Lot , Abraham's nephew! (Genesis 19:12-14)  

He also remembered Sarah and performed a miracle in the lives of she and Abraham, giving them a child in their old age. (Genesis 19:29)

God knew about Shadrack, Meschak and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:14 -30) and Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6:16 -27) and delivered them all.

And Jesus went out of His way to bring salvation to the "woman at the well of Samaria " and the residents of Sychar.  He also sought out the demonic of Gadara , and the paralytic at the "pool of Bethesda " in order to save, heal and deliver them.

God knows all about us and desires to free us from all sins, sickness, disease, fear and satanic and occultic bondage.

CHAPTER 3

GOD CARES ABOUT ME - GOD CARES ABOUT YOU

God cares about you as much as He cared about the adulterous woman to whom He said:  "Neither do I condemn thee, but go thy way and sin no more". (John 8:11)

God cares for you as much as He did for Blind Bartimaeus to whom He gave eyesight, the deaf and dumb epileptic boy He healed and the man called Legion, out of whom He cast a very large number of unclean spirits. (Mark 10:46-52; 9:17 -23; 5:1-20)

Because God is "no respector of persons", we can be assured that He cares for us as well as others He saved, blessed and liberated.

It is true!  There is Someone Who Cares.  God said, ":I am come down to deliver them.  I'm going to do something about it.  I do care about the situation they are in".  And God did.

St. Peter said, "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you". (1 Peter 5:7)  Here's a song with real meaning:

"Take your burdens to the Lord, and leave them there
If you trust and never doubt,
He will surely bring you out,
Take your burdens to the Lord, and leave them there.

"Leave them there, leave them there,
Take your burdens to the Lord, and leave them there
If you trust and never doubt,
He will surely bring you out,
Take your burdens to the Lord, and leave them there."

Jesus is the Great Burden bearer, and the One Who carries away all our sins, worries, fears, frustrations, anxieties, sicknesses and diseases.

On Calvary's cross, Jesus suffered, bled and died to atone for our sins; to be our substitute and pay the price for our deliverance from sin, fear, torment and guilt.

When Jesus cried, “It is finished”, Jesus met the demands of Divine Justice on our behalf and totally defeated Satan.

I repeat, the Bible states unequivocally:  "Casting all your cares upon Him for He careth for you".

HE CARETH FOR US ALL

How wonderful to know that someone cares.  Multitudes today in mental hospitals, prisons, ghettos, old folks' homes and on our nation's skid roads, feel that no one cares.

SUICIDES CLIMB ASTRONOMICALLY, CRIME LEAPS FORWARD, HOMES ARE BROKEN, TOGETHER WITH CRUSHED HEARTS AND SHATTERED DREAMS - ALL BECAUSE NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE

Many young people and children are caught in the swirltide of unhappiness, realizing they are unwanted and unloved.

Even little children suffer from emotional stress, depression and thoughts of suicide, because of broken homes, bitterness, strife and uncaring parents.

How sad to hear of children killing themselves in order to escape the "hell on earth", their parents have created for them.

And the tragic plight of millions of unborn babies which are murdered every year across the world.  The most helpless among us - unborn babies - are an endangered species and the mother's womb has become the most dangerous place on earth.

But God loves us, knows all about us.  And He cares for us.

IT WAS AWFULLY COLD UNTIL YOU CAME

On a cold, windy December morning - many years ago - a little boy stood huddled against a building on a street corner, trying to sell newspapers.

It was very early in the morning and people were busily fighting the rush hour traffic on their way to work.  Businessmen were commuting to the office, labourers and blue collar workers off to the factory and the graveyard shifts were homeward bound.

New York City is so large and scary and not too friendly at the best of times.  The little boy stood shivering and crying out, "Get your morning paper - only 10 cents!  Get your morning paper.  Read all about it - get your morning paper - only 10 cents".

A Christian businessman noticed the little boy and stood for a while watching him.  No one stopped to buy a paper.  The little boy kept shouting, "Get your morning paper.  Get your morning paper".

The kind gentleman approached the boy.  "How long have you been standing here?"  "One hour, sir."  "What does your daddy do for a living?"  "I don't have a daddy - he was killed three years ago.  My mother takes in washing to support my sister, three brothers and myself!  I come here early in the morning to sell newspapers to buy milk for our breakfast.  Will you buy a paper, sir?"

The Christian gentleman pulled some money out of his pocket and asked, "How many papers do you have?"  "Twenty, sir."

"I'll take them all" he replied, giving him two one dollar bills.  A tear fell down the little boy's cheek.  "Thank you, sir" he said.  "You'd better go home, aren't you cold"? asked the gentleman.

"I was awfully cold before you came, Sir, but I'm not cold anymore", smiled the boy as he pulled the collar of his jacket around his neck and headed for the corner store.

GOD'S WORD SAYS, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU"

God cares enough for you and me that He made us in His image.  Then, when Adam plunged the entire human race into sin, He sent Jesus to die for us.  After His death and glorious resurrection, Jesus poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit on the waiting believers and has promised to return and rapture the Church, so that we can spend eternity with Him.

