Food for Thought During the Present Revival in Oslo (1929)

Food for Thought During the Present Revival in Oslo (1929)

During times of revival, as in any other time, the Word of God must be preached with a holy seriousness. This rule always applies. The Word is effectual only when it is spoken as the Word of God. Then it will capture the hearts of the listeners. Those who speak must see to it that their words do not elicit profane laughter. Neither should the congregation be provoked by hearing disparaging stories about other assemblies. God is rich, and He has enough work for all of us. He is manifold, and His many-faceted work needs all kinds of laborers. Therefore, do not be haughty but fear, for not every work is laid upon our shoulders. Others also have valuable works to do. When God gives light, we see many of our past mistakes. When we speak about these mistakes, we must not speak in a way that incriminates other people. Otherwise we will offend others and make it more difficult for those who listen to us to judge themselves. Some of the elder brothers have received light and grace to expose and tear down some of the outrageous follies that prevail in our time and hinder God’s work. However, this does not mean that everyone else should try to perform this same work of breaking down. All of us must serve according to the grace that God has given us personally. If we do this, the meetings will be edifying and the hearers will be blessed. In every revival there are those who in their zeal to help do more harm than good. They think they are being a help, but their work actually has a detrimental effect. Such people should be quietly corrected. But if they continue in their folly, they should be publicly rebuked.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” James 3:13.

If we do this, we will gain favor with God and with man.

God’s Spirit is working mightily in Oslo in these days. A spirit of revival is present in the meetings. Sinners are being saved, and many of God’s people are getting greater light. Despite years of constant opposition, the truth has continued to forge ahead, and no one can prevail against it. God has also added some prominent musicians to the church who contribute to the meetings with their music and testimony. God is doing amazing things these days, more than we could ever have imagined. Brother Elias Aslaksen is laboring night and day. God has given him grace and gifts to minister and to promote the kingdom of God through his faith and his actions. Several other brothers are not far behind him in wisdom and the knowledge of God. The fellowship is more harmonious and healthy than ever before. Hundreds of people are listening to the preaching of the Word. Some sit in the pews and mumble indignantly, and others rebuke them. The audience is very lively. Some say it is blessed and good; others say it is terrible and hard. They mean, of course, hard for their flesh. Let us hope that this revival, now in its infancy, will prevail and continue to have an effect for many years to come, richly blessing all those who receive the Word. Pray for the meetings and for those servants of the Lord whom God is now using, that everything can work together to God’s honor and the glory of His name. It is important for us now to continue to do what is written in the song:

“We need much deeper, deeper down to go!!!”