Easter Conference at Brunstad

Easter Conference at Brunstad

Another conference has passed into history, and never have so many conference participants expressed themselves so simply and clearly in their enthusiasm and thankfulness for the Brunstad conference center and for what is preached at Brunstad. This has also expressed itself in an increased joy in giving for the future and current expansion at the conference center. At one of the meetings Kjell Arne Bratlie read his foreword to the book he is currently writing about Brunstad, and said, “It is good to be here!”

Yes, the fact that it was good to be there should also be clearly evident from the excerpts of what was spoken at the conference.

The Light of Life

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” John 8:12. The gospel is: proclaiming light in the spirit of victory, liberation from the power of darkness—from everything that causes despondency and despair. Everything rests on walking in the light. “Walk while you have the light.” John 12:35-36. We must have a will to believe. When we walk in the Spirit, God can begin to write His commandments and laws on the tablets of the flesh of our hearts. Then we do not follow the leading of the natural man, but we let the truth set us free indeed—free from sin! Light is followed by judgment! “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God.” 1 Pet. 4:17. This is where we come away from regarding things superficially, from making light of the holy commandments. In verse 18 we read that the righteous one is scarcely saved. A righteous person most certainly does not live in conscious sin, and yet it still goes slowly when it comes to sanctification. We can ask, “Why?” Because it is difficult for a righteous person to acknowledge that he has sin. It is difficult to see oneself. For example, one does not so easily see one’s own stubbornness, or that one has a tendency to be a bit of a busybody. If we do not love the light and walk in it, darkness will overtake us. Then we will fall quickly out of brotherly love. Perhaps there is somebody against whom we begin to “compete.” If we notice something like this rising up in our flesh we need to love the light so that we can bless our brother or sister instead of considering them “rivals.” God did not bless them and give them the place and the ministry they have without a reason. It is vital for us to be thoroughly honest. God hates everything that is false!

“Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 6:11. This is the position we need to take in the hour of temptation; for example, when we are tempted to seek the honour of man—something that has deep roots in our human nature. “I have sinned; nevertheless, honour me before the people.” This is what Saul said to Samuel. In other words, he did not live before God, but before the people. We must seek to be totally saved from this pernicious sin, so that we are free indeed and can serve according to the workings of the Spirit. The same applies to the love of money. “Let your conduct be without covetousness.” Heb. 13:5. Let us earn money and use it, but use it according to God’s good laws. Then we will receive again many times over. It is a great shame to be a slave of mammon. The spirit of miserliness must be completely eradicated from our life. This is the very essence of the good tidings: that we are saved from seeking our own so that we can begin to give. By walking in the Spirit we do not fulfill the desires of the flesh. The body that was previously an instrument of unrighteousness becomes an instrument of righteousness for God. Rom. 6:13.

The judgment of the Lord and His consuming fire also want to set us free from all discouragement. Once the fire has consumed all that is imaginary, great, and proud in the hidden chambers of our heart we will realize that it is a shame to be discouraged and downcast. We do not see any trace of discouragement in the lives of the heroes of faith that we read about in Hebrews 11. On the contrary, there we meet the spirit of victory, which nobody can take away from the one who possesses it.

The life is the light of men. Many people have knowledge—dry intellectual knowledge—but they do not have the light of life. For example, one can hold a dissertation about rearing children, but perhaps one does not even understand how to have fellowship with one’s own children. When the children are grown up such a person is left alone in spite of his nice theories. This is “the Emperor’s new clothes” all over again. Only talk, no life and no light of life. We do not win our children and young people with that kind of hypocrisy.

“He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” Rev. 2:11. The ungodly are consumed by the second death. However, we can be hurt by it, even very badly to the point at which a person can almost end up as a cripple, spiritually speaking. In other words, one does not attain to what one should have attained to in life.

The light of life is particularly evident in blessed fellowship, and we must be very zealous to cultivate it. This fellowship can be easily damaged by off-the-cuff comments about this and that; one is quick to make comments instead of being quick with good and thankful words.

True Sufficiency

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 we read about the perilous times in which we are living, with many people having an appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Such people deny the power that is in each and every step of faith on the way in Jesus’ steps. For example, it takes a step of faith to bless the others. We read in verse 7 about some who never come to the acknowledgment of the truth. Such people have stopped walking in the light, and they become disapproved, or incapable of believing. V. 8. They are incapable of believing in spite of their oratorical skills and appearance of godliness.