How could anyone say, "God doesn't care"?  He even cares for His enemies; those who hate Him.  Jesus interceded for those who crucified Him:  "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do". (Luke 23:34)  Again the Bible says, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly". (Romans  5:8)

And Jesus gives us the assurance that He will never leave us nor forsake us.  That He will be with us until the end of time! (Matt. 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)

THANK GOD, JESUS CARES FOR MY SOUL

He cares about my every need; spiritual, mental, physical, social, material and domestic.

A reporter for CBC TV once asked, "I realize you believe in the old-fashioned Gospel of heaven and hell, and the sweet bye and bye.  We have met others who believe that way, but they seem unhappy, somber and dull.

“WHY ARE YOU SO HAPPY AND EXUBERANT, WHEN THEY ARE NOT?"

I replied, "It is because I not only believe in the sweet bye and bye, but I also believe in the glad here and now.  You see, I have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and God has given me a little bit of Heaven to go to Heaven in."

Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28)

Again the Bible says, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed". (Is. 53:5)

A TV Commentator asked, "Rev. Solbrekken, I heard you say that God had spoken to you.  Isn't that rather presumptuous on your part?  Why would God speak to a Canadian preacher like Max Solbrekken from little Edmonton "?

I answered, "God is interested in the individual, not like big business which is interested only in making money.  The consumer is but a statistic  Unfortunately it's much the same in politics, medicine, education and even religion."

"The citizen is a voter, a client, a student or a buyer who keeps the cash register ringing, the bank account growing and the church door open."

I concluded by saying, “YOU SEE MY FRIEND, GOD IS INTERESTED IN LITTLE PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND ME”.

CHAPTER 4

No greater fact of history has ever been preserved.  No greater record has ever been compiled.  No greater truth has ever been propagated and no greater love story has ever been told, than the story of God's love to mankind.

The death of Jesus Christ, for our sins, proves His love for us.  Christ died for me.  He took my place on the cursed tree.

"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.

"For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

The sacrificial substitutionary death of Jesus Christ for our sins is the beautiful, old, ever precious and yet new story of God's great love in sending His only begotten Son to die for sinners!

            Here's a moving song:

"This is why I love Him,
He gave Himself for me;
To purchase my salvation,
They nailed Him to the tree.
At last He cried, Tis' Finished,
He bowed His head and He died,
Oh what  a sight for sinners,
My Saviour crucified."

"It was His blood,
His precious blood
That stained the old rugged cross,
I'was his love that paid the awful cost,
O soul so far astray
Come and plunge today,
In the blood that stained the old rugged cross.

"What an awful price He paid
To pardon you and me,
When in death He fully paid the cost,
And a world once lost in sin
Can now be wholly free,
Through the blood that stained the old rugged cross."

This song contains the great secret that seemingly is withheld from the minds of many world leaders, educators, men of science and people of nobility.

"And a world once lost in sin
Can now be wholly free
Through the blood
That stained the old rugged cross!"

JESUS DIED FOR ME - JESUS DIED FOR YOU

Yes, that's true.  He died for me - personally.  He was wounded, bruised, chastised and striped for me, for Max Solbrekken and for you!  Praise God!  You say, "I've heard that before".

Well, hear it again and hear it well.  He died for you as an individual.  He loves you, He knows about you, He cares for you and He gave His life for you.

But you say..."Soldiers have died in battle for their country and parents have given their lives to save their children from drowning or in a fire.  What is so special about Jesus dying for me?"

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF ANYONE DYING TO SAVE A DRUG ADDICT, A PROSTITUTE, A GAMBLER, A THIEF, A PERVERT, MURDERER OR A SKID ROAD DERELICT?

Well, Jesus did!  He died for the filth and scum of the earth.  He died for all sinners - and the wages of sin (big or small) is death.  We were all condemned, all guilty and all on our way to a devil's hell and then Jesus stretched forth His hand and saved us.

Jesus died for me!  I thank God that He did.

And please remember that Jesus was not just a man dying for other men.  He is God’s Son Who wrapped himself in human flesh so that He could shed His Holy & Precious Blood for the sins of the world.

A number of years ago, our little golden-haired daughter Linda - after hearing me preach on the Cross - said, "Wasn't it a terrible thing that Jesus had to die?  I wish He wouldn't have had to die".

I answered, "Sweetheart, if Jesus hadn't died for our sins and risen from the dead for our justification, we would still be lost and doomed forever".

Then Linda replied, "Now, I understand, Daddy.  Jesus died that we might live".  I said, "That's right, Honey.  Aren't you glad that Jesus gave His life for us"?  She replied, "Oh yes, Daddy, I'm glad Jesus died for me".

HE DIED FOR YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL, THEREFORE YOU MUST HAVE A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH HIM.

God has no grandchildren; only sons and daughters.  Only blood-washed, born-again children!  Each one of us needs a personal meeting, a personal experience with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. .

Only a personal encounter with Jesus Christ will result in our salvation.

