Gary Hoikka | The Voice of Zion September 2026 - The Sabbath Word 4 -- Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. – Colossians 2:16–23 This Bible portion, from Paul’s letter to the Colossians, explains to us the gift of a Christian’s freedom, which is the theme for the fourth Sunday in September, the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost in the church lectionary. We can ask ourselves, what is Christian freedom, and how can we preserve this freedom? In the temporal sense, freedom can be defined as being free from debt or obligation to someone else. There are many examples of this that are familiar to each of us, no matter our age. When we are young, we are given chores to do at home, and we are obligated to be obedient to our parents and do these chores. When we become adults, we may purchase a car or a home, and we often have a loan or a mortgage to enable this type of purchase. We are then obligated to earn a wage so that we can pay this debt we owe. Freedom comes when the chore is completed or the loan is fully paid. Through reason, we can clearly understand this. We can complete work to release us from debt or obligation and thereby earn freedom. The Christian freedom that is spoken of in our text is not a freedom that can be earned or achieved by works. This freedom is a gift from our heavenly Father through the merit work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus earned this freedom for us by coming to earth and being victorious over temptation, sin, the world, and Satan. He also achieved victory over death through His resurrection. It is only through believing our sins forgiven in the gospel message and trusting God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit to be our only Lord that we can own this Christian freedom. Owning this freedom is not a burden; it is a grace gift and the only true freedom found on earth. Because we are flesh and blood, our mind desires reason to guide our understanding. Through reason, we can be tempted to try to earn righteousness through works. This is exactly what Paul warns about, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink” (v. 16). As humans, we can be tempted by the praise of our fellow humans. Perhaps we desire the compliments of others that we have been eating healthy and taking good care of our bodies. This is very prevalent in social media today, and it is an area of watchfulness for a child of God. God has created each one of us, and He has created us just as He wants us to be. God provides for our daily needs and has richly blessed us with the necessities of life. We do not want to measure one another based on outward things, such as diet or appearance, for this is contrary to God’s Word. Paul’s letter continues: “Let no man therefore judge you…in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days” (v. 16). Here God’s Word instructs that our actions in, or even our attendance of, religious services are not works that will earn salvation. Nor should we attend church services or serve in God’s kingdom to earn the praise of others. We can simply attend church services and perform our given duties with joy in our heart that God has called us to be one of His own. Although we are imperfect people, we can do these tasks or actions with the gifts that God has given us and with the knowledge that Jesus has fully paid the price of our sins on the cross. We can believe in this to experience true Christian freedom. In the final verses of this Bible portion, Paul writes, “(Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh” (v. 21–23). Paul is reminding the believers of his time, and also us today, that even though our mind may interpret actions of humility, open worship, and temporal righteousness to be seen as positive and good in the eyes of others, these actions, if done for the purpose of showing or elevating ourselves, will have no benefit to our soul’s eternal salvation. If done for show and praise, these actions will only puff up our own mind and cause self-righteousness to work in us. This does not mean we should not do good deeds or respect the laws of our land and the leaders God has placed in power. Indeed, God’s Word instructs us to love our neighbors and to be helpful to them, and that we need to be obedient to our leaders. God’s Word also instructs us and encourages us to attend services and to be with the believers for the benefit of our faith. As it is recorded in Hebrews, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). We do not do these actions to gain righteousness or salvation, but rather we do these things because the Holy Spirit within us guides us to do that which is right. We can preserve the gift of living faith and the Holy Spirit in our hearts by believing the gospel message. The gospel removes all the sins, doubts, and shortcomings that we experience on this journey, strengthening our faith to take yet another step on this narrow way to heaven. We experience true Christian freedom when we believe that precious gospel message: Dear son or daughter, your sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. When we endeavor in this freedom here on earth, we will then experience the freedom and peace that no words can describe when God calls us home to heaven one day.

