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Anxiety, sorrow, grief & loneliness
by: Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of 
the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)

How to overcome anxiety, sorrow, grief, despair & loneliness

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me for He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor, He hath sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke 4:18)

ANXIETY GRIEF & LONELINESS

Anxiety, loneliness, grief and sorrow all go hand in hand.  The loss of a loved one through death is nearly always a very traumatic experience.  The feelings of loss, anxiety, fear and grief can overtake a person almost completely.

Loss of a spouse or parent, through a divorce, can be even more shattering.  And the loss of a friend, lover or business associate through other agencies of disruption, tends nearly always to leave people with hurt feelings, a wounded spirit and scars.  People become filled with fear and anxiety while they try to deal with their grief, sorrow and pain.

The hurt and lonely feelings that people feel after being jilted or dumped and the end of a relationship can be devastating and bring feelings of grief and depression.

Loneliness & fear can bring such despair to people

The feelings of being shut out, isolated, abandoned or discarded can bring such a loneliness and fear that people don't know what to do.  It is not only the victim who suffers, however.  In the long run, nearly everyone involved in a split, including the children, relatives and friends of the parties can be emotionally damaged.  The damage can last for years and develop into feelings of hatred, depression and loneliness.  It becomes hard for some people to love and trust again after being hurt by divorce, separation and relationship breakups.

How do we cope with these feelings of grief, loneliness, abandonment, fear, pain and anxiety?

The Bible, that true time tested 'Book of Books' gives us good advice for all of life's problems.  There is an answer to the frustrations, upsets and turmoil that often inflict great pain and sorrow.  We need only to turn to God's Word to find solace, comfort, hope and strength!  Christ, indeed, is the answer!

For over 40 years as a pastor I have counseled thousands of people who are emotionally shattered!  I have been sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ for over 40 years - 22 years as a pastor - and constantly have to counsel and give spiritual guidance to people.  I have discovered that there is nothing that can compare with the Bible in times of stress, depression, anxiety and broken wounded people.

The late Dr. Jim Tanasiuk shared with me how the gospel helped his patients.  After surgery his patients would often ask for sleeping pills.  He usually replied, "Have you read the Bible?"  If they indicated that they had not, he would get a Bible out of the nightstand, saying, "Why not read a portion from the Holy Scriptures and if you are still awake when I make my rounds later tonight I will give you a sleeping pill."

"Usually, when I come by a half hour later, most of them are already asleep", said the good doctor.  He had learned about the peace that God gives through His Word, for his godly parents, Dorothy and William Tanasiuk,

The Bible says: "Be careful (anxious) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:7)

Being anxious about 'whatever', causes anxiety attacks.  Anxiety attacks are the root cause of so many other psychological, as well as physical problems.

And old gospel songs says: "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!"  The Bible states: "Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." (Psalms 37:5)

Jesus said: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let mot your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)  "These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33)

WHY COULD JESUS MAKE SUCH A STATEMENT?

The answer:  "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace..." (Ephesians 2:13, 14)

Jesus said, "Let not your hearts be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions:  If it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1,2)

His disciples were troubled at the thought of Jesus leaving them, but He calmed their fears by telling them that He would return for them when the time was right.  He also stated: "...and lo I am with you always, ever unto the end of the world.  Amen." (Matthew 28:20)

"And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him, but ye know Him, for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you."

JESUS SAID, "I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU COMFORTLESS"

When you are alone, frightened and full of despair, Jesus promises that he will not leave you comfortless.  You can be reassured that someone cares, because Jesus will not abandon you.

"I will not leave you comfortless.  I will come to you.  Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye shall see Me: because I live ye shall live also." (John 14:16-19)

Jesus said that He and His Father would come to us in the Person of the Holy Spirit. (John 14:21-23)  How can that happen?  God is triune and omnipresent at all times!

There is nothing more comforting, beautiful and powerful than to be filled with the blessed Holy Spirit of God.  The sweet peace and the presence of Jesus Christ, which the Holy Spirit brings to a believer is undeniably greater and more wonderful than any human experience.  He is in us, with us and around us - in good times and bad times, in sorrow and joy and in sickness and health!

Just the thought of the RETURN of JESUS CHRIST, is enough to put our hearts at ease and fill us with hope, comfort and joy!  That He will return is a certainty, even though "we know not the day nor the hour"!

The Bible says, "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

With St. John, the beloved apostle - we say: "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)  Hallelujah and Praise the Lord.  Amen!

PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

"But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.  And in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit, and they cried out for fear.  But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid." (Matthew 14: 24-27)

Jesus had "constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away." (verse 22)  These disciples were in God's will, when trouble came to them.  They were obeying Christ's command when the storm came suddenly, seeking to destroy them!

But before that could happen, Jesus appeared in their darkest hour - the fourth watch of the night - with deliverance from heaven!  They had rowed all night and had gotten nowhere, when Jesus came to them "walking on the water".  They became frightened, supposing that they had seen a ghost.

JESUS spoke to them, saying, "Do not be afraid.  Everything is alright!  I'm here to save you.  Be of good cheer, it is I."

Here is an amazing truth.  Although Jesus is presently seated at the Father's right hand, He is still with us in the Person of the Blessed Holy Spirit.  All we must do is trust Him to keep His promise, namely, "never to leave us or forsake us", and to be with us "always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)

That is why, we as Believers, can smile through our tears when we are mourning the death of a loved one.  And we can still sing and praise God, when our hearts are hurting because of some tragic events, and it seems like the 'bottom has fallen out' from beneath our feet.

We know we can call upon the name of the Lord and He will hear and answer our prayers, because He is God and can be trusted.  We run to Jesus with our problems, and He smoothes out the troubled waters and brings a calm into our hearts and lives!

He said: "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-29)

MESSIANIC PROPHECY:  Fulfilled by Jesus

In the Nazareth synagogue, where Jesus had been brought up - Jesus read Isaiah's messianic prophecy, declaring its fulfillment in Himself.  "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord..." (Isaiah 61:1,2)

The Bible records: "And He began to say unto them, This day is the Scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:21)  He declared that He was Messiah, the Christ and Son of God.  He had come to preach the Gospel, to heal the sick, wounded and broken hearted and to set the captives free!

As Messiah, He was proclaiming that the 'Gospel Age' had begun, and all Satan's slaves could go free!  There would be deliverance from sin, sickness, fear and the powers of darkness.  Blind eyes would be opened, deaf ears unstopped and those bound by demon spirits would be liberated.

The acceptable year of the Lord was the spiritual fulfillment of the 'year of jubilee' which the Hebrews had celebrated every 50 years, as a type of the coming 'Dispensation of the Holy Spirit' and God's grace, through the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST - His Son - on the cross for the salvation of the world.

When Jesus read from Isaiah 61, He did not read the last clause of verse 2, which speaks of the Messiah coming with "the vengeance of our God."  That is reserved for the great 'day of judgment' which is also called, 'the day of the Lord'.  (Joel 2:11,31; Acts 2:20; Malachi 4:6; Jude 6, Revelation 6:17; Revelation 16:14)

In order for us to understand what happened in the synagogue that day, we refer back to the 'Year of Jubilee'.  "And thou shalt number seven Sabbaths of year unto thee, seven times seven years, and the space of the seven Sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty nine years."

"Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of the atonement shall ye make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land."

"And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof, it shall be a jubilee unto you, and ye shall return every man to his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.  In the year of this jubilee, ye shall return every man unto his possession.  Ye shall not therefore oppress one another, but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the Lord your God." (Leviticus 25:8-55)

Each year on the great 'Day of Atonement', the high priest had the duty and privilege of entering into the very 'holy of holies' - where the presence of God dwelt - with the blood of a sacrificial animal.  In that August Presence, he was obliged to sprinkle the blood upon the mercy seat of the 'ark of the covenant', for the atonement of the sins of Israel.

Every fiftieth year, the 'Year of Jubilee' was ushered in by the blowing of the trumpet proclaiming freedom for slaves and prisoners, the canceling of all debts and the return of properties to the original owners.

The 'Year of Jubilee' could not begin, however, until the 'Day of Atonement' had been fulfilled.  Innocent blood had to be shed at the altar and sprinkled on the mercy seat in God's presence, before freedom could ring out in Israel for the prisoners, slaves and financially strapped people!  Sins had to be atoned for, before jubilation could come!

Standing up in the Nazareth synagogue, Jesus pronounced Himself the Messiah, which meant that He had to fulfill the 'Day of Atonement', shedding His blood as the perfect 'Lamb of God', - before the Gospel Age could begin by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

50 DAYS AFTER HIS CRUCIFIXION, Jesus poured out the 'gift of the Holy Spirit' upon 120 praying disciples in the Upper Room in Jerusalem, and the Gospel Age - the 'Dispensation of the Holy Spirit' - had begun.  Sinners were saved, broken hearts were mended, the sick and diseased were healed and great blessings of peace and joy filled their hearts!

