The theme of the Canadian Field Conference was “Looking unto Jesus.” In these times we live, there is so much turmoil, distress and false doctrines, and more than ever, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. Over 150 believers gathered together to praise the Lord and pray together. We will now read a brief summary of the messages brought out at the conference.
The conference began with an address from the Canadian Field President, Nicholas Anca, who spoke about the Life of Jesus. When we look to Jesus it helps us to take our eyes off ourselves and thus we are transformed into His Image. When the Apostle Paul met Jesus on the way to Damascus, his first question was, “Who are you?” Then when Jesus informed Paul who He was, Paul’s next question was, “what wilt thou have me to do?” Acts 9:6. Although we read in the Bible that Jesus is a Prophet, Priest and King, the real question is, what is He to you. The human tendency is to look to man for help, but men disappoint us. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as, “The Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.” We need to do likewise and introduce Jesus to others. The best Bible Study you can give is to tell others what Jesus has done for you in your life
Brother Joseph Suganob, who is originally from the Philippines, and has come to help the missionary work in Canada, shared a message on Christ as a Child. Jesus was once a child and He set an example for all children to follow. They are also to be taught to look to Jesus.
From the early life of Jesus we learn of health reform. Jesus not only ate well, but he kept busy working in the carpenter shop. This helped his physical and mental health.
Jesus grew in Wisdom even though He never went to the school of the Rabbis. And thus, all children and youth should make an effort to develop their minds and gain wisdom. The main book that Jesus learned from was the Bible. Yet, Jesus still respected His parents and kept the laws of the household– as all children and young people should do today. Look to Jesus, from childhood to adulthood. This is our goal. Jesus will soon return.
For the Divine Service on Sabbath, Brother Petkov spoke about the theme, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
We have a race to run and we need direction, therefore we are to look to Jesus. We do not run with uncertainty. We not only look to Jesus, beyond the finish line, but we need to have Jesus run with us, directing and guiding us in the proper direction.
In 1844 Jesus moved from the Holy Place in the Heavenly Sanctuary into the Most Holy Place. Jesus is moving and we must follow Him. He knows you, and is willing to run with you. We must follow Jesus and find the narrow road because the end of the world is near; perilous times are coming. We are encouraged to “run for our lives.” Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your heart (Romans 3:7–8).
Brother Morris Lowe shared a message about Jesus as a Teacher. Teachers have a powerful influence on students lives, whether good or bad. There is a teacher, however, the best teacher that mankind will ever know. Nicodemus was so impressed that he waited for a one-on-one class with Him. “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” John 3:13. You may be a pastor, a teacher, a regular church attendee, but if you are not born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus did not understand, but after his conversation with Jesus, he recognized that Jesus was a teacher sent from God. Christ did not depend on anyone for knowledge. “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3 He came to this dark world to reveal the character of the Father and to teach men the way of salvation. The passing grade in order to receive the reward of eternal life is 100%. In the new earth we will continue learning in the kingdom of God, throughout eternity. We will be taught by God. Our lifework today is to prepare for heaven. The education we begin here will never end. It will go on throughout eternity.
The subject of Jesus as Lord and Saviour was presented by Evald Pedersen. It is not enough to just believe that there is one God, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James 2:19. There are many religions in the world, however, it is not enough to just have just believes there is a God. We need a faith that will save us from sin. Our goal is to have our names written in heaven. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. Brother Pedersen then related the story in the Bible of the lame man who was begging outside the temple and Peter healed in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:12-26). We do not know why the Lord allowed the man to be crippled for 40 years. We may never know, but it was all in God’s plan. This miracle led many to hear and believe the truth of Jesus, thus leading to their salvation. Many believers were added to the church and the work of the Lord went forward. Unfortunately, the Jewish leaders refused to accept Jesus even after this miracle and caused much trouble for the disciples. It took courage to be a believer under persecution at that time, and there were many who had the courage and their faith in Jesus grew daily. We need to have the faith in Jesus at all times regardless of the circumstances.
Brother Elder Hernandez spoke about Jesus as a Healer. He mentioned the wonders of the physical body which God has made for us. We need to take good care of our body. We also need to exercise our brain every day by learning something new, thus creating new nerve connections. Exercise also makes a chemical that makes you more willing to learn.
We are created in the image of God. Psalm 139:16–17. Every detail of the body was made with great care. In order to remain healthy, we need to pray, and also improve our way of thinking. In this world all our physical, moral and intellectual faculties have been affected by sin. We need healing, in every way. We are to look to Jesus for true healing of mind, body and spirit and He will heal us.
Brother Errol Fletcher spoke about the sanctification that comes from looking to Jesus. Jeremiah wrote that man cannot change. He asked, can the Ethiopian changes his skin, or the leopard his spots? (Jeremiah 13:23). He then added, “then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” With man it is impossible, but with God it is possible. Jesus said,” without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. What we need is a new heart and Jesus promised to give you one (Ezekiel 36:26–27). When you accept Christ, you become a new creation. How do you know you have been born again? Paul wrote in Galatians 5:22–23, that by their fruits you shall know them. If we are His, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. As you continue to admire Jesus, you will reflect Him more day by day.
For the final message Brother Petkov encouraged us to go forward and not look back. Lot’s wife looked back and she lost her life. We are to escape and not remain in the valley. Jesus is all to us. He is our Saviour, our Healer, our sanctifier, the Alpha and Omega.
When the Jewish leaders brought Jesus a coin asking Him if they should pay tribute to Caesar (Matthew 22:17–21) Jesus asked them whose image was on the coin. Since it had Caesar’s image, His response was to give to then to Caesar what was His.
Whose image do we bear? That is what the final judgement is all about. If you bear the image of the world, then you will receive the reward of the world. “What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth–these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity.” –Maranatha, p. 240
May we all look to Jesus so that our characters will bear His image when He comes in the clouds of glory. Amen
