The Summer Conferences

The Summer Conferences

This summer was truly rich, full of powerful experiences and wonderful moments together with friends from far and near. It was moving to see the great longing and eagerness to gather at Brunstad, and we could notice that our friends are very enthusiastic about these conferences.

No doubt, many were reminded of what is written about the disciples who talked together on their way to Emmaus: “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32. This summer, we also heard—proclaimed to us just as vividly—the message of Christ’s suffering and the way that leads to glory. We are deeply thankful to God for the servants He has placed in the church, and especially for our dear brother and friend Kåre J. Smith, who faithfully served us with God’s word throughout the summer.

At the meetings we received simple and clear guidance: we have been called to walk in the Spirit and to allow the life of Christ to grow within us. May this be the first item on our agenda for the rest of our lives! We look back on this summer’s conferences with great thankfulness, and here is an excerpt from the meetings, for encouragement and reflection.

Incline Your Ear to God—and Understand What the Church Is

Kåre J. Smith reminded us of an important exhortation God gave to Israel long ago, which is just as relevant for us today: “Listen to Me, My people; and give ear to Me, O My nation: for law will proceed from Me, and I will make My justice rest as a light of the peoples.” Isa. 51:4. God had given Israel His commandments and laws so that a strong and righteous people would grow up as an example for other nations. However, there was a condition: everything depended on whether they would listen to God and follow His word.

The prophet Jeremiah cried out to the people: “O land, land, land, hear the word of the Lord!” Jer. 22:29, ESV. It is absolutely vital that we are able to hear God’s voice. We are called to be God’s children, and all of creation is eagerly waiting for the children of God to be revealed. Rom. 8:19-22. But do we hear the word of the Lord? Have we opened our hearts and minds to what God wants to tell us?

These days, our attention is so easily drawn away from that which has eternal value. The world can offer us many things that capture our interest and occupy our thoughts and time, making it difficult to hear God’s still, quiet voice. “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind.” Eph. 4:17. The Gentiles did not know God, neither did they have the commandments or the promises. But even though God had given Israel His promises, it was still in vain if they would not listen and act according to God’s word. When we think about our own salvation, it is absolutely essential that we incline our ears to God and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us in our hearts. “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law.” Isa. 51:7.

The primary task of the church is to help people become disciples who want to follow Jesus. When Paul wrote to the Ephesians about the glory that had been revealed through Jesus, he underlined how Christ reconciled us to God in one body, through the cross. Eph. 2:16. The church is to be pure and holy, as the bride of Christ. “That He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Ch. 5:27. By living a crucified life, we become members of Christ’s body on earth.

Jesus is the Head of the body, and the Head has been chosen for a special task—but the individual members also have a task that needs to be done. It is a misconception to believe that “Jesus has done everything, so we don’t need to do anything.” Everyone who is in the body of Christ has been called to live in harmony with the Head. If you are not crucified with Christ, neither are you part of Christ’s body. Gal. 5:24.

It is a blessing to be in the church, but it is even better to have your eyes opened to see what the church truly is. Jesus is the Head of the church, and on the cross He was victorious: “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them on the cross.” Col. 2:15. [Norw.] The church consists of people who follow Jesus and who want to live as disciples. They are not just members, but followers.

Kåre J. Smith read to us from the letter to the Ephesians, which gives a clear picture of what the church is. After Jesus won his great victory, it is written: “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Eph. 1:22. Jesus is perfect, but His body on earth is in constant development. God works with each one of us to mold and form us according to His will. Jesus was a humble man, and He was well acquainted with humiliation. “Now this, ‘He ascended’—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.” Ch. 4:9-10. Jesus chose to walk this path in humility, thereby giving us the opportunity to be transformed.

Paul goes on to describe how God builds up the church. V. 13. It has to do with growing in faith, becoming mature, and allowing Jesus’ life to have more room within us. The church, the body and bride of Christ, is formed when we take a stand against sin and self-life, and choose the truth. “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” V. 15-16.

