“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1–2. This verse was the theme of the recent Canadian Field Conference (July 29–31, 2022).
Brother Nicholas Anca, the Canadian Field President, opened the conference on Friday by reading Psalm 34:4, “I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Not long after David was anointed as king of Israel, he found himself fleeing for his life. Brother Anca posed the question, “What direction are we fleeing?” When the Lord calls us we often need to turn in the opposite direction to where the world is going. We are in the world but not of the world. Seeing the events in the world we know that we live in the last days of this earth’s history and so we all have a mission. The Lord asks each one of us to Arise and Shine.
Following the introduction, Brother Evald Pedersen spoke. He directed our minds to the true source of light. “This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5
Light is opposite of darkness. Light is necessary for all life on this planet. Without God, all is darkness. Being in the dark can be a very uncomfortable feeling. You are unaware of the dangers around you. Before God came into this world, there was darkness and chaos. If God is not there, sooner or later things become chaotic.
John described a person who is in darkness like this. “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. “ 1 John 2:11. Hate = darkness. Hatred has led to wars, and to murder. It is therefore very important to control the mind to keep these evil thoughts out.
John then provides a solution. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:1–2. If we go to Jesus and learn of Him, we will be like Him. If we understand the love of God, we shall never be able to hate again.
There are people who actually love darkness. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19–21. When the Jewish leaders took Jesus, they did it at night for fear of the people. They had the Scriptures and the evidence of His miracles, but they preferred to stay in darkness. God’s light can shine but if we choose darkness, no light can help.
When Jesus comes in the clouds of glory, we will see the greatest light. May we reflect the light the Lord has given us today.
Brother Elder Hernandez continued by sharing the subject, “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” Romans 13:12
The apostle Paul encouraged the Roman believers to cast off the works of darkness. Unlike the other letters he wrote, which were for the encouragement of the churches he had established, Paul had never met the believers in Rome when he wrote this letter. He had always desired to go to Rome, “After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” Acts 19:21. Being a large city, and the capital of the world, there would be opportunity to meet people from all over the world who could carry the message of salvation far and wide. Rome was not only a large city, but there was much darkness. Thus Paul was encouraging the believers not to be affected by the darkness around them. He told them to “cast off” the works of darkness and “put on” the armour of light.
The verse before the opening verse, in Romans 13:11, it reads, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Now is the right time to wake out of our sleep and cast off the works of darkness.
After a lively Sabbath School, Brother Douglas Francis, the General Conference Secretary, spoke about the theme, “Arise and Shine” for the divine service on Sabbath.
The Bible Verse in Isaiah 60:1 does not say, “Sit and shine” or “Sleep and shine.”
Isaiah wrote this text in troublesome times. The ten Northern Tribes had already gone into captivity. The remaining people were discouraged and then he brings this message.
In the previous chapter, Isaiah gives them assurance and confidence. “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” Isaiah 59:1
However, in verse 2 he tells the people what the cause of all their problems were. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.” And further in the chapter in verses 12 and 13 we read: “For our transgressions are multiplied before Thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.”
For many Israelites, their worship had just become a round of ceremonies and their heart was not fully in it. It is also true with some today. They want to keep on sinning in secret. Today Jesus is still calling people back to Him. He is asking for your hearts, and your thoughts—your complete self.
In order to shine, we must have light in the first place. Jesus is the light of the world and if you have Him, you have light.
The disciples and Christians throughout the ages did not shine only when there was peace, but they also shone in difficult times. They did not hide their light under a bushel to spare them any trouble. If Jesus is in you, you cannot help but to shine. The Lord is calling you to shine also today at all times.
Sabbath Afternoon, Brother Neptali Acevedo from the United States continued by sharing the topic of Victory Through the Spirit.
Human beings are born with a sinful nature. Therefore, their tendency naturally leans towards sin. It is a challenge for many to keep the law of God. There is a misconception by many that when they overcome, they have done it in their own strength. They state that Jesus has done part of the saving, but they have done the rest. Jesus died, yes, but the rest they have done in their own power.
Some get discouraged when they see their deficiencies and find themselves in the situation the apostle Paul wrote about in Romans 7:15–19. In these verses Paul presents a frustrating situation that some believers find themselves in. I know what is good, but I am not able to do it. “But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone.” Romans 9:31–32. They tried, but not by faith. If we try in our own power, we will fail.
The nation of Israel gave up when, on the borders of the Promised Land the first time, they saw the giants in the land. They were sent back into the wilderness for 40 years until they learned that victory is only through Christ.