How long will 'the acceptable year of the Lord' continue?  The Bible gives us the answer.  UNTIL JESUS RETURNS!  "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone 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 your children, and to all that are far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:38-39)

"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death til He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26)

So long as God is calling sinners unto Himself and we are partaking of the holy communion - emblems of Jesus' broken body and shed blood - that is the duration of the 'Dispensation of the Holy Spirit' known as the Gospel Age of the 'Acceptable Year of the Lord'!

Jesus Christ is the "same yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8), therefore, He is still forgiving sinners, giving joy, peace and new life to those bound by fear and torment.  He is still healing broken hearts, broken spirits and broken bodies and freeing Satan's slaves by His life-giving blood, the authority of God's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit!

He is still liberating the captives through His servants and handmaidens, who preach His glorious gospel.  The 'Year of the Jubilee' is still here.  The Gospel Age is not yet finished.  It will not be over til Jesus returns!

WHAT TO DO WHEN WE LOSE A LOVED ONE THROUGH DEATH

There are no easy solutions or quick fixes when it comes to bereavement.  It is proper to grieve, but, "not like the heathen who have no hope". (1 Thessalonians 4:13)  I believe that God heals our broken hearts through His Word, the presence of the Holy Spirit and the passage of time.  We have hope beyond the grave, for our trust in in Jesus Christ, Who has "abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (2 Timothy 1:10)

When the emptiness, sorrow and pain lingers on, my ONLY ADVICE is to cast yourself upon the grace of God and allow Him to be your burden bearer.  Ask the Holy Spirit to be your counselor and peace giver!  Here is what the disciples of John did after his terrible martyrdom.  "And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus." (Matthew 14:12)

In reality, that is all you can do.  Loved ones and friends are great, but only Jesus Christ can heal the wounds of death!  TRUST HIM AND HE WILL DO IT.

Jesus stated: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word, and believeth on him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; that they have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." (John 4:24,25,28,29)

Verses 24 and 25 deal with sinners "dead in their trespasses and sins", who are able to repent, call upon the Lord and be saved.  Verses 28 and 29 however, deal with those who have passed away - the righteous and unrighteous.  They will hear the voice of God, and come forth in either the first or second resurrection.  All will be raised from the dead to receive their just rewards!

St. Paul exults: 'O death, where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, Which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthian 15:55-57)

One day soon, in the fullness of time, Jesus will return to rapture His Church and judge the living and the dead.  We will see Him face to face and "tell the story, SAVED BY GRACE"!  We will then, have fought our last battle with the devil, the world and the flesh!

What a day that will be.  In the meanwhile, we have a job to do for Jesus.  May we not fail Him, is my prayer.  God bless you, my friend reading these lines.  He loves you and is calling for the lonely, discouraged, bereaved and weary soul to come to him.

Jesus said: "Come unto Me, all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)  And that is what this world needs - God's rest and peace!

Answer His call now my friend.  I sincerely pray that you will.

A number of recent news stories highlighted the growing fear by many people, due to the increase of terrorism, world disasters, wars, tsunamis, terrorist attack, earthquakes, world viruses and diseases.

FEAR IS A UNIVERSAL ENEMY

Fear and anxiety are universal enemies and certainly not a new enemy.  Fear had its beginning with Adam's rebellion and fall, in the Garden of Eden.  After Adam and Eve had disobeyed God's directive to them, fear entered their hearts.

"And Adam said, I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I am naked, and I hid myself."  (Genesis 3:10)

IN THE LAST DAYS "MEN'S HEARTS WILL FAIL THEM FOR FEAR"

That the slavish tentacles of fear are spreading and increasing in intensity is also prophetical.  Jesus declared that in the last days "men's hearts" will fail them for fear...." (Luke 21:26)

The leading cause of death is heart disease

The leading cause of death is heart disease.  People are suffering from strain, anxiety and stress is adversely affecting a large number of men and woman.  Alcohol consumption, drug abuse and anxiety attacks are increasing, all contributing to heart disease.

Cancer is #2 leading cause of death - Fear is a major contributor

Cancer is the #2 killer and medical science believes "fear" is a contributor - because it constructs the vessels carrying blood to affect areas.

Cigarette smoking is a major cause of heart disease and sickness, why why do people smoke?  Often, because they are uptight, nervous, anxious and afraid!

FEAR IS THE "ENEMY" AMONG US

Fear is "the enemy" among us and is taking a tremendous toll, psychologically, economically, domestically and physically.  As well as politically, both nationally and world wide.

FEAR DESTROYS RELATIONSHIPS

Fear is our "greatest enemy" and it hinders growth in business, impedes academic progress, breaks up families and keeps people out of church.

