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Are we living in the
LAST
DAYS BEFORE
THE GREAT TRIBULATION?
by
Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.
IN
THE LAST DAYS PERILOUS TIMES SHALL COME
The
world is afraid, the world is looking for answers. It seems that
our world is has suddenly become a frightening place to be. Are
we living in the last days - are the events taking place worldwide signs,
the end times before the Great Tribulation which is spoken of many times
in the Holy Scriptures.
Jesus
warned: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in
divers places." (Matthew 24:7)
The
Bible states: "And
I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat upon him was
Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them
over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword (war), and with
hunger (famine), and with death (tsunamis, war, earthquakes, mudslides
etc), and with the beasts of the earth (ie: Mad Cow, Monkey Pox,
West Nile Virus, Sars.)" (Revelation 6:8)
PEOPLE
ARE ARE EDGE WONDERING WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
People
are afraid, people are nervous and anxious and full of fear. We are
living in a world that is suddenly not a safe place to be. We are
living in a world full of terrorism, wars, new frightening diseases and
viruses and startling weather disasters that are wiping out thousands of
people in seconds.
On
September 11 - the world changed. On September 11 - Satan was
rejoicing. On September 11 - Satan scored a victory. But I am
here to tell you that SATAN CAN BE DEFEATED.
Yes
- the world changed drastically on September 11. What was a
relatively safe, comfortable existence turned instantly into a world of
terror. The Islamic terrorist group al Qaeda and its leader Osama
bin Laden accomplished something very important on September 11.
The terrorists took away our freedom, the freedom to feel safe, the
freedom to feel secure.
And
September 11 was only the beginning. The world is dealing with
so many issues that its hard for people to cope.
Our
world is literally falling apart. Our air is polluted, our water is
polluted, we are experiencing earthquakes, tidal waves, tsunamis is
places that are totally unexpected and at the greatest magnitudes ever
recorded. Global warming is threatening our very existence and the
new diseases & viruses we are seeing in animals and food products are
alarming.
WHAT
WILL BE NEXT IS THE QUESTION ON THE MINDS OF PEOPLE
The
whole creation, including the earth and all living creatures therein, the
cosmos and all universes that our Lord has created, are groaning and
travailing in pain and travail "together until now."
The
earth is "running down" as Science teaches it will. Man
has polluted the air, polluted the water and the earth. The earth
is polluting and destroying itself through earthquakes, tidal waves,
tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.
NATURE,
through solar storms, falling meteors, black holes, white holes and worm
holes is doing damage to the universe. Tornados, cyclones, tsunamis
and severe electrical storms cause great bodily harm and death to people
and animals, as well as destroying millions of acres of timber annually
through forest fire. The animals and wild life are themselves
polluters, spreading disease amongst themselves, as well as being
purveyors of many deadly diseases to the human population.
AIDS,
SARS, MAD COW DISEASE, WEST NILE VIRUS - LAST DAYS PRE-TRIBULATION BIBLE
PROPHECY ?
Are
these diseases and viruses the starting point of what is coming next
during the GREAT TRIBULATION ? I
believe that the outbreak of AIDS, SARS, Ebola virus, Lyme disease, Mad
Cow disease (BSE), Foot and Mouth disease (FDM), West Nile Virus, Hanta
Virus, Monkey Pox and the latent TB and drug resistant TB that is now
rampant (2 billion world wide) is surely Bible prophecy being fulfilled.
There
are also so many new viruses, bacteria and parasites spread by animals,
rodents and pests to human beings. Are these new viruses from
animals also a precursor to the awful things which will happen during the
GREAT TRIBULATION.
NEW
VIRUSES APPEARING AT FASTER RATES, SCIENTISTS BELIEVE
A
headline that appeared (August 2003) in the Washington Post, must have
sent shock waves through the Medical Community and the general
population. From a theological perspective, the connection between
Biblical eschatology and the phenomenal parade of new emerging viruses
being passed from animals to humans, this new report is very significant.
Are
the news diseases Sars, Mad Cow Disease, West Nile Virus, Bird flu and
many others biblical prophecies. Are these world disasters,
extreme weather changes, world disasters and mounting hatred, wars and
nations turning against nations world wide BIBLE PROPHECY coming to
pass.
The
Bible states: "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name
that sat upon him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power
was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with
sword (war), and with hunger (famine), and with death
(tsunamis, war, earthquakes, mudslides etc), and with the beasts
of the earth (Mad Cow, Monkey Pox, West Nile Virus, Sars.")
(Revelation 6:8)
For
a very long time Bible scholars were unable to understand this verse.
Everyone had serious questions about beasts being a source of so many
people dying. When S.A.R.S. struck the world with a vengeance a
few years ago, the meaning of the scripture became very evident.
St. John's prophecy was so absolutely clear!
THE
BIBLE SCHOLARS CONVENTIONAL WISDOM WAS WRONG
The
prevalent though was that when famine came, the wild beasts from the
forests would enter the cities and towns and kill people for food.
