“Family, the Ultimate Foundation,” was the theme of the Montreal Church Fall Conference held from September 6–8, 2019.
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:14–19
Believers from far and near gathered Friday evening to praise the Lord with the wonderful hymn, “Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of All Nations.” Brother Augustus Ratneiya’s sermon subject was “Family Origins.” He reminded us how wonderfully God created the stars, planets, and numberless galaxies in the universe and also everything on this planet. Nothing came into existence on its own or, as some claim, just appeared after a big bang. Everything has its order and was created for a purpose. We have a heavenly family—the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost and all the angels.
This family was perfect and peaceful; but, everything changed when pride and lust for power entered Lucifer’s heart and as a result of this rebellion, Lucifer and his followers were cast out of heaven. “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground.” Ezekiel 28:15, 17.
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:12–14. Since being cast to this earth, Satan and his angels have done all in their power to destroy the family which God has instituted to be a blessing for all mankind. But God is our strength and in Him we can have the victory.
Brother Evald Pedersen spoke about “The Influence of our Families.” “One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that can be preached.” –The Adventist Home, p. 32. It is therefore so important that we practice what we confess to believe. The Lord instituted marriage. “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Genesis 2:18. We all need someone to share our experiences with. When looking for a life-partner, do not only look at the appearance, but at the character, more importantly. When thinking of settling down with your family, it is very important to live in a good environment. Spend time in nature where you will feel more relaxed and closer to our Creator.
If you have the possibility, live in the country, have big windows and let the sunshine and the fresh air into your home. Try to avoid living in a basement apartment, especially if it is low and damp.
On Sabbath morning after the song service, the children studied their lesson with Sister Edna Monroy. The adult lesson, “I Love Your Law” was studied with Brother Alirio Beltran.
Before the Divine Service on Sabbath morning, we were privileged to witness the dedication of Sister Leidy Losada’s and Brother Alirio Beltran’s little son, Brandon.
“The Family of God,” was the subject of the service brought to us by Brother Morris Lowe. The more technology there is, the more people suffer from loneliness. The United Kingdom has so many lonely people, that it decided to create a ministry to help the lonely individuals. Loneliness is linked with Alzheimer’s, stroke and heart disease. Hundreds of thousands do not speak with others and therefore suffer from loneliness. God has instituted the family which provides many blessings, such as life, companionship, protection, a sense of belonging, character development, and security, when the Word of God is present. Many who have friends are also a part of a family and also part of the household of God; these are the sons of God, loving one another, and do not need to be lonely. “For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:18–19. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14. The strongest evidence we have that we are the children of God is that we love one another. A true friend will always love us, but will not love the wrong we may have done. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34–35
After enjoying a delicious lunch, we continued with Sister Franziska Pedersen’s presentation entitled “The Successful Family.” “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“Parents should be careful not to allow the spirit of dissension to creep into the home; for this is one of Satan’s agents to make his impression on the character. If parents will strive for unity in the home by inculcating the principles that governed the life of Christ, dissension will be driven out, and unity and love will abide there.” –The Adventist Home, p. 178. Jesus is our great teacher and when parents learn from Him, they will manifest His spirit. “Let those composing the family circle pray that God will sanctify their tongues, their ears, their eyes, and every member of their body.” –Ibid., p. 177
Gentleness and love will fill their home. The children will then be treated with love and sympathy and taught by example, sound principles, how to pray, believe in the Word of God, love the truth and stand firm in it. “In His wisdom the Lord has decreed that the family shall be the greatest of all educational agencies.” –Ibid., p. 182. Our Lord has instructed parents to bind their children to their hearts by kindly instructing them and showing them that it is your wish to make them happy and that you strive to do only what is for their good. All must be done in faith, love, and patience. Jesus our Saviour is always ready to help all mothers and fathers who put their faith and trust in Him. Let us all take the wonderful following Scripture words to heart: “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” Psalms 31:24
During our song service we were blessed with several specials, with instrumental music on several guitars, violin and the piano before continuing with the program by Brother Evald Pedersen on “The Father—Husband, the Head of the Family.” The father has more responsibilities in the family than anyone else. “I saw that but few fathers realize their responsibility.” –Ibid., p. 211. A man is supposed to be strong, not cry, nor is he to give up easily. But that is not always how men feel.
“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” 1 Corinthians 11:3. The Spirit that is between God and Christ, the same spirit should be between husband and wife. As Christ loves His church, so should the husband love his wife, and be willing to sacrifice for her. Sometimes, we men take our jobs or careers too seriously and do not pay enough attention to our wife and children.
The father is usually responsible for the finances. This does not mean that he should control everything and the wife has nothing to say regarding their money and what it should be used for. She should have equal rights; the woman was not taken from Adam’s feet, but from his side. Always try to get along and find a solution both are happy with. My advice is, get along, even if you have to give in sometimes.
Always remember, everything comes from God, and everything belongs to God. If we remember this, we are not going to waste our money, but we will be careful how we spend it and try to give some to God’s work and to those in need.
May God help us to find a balance in life where everyone in the family realizes his/her responsibilities, including the children. They also should know that they
are part of the family and need to do their share.
Sister Johanna Munoz shared some good ideas about family worship and studying the Bible in our homes. We cannot have the same approach with small children as we have with teenagers and adults. Try to make the worship interesting for the little ones in a way so they can understand it and participate in it. She gave us some examples such as taking an item which was part of a Bible Story (lentils, grain, or other) and ask your child to think of the story this item was part of. You can then discuss the meaning—the lesson learned.
During the Testimony meeting held by Brother Alirio Beltran several believers shared their experiences they had made with the Lord and others praised God with songs and instruments.
Before closing the Sabbath, Brother Morris Lowe held the examination of the baptismal candidates, Yoiz Renza and Carlos Beltran.
On Sunday morning we met at the beautiful River in Maynard-Ferguson Park where Yoiz Renza and Carlos Beltran made their covenant with our Lord by baptism. It was a cloudy, breezy morning, but right when the first baptismal candidate, together with Brother Morris stepped into the water, the sun came out from behind the clouds and the breeze turned warm. We pray that these two young souls will continue to stay close by their Saviour.
Back at the church, during the Welcome Service, Brother Morris and Brother Augustus encouraged the newly baptized young people to let Jesus lead them. Several friends and family members also shared their joy and welcomed them to the Family of God.
Before the closing of this conference, Brother Augustus expressed his appreciation to everyone who had come. May we all try to remember the wonderful messages shared and may we, with the help of God, continue to walk with Jesus and be a blessing to others while preparing to meet our Lord. Jesus is coming soon!
Franziska Pedersen