In verse 17 we read about the school through which God puts us. “That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Not perfectly equipped to explain and interpret, but equipped for every good work! This is sufficiency on the basis of faith, whereas the others are incapable of believing. The one who is sufficient, or capable of believing, is also capable of blessing. Yes, such a person can also bless where no blessing was expected.

In 1 Samuel chapter 3 we read about Gods great wrath and judgment over Eli’s house because Eli knew that his sons acted in an ungodly manner but he still did not keep them in check. For example, if one sees that a certain individual is infected with jealousy and one still does not dare to say what God wants to have said because one is afraid to lose one’s honour, one can merrily continue to spout off knowledge, but one becomes incapable of believing. God acted radically when it concerned Eli and his sons; He even said that it would tingle both ears of everyone who hears it. V. 11.

Peter calls the light that brings a cleansing judgment over our life, “God’s marvellous light.” 1 Pet. 2:9. It is marvellous because it sets us free from sin and self-life. This is how we need to have it in our hearts: the light concerning denying ourselves and taking up our cross and following Him is truly a marvellous, wonderful light. It is the light of life that sets us free from the power and the nature of darkness. “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Is. 30:15. “But you would not,” it says further. We must come in quietness so that we can walk before God’s face. In these days, in certain countries, one can see houses that are almost shacks, and yet there is a veritable forest of television antennas on the roofs so that those who live there can be influenced by all kinds of things from all directions. This is also the case with many people in a spiritual sense. They can almost be “spiritual bums,” yet they have their “antennas” in both east and west, and are curious about what is happening in other places and in other churches. They are busybodies in matters that do not concern them.

In quietness and confidence we learn to receive with meekness the implanted word that is able to save our souls, whenever the situations arise. Then we are not busy with things that do not concern us.

In Revelation 3:19 we see that God rebukes and chastens everyone He loves. In the following verses we can see how He works and what His aim is. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” He is so full of God’s zeal, yet He works with so much sensitivity and quietness; He does not force Himself on anybody, but He knocks discreetly. In 2 Thessalonians 1:3 we read about a growing faith and an abounding love toward one another. There we see a good illustration of a “raptured church.” When God sheds light on our pride with His light, the time is ripe for brotherly love to grow. Then we become thankful for each other, and we depend on the spiritual food we receive in fellowship with each other.

In the “Song of Mary” (Luke 1:53), Mary says: “He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.” After a blessed meeting or conference one can still go home with empty hands if one is rich and satisfied. The humble person goes home enriched.

Phariseeism

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23. If the heart is not kept pure the fountain of life becomes polluted; one becomes spiritually blind. Israel made progress as long as they kept the commandments of the Lord. But when idols were let in, Jerusalem’s collapse was awesome.

“Blind Pharisees, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matt. 23:26. The Pharisees were zealous to display an outward righteousness, but they did not keep their hearts pure. Therefore Jesus calls out “Woe!” to them. In their striving to be seen righteous in the eyes of men they were blind to the things that were weightier according to the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness in the depths of the heart.

“But rather give alms of such things as are within; then indeed all things are clean to you.” Luke 11:41. If the heart is not pure it is usually filled with the lust to judge. One judges the others on the basis of what one sees on the outside. The problems one causes others by the lust to judge are not few. Then one gives off an aura of “spirituality,” and this can apply to both brothers and sisters. It is not rare that one can see it with half an eye when such a person comes in and sits down with his “spiritual” look and lust to judge. Others feel unwell in his presence. He is extremely conceited and believes that he can judge other, simple souls who are nevertheless acceptable in God’s eyes. Jesus calls out a “Woe!” over such shameful conduct.

