Advent Conference

Advent Conference

Good friends, inspiring music, beautiful songs and a light in the darkness of winter . . . . There was a very special feeling in the air at the Advent Conference at Brunstad, the first weekend in December. Those who attended in person and those who watched via streaming experienced a warm and uplifting Christmas atmosphere.

But the most important and most valuable thing was—as always—the message about Jesus Christ who came to earth to save us!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Just think about the infinite love God has shown us! He has opened the door to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the very essence of the Christmas story. We were reminded that it’s not just about believing—we have also been called to walk on the way that Jesus opened for us. This way, which leads to a life in Christ, was made clear in a powerful and moving way at this conference.

Here are some excerpts from the meetings.

Jesus Is the Head of the Body

Kåre J. Smith began the conference by reading from Col. 1:15-18. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”

This is a powerful description of our Lord Jesus Christ. He didn’t come to earth just to give us the forgiveness of sins. Many people misunderstand the grace in Christ and confine it to just forgiveness. We have been called to be members of the body of which Jesus is the head.

As members of this body, we will understand that in order to live His life, we must also enter into His death. Rom. 6:8. Paul expresses himself clearly about this, and gives a strong personal testimony: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Gal. 2:20. This testimony must be true for everyone who desires to be part of the body of Jesus. And it is this body that is the church!

Throughout history, many people have tried to create churches based on their own understanding and opinions. This has resulted in many different churches around the world. But how is it? Is Christ the head of these churches? Christ is only the head of one body, which is the body that is made up of members that grow in all the virtues of Christ, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in them. 2 Cor. 4:10.

A body consists of many members, and all of them do not have the same function. Yet they belong together, as one body. We are members of one another in Christ. Rom. 12:4-5. Paul urges us to serve each other with the gifts we have been given, and he emphasizes that a development must take place. “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Further on, he gives more practical advice on how we can grow by overcoming evil with good. V. 9-21.

We can be busy with many things and do many works, but it’s important to ask the question: Do these works really have weight? Do they help us grow in the virtues of Christ, or are they in vain? Paul is clear about this in 1 Cor. 13:1-3. We can do great things, but if we don’t have love, it’s in vain. Paul describes love by emphasizing the things that give it weight: it suffers long, is kind, bears all things, believes, hopes and endures all things . . . . V. 4-7. Jesus emphasized exactly the same thing to the Pharisees when He pointed out what were the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faith. Matt. 23:23.

It is our fullness of the virtues that will really weigh heavily in our lives. God weighs our deeds. Job puts it this way: “Let me be weighed on honest scales, that God may know my integrity.” Job 31:6. Growth consists of Christ being formed in us, as His life increases in our lives. The intention is that love should increase, and we should sense a deep desire to receive more love. If this need is not present, then we can do a lot of works without developing in the life of Christ.

When Christ has truly become our head, and we live as members of His body, He is also the One who leads us and works through us. Whatever we do in word or deed is done in His name, as Paul exhorts us to do. Col. 3:17. He exhorts us using practical examples, parents, children, husbands, wives, and servants (V. 18-22)—everyone is urged to do what they do “heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” V. 23. This gives our deeds a deeper meaning and weight. When we do everything from the heart and for the Lord, we have the opportunity to follow Jesus in His death, so that His life can shine forth through us.

Imagine what glory and liberation it brings, both in the home and in the church, when the image of Christ comes forth in our lives. As we continually develop and allow Christ to be the head of the body, there will be a unity and harmony that is to the glory of God and that will bear abundant fruit.

Let us therefore stand faithfully in this good development day by day, with a fervent desire to be able to grow up to Him who is the head. Then we will experience the blessing that comes on the members of the body of which Christ is the head.

Fear Not!

The Christmas story is about Jesus, and during the Christmas season we remember His coming to earth. The birth of Jesus is celebrated in much of the world. The apostle John writes: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” John 1:1-2. Jesus came to earth to show people a way back to God. John continues: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” V. 14.

Jesus is full of grace and truth! But the question is: What good is grace if we aren’t willing to acknowledge the truth about ourselves? Jesus came to earth as a man, not to be served, but to serve. He gave His life as a ransom for many. Matt. 20:28.