The Bible says, "If any man (individual) be in Christ Jesus he is a new creature..." (2 Corinthians  5:17)  "If any man (individual) will hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him (personal) and sup with him and he with Me". (Revelation 3:20)

In times past, the Almighty dealt with the nation of Israel in a special way.  He still has His hand upon the nations of the world and will fulfill His Word concerning them, but He reaches out to individual hearts in each nation.

God desires a personal relationship with each of us.

I repeat, God does not deal with us nationally, internationally or denominationally, but God meets every one on an individual basis.

St. Paul said, "That I might know Him and the power of His resurrection..." (Philippians 3:10)

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IS ABLE TO CHANGE THE WORLD AND MAKE THIS PLANET A BETTER, SAFER, HEALTHIER AND A MORE BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO LIVE.

When Christ sets up His Kingdom and ushers in the millennial reign, the wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like a bullock and violence and destruction shall be banished. (Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:23-25)

That will be a glorious day - as men beat their swords into plough shares and there will be peace and goodwill upon earth.

THE FOURTH GREAT TRUTH THAT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE AND IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING MY MINISTRY, IS THE GLORIOUS AND WONDROUS TRUTH THAT JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR ME UPON CALVARY ’S CROSS.  THAT HE SHED HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD TO SAVE MY SOUL.

And since He died for me, I know that He also died for all people everywhere, because He is no respecter of persons. 
(Acts 10:34 )

The Son of God came down from Heaven, wrapped Himself in human flesh, was born of a virgin woman, lived among men to show us what God was really like and then died the cruel death of the cross. (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-35; John 19:30)

Yes, Jesus Christ the Son of God came from heaven to die; He was born to be crucified.  The very purpose of His coming was to liberate us from our sins:  To destroy the works of the devil and provide us with a glorious salvation.

The Bible says:  "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, 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 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.

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)

  St. John , the Apostle of Love, declared, "...for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil". (1 John 3:8)

And St. Paul nailed down the glorious truth of Christ's victorious death for us, as Satan’s Waterloo .  Christ’s victory brought about Satan’s total defeat and consequently our victory.

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil:  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Hebrews 2:14-15)

REJOICE AS YOU READ OF CHRIST’S GLORIOUS VICTORY OVER SATAN AND HIS EVIL COHORTS, THROUGH HIS VICTORIOUS DEATH AND GLORIOUS RESURRECTION.

"Blotting out the handwriting or ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:14-15)

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:  for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:" (Galations 3:13 )

We were in bondage to Satan, the world and the flesh.  Then, Jesus Christ purchased our liberty and total freedom, through His vicarious death for us.

The curse of breaking the law is found in Deuteronomy 28.  It includes torments, sickness, disease, insanity, famine, pestilences, defeat in battle and poverty.

But thank God, Jesus Christ has purchased our total freedom from this horrible curse through His victorious death and resurrection for us.

THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS

The Bible says, "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin". (Hebrews 9:22)  "For it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul", (Leviticus 17:11 )  and St. John declares, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin". (1 John 1:7)

AS THE LAMB DIED ON THE ALTAR IN OLD TESTAMENT TIMES, JESUS CHRIST DIED ON THE CROSS TO ATONE OR PAY FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD, IN ORDER TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF DIVINE JUSTICE

Jesus died for me - what a glorious fact!  I could not save myself, I was too sinful:  I could not buy my salvation, it was too costly; I could not redeem myself for I was hopelessly lost.

Then Jesus came to my rescue.  Jesus, the Son of God paid the price.  He stood in the gap.  He took my place, became my substitute and died that I and millions more might live; He died for the ungodly, to bring us to God.

St. Paul brings out this truth so forcibly:

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." ( Romans 5:8-9)

Again, the great apostle underscores the impact of His death for us:

"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32 )

Since God gave His Son - delivered Him up to murderers and gangsters to scourge and crucify - and because Jesus Christ arose from the dead and is our advocate with the Father, it is not difficult to receive answers to our prayers today.

Jesus Christ is our advocate, intercessor and High Priest, mediating between God and sinful man.  We can rest assured that he will make absolutely certain that we will receive from God, the Father, what he died to provide for us.

ON CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK

"My hope is built on nothing less,
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' Name.

"On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand."

"There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Emmanuel's veins.
And sinner plunged beneath the flood,
Lose all their guilty stains.

The Bible says, "Jesus died for our offenses", because we are sinners.  But thanks be unto God, He was raised again for our justification and has positioned us in Christ, as though we had never sinned. (Romans 4:25 )

The Scripture states that our righteousness are as filthy rags before God: in ourselves we are unclean and in this flesh dwelleth no good thing.

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:  for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Romans 7:18 )

It is only through the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary , that we have any right in His Kingdom!  The hymnwriter penned the words:

"Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling
Oh, take me as I am,
My only plea, Christ died for me;
Oh, take me as I am."

Thanks be unto God, Who always causeth us to triumph and Who always gives us the victory when we trust solely in Him.

The Bible says, "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption". (1 Corinthians 1:30)

St. Paul was one of the greatest and wisest Hebrew scholars who ever lived and wrote more than one-half of the New Testament.  He stated that Jesus Christ pours His wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption into all those who are born again - born from above.