Our Connection to the Head, Christ

We believe that those who truly follow Jesus and live according to His example make up the body of Christ here on earth. Christ Himself is the Head of this body. Col. 1:18. He will show us how to respond and conduct ourselves in the various situations of life.

Some people may experience that they don’t get the fellowship they want in the church, or that they don’t get to serve in the way they would like. It’s easy then to think that it is someone else’s fault. That is a misunderstanding. The problem is never with the others. Each and every one of us will one day be held accountable for our own lives before God. Rom. 14:12. It has only to do with our own connection to the Head, which is Christ. It does not help to blame others, because it is Christ who gives each individual a place and a task in the body: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Eph. 4:11-12.

God has placed servants in the church precisely to help us to develop in the ministry that has been given to us. Every member of the body has a function, a task that contributes to the growth and development of the body—that is, the church. V. 13. When we are in close contact with Jesus, God’s Spirit can lead us to see the truth about ourselves. Then we have the opportunity to purify ourselves and grow in Christ. V. 15.

“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 1 Tim. 4:16. If you stop growing and become passive spiritually, you will lose your connection with the Head. This happened to some of the church leaders in Asia Minor. Jesus had to say to them: “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” Rev. 3:1. “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Ch. 2:4. This should make us more serious, especially those of us who have been in the church for years and may have started to take things for granted.

God’s word speaks of growth in all the virtues of Christ. This means that we should grow to be like Jesus in all things. The apostle Peter writes about this: “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” 2 Pet. 1:5-7. When these virtues grow in us, it is proof that we are fruitful and alive in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. V. 8.

The Congregation of the Upright

God is looking for people who are righteous and upright. He has always done so. This is a theme in several of the Psalms, such as: “Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.” Ps. 111:1. “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the assembly of saints.” Ch. 149:1.

These upright and God-fearing people have a completely different mindset than those who do not fear God. It is written about them: “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.” Ch. 1:5.

This message is perhaps more relevant today than ever before. Kåre J. Smith emphasized how important it is to live according to God’s word and to take it seriously. God is now preparing a bride for His Son. The bride should make herself ready to meet her Bridegroom. God gathers upright and righteous people into His church. They make up the body of Christ on earth, and one day they will be united with Him for all eternity.

“And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” Rev. 19:8. Our deeds are our garments, and we must work on our wedding dress so that it becomes as beautiful as possible. God requires that His chosen ones are upright. Falsehood, superficiality, and deceit are an abomination to Him. The upright know this, and therefore they use the time they have been given to judge themselves and cleanse their garments. 1 Pet. 4:17. The time we have is very precious. It is here and now that we must prepare ourselves for Jesus’ return.

Throughout history, there have always been very few who truly understood who Jesus was: “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Matt. 16:14. Do we really understand who Jesus is?

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” V. 16. Peter received this revelation from the Father, and we also need such a revelation. We are called to be of use when Jesus builds His church. That church can never be destroyed: “On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” V. 18.

God continues His work in our time. Therefore, we must never become sluggish and indifferent and stray from God’s word. The building shall be built in the same spirit and power with which it was built by the holy and God-fearing men who went before us. And we can be sure of one thing: God will continue to add to the church all those who long for deep and true salvation. Acts 2:47.

God be praised for gathering the righteous and upright!

A Life of Obedience

God is infinitely great; He has no limitations, and we humans are incapable of comprehending the depths of His mighty power. He is not tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. Jas. 1:13. He sent us a Mediator—someone we could understand and relate to, Jesus Christ. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 2:5.

Jesus came to earth as a human being. He was born as a son of man and lived among His brothers and sisters. Just as we are tempted, He was also tempted. But He resisted sin, suffered in temptation, and won victory after victory. He knows exactly how it feels to be in the battle, and He can help us as we fight against sin and against the desires that dwell in our flesh. Heb. 2:16-18. This is a fantastic message!

But why are so few able to overcome sin? That is because most people do not take God’s word seriously. Instead of seeking God’s kingdom first, as Jesus told us to do, most people are preoccupied with all sorts of other things. Matt. 6:33. Many believers are content with half of the gospel—that they can receive forgiveness for their sins—but they show little interest in learning from the Master.

