GOD'S ANGEL WARNED ANDRES NOR. HE WOULD BE PROTECTED. HE MUST NOT LEAVE. THE FIRE WOULD NOT BURN HIS HOUSE
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By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.
Fredrik Fransen was an itinerant Gospel preacher in Norway around the
turn of the 19th Century. At that time, it was almost impossible for
a Minister to conduct Gospel meetings outside the Lutheran State Church.
Fredrik Fransen had been invited to stay at the home of Andres Nor
an elderly man, while evangelizing the city of Ålesund, which lies near the
Ocean.
His work came to an abrupt stop when an agitated crowd turned ugly and
threatening. The preacher was told in no uncertain terms that he was not wanted
in that city and a very large, angry gathering of town’s people literally
chased him out of Ålesund.
FREDRIK FRANSEN'S PROPHECY!
Just outside the city, Fredrik Fransen spoke to the angry mob with these
words, "As you have driven me out of your city, one day all of you
will flee from this city on this very road."
About a year or so later a fire started when a cow kicked a torch in the
Ålesund Preserving Company’s factory at 2:00 AM on January 23, 1904. A
gale from the sea propelled the fire forward and almost the entire City burned
to the ground.
As the fire swept across the city devouring almost everything in its
path, the owner of the house fell to his knees and prayed. His relatives
said: "Hurry you old religious nut. Get out and run for your
life." He answered: "I didn't start the fire and I'm
not leaving."
They said: “We are all carrying what we can to the top of the
mountain. We will take your furniture, you old fool. You will die." He
answered: "You are free to take what you want. I didn't start
he fire and I'm staying."
An angel had visited him earlier that night explaining that judgment was
coming but he would be spared. He must remain in his home because he would be
protected!
The fire leaped over the house belonging to Andres Nor, the man
that had given the preacher lodging. It is still preserved as a ‘heritage
site’ until today.
The fire raced up the mountainside to the look-out (A restaurant is
there now) and burned every one's furniture. True to Fredrik Fransen's
prophecy, thousands of people literally ran for their lives out of Ålesund
down the very road they had chased Fredrik Fransen.
Ten thousand people were able to get to safety and fortunately only one
person died in the early morning fire! I have had powerful meetings in that
city and have seen God's hand in saving and healing people!
I WAS PREACHING IN ÅLESUND IN 2004
At the 100th anniversary of the fire January 23, 2004, I was preaching
in that city and was invited to the Museum at Midnight to hear
the history and enjoy some musical renditions performed by their Orchestra.
At midnight several hundred brave souls made
a two to three hour walk about the city to hear the Curator/Historian relate
some facts about the fire 100 years earlier. Pastor Haaken
Nilsen introduced me to the Curator and informed him that I could speak
Norwegian and that I knew the history of Fredrik Fransen.
The Museum’s Curator said that the House had been recently
struck from the tour, and he would be pleased if I would relate to the crowd
the story of Fredrik Fransen and the reason the fire did not
engulf that house, because many had not heard it.
I stood on a chair at about 2:00 AM and shared with several hundred
die-hard History buffs the great historical event of the Ålesund
Fire and why it happened, and that God not only loves us but also Judges
mankind because of our sins.
Everyone there were very attentive, and I prayed for their city and all
their loved ones and our Revival crusade continued with God's blessing of
forgiveness, healing and deliverance!
HOW CAN I BE SAVED?
ACKNOWLEDGE your lost state: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have
turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of
us all.” (Isiah 53:6); “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
(Rom. 3:23)
2. BELIEVE the Gospel: ”He that believeth on the Son hath
everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the
wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36); “And brought them out and said,
Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thy house.” (Acts 16:30,31)
3. REPENT of your sins: “Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He
will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah
55:7) “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke
13:3)
4. RECEIVE Christ as your Saviour: “For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not
perish but have eternal life. For God sent not His Son into the world to
condemn the world, but that the world through Him might saved.” (John 3: 16,17)
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath
not life.”; Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice,
and open the door, I will come in to
Him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” (Rev.3:20)
5. CONFESS Him as your Lord: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation,” (Rom. 10:9,10)
“And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He
said unto them, whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up
his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save His life shall lose his own
soul.” (Mark 8:34-38)
Aalesund at night as it is today!
Max Solbrekken World Mission Box 44220 RPO Garside, Edmonton, AB T5V
1N6; Email: [email protected]; comehometojesus.ca; Facebook; YouTube.
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God bless you!
