Just when one thinks this world cannot get any darker, a new disaster hits.
A senseless war in Ukraine kills thousands, followed by an earthquake in Turkey and mass shootings too numerous to count. Floods, famine, pandemics, tornados, atmospheric rivers and blizzards fill the headlines. Runs on banks cause panic and fear of contagion in our financial system. There are warnings of nuclear war from Russia and anarchy and attacks on democracy from inside and outside the country. People are believers of lies instead of lovers of the truth. The love of many is turning cold.
Some understand these as biblical prophecies being fulfilled right before our eyes. The world has seen dark times before, but this is different. In this strange new darkness, we urgently need light.
Jesus brought that light a long time ago. The church, especially the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is called by God to do everything it can to reveal the light to the world.
Jesus said in John 8:12, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me, will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life."
Those who choose to follow Christ walk in the light that shines forth from Him. By reflecting Him in their lives, they then become the light for others.
"You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14,16).
Dispersing the prevailing darkness with the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ is our mission.
There are many ways to shine the light of Christ before the world. First, choose to follow Jesus and walk in the light that shines forth from Him. Ask Christ to fill your heart with His light and life. Give Him permission to do His life changing work in you. As we receive Christ by faith, we are able to walk with Christ by faith. As we behold God in the face of Jesus, we shall be changed into His image.
Second, reflect the light that shines forth from Jesus to others. Study the awesome, unconditional, sacrificial love of Christ. Share that same love with others by word and deed. There are needy people all around us. Reach out to fill the needs of those who need to see Jesus. Pray for divine appointments and for eyes to see what God sees. Ask to be directed to places where you can use your spiritual gifts to maximize your spiritual effectiveness in ministry. Give with generous hearts and watch the light shine out in the darkness.
Third, believe that God can do anything that needs to be done. God's light disperses the darkness. He can do abundantly more than we could ever ask or think. He is the Almighty God. Jesus told many of those He healed that their faith made the healing possible.
Faith is being convicted of things that are not yet seen. Faith is the assurance of those things we hope for. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. With faith, we please Him and testify that He rewards those who walk in the light. Whatever we pray for, we are to believe that God will give it to us and will not withhold anything for our good or for the good of others. Pray for light and believe God will give us the light.
On the following pages, you will read stories about Northwest members who have been called by God to use their spiritual gifts for the purpose of church planting. Engaging in the mission, they are discovering new ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and disperse the darkness with the light of Christ.
My prayer is for all Northwest Adventists to get involved in Reaching One More. Our world desperately needs the light.