Being a disciple of Jesus is about learning obedience. Even Jesus had to learn to be obedient: “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” Heb. 5:8.

The apostle Paul received grace from God and was given the task of bringing people to obedience in faith. They were not only to believe intellectually, but they had to learn to live by faith. Rom. 1:5. In the New Testament, we find many exhortations to do what Jesus says and to be obedient. “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” Luke 6:46.

True transformation cannot take place without obedience to God’s Word. If we are obedient, we will enter into a development, and we will learn to surrender our own will so that we can live for God. This is the way to the new life. “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Heb. 5:9.

Following Jesus has to do with making sacrifices. It’s not just about believing in Him; it’s about following in His footsteps and being transformed. This takes place when we obey God’s word and allow the Spirit to show us where we need transformation. When we are obedient to the promptings of the Spirit, we offer our lives as a sacrifice that pleases God. Rom. 15:16-18.

Before Jesus was taken up into heaven, He gave His disciples commandments to follow. Acts 1:1-2. It was obedience to these commandments that would lead them closer to God and transform their lives. God will guide us into the same footsteps. When we learn obedience, as Jesus did, Jesus becomes our Master. Then we will be reconciled to God through Jesus’ death, and not only that: we get to live, through His life! Rom. 5:10.

The Way of Faith to the Promised Land

The second summer conference began with a very important exhortation. Kåre J. Smith spoke blessedly about the great promises God has given to those who live by faith. All of God’s promises have conditions attached to them, but when we fulfill them, God will keep His word, as He always has.

The apostle John writes that whoever is born of God overcomes the world: “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5. Overcoming the world and the spirit of the times requires a strong spirit. It is impossible to succeed if we attempt to stand with one foot inside and one foot outside. Victory over the world becomes possible if you are wholehearted and have been born of God.

The people of Israel are a powerful example for us. As slaves in Egypt, they had no future, but God’s plan was to lead them to the Promised Land. Ex. 3:8. When trials came, they did not have the faith to fight. They relied on past experiences, doubted, gave in to their feelings, and turned to idols. Therefore, God swore that none of them would enter the land. Num. 13:25; 14:5; Heb. 4:1-3.

The same thing is possible today. As disciples, we have been called to “enter the promised land”—to gain victory over sin in our own flesh and partake in the life and virtues of Christ. Gal. 5:22-24. But when trials come, the vast majority will doubt God’s promises, and if you drink from the spirit of the times, you will become superficial. Then you will never lay hold of the promises and will not find the promised land.

Joshua was told to lead Israel into the land of rest, where the enemy was defeated. Heb. 4:8. But the people trusted more in their own strength than in God. Joshua and Caleb, on the other hand, trusted God. They had heard what God had said and knew that He would help. That’s why they believed in victory even before the battle began. Num. 14:8-10. God kept His promise.

The life we are called to live is a life of complete trust in God, where we stand firm in our battle against sin. The accuser will always claim that it will not succeed for us. Should we listen to him? Far from it! Neither should we trust our feelings and senses. God has never failed those who live wholeheartedly for Him. Lack of full surrender is the only thing that prevents us from entering into rest.

Joshua exhorted the people: “Only do not rebel against the Lord.” Num. 14:9. We can also apply this to ourselves. We need to listen to God’s voice and trust in His word. Then we will attain the salvation to which He has called us: “Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” Heb. 10:38-39.

To win victory over sin in your own flesh, a burning zeal is required. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” Matt. 5:17. He used specific examples regarding topics such as fornication and impurity, saying: “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.” V. 27-29. Jesus did not mean this as an exaggeration, but as a demonstration of the seriousness required in our mindset in order to attain complete rest. How is it with us? How far are we willing to go in our battle against sin?

Some people are satisfied when they have victory over outward sins and when people have a good impression of them. But what about our thoughts, which no one can see? Have we also found rest when it comes to sexual immorality, worry, envy, bitterness, impatience, and the like? When we go into battle, we need to arm ourselves with this word: “He who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” 1 Pet. 4:1. That is the only way we can enter the Promised Land.