Some translations of Revelation 6:8 placed the words 'wild beasts' in
their study notes.
Now
we know how wrong that interpretation was. God's Word is
absolutely perfect! As a theologian who has studied the Holy Bible
scriptures for over 40 years I believe this to be pre-Tribulation more
and more as the truth in revealed through events that happen round about
us.
In
my research, I found found that SARS, Lyme Disease, Foot & Mouth
disease, Mad Cow disease, Hanta virus, Monkey pox, Ebola virus, Aids and
West Nile Fever are diseases that have all come from animals (beasts) or
rodents and insects (pests).
Jesus
warned: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom
against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and PESTILENCES, and
earthquakes, in divers places." (Matthew 24:7).
Rob
Stein wrote: "It happens again and again. Strange and
frightening new infections seem to appear out of no where, such as Lyme
disease, Ebola and of course, AIDS. With Monkeypox coming on the
heels of Sars, which emerged not long after West Nile, it is a phenomenon
that seems to be happening at an accelerating rate.
"Scientists
agree that the trend is alarming and appears to be gathering speed.
In the coming years, they say, dangerous new pathogens emerging."
WE
ARE SURROUNDED BY DEATH & DESTRUCTION - THE WORLD HAS BECOME
UNCERTAIN & FEARFUL
On
every hand, we see death and destruction. The Bible states that,
"the whole world lieth in wickedness." (1 John 5:19);
"And the world passeth away and the lust thereof, but he that doeth
the will of God abideth forever." (1 John 2:15-18)
No only
they, but OURSELVES also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even
we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, that is to
say, the redemption (resurrection) of our body.
SATAN IS
HARD AT WORK AND SATAN'S INFLUENCE IS PRESENT EVERYWHERE
SATAN'S
FILTH & STENCH can be seen, heard and felt across the world.
His evil, unholy and corrupting influence is everywhere present; in
homes, communities and nations, as well as in academia, the government,
commerce, judicial systems and in the church.
The
truth is that the whole world lies in wickedness and Satan is the
"prince of the power of the air." Satan is the author of
the "spirit of disobedience" that pervades society today.
This "spirit of disobedience" is affecting millions of people
across the earth. (Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 5:6, Colossians 3:6)
Even
though we as Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit and have
fellowship with Jesus and each other, we live in a flesh and blood body.
We are constantly being bombarded with temptations. We have
Christ's promise of divine healing, but we are still subject to ageing
and death.
St. Paul
states that we groan inwardly because of our limitations and desire to be
clothed with a glorified body, knowing that one day we will be changed
and receive a glorified body similar to Christ's. The Bible says:
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that
we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not,
because it knew Him not."
"Beloved,
now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:
but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we
shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:1-2).
Death
and corruption have been present on this earth and in the cosmos since
the terrible 'fall of man' in the Garden of Eden. Everything is
subject to the 'Second Law of Thermodynamics' - that of ageing,
deteriorating and corruption. There is no escaping it.
Everyone that is born dies eventually and will go back to the dust of the
earth. All great men and their empires, small or great will
deteriorate and go to ruin. Now the universe is running out of
steam and Bible Prophecy is being fulfilled and will continue to be
fulfilled as time goes on.
JESUS
demanded: “…Whosever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For
whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his
life for My sake and the gospel’s the same shall save it.”
“For
what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose 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: 34–38).
Christ’s Victory and Satan’s
Defeat is our Liberty
for
time and eternity! Amen and Amen.
JESUS
CHRIST DIED
FOR YOU
by: Pastor Max
Solbrekken, D.D.
 NO.
1 ~JESUS CHRIST LOVES YOU
No
more beautiful words were ever spoken by men or angels than these, “I
know God loves me!” Praise God. Say these precious words and believe
them and you will see what a change will be affected within your life.
NO.
2 ~JESUS CHRIST KNOWS ALL ABOUT YOU
“For
the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show
himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward
him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)
“Tis
so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him as His word; Just to rest up
on His promise; Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord”.
In
every situation of life God knows about you during every trial,
heartbreak and discouragement. In the temptations and struggles of life
Jesus knows about us and makes a way of escape. (1 Corinthians 10:13) He
knows and He is ready to help - Say it to yourself, “God knows about my
existence and loves me - His eyes are upon me and I know everything will
be alright”.
NO.
3 ~ JESUS CHRIST CARES ABOUT YOU
“Casting
all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Life
often seems like a rat race with dog eat dog and whoever gets in first
gets what he needs and whoever gets in last misses everything. People can
often be hardhearted and cruel - circumstances and situations can make
life almost unbearable and many times Satan has filled peoples’ hearts
and minds with such tremendous disillusionment and depression that they
have in utter hopelessness taken their own lives.
The
hymn writer penned the words, “What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our
sins and grief's to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in
prayer!” I am thrilled with the great news of God’s love every time I
hear it - that He loves me, knows all about me and that He cares about me
- my difficulties and my needs. Thank God “He knows and He cares”!