Jehoshaphat was disheartened by the size of his enemy until the Lord sent him a prophet to tell him the battle is not his, but the Lord’s. If you feel overwhelmed, remember, the battle is the Lord’s, not your own. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6. You may have mountains in front of you, preventing you from going forward, but you must trust the Lord. When we put our hopes and energies at the feet of Jesus this is when we gain the victory.
“When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 324
When Jesus fights with you and defends you, you will come off victorious.
In the late afternoon on Sabbath, during the testimony meeting, several members gave thanks to the Lord for His blessings and benefits. The highlight was to hear words of encouragement from our oldest member. Sister Teresita in London, Canada who will celebrate her 103rd birthday next month. She encouraged the youth to remain faithful and to share the gospel message to the world. We have many blessings to thank the Lord for.
At the end of a long and blessed Sabbath day, Brother Basheer Kheder, originally from Iraq, shared a message about Shining for Jesus.
The Lord calls each one of us to be a light in the world. When Jesus asks you to let your light shine it means to be true and willing to be witnesses to those around us in the midst of this world that is sinking in darkness of sin.
Firstly, the question was asked, “How do we become lights in the world?” The apostle Paul writes, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12. Fear and trembling means having a sensitivity to sin and worldly practices. If we want to prove our doctrines, the words we speak only will not have as much of an effect as the life we live. Yet it is, “God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. The power comes from Christ, not from within ourselves.
Then Paul goes on to say, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings.” verse 14. After we understand the truth we should obey it without complaint or doubt.
We are called to be lights to the entire world, not only in the church and among our loved ones who appreciate the light. We are to be a light everywhere in the midst of this corrupt world, whether at school, at work, or anywhere we go in public.
And why are we called to be lights? “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. Two reasons are given here, so that men may see your good works, but also to glorify your Father in heaven.
May the Lord help us to be lights, not only in our church pew, but to the entire world.
Sunday morning found us at the shores of Lake Ontario. This is always the highlight of the conference. Six dear souls turned their backs on the world and began their journey towards the heavenly Canaan as they followed the example of Jesus in baptism. They buried the past in the waters of the lake, and turned heavenwards. All heaven rejoiced along with all the believers present. Our new brothers and sisters are no longer ordinary people. They are princes and princesses—children of the heavenly King. We are all part of the family of God. (See picture on inside back cover)
After the welcoming in ceremony, Brother Errol Fletcher continued the series of messages by sharing a message about “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34
Jesus spoke these words to the disciples in the Upper Room. It was one of the final messages He had for them. When one is nearing the end of their life, we often want to know what their final words were. These were the final words that Jesus wanted to leave with His disciples. Not long after He was crucified.
This message is for us today also. Jesus tells us to love each other. We are all one family.
But why a new commandment? If you read a different translation of the Bible, it reads “a renewed” commandment. The love required of the believer and the love of God does not change. It is renewed and will continue.
Love is from Jesus and flows out to our fellow men and this is only possible if we maintain our connection with Jesus. We were all encouraged to make this possible in our personal lives and in the church.
The final message was given by Brother Nicholas Anca who spoke a very important message about, The Church’s Mission and Message.
Jesus’ final words to His followers before ascending to heaven were: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19–20
Most people in the world are walking in darkness today and need the light. It is the mission of the church and each individual to go and share this light. We are ambassadors for Christ. In order to be successful we must be reconciled to our brothers and reconciled to God. “God expects personal service from everyone to whom He has entrusted a knowledge of the truth for this time.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 30. “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary.” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 102
In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25), they all were sleeping, but five had no oil. They missed what was most important. They had a candle, but no light. Today all have a Bible, but not all have the Holy Spirit. Time is short and we are called to prepare the way for Jesus’ second coming as John the Baptist prepared the way for His first. “As a prophet, John was ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’ In preparing the way for Christ’s first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord’s second coming.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 101. The Lord calls us to awake out of our spiritual sleep. He is coming and He has a place for you to work. That is the only way we can continue shining for Jesus—by working for Him.
In conclusion, Brother Douglas Francis recapped the highlights of the conference. If we continue reading in Isaiah 60 and read verse 3, we read: “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” It is our duty to shine, and if we do so, the Gentiles will be attracted to the message; they will come.
From the life of Jesus we read “And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when He was come out of the ship, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.” Mark 5:1–2. This is a familiar story; however, the point was brought out that Jesus went to find him. There are people with unclean spirits in the world and they will not come to you. You, as a representative of Jesus, have to go and find them. Take Jesus home with you, spread His word. Arise and Shine.
Amen.
Canadian Field Secretary
Wendy Eaton