Whoever listens to Jesus will have life—and an abundance of life. John 10:10 says that the “thief” comes to steal and murder and destroy. It’s sad that so many people allow themselves to be deceived by the thief. Instead of serving and giving, as Jesus did, they constantly expect something from others. This is the opposite of serving—and it doesn’t lead to life. Egotism characterizes the thief’s nature, and destruction follows in its wake. But for us who believe in Jesus, we have received a new mind, and we have the opportunity to follow Jesus on the way that leads to life itself.

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32. These are Jesus’ words of comfort to His disciples—those ones who were chosen and who were ready to become His disciples. Today we see how conflict is prevalent on earth. There is war and unrest, and uncertainty about the future. But for all those who have a heavenly calling and who receive the gospel of God, there is no reason to fear. There is a battle between the two sides, but the forces of heaven will defeat all evil, and Jesus says: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:20. We can rely on this promise. God’s little flock has nothing to fear.

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isa. 9:6. Imagine how glorious life will become when we allow Jesus to be our counselor in all situations of life! Being good to each other, abiding in love and avoiding all evil is the recipe for a rich life. Those who love life in Jesus need Him as their counselor. He teaches us to turn away from all evil and always seek peace. When we do that, no one will be able to harm us at all: “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” 1 Pet. 3:8-14.

Jesus wants to share His life with us, and He wants to give us an abundance of life. In order to partake of this life, we must obey the commandments that He gives us. John 15:14. When we are obedient, we become part of that flock that is being united with Christ in one body. These people have understood the Christmas gospel, and they live in expectation and make themselves ready for Jesus’ return. May God give us grace so that we can be among them!

Keep the Commandment Pure!

During the Brunstad Magazine, we were given a glimpse into how vital it has been throughout the ages to find people who have taken to heart the exhortation Paul gave to Timothy: “I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing.” 1 Tim. 6:13-14. We find Johan O. Smith among these people, but we know that many other women and men throughout the ages have also fought for the truth, and to keep the commandment without spot.

Our preaching is as unshakable today as it was in Johan O. Smith’s time, and our goal is to continue to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and spread it throughout all nations. This is why we now want to ensure that our literature is made available to everyone who is seeking the truth and who wants to hear about the gospel. However, we will be vigilant to ensure that what is published is exclusively authored by faithful disciples of Jesus who have kept the commandment without spot and blameless.

Kåre J. Smith exhorted us to be obedient to the gospel. This was also how Paul worked with people: he wanted to bring forth the obedience to the faith, as it is written in Rom. 1:5. It is of little use to have the greatest gospel on earth if you’re not obedient to it. Then the gospel is worthless. Paul is clear on this point: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” Rom. 16:17.

It is only by obedience to the doctrine we have received that we can partake of the glory and in the greatest and most precious promises: namely, that we can partake of divine nature. 2 Pet. 1:3-4. Even Jesus, the Son of God, had to learn obedience. Heb. 5:7-8. Through His obedience to God’s laws and commandments He opened a way for us. “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” V. 9. He didn’t do this so that we could get out of learning personal obedience, but rather that we should follow in His footsteps and show the same obedience to God’s will.

Many people are happy to receive Jesus as an offering for sin, and they come to Him for forgiveness of sins. But how many have received Jesus as Lord? Jesus says: “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” Luke 6:46. In order for Jesus to truly be Lord in our lives, we must also walk in Him, and sacrifice our own will to do God’s will in all things. Col. 2:6. If you are not obedient to the Lord, you will fall under the sway of the wicked one. “For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4. Then you are heading at full speed in the opposite direction from the gospel.

The Man Christ Jesus, is the only Mediator between God and men. 1 Tim. 2:5. In His great love, God sent His own Son into the world as a man, to condemn sin in the flesh. “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh.” Rom. 8:3.

Through the life of Jesus and His complete victory over sin, it is now possible for us to overcome sin in our own flesh. Jesus resisted the power of sin and won a crushing victory, and thereby the way is open for us! “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh.” Heb. 10:19-20.

Kåre J. Smith encouraged us to seek first the kingdom of God in all our circumstances so that we are able to understand and live the gospel in its deepest meaning. This truth is a mystery that only those who are God-fearing can fully comprehend. “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.” 1 Tim. 3:16.

Let us be among those who understand this revelation and who keep the commandment without spot and blameless!