“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.” Heb. 4:11-13. The people of Israel cried out to God when the enemy gained the upper hand over them, but often returned to their old ways when God had been gracious and they had defeated an enemy. This is a tendency among many believers. They cry out to God when they are in distress, but do not have a hatred of sin that is deep enough to rise up to fight, so that they could truly find rest.

We have been called to live in the same spirit as Jesus, the spirit of faith that characterizes those who serve God with all their hearts. It was this spirit that drove David to stand up to Goliath. By faith, he could testify about victory even before the battle began! 1 Sam. 17:44-45. This is the prophetic spirit that comes directly from God. 2 Pet. 1:19-21.

From Human Unrest to Rest in Christ

Ever since the Fall, people have been characterized by anxiety and worry. Mental turmoil is something that generally bothers people a lot. Their thoughts become very troubled because of sin, and life becomes difficult to live. That is why Jesus extends an invitation that immediately gives hope for a better life: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28. What if everyone could accept this invitation, and trust that this recipe Jesus gives us is worth its weight in gold?

To come to the rest that Jesus offers, we have to trust Him, repent, and enter into the Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:1-4. It goes on to say: “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 came to earth as a human being, just like us. He was willing to offer Himself and He opened up a new and living way for us. Heb. 10:20. He conquered the sin and desire that had taken root in human nature. God has never given mankind a more important message than the one He gave us through Jesus. Ch. 1:1-3. The gospel is the most precious thing God could entrust us with. But the “god of this world” tries to hide this great gift from humanity. 2 Cor. 4:3-4. We often fail to understand that it is precisely when we encounter the trials and tribulations that God’s glory is to shine forth from us. V. 6. When we are tested, we need to hold firm to the word so it becomes living in us, just like it did in Jesus.

We are constantly tempted, and therefore we are exhorted to always carry about the dying of Jesus with us, so that Jesus’ life can be manifested in us. 2 Cor. 4:10. This may seem abstract, but the life of a disciple definitely consists of concrete things. Our faith has an effect on our attitudes, which influence our choices, and ultimately this results in actions in our daily situations. If we do not remain in this process, or “in the race,” the light of the gospel will fade and grow weaker for us. However, those who have truly received the gospel, rejoice in their trials and never lose heart. They learn to fight, and they run on the inner racetrack. They know that a reality exists that is unknown and invisible to so many, but because they are led by God’s Spirit and are faithful in their battles, their inward man is constantly being renewed. V. 16-18.

The concepts of “peace” and “rest” are not interchangeable. We get peace with God through the grace that is in Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1-2) and from there we can enter into rest. The tribulations we face have an effect on us that we can carry with us into eternity, and they make us more like Jesus. V. 3-5. When we surrender ourselves completely to God and allow Him to guide us, we partake of the Spirit that is in the word, and not just in the letter of it. 2 Cor. 3:4-6. Just as the word became flesh in Jesus, the word can become part of who we are.

If you believe completely in God and His guidance, it is not possible to simultaneously live your life by your own strength and make decisions according to your own reason. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1. Abraham was a powerful example. Humanly speaking, it was impossible for God to keep His promise, but Abraham did not doubt. Rom. 4:19-21. When we do not believe God’s word, unrest enters in, because unrest is the result of human reasoning and unbelief.

The word leads us to rest. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12. With human reasoning, people believe they can discern anything, but this only creates unrest. When the word separates our own thoughts from God’s will, something happens: we turn our vision toward Him. All things are naked and open to God. V. 13. Then God’s will is done in us, and the word becomes manifested in our lives. We get to experience the glorious rest that Jesus has called us to.

Lift Up Your Heads—Redemption Is Near

When we look around at the state of the world today, we understand that the time of grace is coming to an end. Therefore, we should set our sights on the kingdom of heaven and use the precious time we have to seek salvation. We need to prepare ourselves, just as a bride gets ready for her bridegroom.