In 1 Timothy 2:9-10 Paul writes about modest apparel and about adorning yourself with good works. It can happen that some people dress with the intent of appearing particularly pious; yet at the same time they judge others. Those who confess godliness do not dress modestly because of external pressures, but because God works in their inner man. There are many who have a tendency to point out and make running comments about the way children and young people are dressed, and so they can drive them out into the world with their Phariseeism. Many young people have drawn back because they were the objects of such external pressures. There is something that is called “judging those who are inside” (1 Cor. 5:12), but it is difficult to judge correctly if you have not begotten spiritual children. Many people hurt themselves on this point and lose confidence. Why destroy yourself? Those who persist in these things should ask themselves: How many spiritual children have I begotten with my lust to judge? The anointing of the Lord is to teach us all things, and he who is a servant of the Spirit receives grace to enter into the secret recesses of the heart. He receives grace to show souls a way out of their need, as it is written: “And to God the Lord belong escapes from death.” Ps. 68:20.

For example, parents can put pressure on their children instead of working with their attitude of heart. The children are usually along in homes where love and goodness rule. However, if they should go out into the world for a while, so many strong bonds have been knit that they often find their way back.

The Corinthians abounded in speech and knowledge. 2 Cor. 8:7. Just think if they had been rich in the anointing! But there was not a single wise man among them who could judge between his brethren, nobody who could operate deep into the roots of the heart with words that could set free that which was bound. Some people are “frozen” and need warmth. Some are bound up in themselves, and something needs to be set free in their heart. This is where the ministry of the Spirit and ministers of the Spirit are required. James writes about some who are judges with evil thoughts. Jas. 2:4. When such people judge they need forgiveness for their own sins. Nevertheless, in the anointing we can help people instead of condemning them. We can lead them to glory.

Some individuals can have a negative attitude toward everything. Quite often this has a contaminating effect. Such a person can be compared to a large brake shoe or to sand in a machine. We must purify our hearts from all such things.

The Power of the Resurrection

Christ arose; He arose indeed! These are glad tidings that have made it possible for us to live an overcoming life on resurrection ground and in the power of the resurrection. “. . . that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:23. We shall also proclaim light to each other; light and hope. John writes, “We proclaim life unto you!” This is a life in which our bodies are instruments for God, and the death of our bodies is an entrance to life. People’s plans are destroyed by death, but he who has been born again to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, enters into life.

Jesus abolished death. 2 Tim. 1:10. He said, “A body You have prepared for Me” (Heb. 10:5), and in this body He fought against death and him who had the power of death. Evil never gained power through his body. Now our bodies can also be instruments of righteousness for God. The devil must never be allowed to use our bodies to do evil. These are the glad tidings: We no longer need to serve sin with our bodies. If we open our mind and spirit to this gospel we will experience the power of the resurrection on resurrection ground.

Our body is to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. “Glorify God with your body!” God is glorified when the life of Jesus is manifested in our body. He is dishonoured if bitterness, anger, and impatience are manifested.

“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Cor. 15:20. The first fruits of those who have fallen asleep! This means that there is also hope for our bodies, an eternal hope! The dead in Christ shall arise first, and their mortal bodies will be made alive. Rom. 8:11.

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” Jas. 1:12. There is something to endure. We come under pressure in life’s trials, but let us endure and be steadfast. Patience leads to a perfect work. And what is this perfect work other than divine nature? Then death has been swallowed up in victory, and the sting of death is no more. 1 Cor. 15:54 flg. We must be more alive to this in the hour of temptation. A body that has been the temple of the Holy Spirit will be caught up through the power of Jesus’ resurrection.

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich). . . .” Rev. 2:9. This is how the Lord speaks to a faithful soul. The one who is aware of his poverty because of temptations, and that the other law in his members takes him captive, should also know that he is rich! The opposite of this is the angel of the church in Laodicea, who was satisfied and rich in himself. He thought he was rich, but in fact he was poor, blind, and naked. In Proverbs 29:8 we find this expression: “Sifting and separating all evil with his eyes.” We can only do this if we live in a state of self-acknowledgment. All evil, backbiting, criticism, lust to judge, and discouragement must be radically removed from our life. He who is poor in spirit does this. He is blessed in the midst of his poverty and need. Let us depart from all evil by humbling ourselves in the situations. If we do not humble ourselves in life’s situations we can be the cause of the others’ sufferings. The Lord dwells with those who are of a broken and contrite spirit. But brokenness and contrition is not the end of it, because we read further, “. . . to revive the spirit of those who are broken, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Is. 57:15.

