429. Pentecost Conference 1928

We understand and see with our eyes that God blesses richly, more than we can understand or comprehend. The word about the “obedience of faith” is sending down deep roots, and souls are enthusiastic about it. Many come to the conference hungry, but we see that they travel home again rejoicing. We are exceptionally blessed to have several brothers among us who truly speak the Word of God. This opens people’s eyes, and faith comes by hearing. These brothers are the principal supports. When they, led by the Spirit, give their testimony, we sense that divine power and instruction stir and nourish our spirit.

This time the hall was packed full, so the doorways were crowded when people were coming and going. There are always new people that we have never seen before. One person brings another with him. If things continue like this, we will have to find other solutions for our annual conferences. Horten is such a central location, and the hall is excellent as far as it goes, so it is with both joy and sadness that we see these crowds flock to our conferences. We have not reckoned with large crowds of people, but if God wants to use us to minister to them, let His will be done.

Souls are embracing the Word of the cross. We see that it has the same power as it did in the days of the apostles. “I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” This testimony is the secret of all power and progress. Do not live for yourself; let the cross crucify all flesh, so that the life of Christ can live and flourish in individuals personally and in the assembly. But not everyone has this knowledge, so we often hear that things go wrong in a large assembly where some speak too much and others too little. But when this is corrected time and again, there is some improvement. The main thing is that all those whom God has placed in the foreground stay exactly in their place and listen carefully to what “the Spirit says to the church.”

Jesus says, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . . teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Matt. 28:18-20.

This is more than just preaching about sin and grace. “Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded!” We receive power to do that from God’s Spirit. Our country is full of the dismal preaching that says it is bondage to do all that Jesus has commanded. We have fought against this fundamentally false preaching for many years, and will continue to do so until the end of the age—by the grace and power God gives. God is with us, and He has given victory and progress up until today. It will be hard for anyone who wants to fight against the goads. Acts 26:14.

“That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth.”

When we’re by heaven’s Spirit knit together on life’s way,
When our flesh is on the Cross and “Yea and Amen” we say,
Then no words can describe our fellowship divine,
And at the same table, together we dine.