Jesus’ word in John 16:33 is one of the most liberating messages mankind could receive. The time had come, as was prophesied by Isaiah in Isa. 61:1-3, “To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; . . . to console those who mourn in Zion.” Paul writes in Rom. 8:19-21, that all creation eagerly waits for the glorious liberty of the children of God. We can ask, “What is the liberty that all of creation longs for?” It longs for freedom from what we are enslaved to, freedom from the pain that sin has brought into mankind, into society, into families and marriages, freedom from our sinful nature. It longs for freedom from the spirit that is at work in the sons of disobedience. There is a loud cry for freedom in the world today, but it is a false freedom. People want freedom to have their own opinions, to do what they want and to live how they want. The human will is unable to create perfect unity, peace or freedom for mankind. We can see how the world strives to make it happen, and enormous resources are spent, but to no avail. Hopelessness and chaos prevail, and the god of this world has blinded the people. What can truly set us free is God’s will, and this will works through the word of the cross. It is only by following the prophetic word that we can be part of liberating all creation. Peter writes in 2 Pet. 1:21, “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” Here we see that human will can’t accomplish anything in the kingdom of God. God said to the prophet Jeremiah, “‘Is not My word like a fire?’ says the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?’” Ch. 23:29. It was the word of God that Jesus lived every single day, which crushed and destroyed, so what was divine could be revealed. Obedience to the word of God led Him to the day when He could say, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. And that is precisely the reason why He came in flesh and blood like the children, and He humbled Himself, taking up His cross daily, so that He could send the Spirit of truth to His brothers. Now the time has come for the same word to crush the mountains of flesh in my life, all that is hard and that is all about me, myself and mine. For that to take place, I have to humble myself under His will, which brings me into the sufferings of Christ. This is precisely where liberation takes place. When I suffer with Him, I will also live with Him. This is the freedom such ones long for, all those who want to follow Jesus. This is what discipleship is all about: coming to freedom yourself and then helping to set others free; leading the elect to Christ and to His body—those who have a heavenly calling!Dagfinn Lindberg

We live in a time when, to a great extent, people are self-willed, lovers of themselves, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. 2 Tim. 3:1-5. May none of us live in such a way, but instead serve God and diligently seek to be humble and pure in heart. Then we will partake of a life of content that overflows with goodness and care for people, and that looks out for the interests of others. Let us work out our own salvation with fear and trembling! Not just in the presence of others, but even more so when no one is watching and paying attention to us. Phil. 2:12. The life of Christ means everything to such genuine and true disciples. They follow Jesus on the way of humility. It is written in Phil. 2:1-4, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” When we look out for the interests of others, our lives gain a much broader perspective. The consolation in Christ is that we partake in divine nature, when we are quick to humble ourselves. Jesus’ disciples are not concerned with promoting themselves, or seeking something for themselves. In all that we do, may we be without self-interest, and may it be for the good of the body of Christ. In this way we follow Jesus Christ on the way of life unto glory and honor. Then we have an inheritance that does not fade away which is awaiting all the faithful ones who have followed Jesus in all the situations of life. 1 Pet. 1:4. May we all be diligent here in our personal lives, so that we are not put to shame on that Day, but that we can reap a full spiritual reward now in the days of our flesh.Kjell Stadven

It is a great grace and mercy from God that we have been able to hear His word, and by faith have been given an open door into salvation and development. “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” Jas. 1:18. What a calling and perfect gift has been given to us from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. It is now up to us to make our call and election sure, by nourishing ourselves and growing by the same words of truth. Everything that comes on our way is a perfect gift from the Father of lights, sent to educate us and to serve us in our heavenly calling. “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” John 8:31-32. Jesus also said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Ch. 14:15. The word “if” gives a clear and definite understanding that only those who abide in His word and who keep His commandments have love for Him in their hearts and can be His disciples. “Most men will proclaim each his own love, but who can find a faithful man?” [Norw.] Prov. 20:6. Someone who is faithful in love and truth is someone who remains in the simplicity that is in Jesus Christ and is obedient to the laws written in their heart and mind. How I deal with my situations and temptations becomes a test of whether I really love Jesus, whether I have an inner longing to hear the voice of the Bridegroom and to get to know Him. There are many thoughts that rise up in the situations we encounter, where we can find our human reactions. How important it is to examine ourselves and to be honest: Where do these thoughts come from? What is my intention with them? Is it care and brotherly love that produces them, or is there something I want for myself? Because, in the midst of my desire to do what is good, it is easy for there to be some traces of my own self-importance and honor, my own strength and human will—things that God hates. It is written about the disciples who were with Jesus that a dispute [thought, Norw.] arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. These thoughts of greatness have destroyed so many people, and if they are permitted to live, they will lead people on the paths of sin and death. Jesus followed precisely the opposite path, and He invites us to follow Him. Paul exhorts us: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:5-8. May we have great poverty in our spirits, so that by the fear of God we allow the word of truth, through the Spirit of truth, to speak to us and instruct us, and judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Ps. 107:19-21. How great the liberation and transformation will be when the word of obedience mixes with faith in our hearts. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35.Øyvind Baltzersen

In Eph. 1:3-6 it is written that God has chosen me from before the foundation of the world and determined that I should be His child. This means that I will receive His life, and partake of divine nature. 2 Pet. 1:3-4. If I have consciously laid hold of faith in my election and have wholeheartedly accepted this offer in reciprocal love for Him, this gives me great steadfastness in my daily battle against my lusts. This gives me a strong consolation that it will succeed, and that God will complete the work He has begun in me until the day of Jesus Christ. Heb. 6:11-20 and Phil. 1:6. It becomes so hopeful and everything takes on a meaning in my daily life—everything I encounter only serves for my best. Rom. 8:28. As a human being, it is impossible for me to improve myself in order to come to such a divine life, but I must be transformed by being obedient to the gospel. In this way, I am gradually transformed from my old, evil self-life into His new, glorious life, which I see with my inner eyes. May I make my calling and election sure, every day, by being vigilant and carrying out the works He has prepared for me, in my daily life, with zeal. 2 Pet. 1:10 and Eph. 2:10. Everything in this world is centered on the elect: both in the earthly and the spiritual. God Himself has chosen them—so who can be against them? Rom. 8:31. The world with its lusts and unrighteousness will pass away, but His elect, who do the will of God, will abide forever. 1 John 2:17 and 2 Pet. 3:13-14.Vito Založnik

Isn’t it normal to grow weary and lose heart? In 2 Cor. 4:16-18 we read, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” What a life! I can continually receive new strength and energy to do what is good! The tribulations, temptations and situations that seemed to be so unpleasant or impossible, I now see as golden opportunities, that are light and but for a moment. This is possible, with the power of God! This leads to an abundant life, as it is written in Matt. 5:41, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” According to my human nature, I can go the first mile, because after all I want to do good; but the second mile is definitely too much for me. Enough is enough; now others should also pitch in, etc. I grow weary and reach the end of my rope. However, if I have surrendered myself completely to God, and have been crucified with Christ, and am finished with all that is great in the world, then I experience how God works in me, both to want to do it and to be able to do it. Suddenly I can say, “I’m happy to go the second mile too.” I do it voluntarily, because God works in me with power and joy. My own limitations are being shattered. This is a far cry from thinking everything is so difficult and that they are demanding that I do the impossible. I come to fellowship in the sufferings of Christ, and completely cease from tormenting myself with self-imposed sufferings. What a glorious life! This will succeed and God will receive all honor for it.Andreas Fächner