Fear is often the cause of strife, worry, bitterness, resentment, jealousy and hatred.  But fear can be conquered and driven out of our lives!

Many years ago, USA President Herbert Hoover stated: The dominant emotion everywhere in the world s FEAR.

Many years ago, USA President Herbert Hoover stated: "The dominant emotion everywhere in the world is FEAR.  This applies to every part of human activities - finance, industry, farmers, workers, thinkers and government officials."

THE ATLANTIC CHARTER - USA President Roosevelt

The Atlanta Charter, drawn up by US President Theodore Roosevelt and Britain's Sir Winston Churchill is still heralded as one of history's greatest documents, championing the common liberties of mankind.

	FREEDOM FROM FEAR
	FREEDOM OF SPEECH
	FREEDOM FROM WANT
	FREEDOM OF RELIGION

It contained four essential freedoms:  freedom from want, freedom from fear, freedom of speech and freedom of religion

New York City's Dr. David Mitchell declared, humans are born with only 2 fears, sound of a sudden noise, and unexpected removal of support or falling!

There are however many unreal, imagined and unreasonable fears which plague mankind.  These we must reject in order to enjoy good mental health and peace of mind.

Neurologists believe that the lower central part of the brain called the thalamus is the center of all emotions; this is where fearful thoughts issue from.  The nerve center is also where affection and love are born.

It is therefore important that we sort out our thoughts and allow only those that are sane, sensible, wholesome and truthful stay in our minds.

The Bible says: "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he".

And St. Paul admonished: "Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report...think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

PHOBIAS - THERE ARE MORE THAN 40 DOCUMENTS PHOBIAS

There are more than 40 phobias that harass humanity today - from ailurophobes (the fear of cats) to zoophobia (the fear of animals in general).  And there is healing for everyone - through faith in Jesus Christ - and some old fashioned common sense.

JESUS CHRIST CAN HEAL YOUR FEARS & PHOBIAS - 
IF YOU TRUST IN HIM

The Bible says, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

President Roosevelt stated: "The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself", and the Bible says, "....perfect love casts out all fears." (1 John 4:18)

WHAT IS THE OPPOSITE EMOTION OF FEAR

What is the opposite of fear.  It is FAITH.  Faith brings us peace and tranquility!

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

The Bible says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have access by faith in to this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.: (Romans 5:1-2)

Since perfect love removes all fears, it is good to know that God is love and His love has reached out to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for us!

And because He rose from the dead and is not only the testator but the executor of His own will - through the Holy Spirit - we are assured of His total peace and healing for spirit, soul (mind) and body.

JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOU

#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.

#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 at His word, Just to rest upon 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)  God knows and He is ready to help - Say it to yourself, "God knows about my existence and He loves me - His eyes are upon me and I know everything will be alright."

#3 - JESUS CHRIST CARES ABOUT YOU

"Casting all your cares 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 get 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.  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.  I am thrilled that God loves me, He knows all about me and that He cares about me - my difficulties and my needs.  Praise God!  Say it to yourself - "I know God cares about me and will help me!"

#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)

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 "Apodictic" 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 foolish person 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)

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.

Bible Scriptures Verses on FEAR  (King James Version)

Isaiah 41:10 - (kjv) - 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.

Isaiah 35:4 - (kjv) - Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence: he will come and save you.

Romans 8:31 - (kjv) - What shall we then say to these things?  If God [be] for us, who [can] be against us?  

Psalms 34:4 - (kjv) - I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalms 23:4 - (kjv) - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1 Peter 5:7 - (kjv) - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalms 56:3 - (kjv) - What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Proverbs 14:27  - (kjv) - The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

1 John 1:9  - (kjv) - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Isaiah 43:1  - (kjv) - But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

2 Timothy 1:7  - (kjv) - For God hath  not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

John 14:7  - (kjv) - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

1 John 4:18  - (kjv) - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Proverbs 16:6  - (kjv) - By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.

Psalms 111:10  - (kjv) - The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever.

1 Peter 2:17  - (kjv) - Honou all [men].  Love the brotherhood.  Fear God.  Honour the king.

Job 3:25 - (kjv) - For the thin which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Romans 15:13 - (kjv) - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Psalms 27:1 - (kjv) - ([A Psalm} of David.)  The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall be be afraid?

Deuteronomy 31:6 - (kjv) - Be strong and of a good courage,  fear not; nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

1 John 5:14-15 - (kjv) - And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: .. And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Joshua 1:9 - (kjv) - Have I not commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid; neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Romans 8:32 - (kjv) - 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?

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