Every hell-bound sinner who hears the call of the Holy Spirit and receives Jesus Christ as his personal saviour, receives the Life of God within his eternal spirit.

The thief on the cross confessed Christ as his personal Saviour - at that late hour - and Jesus said, "Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise". (Luke 23:43)

The Bible says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved". (Acts 16:30 ,31)  How Wonderful.

But you say, "Believe what"?

Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again for your justification, and you will be saved.  It's that simple and straightforward.  The Bible says, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved". (Romans 10:9)

It is not enough however, just to go forward in a Gospel Crusade.

Answering the altar call is only the beginning.  We must continue believing, reading the Bible, praying, witnessing and serving the Lord.

The Bible states, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation". (Romans 10:10 )

That is why St. Peter said, "Make your calling and election sure". (2 Peter 1:10)  And St. Paul declared, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Corinthians 13:5), and "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling". (Philippians 2:12)

SIX HOURS WITH A MAN DYING OF AIDS

On March 31, 1992 I had the privilege of sharing the gospel of Christ for several hours on a flight from Toronto to London , England with a 61 year old self-confessed homosexual.  This man shared with me his sad plight of contracting AIDS through sex with a member of the same sex.

His doctors had given him less than a year to live.  He had full blown AIDS.

The reasons I am including a portion of our conversation are:  First - I promised to send him a copy of this book, as well as a newspaper column I am writing about our conversation.  And secondly - I want to make absolutely clear to Ray and everyone reading these lines that regardless of what they have gone through or are experiencing at this moment, Jesus Christ is their only hope for time and eternity.

And that you must not write-off Jesus, just because you felt He didn't come through for you in the way you expected Him to.

You see, Ray went forward in an altar call to accept Christ, in Billy Graham's 1957 London , England Crusade.  He explained to me that the next morning he awakened and everything was the same, nothing had changed.

I countered, "You didn't give Jesus Christ much time, did you"?  And you didn't read the Bible, pray, get baptized or receive the Holy Spirit?"

"No", he admitted.  He immediately turned against Jesus Christ, saying he believed in God but rejected Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Saviour of the world.

Finally Ray said, "I suppose you think I'm a sinner because I'm an alcoholic"?  I answered, "No, you are a drunkard because you are a sinner".

Then he said, "Max, you think I'm a sinner because I'm a homosexual"?  Again, I answered, "No, Ray, you are homosexual because you are a sinner".

Then he asked, "What will you write about me?  That I'm a no-good, rotten homosexual, dying of AIDS and got what's coming to me"?

I answered, "No, Ray.  I'll write that you are a stubborn fool who refuses to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, after He died for your sins and rose from the dead to save".

My last words to the man dying of AIDS were, "Ray, I'm going to keep praying that God will keep you alive long enough for you to return to Jesus Christ and be saved and healed".

THE GRACE OF GOD - UNMERITED FAVOUR

 The Scripture says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is a gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast". (Eph. 2:8,9)

One day we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ! (Rom. 14:10 ,11; 2 Cor. 5:10)

When I make my appearance on that great memorable day, I will have nothing to boast or brag about.

I will not be able to say, "Dear Lord you must remember me, I am the man who has preached your Gospel for many years, to millions by television, radio, gospel literature and massive crusades around the world".

I will not be able to say, "Because I have won thousands of souls to Christ and seen mighty miracles performed in the name of Jesus, I expect to be given passage to heaven".

NO, A THOUSAND TIMES NO

All I will be able to say and all that I will want to say at that moment is:

The Bible says:  "Not by works of righteousness which I have done, but by His grace He saved me." (Titus 3:5)

During my conversation with Ray, he said:  "Max, you are so arrogant.  You think you are perfect".

"No", I answered, "I make mistakes, even though I strive for perfection.  Only through Jesus Christ, by a miracle of God, am I righteous.  I receive His perfection and I am saved because of His great mercy and grace."

Ray then countered, "But many people are waiting in Europe to hear you preach".

I said, "That's true.  But when you receive a telegram, Ray - what's the most important:  The telegram or the messenger boy?  I'm only the messenger boy, Ray.  I'm not important.  The important thing is the message; the Word of God that proclaims Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world".

Here's a beautiful old song:

"When He reached down His hand for me,
When He reached down His hand for me,
I was lost and undone without God or His Son,
When He reached down His hand for me!"

Let the Holy Spirit touch your heart as you read these beautiful words or the song "Amazing Grace"

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

"When we've been there 10,000 years,
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise,
Than when we first begun.

CHAPTER 5

JESUS CHRIST AROSE FROM THE DEAD AND IS ALIVE TODAY

Jesus Christ arose from the dead and has the power to forgive every sin, heal every sickness, fill believers with the Holy Spirit and bless His people abundantly today.

Our Saviour certainly wasn't making an idle boast when He proclaimed "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth". (Matt. 28:28)

Again He said, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life". (John 4:14)

For centuries and millennia's, men of all nations have sought for peace, joy and contentment.  But alas, many have died unfulfilled, having spent a lifetime striving to appease the cruel gods and idols of their false religions.

