Easter Conference

Elias Aslaksen:

1 Corinthians 9:25-27. When it concerns ministry, people think too much on a human level. They think about eloquence, being able to sing and play, and similar things. However, the really important thing is to lay hold of young, God-fearing men. It is not so much a question of the gifts, but rather whether you are the man who will bring your body and all its desires into subjection. It is only a question of whether you are willing to forsake everything and unreservedly bring your body into complete subjection all your life long, whether you are willing to do your utmost to sacrifice yourself and your entire future. If this is your whole desire, then God has all the strength and wisdom that you need. God would already have saved all of mankind if it didn’t also depend on us. We must have a heart that will absolutely put everything else aside. God has the power. We must be willing.

The other point of vital importance is chastity. It is vital to fight through on this point and to suffer to the end. You must become utterly reconciled to purity and discipline. Turn your eyes away from the opposite sex.

The third point is this awful matter of stubbornness. We can say that there is almost no one present who has been ruined by point #1 (money) and point #2 (unchastity), but rather by point #3. Therefore become accustomed to being stupid, submissive, servile, dependent, and worthless on a human level. Everything must be put to death.

Andreas Nilsen:

Song of Solomon 6:8. These verses speak about believers who are queens, concubines, and virgins without number. But “My dove, my perfect one, is the only one . . . .” V. 9. This “only one” stood out from the others. All of them were in a close relationship with Jesus, but to different degrees. Everything goes according to God’s will. And we ought to take note of the fact that all of them praised the chosen dove. They rejoiced to see her in the place that God had chosen for her. They were all God-fearing, but each one in his place. The dove was closest to the Master; the others pushed her into His arms, all the while being glad and satisfied with their own portion that was allotted to them.

Unity makes strong. We are called to work together. We must overcome envy and jealousy in our own bosom. Let us joyfully occupy the place that God has given us, and let us engage in the work that lies ahead. Let us support one another. When we hear about progress in different places through the ministry of the various brothers, we are exceedingly happy.