517. Easter Conference 1925

This year, in one way, there were two conferences during Easter, because many came for the meetings on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and then went home on Saturday, while many new friends came on Saturday evening to be at the Easter Sunday meetings. But the friends from Hallingdal and other distant places had five conference days. Sister Anna Holtz came from Denmark.

We heard much about enduring in tribulations and diverse sufferings.

We also heard about not uttering anything hastily before the Lord. We heard that a person is not competent to serve during the first years before they have been tested and have ridden out some storms, just as Israel was not to eat the fruit of the trees they had planted for the first, second, and third years. However, everyone ought to testify to what God has done for them whether they are beginners or elders. But to carry on as teachers is inappropriate for new beginners because they have so much to contend with in their own flesh. It is highly unlikely that what they would have to offer would be anything other then flesh with the blood still in it, and it is written that that is not to be eaten. It was blessed to hear the young people testify that they had received this as a very appropriate admonition, and they proclaimed before the whole assembly that they as young people would submit to those who are older. It was as if everyone felt the sweetness that a rebuke gives to a listening ear. May God bless these honorable, lovable, and God-fearing souls. If they continue in this way, they will quickly become effective servants of the Lord.

We can certainly say that unity and heartfelt love among the friends increases year by year. It is actually tangible to see how they love one another and how their faces light up when they meet again after having been apart for a time.

Assignments were given for cleaning every morning, and that took place with a precision that was delightful to see. At 8:30 every morning everything was clean and orderly, the tables were set, and Pauline Borgersen, who was the conference cook, had coffee ready. We had meetings every day at 10:30 and 5:00, and God’s deep peace and blessing rested over it all.

What is the secret to all of this tangible unity??? First, it is the constant preaching of cross and death to all flesh. Secondly, it is that this cross is utilized in people’s lives. And thirdly, it is the love that comes when each one lays down his own life according to the flesh. It does not help to try to make a good show according to the flesh. This is the secret to this deep unity.

Because of the difficulty of the times, and because it is easiest and cheapest for the friends to meet in Horten, where we have such a wonderful meeting hall, we agreed to have the Pentecost conference in Horten also. God willing, we will meet again for a conference at Pentecost. Welcome in the spirit of the cross and the fear of the Lord.