AND MANY OTHERS HAVE DRANK OUT OF THE DECEPTIVE BOTTLE OF WORLDLY AMBITION, PLEASURE, LUST AND GREED - BUT TO NO AVAIL.

Just think of it, being free from the constant unfulfilled desire for something to quench the thirsting of the immortal soul.

Jesus made the statement and millions have taken Him up on His greatest of all offers:  "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest". (Matt. 11:28)

Yes, millions have drank of the fountains of Living Water and have been filled with the Holy Spirit in the fulfillment of His promise.

Jesus said, "He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water". (John 7:38)

Notice, when a sinner comes to Christ, he receives a well of living water springing up within him unto eternal life. (John 4:14)

When that same person - who has now become a believer - reaches out by faith, and with a thirsty soul keeps drinking at the fountain, he is baptized with the Holy Spirit.  Then the well within him turns into rivers of blessing, flowing out to others.  (John 7:37, 38)

JESUS IS THE RESURRECTION & THE LIFE

At Lazarus’ grave, Jesus Christ made a staggering statement, just before raising him from the dead:  "Thy brother shall rise again."  Martha then answered, "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day".  Jesus said unto her, "I am the resurrection, and the life:  he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die." (John 11:23-26)

How easily, effortlessly and naturally Jesus Christ made that staggering statement.  He knew that He was going to die and rise from the dead, in order to provide Eternal Life for each one of us who believes.

Every sinner - who is presently, dead in trespasses and sins - will receive eternal life the moment he believes on the name of the Resurrected Christ.

And every believer who dies in the faith, will go directly into God's presence and be more alive than those who still remain here.  Death only brings us into the presence of Jesus Christ, Who is the destroyer of death.

St. Paul wrote, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour:  yet what I shall choose I wot not.  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:” (Phil. 1:21 -23)

Also, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". (2 Cor. 5:6-8)

A VERY VITAL TRUTH

Let me repeat something I shared earlier, because of its vital importance.

The Bible states that if the princes of this world would have known Who Jesus Christ really was, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:8)

The sad, sad facts are that even today, many of the princes of this world, the great men, the rich and affluent, the learned and the educated certainly do not know God and do not realize that He has risen from the dead and has the power to change lives NOW.

St. Paul agrees with this totally and writes, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold all things become new". (2 Corinthians 5:17)

If the great truth of Jesus Christ and His marvelous power got through the thick skulls of our educators, they would scrap the twisted teachings that deny God as Creator and that make them down down to the degenerated theory of evolution.  Philosophers would share the teachings and philosophies of Jesus Christ the only Saviour of the world.

If the military men of this world would recognize Jesus Christ and love one another instead of wanting to take from their neighbor that which is his, and if they would put all their trust in God, billions of dollars being spent on armaments could go for good to feed the hungry and evangelize the  world.

If scientist believed, they would glorify God continually for the great discoveries that He is allowing them to make, which repeatedly confirm the Bible to be true.

If the rich business community believed that Jesus Christ is alive they would give to help spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.  And in a short time, we would evangelize the world and change things for the better.

WHAT A REVOLUTION

If all the world's revolutionaries believed in Him, they would preach a revolution of the spirit; a revolution of love and not one of blood-shed and war.

If preachers met Christ in a new, fresh and intimate way, they would preach the gospel with greater anointing and power, turning many to the Lord.

IF WE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL GOT STIRRED UP about the goodness and power of God and the available blessings of God, we could change the complexion of this world.

The early church, began with approximately 120 and turned the world upside down, filling Jerusalem with the doctrine of Jesus Christ.  And this all happened under great persecution, peril, threatening, beatings, imprisonments and even death.

The blood of the martyrs became the seed of the Church and the infant Church of Jesus Christ waxed strong and engulfed the world.

The need of the hour is for men and women to recognize the fact that Jesus Christ the Son of God is alive, and doing great signs and wonders across the world.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God is still saving precious souls from sin and destruction.  Jesus is still healing sick and diseased bodies, restoring faith to the troubled, defeated and confused, and granting his power and joy to those who trust Him fully.

Yes indeed, Jesus Christ is alive and has all power, compassion, peace, joy, healing and deliverance for His called-out-ones, the Ekklesia; the Church of the Living God.

IT'S THE WORD OF GOD AND IT'S ALIVE

Many years ago, a Minister of the Gospel was searching for lost souls on the streets of New York City .  Multitudes passed by seemingly oblivious to his presence and His supply of tracts certainly wasn't diminishing very fast.

It was discouraging!  Fishing for souls was poor even though his heart was eager and his face smiling.

After several hours of almost total failure the young Minister of the Gospel cried out to God in desperation, "What shall I do?  How can I reach all these people?"

Almost immediately an inspiration from Heaven came to his soul.  He laid his big Bible down on the pavement.  No one seemed to pay any attention to what he was doing.  Then very quickly, he took off his coat and draped it over the Sacred Book.  Still no one seemed to notice.

Then the Gospel Minister began to jump around the coat shouting, "It's alive!  It's alive!  It's alive!"