Praise God! Say it to yourself - “I know God cares about me and will
help me”.
NO.
4 ~ JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOU
“But
God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“Oh
love of God so rich and pure, so measureless and strong. It shall forever
more endure, the saints and angels song."
You
can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. No wonder the
Apostle John wrote, “We love Him because He first loved us”. There is
a word that is seldom used in today’s world but one which is probably
one of the most powerful in our vocabulary. It is the word
“Apodeictic” and it means “Evident beyond contradictions”. It is
one of my foremost words because it relates to the gospel and to Christ
our wonderful Lord. When you speak about God, His power, His words, His
promises, His grace, His goodness and His mercy and love - the word
Apodictic covers them all.
Evident
beyond Contradiction! His existence is so real that only a fool could try
to contradict the fact. No wonder the Bible says, “The fool hath said
in his heart, There is no God”. (Psalm 14:1)
THE
LOVE OF GOD IS APODICTIC - EVIDENT BEYOND CONTRADICTION - CALVARY PROVED
THAT
“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)
“A
rugged cross, became His throne. His kingdom was in hearts alone. He
wrote His love in crimson red, And wore the thorns upon His head.”
Praise God. What a wonderful Saviour. He died that we might live - that
is real love and no one can dispute it.
He
died for me and He died for you - Say it to yourself, “Jesus Christ
actually died for me in order to save me”.
NO.
5 ~ JESUS CHRIST AROSE FROM THE DEAD AND WILL HELP YOU TODAY
A
dead man has no power to help anyone - He cannot even help himself! That
is why so many traditional churches and nominal Christians receive no
answers to their prayers and have no victory in their lives. They believe
in and worship a dead Christ. They wear crucifixes that have a
resemblance of Christ, dead on the cross. Beloved friends, the cross is
empty - Jesus Christ is alive for evermore with all power at His
disposal.
He
has the power to set His children free from every bondage and situation
in which we find ourselves that is embarrassing, improper, humiliating
and painful.
“Lo
behold the man of sorrow, lo behold Him in plain view. There He stands
that mighty conqueror, since He rent the veil in two."
“I
serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today; I know that He is
living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice
of cheer and just the time I need Him, He’s always near. He lives, He
lives, Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me,
along life’s narrow way. You ask me how I know He lives, He lives
within my heart.” Hallelujah.
The
very essence of Christianity, the heart of the gospel and the foundation
truth of the church is that Jesus Christ, God’s Son died upon a cross
for our sins and that He was raised from the dead on the third day for
our Justification! (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
Of
all religions only Christianity can boast a resurrection and only Christ
is a Saviour, for He only is Alive Forevermore. Praise His Name.
JESUS
IS THE ONLY WAY
No
wonder Peter said, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there
is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be
saved”. (Acts 4:12)
Why?
Because the name of a dead man can save no one but Jesus is not dead HE
IS ALIVE FOREVERMORE! Hallelujah. His entire ministry while upon this
earth revolved around preaching the gospel, healing the sick, forgiving
the sinful, restoring the diseased back to health, feeding the hungry and
raising the dead.
When
He was crucified His ministry came to an end abruptly - until 50 days
later - after He had risen from the dead and spent 40 days with His
disciples He ascended into heaven and poured out upon His followers the
“Baptism of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4) Then His ministry
continued greater than ever through those who believed upon Him - The
blind saw, the deaf heard, the lame walked, the dead were raised and the
gospel was preached to multitudes.
“Now
Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer,
being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was
carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called
Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing
Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
And
Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he
gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 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
3:1-9)
“And
by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among
the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of
the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified
them. 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
5:12-16)
THE
GREAT COMMISSION
It
is evident the Book of Acts is a continuation of the ministry of Jesus
Christ through His followers by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that it
is God’s will for His power to continue to bring blessing and healing
to His people in every generation until the church age is over and Christ
sets up His kingdom and ushers in the millennium -
Notice
His words to all who believe, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all
the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
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
16:15-18)
The
Holy Bible says, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto
you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as
the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:38-39)
If
you are called, you are saved and if you are saved, the baptism of the
Holy Ghost and power is for you! Again see what St. James writes to the
church, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the
church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of
the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall
raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven
him”. (James 5:14,15)
THE
SCRIPTURE CANNOT BE BROKEN
Now
in closing let us see what Jesus Himself said concerning praying and
receiving an answer....
“Ask,
and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall
be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that
seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew
7:7,8)
“Believe
me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for
the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth
on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these
shall he do; because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in
My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If
ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:11-14)
“Jesus
said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that
believeth.” (Mark 9:23)
“Again
I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any
thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which
is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:19)
“If
ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and
it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7)
My
beloved friend, Jesus Christ is indeed alive and waiting to hear from
you. If you will accept Him as your personal Saviour and trust in Him you
will definitely receive answers to your prayers and the assurance that
all is well with your soul, for He has promised and guaranteed you that
His word is true and the scripture cannot be broken. (John 10:35)
Amen.
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