The inauguration in 1911

By: Johannes Hedin

Sunday 5/11: This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Ps.118,24.

Now God has answered the prayers of the friends for a place to gather in. And it is now so finished that it could be opened, a magnificent place it became.

The friends from Ålesund, Bergen and the surrounding areas came together and a wonderful day God gave us.

The meeting began at 11 am, and anointed by God's blessing, Brother Karlsen read Nehemiah 8,5-12. And he said to them: "Go, eat fatty foods and drink sweet drinks, and send gifts of them to those for whom nothing is prepared; for the day is holy to our Lord, and do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength: And all the people went their way to eat and drink and send gifts and celebrate with great joy; for they had understood the word that had been proclaimed to them."

Yes, that is what is needed, that the word is united with faith in the heart, then there will be a feast of joy, hallelujah. Prov.15,15.

Then God gave us (Hedin) Heb.12,24, that we had come to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, which speaks better things than that of Abel, hallelujah!

When Jesus becomes the first and Jesus becomes the last, then it goes well, for it is He who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

At 3 o'clock there was a festive gathering, but today "Betel" (that's what the venue is called) is probably too small. Many had to leave, because there was no room and some stood outside.

God gave Karlsen brothers to read Rev. 5:9-14: "And they sang a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation." And he emphasized that the new song had to be learned here, for otherwise it will never be learned in eternity.

Then brother Fosse spoke to us from Luk. 5:27-32, emphasizing the necessity of forsaking everything and following the Master, so that God could kindle fire in our hearts, and when it becomes strong, it is of no use to put water on the kindlers.

Brother Støve read 1 Sam. 17:45-47, when David went against the giant Goliath.

It is the lowly that God has chosen. But God opposes the proud. If you dare to go out on God's promises, then it is God's business to fulfill them. David could not trust Saul's clothing, bronze helmet or armor, he put his trust in the name of the Lord God of hosts. If David lost, Israel became the Philistines' slave, but if he won, the Philistines became Israel's slave. But David won.

But one day there was a bigger battle, it was between Jesus and the prince of darkness, when he went into the fortress for the people, and Jesus won, hallelujah: So now we are free from being the slave of sin.

I remember a tongues speech that was spoken some time ago, it went like this: "God himself knew the depth of the fall, therefore he himself prepared a salvation, salvation high as the sky, deep as eternity, extended to all creation." Yes, it was God who prepared it.

Then the coffee came. It was difficult to get around, because it was too cramped with people. While the coffee was being sent around we read the telegram from Nils Devold, Ålesund, with greetings: 2 Thess.l, 11-12.

After the reception, Edvar Pedersen, from Ålesund, spoke: Rev. 3:18 and said: God called me in Nordland, but I did not open myself completely to Him. I was written in a book and was accepted for trial in the congregation, but no joy in my soul. I was not born again. But then God came with his Holy Spirit and took me. It was in April 4 years ago. He placed me in the land that He Himself cares for. Deut. 11:10-12. There He clothes His priests with salvation. Ps. 132:13-16.

Then one after another testified and God gave his word of grace as testimony, hallelujah: So we truly felt as David says: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the hem of his robe, like the dew of Hermon, running down on Mount Zion, for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore". Ps.133.

At 8 o'clock the meeting broke up as we praised God for the blessed day.

Soon the great feast day will be held, when we will gather with all the saints to never be separated.

All the saints in Christ are greeted by you who rest in grace.

Johs. Hedin