Almost instantly, people stopped and crowded around.  "What is it?" they asked, "Is it a snake?"

The preacher snatched his coat from the sidewalk, picked up the Bible and shouted, "It's the Word of God and it's alive".

He had stopped the traffic.  He had gotten an audience.  While some turned on their heels and left, others stayed to hear the precious Word of God.

Yes, dear friends, the Bible is Alive and the Gospel of Christ makes people come alive - Praise God.

St. Paul stated, "The Word of God is quick (living) and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart". (Hebrerws 4:12)

PLEASE NOTICE, THIS SCRIPTURE CONCURS THAT GOD’S WORD WILL BRING DIVINE HEALING TO OUR TOTAL MAN; SPIRIT, SOUL (MIND) AND BODY.

Some evangelical preachers have sought to “talk away” God’s willingness to perform physical miracles of healing for His people today.

They appear almost shocked when I ask them, "IF Hebrews 4:12 refers only to spiritual healing and the forgiveness of sins, what is God's Word doing in the joints and marrow of our bones?  There is no sin there."

 Invariably even learned clergymen will blurt out:  “Oh my God, how could I have been so blind?  I have read this scripture hundreds of times and never seen this great truth”.

God’s Word brings total healing - for the total person through Jesus Christ our Lord, by the power of the Blessed Holy Spirit.

RELEGATING CHRIST TO BYGONE GENERATIONS

The correct thinking of the Church should be one of enthusiasm, optimism and joyfulness, even in temptation.

And one of aggressively proclaiming the truth of Christ's death, resurrection, present abiding life and soon return.

Martin Luther declared, "I live as though Jesus Christ died yester, arose today and is coming again tomorrow."

What a great philosophy of ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Cvhrist!  What a great theological interpretation of the gospel, and a much needed, clear cut message of the Church's mandate.

We should all live our lives with the same solemnity, sincerity and urgency as did Martin Luther.

We should be heralding the rapture of the Church and the subsequent judgment of unrighteousness.

Unfortunately, many members of the body of Christ do not seem to share this same vision or take seriously the almighty workings of the Holy Spirit in this present day.

They have relegated Christ to bygone generations, preaching only a half-hearted, watered down, no-proof gospel.

How sad!  When we read the Scriptures and see how the Early Church demonstrated the gospel (Good News) of the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

They demonstrated His aliveness, in the healing of the sick and suffering, the deliverance of demoniacs and even the raising of the dead.

"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria , and preached Christ unto them.  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

"For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them:  and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.  And there was great joy in that city." (Acts. 8:5-8)

THE SHADOW OF PETER BROUGHT HEALING

The Bible says, "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all". (Acts 4:33 )

"And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

"There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits:  and they were healed every one." (Acts 5:14-16)

Then Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee:  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up:  and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

"And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God." (Acts 3:6-8)

EVEN THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST HAD TO ADMIT THAT MIRACLES WERE HAPPENING

Those who oppose of the Gospel of Christ could say nothing against the miracles, because they were so staggering.

"And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could not say anything against it.  But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do to these men?  for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all hat dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it." (Acts 4:14-16)

Even the enemies of the Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles, had to admit that it was a notable miracle.  Please note:  They would have denied the miracle if they could have gotten away with it, but they didn’t dare to.  The evidence was too great.

When the Early Church was persecuted, they prayed that God would give them more miracles and more power to confirm the word that they preached.

"And now, Lord, behold their threatenings:  and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy Word, By stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy child Jesus". (Acts 4:29 ,30).

The Bible says, that when they had prayed this prayer, "The place was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and spake the word of God with boldness". (v. 30)

THE MARVELOUS ACCOMPANIMENT OF MIRACULOUS HAPPENINGS WHEN THE WORD OF GOD WAS PREACHED, BROUGHT GREAT FEAR UPON SINNERS AND THE CHURCH.  AND MANY PEOPLE WONDERED AND WERE FILLED WITH AMAZEMENT.

Those who joined the Church, didn't dare to deceive God or the people, but really meant business; and the Church multiplied and God received great glory.

"And fear came upon every soul:  and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles." (Acts 2:43 )

It was a natural phenomenon for the followers of the Lord to have these marvelous things happening in their lives, because of Jesus’ promise.

He stated that He would work with them as they preached His gospel:  "As My Father hath sent Me, so send I you". (John 20:21)  His life was an example for them to follow.  It was a life filled with miracles.

When in prison, John the Baptist sent two of his disciples to the Lord asking: "Art Thou He that should come or look we for another"?  And in that very hour Jesus healed the sick, cast out devils, did miracles among them and preached the gospel.

He sent the disciples back to John with these words, "The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me". (Matthew 11:5,6)

BECAUSE OF YOUR UNBELIEF

Jesus appointed twelve apostles, trained and commissioned them to do the works He was doing.  He gave them power to heal the sick, cast out devils and even raise the dead. (Matthew 10:1-8)

The Bible tells of their exploits, "And they went out, and preached that men should repent.  And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them". (Mark 6:12 ,13)

When they failed to cast the demons out of a deaf and dumb boy, Jesus was disappointed in them and said:

"O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you?  how long shall I suffer you?  bring him unto Me." (Mark 9:19 )  Then He immediately healed the boy, by casting out the evil spirits that had bound him.