Jesus says: “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28. He continues with a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.” V. 29-31.

Jesus felt that it was necessary, even then, to urge His disciples to watch and pray “that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” V. 36. He also gave a clear warning against letting yourself be entangled in carousing, drunkenness, and the cares of this life. V. 34-35. If you allow yourself to be caught up in such things, you will lose your heavenly calling and inflict yourself and others with much suffering.

We can see what is happening in Israel today, and we know that it is God who judges and rules: “For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.” Ps. 75:6-7. God’s plan for both the earthly and spiritual Israel becomes more clear as the years go by. God watches over His people, and all major events in the world happen so that God’s word may be fulfilled. Everything happens according to His plan. For those who wait on the Lord, there is no reason to fear. There is great power and joy in waiting for Christ to return and take us home.

God’s desire is that the saints be saved before the end comes, that is, before God’s wrath strikes the earth. “And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thess. 1:10. When Jesus comes, He will fetch His bride.

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help . . . the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses are flesh, and not spirit.” Isa. 31:1-3. God prepares both the earthly and spiritual Israel. He will stretch out His hand. For us who live in the new covenant, Egypt is a picture of the world. When we draw this parallel, we see clearly that we must never put our trust in the world or the spirit of the times, but trust in the Lord alone.

Although the world is becoming increasingly dark and wickedness is on the rise, the opposite is true in the body of Christ where all the virtues of Christ are growing. When Jesus returns, He will fetch His body on the earth, which will take part in establishing the millennium. From then on, we will be together with the Lord forever. 1 Thess. 4:17.

Let us keep our vision fixed on our Bridegroom, and always have our inner focus on the kingdom of God. With expectation, we are making ourselves ready for Jesus’ return.

The Testimony of Blood

Understanding why Jesus came to earth is extremely important to all those who want to be His disciples. Many Christians misunderstand the gospel and come to a standstill in the process of sanctification. It is easy to settle for the testimony of water: God has forgiven me my sins, I consider myself to be a disciple of Jesus, and I have a good reputation among the people I associate with. Most people actually believe that you can become a child of God simply by receiving forgiveness of sins. However, God’s word speaks of another testimony that is necessary: the testimony of blood. “This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. . . . And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.” 1 John 5:6,8.

The testimony of water pertains to outward sins. John the Baptist baptized people when they confessed their sins, but when they were tempted again, they sinned once more. Jesus came to earth to put an end to sin, and therefore He came not only with the water but also with the blood. Jesus never sinned through His entire life, even though He was tempted in all points, just like us. Heb. 4:15.

In order to obtain the testimony of the blood, Jesus had to condemn the sin that dwelt in His own human nature. He denied Himself and took up His cross every single day. Luke 9:23. Everyone who wants to follow Jesus and become like Him must walk on the same way. We are exhorted to always carry about the dying of Jesus in our bodies, so that His life may be manifested in us. 2 Cor. 4:10-11. Then we become children of God—led by God’s Spirit—and become heirs of God together with Christ, if we also suffer with Him. Rom. 8:14-17.

It is possible to live an apparently “exemplary” Christian life—righteous according to the law, finished with the sins that everyone can see, and perhaps even obtain a good reputation—all in your own strength. But it is something completely different to be transformed on the inside; to receive new thoughts, a new mind, a new life! “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Rom. 12:2.

In Romans chapter 12, Paul writes about how God’s will must be lived in everyday life. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” V. 21. It is one thing to avoid doing evil when we experience injustice, but are we capable of overcoming evil with good? Here we need to acknowledge our shortcomings (Ch. 7:18), and seek to receive a new mind. This will come naturally if we are longing to be like Jesus. Then we will receive the testimony of the blood. “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:11.

When the Spirit can testify together with the water and the blood, we have the testimony of God. Already early in Jesus’ life, it was clear to everyone that He had this testimony. He had a wisdom that came from above, and He lived in obedience to the commandments God had placed in His heart. Heb. 5:8. God is a God of grace, and now we can obtain the testimony of the blood in our own lives so that we can become like Jesus.