451. Trip to Sweden

On Thursday, November 12 of this year, brother Aslaksen and I traveled to Stockholm to preach the gospel of the cross. We were led to an older brother, brother Flodberg, who has had meetings in his home for many years. At his place, we also met brother H. Schager from Norrkøping, who has actively promoted the inner life for many years and has written quite a few good songs and hymns. These friends were very familiar with the old writings of Madame Guyon, Bøhme, Terstegen, and others. In addition to these friends, we also met a former Russian military officer, Butkéwitsch, who had meetings in another part of the city. He held meetings for Russians, Germans, and Swedes. We alternated between having meetings with the two above-mentioned brothers as well as in the YWCA, which we had rented. God gave us grace and strength so that everything turned out very well, considering that this was our first time in Sweden. God opened both hearts and doors for us. As a nation, the Swedish people are regarded as very religious. Many of them take Christianity very seriously. So we preached the Word of the cross night after night, and we did not encounter any resistance worth mentioning. On the contrary, several received the Word and became very happy. There is power in the Word of the cross to set souls free. Upon our arrival in Stockholm, we lodged at the Evangeliska Fosterlandssiftelsens hotel. After some time, when we had become better known, an older, God-fearing sister, Mrs. Molin, received us and invited us to stay at her place. We got to know several people personally, so our time was fully occupied with meetings, conversations, letter-writing, and visits in the city. The Word of the cross had an amazing effect. Several people declared that they had received light during the meetings, and they prayed fervently for us and for this work, which they understand is so sorely needed in our time. The word about “a crucified flesh” is a mystery to most people. They know of the forgiveness of sins, the baptism of the Spirit, and the gifts; but to be crucified with Jesus Christ is a mystery, even though the Scriptures speak so clearly about it. Gal. 2:19 and 20. Gal. 5:24 and 6:14. The Word of the cross breaks down the carnal party barriers, and it makes the believers into one people. I wonder who gave anyone the authority to create parties. I wonder if it might not be Satan, since parties are works of the flesh. Gal. 5:20 [Norw.]. When we as God’s people come to a foreign country, it is not easy for us if we are not a member of their party. I assume that even the apostles would not have been able to preach unless they enrolled in their assembly.

However, we are very happy outside these camps, and in Sweden we found people who felt the same way. It is so good and blessed to have a part in breaking down all barriers and fences that people erect in order to defend themselves and what is theirs. Everyone wants Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior, but they prefer to have Him within their own party.

Is Christ divided?