Jesus was sending them a strong message - "I'm going to be leaving you soon and you won't have Me here present with you.  Why don't you grow up in faith and do the job I've commanded you to do"?  When they asked Him why they could not do it, He answered, "Because of your unbelief...Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting". (Matthew  20:21)

What an indictment against the Church of Jesus Christ today - Because of your unbelief!  Because of your unbelief!  There are few or no miracles, because of unbelief.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church said "Amen" to that when he declared:

"Miracles were meant to be in the Church for the entire Church Age but have been lost to the church BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF."

The dry, spiritually dead churches which have no miraculous healings and charismatic, Pentecostal, spiritual gifts are bankrupt of faith and are often cesspools of unbelief and sin.

Wells without water, banquet tables without food, going through the motions of Christianity with NO real life.

Like a locomotive spinning its wheels on the tracks, but going nowhere or like a man sitting behind the wheel of a luxury car all dressed up ready to go with no gas in the tank; shifting gears, applying the brakes, honking the horn while the automobile is in a stationary position.

John Wesley also declared:  “The only method of physics employed by the Church for the first 400 years of its existence was the prayer of faith”!

Churches which have only form, ritual and tradition with no spiritual life and which are filled with unbelief, with no evidence of Christ's power to save, heal and deliver are a scourge on the Christian Church and a hindrance to God's work.

Ministers who continue to draw large salaries from their dead churches and who do not infuse some spiritual life to the people are nothing more than PARASITES who LIVE OFF the spiritually dead.

Jesus said, "they be blind leaders of the blind.  And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch". (Matt. 15:14)

PROOF PRODUCERS

What the Church needs today is proof producers who demonstrate the power of God to verify and confirm the message of the gospel.

The Scriptures declare that the early "followers of Christ" were blessed in this manner - "And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following". (Mark 16:20 )

JESUS ALSO SENT OUT THE 70 DISCIPLES TO DO HIS WORKS

"After these things the Lord appointed another seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.

"Therefore, said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few:  pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest."

"And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is nigh unto you." (Luke 10:1, 2, 9)

Rejoice with me as you read the results of their crusade.  "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name." (Luke 10:17)

JESUS CHRIST ALSO PROMISED HIS POWER TO ALL BELIEVERS.

"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 14:12-14)

THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE

Jesus Christ also promised to work with and to empower His followers, after His departure.

"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)

A WITNESS IS SOMEONE WHO HAS SEEN SOMETHING, heard something and experienced something.  This person has seen or heard something relevant and vitally important to the question or case being examined or investigated - A witness must bring proof that what he is propagating or testifying is true.

The Bible says, "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus..." (Acts 4:33 )  "...and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles." (Acts 2:23 )  "...for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem ; and we cannot deny it." (Acts 4:16 )

In the Great Commission, Jesus promised His power to all who believe on His name.

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:16-18)

Again He said, "...and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world". (Matthew 28:20)

WHAT A PARADOX

The unfortunate thing is that unbelieving, modernistic, social churches of today want the security of Jesus' promise, to be with them to the end of the age, but reject His promise of power with which to fight the battle against Satan.

They claim His power is no longer available to the Church but His presence is still available.

How ridiculous and ignorant to even think such foolish thoughts and still claim to be a Christian.  You cannot separate His power from His presence.  If God is not doing miracles for His people today and saving souls as well as healing sick people, what is he doing with his power?  He certainly isn't sitting around being idle.

The truth of the matter is that God is using His power today to bring blessings upon blessings to those who call upon His name, and love and honour Him in truth!  Praise God.

Jesus arose again from the dead and has the power and ability to forgive all my sins, heal all my sicknesses and meet my every need.

Jesus Christ is alive now and forevermore.  "He is the same, yesterday, today and forever." (Heb. 13:8)

He is the Christ of the empty tomb.  He is the Resurrection and the Life, the One Which was, is, and ever shall be; world without end.

He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Bright and Morning Star, the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valley, the Altogether Lovely One, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the World, the Rock of Ages, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Jesus Christ is alive today. Jesus Christ is the Chief Corner Stone, the Head of the Church, the Saviour of the World, the Great Physician, the Baptizer in the Holy Ghost and Fire, and our King, our soon to return King.

He is the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Gate of Heaven, and the Door to God.  He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and the only Mediator between God and man.

Jesus Christ is Prophet, Priest and King.  From eternity to eternity, He is God.  Emmanuel, the Christ, Messiah, the Anointed One, Saviour, Healer, Deliverer, Emancipator, Potentate.

And He is mine - My Saviour, my Redeemer, my Deliverer, my Lord, my Master and God - in Him I breathe, I move and have my being. (Acts 17:28 )

And, "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand".  Praise God.

God has the POWER, ABILITY and DESIRE to meet your every need:

1.         For spirit
2.         For soul. (mind)
3.         For body.

He will supply.