The angel of the church in Sardis (Rev. 3) had a name that he was alive, but he was spiritually dead. In life’s situations he did not remember what he had learned and heard. The angel of the church in Philadelphia, on the other hand, was strong in spite of his weakness, because he had kept the Word. The Word was near him, in his mouth and in his heart. We always need exhortation, because it is easy to end up on a “siding.” It is possible that the angels of the churches we read about in Revelation 2 and 3 who had ended up on a “siding” did not have too many people around them who could give them the necessary exhortations. But we have our conferences and we are constantly coming together for gatherings and meetings. In this way we have many opportunities; it is quite possible that they in those days did not have them in the same way. We receive powerful exhortations, as for example at this Easter conference; exhortations that give us an opportunity to keep us on a sound “track.” This sound “track” is to love justice and hate iniquity, as the Master did, and continue “. . . steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42. For example, having problems with one another and at the same time being occupied with the apostles’ doctrines is a contradiction in terms; it is a shame.

“Take root downward, and bear fruit upward.” 2 Kings 19:30. “The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this.” V. 31. We become partakers of the Lord’s glory by living near Him. We need to take care that our roots go downward, deeper and deeper into God, in the various times that go over our life. This is done in the zeal of the Lord. Then we will always “bear fruit upward.” For example, all the glorious fruit of the Spirit we read about in Galatians 5:22, will become visible only if our roots go down deeper. Rooted and grounded in love. Eph. 3:18. “. . . that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” V. 19.

Be Strong in the Lord

In James 1:5 flg. we are exhorted to pray for wisdom. “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.” V. 6. A doubter is a pitiable person. Doubt opens the door to all kinds of uneasiness. For example, perhaps a brother says some good words to you, but you doubt and think, “I wonder if he means what he is saying.” We must purify ourselves from all such things. We must not doubt God’s election in the church. It is God who has put His servants there, each one in his ministry.

Timothy was powerfully exhorted not to be discouraged, but to suffer evil with Paul for the sake of the gospel in the power of God. When we suffer evil in the power of God we can experience what Paul and Silas experienced: a song of praise in the midst of tribulation.

The Spirit of God is a Spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind. There can be situations in life in which we feel hemmed in and that it is difficult to break out. Then we need power to go further. David says in Psalm 18:29, “By my God I can leap over a wall.” We are called to be a royal priesthood. That which is royal must become visible in our life.

For example, there can be a situation where one of the teenage children can almost rule the entire home. We must deal with this situation in the spirit of power, because there shall be peace in Jerusalem, and rest within its palaces. Ps. 122.

Individual people can be like sand in a machine. Such people have to be dealt with. Such dissatisfied people must not be allowed to continue to be the brake shoes that they are. Many people do not have faith to deal with such people and perhaps even judge those who do have faith for it. “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.” Rom. 14:1. This is done in the church. Children need milk, and they shall have milk. But you cannot give milk to the entire family just because there is one infant in the house. The same rule applies in the church. The church needs a well-rounded diet, different kinds of food, so that it shall not suffer from any “deficiency disease.” We must be able to bear the fact that there are differences. People’s characters are different; they serve according to the grace God gives. The one who is weak must not be despised (v. 3), but he must be helped to become strong in the Lord. The one who is weak is very prone to judge the one who is strong, and he uses his own conscience as a yardstick for what the others are doing and saying. And if we gave undue consideration to all kinds of weaknesses, Satan could easily come to control the entire church through such weak people, or in any case, hinder its development.

For this reason Brunstad, and the speakers’ platform at Brunstad, are of inestimable value to the church. There it is seen to that these “deficiency sicknesses” do not gain a foothold in the church. There is a breadth in the prophetic word that is spoken there: edification, exhortation, and comfort. And the anointing is to teach us all things. 1 John 2:24 flg. We must abide in the Word we have heard from the beginning. Then we will abide in power. The anointing also teaches us spiritual warfare, and it is also the source of enthusiasm in the preaching. There must always be this anointed enthusiasm over us when we proclaim light for one another and to one another. For example, many people can tire the church out with their theories about Christ manifested in the flesh; and such a person is perhaps in reality a stranger to the life of Christ that is manifested in the flesh. Let us abide in the Word we have heard from the beginning.