When Jesus left the earth just before Pentecost nearly 2000 years ago, he promised His disciples that he would be with them “always, even to the end of the age”. He also gave them a mission to “make disciples of all the nations”.
Tekst: Johanne Reiersrud – Foto: Anne-Sophie Tombre
This was one of the topics during the weekend’s Pentecost Conference, where 3,400 guests from 14 countries participated. The program included three faith-building gatherings divided into two days, and this weekend also made the summertime experience complete summertime experience for the many friends who met both outside and inside the conference area.
International television broadcast with an important message
On Sunday afternoon the Pentecost Conference was concluded with an inspiring Brunstad Magazine show which highlighted, among other things, the familiar words of Matthew’s gospel, to which all Christians ought to have a relationship.
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and look, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (the Gospel of Matthew 28:18-20).
This mission has since been called the Great Commission, and is central to BCC’s work. At the Pentecostal Conference there was a focus on this vision which underlies all the work done in the church, both in connection with youth events, the Bible school program, and the broadcasts on BrunstadTV, where the Christian message is conveyed to all continents.
How does BCC commit to the Great Commission?
The word that is spoken from the church’s podium and our international TV broadcasts should be a help for young and old who want to become a disciple, so that anyone who wants to can learn to do what Jesus has commanded.
Ever since Johan Oscar Smith converted 120 years ago, much of BCC’s missionary work has consisted of personal conversations with individuals, and meetings with other believers. Those who have a need for the same message about a life of faith, in constant development and transformation, have always been welcome to participate in our faith community.
A lifelong learning process
To live as disciple of Jesus is a lifelong learning process, where one continuously changes and gains a deeper life in a pact with God’s will and the commandments of Jesus. With this development, one becomes more and more happy. We receive a deeper degree of qualities known as the virtues of Christ, including goodness, thankfulness, joy and peace.
This is the life described as “the light of men”; 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. (Gospel of John 1: 3-4)
Those who believe in Jesus and follow him as disciples will receive the same life, and therefore spread the light further.
In BCC we still believe that one can best be a missionary by living their own life as a disciple, which will serve as an invitation to others wishing to have the same. The entire Pentecost Conference this year was a powerful inspiration for personal faith in the way that leads to such a life.