1.         Your spiritual needs
2.         Your mental & psychological needs
3.         Your material needs
4.         Your domestic (family) needs

Jesus Christ is made unto us, "...wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption". (1 Corinthians 1:30)

"He is all I need, He is all I need, Jesus Christ is all I need!"

THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE SURE AND STEADFAST>  YOU CAN TRUST GOD TOTALLY

IF JESUS SAID IT - I BELIEVE IT

"If Jesus said it, I believe it,
His Word, it cannot lie,
If its written in the Bible,
I'll believe it 'til I die.

Though the mountains be removed,
And cast into the sea,
God's Word will stand forever,
For All Eternity."

The Bible says:

• "There hath not failed one Word of all His good promises..." (1 Kings 8:56)

• "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall not pass away." (Luke 16:17)

• "The Scriptures cannot be broken." (John 10:35)

• "His promises are yea and in Him Amen." (2 Corinthians 1:20)

• "The Word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness and I will perform it, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 45:23)

• "All things are possible to him that believeth" 
  (Mark 9:23 )

• "With men this is impossible, but not with God.  For with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27)

• "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)

• "For my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

THE GOOD NEWS  - The Gospel of Jesus Christ means, "the Good News" of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

WHAT DOES THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST DO FOR US?

The gospel communicates to us how Jesus Christ came to earth to die for our sins and rise again, in order to save us.

The purpose of His first advent was to deliver us from Satan's bondage.  Since He has never changed, His desire is to continue blessing us and meeting our every need.

The amplified Bible states:  “And when He (Holy Spirit) comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness - uprightness of heart and right standing with God - and about judgment”.

About sin, because they believe not on Me - trust in, rely on and adhere to Me.

About righteousness, uprightness of heart and right standing with God - because I go to My Father and you will see Me no longer.

About judgment, because the ruler (prince) of the world (Satan) is judged and condemned and sentence already is passed upon him.

What does this mean?

THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME TO DEMONSTRATE TO THE WORLD JESUS CHRIST’S VICTORY OVER SATAN!  PRAISE THE LORD

What a story to tell to the nations!  It is indeed the greatest story ever told and the best news I have ever heard.

That's why I've dedicated my life to spreading this message around the world to as many as possible, before I meet Him face to face.  Amen.

CHAPTER 6

THE BENEFITS OF CALVARY

"Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.  Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits; Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healed all thy diseases, Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagles.  The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed." (Psalms 103:1-6)

Many have forgotten the benefits of Calvary but I am here to remind you that, "The Blood has never lost its power" and is still efficacious.  That means it still works - it is still effective.  And "Whatever He has promised He is able to perform seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for us". (Heb. 7:25)

GOD IS NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD BE LOST

The Bible says: "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance". (2 Peter 3:9)

God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked.  Jesus made that clear when He said "...they that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick".  "...for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Matthew 9:12,13)

Again the Word of God says, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost". (Luke 19:10)  And "...that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth". (Luke 15:7)

Oh, how much God loves us and wants us to love Him, so that He can bless us!  When the Son of God walked upon earth, He was moved with compassion upon lost, sinful, sick and struggling humanity.  He forgave, healed, blessed and fed the multitudes as they had need.  And He has not changed.

JESUS NEVER TURNED AWAY A SINGLE PERSON

He forgave the adulterous woman by saying, "Neither do I condemn thee:  go, and sin no more". (John 8:11)

He healed the leper and said, "...thy faith hath made thee whole". (Luke 17:19)  When the crowds were hungry and the distance to go for food was great, He would not send them away fasting lest they faint in the way.  He performed a miracle and multiplied the loaves and fishes in order to meet their needs. (Mark 8:1-9)

Jesus helped an embarrassed bridegroom when they ran out of refreshments, by turning the water into wine. (John 2:1-10)

Jesus had compassion on a widow woman whose only son was dead.  He raised the young man from the dead and healed the mother's broken heart, as well as solving her financial problems in restoring her son back to health and life. (Luke 7:12-15)

COMPASSION IS THE KEY WORD IN THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JESUS

We, Christians need the compassion and love of Jesus in our hearts and lives, in order to please Him and be a greater blessing to our fellowmen.

Jesus gave ‘Life’s greatest invitation’ in Matthew 11:28.  "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

My beloved friend, will you come to Jesus so that you may live?

There are at least seven blessings, benedictions or benefits of God found in the Scripture text I used at the beginning of this chapter.

The Psalmist lists them for us with great conviction.  No wonder he was a man after God's own heart.  He was constantly praising and blessing God.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul:  and all that is within me, bless His holy name".  In this portion of scripture he is encouraging himself to praise and bless God.  He is reminding himself of God's promises, goodness and benefits toward us.

I also want to remind you of some of God's great benefits, which are abundantly available to us all.  Here they are:

NO. 1 - "WHO FORGIVETH ALL THINE INIQUITIES"

What a joy to have our sins forgiven, be free from condemnation and receive the peace of God.

"Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity..." (Ps. 32:2)  The Scriptures record, "...and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin". (1 John 1:7)

St. John says:  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to clea