Taryn Laulainen | The Voice of Zion September 2026 - Round the Table articles -- Youth from the Utah Valley congregation share reflections about using social media with a believing heart. I’ve been an active social media user for the past ten or so years, and during this time, social media has changed many times over. In the early days of being online, it was much easier to manage our social media feeds. Now, with the never-ending scroll, we are never more than a tap or scroll away from more and more content. In recent years, social media has moved to algorithm-based feeds that are designed to maximize the amount of time spent online. With these developments, I’ve found it much more common to see things from people, companies or influencers I don’t actively follow. I’ve had to exercise much caution so I don’t end up scrolling for hours. There is always more to see, and seeing just one more post never seems to bring satisfaction. As I get older, I find social media to be an escape in more of a negative context. I’m an introvert by nature, so I’ve made an effort to avoid scrolling at church, haps, when playing card or board games or during meals. Having space in my life that is free from social media allows for better conversation and connections with others. When I started using social media, I spent a lot of time thinking about it. What should I post? What captions should go with each post? What should I comment on my friend’s post? But as time passes, I find I’ve gained confidence in myself as a person. I’ve become more secure in my faith and my opinions, which makes it easier to post authentically and allows me to present myself online in a way that is true to my personality. As I have gotten older, I’ve used social media and posted less frequently, especially as I have seen how a comment or post may go much further than intended. As widely as our circles can reach online, I find face-to-face connections to be more genuine. An online smile, though, is still good every once in a while. Social Media Swirl Abby Tolkkinen, Lillie Plough and Jessica Erickson Comparison When we look at other people’s pictures on social media, it can feel like we’re falling behind. We may think, “Wow, my life seems so boring and unfulfilling compared to theirs,” and try to copy them. For instance, we might go on a beach trip with friends and post fun pictures just because that’s what others are doing, and not because it’s something we truly wanted to do. Sometimes it’s less stressful just to avoid social media altogether, just to get away from the constant comparison and the social pressure. Negative feelings usually have less to do with the technology or platform itself, and more to do with how social media exposes our own insecurities. Ultimately, it all comes down to how we use it. Doomscrolling It’s easy to doomscroll for hours. The longer we do it, the more we stray into dangerous areas, and we can find ourselves watching videos that harm us. When we finally put the phone down, we feel dumb for wasting so much time. Even when doing other activities, such as reading, it’s easy to pick up the phone and start scrolling. Doomscrolling is mentally draining. It eats up our time and distracts us from going outside or doing other activities. Authenticity People are different on social media than they are in real life. But it’s still possible to be authentic on social media. As a viewer, it’s easy to think that someone else is having a perfect life when we only see their highlight reels. But we don’t always need to share our hard days either. It’s fun to see the exciting things friends and family get to do, even if they only are posting the good things that happen. What is doomscrolling? Dictionaries and mental health experts define doomscrolling as the habit of compulsively scrolling through negative or distressing news, videos, or social media posts, even when doing so leaves us feeling anxious, discouraged, angry, or emotionally drained. Unlike ordinary mindless scrolling, doomscrolling centers on upsetting content. As we continue scrolling, social media algorithms often show us more of the same, creating a cycle in which anxious feelings lead to more scrolling, and more scrolling increases anxiety and stress.

Todd and Connie Erickson | The Voice of Zion September 2026 - Home and Family articles -- Listen to your father, who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old. – Proverbs 23:22, NIV We’ve spent the past 30 years raising our children to adulthood. As we move toward retirement and reflect on life, questions and thoughts swirl: How will our children remember their childhood home? I hope our children haven’t picked up our bad habits. I hope they have more patience than me. I hope they don’t remember a sharp response or harsh words when things don’t go smoothly. I hope they are quicker to forgive. Will our weaknesses and shortcomings as parents stand out? A parent’s lot is never to feel confident in our ability to raise children. Believing parents want their children to grow up in an environment that supports faith: going to services, Bible class, Sunday school and camps. We pray for guidance, and that our children would learn to love God and His kingdom despite our frailties and failings as parents. When parents and children freely share the gospel, worries and sorrows fade. Children remember the love and warmth of their believing childhood home. Even ones who later lose the gift of living faith are often thankful for their Christian upbringing. Now as our older children move away and the house gradually empties, we have more time for ourselves, as a couple. This is a nice blessing. But it’s important to remember not to move on too quickly and neglect the care and guidance that our children at home still need. The words of the hymn Good and Gracious Lord are especially fitting: “Good and gracious Lord, Thank You for our home, for our family and our loved ones, for the life which you have given, all those dear to me, precious gifts from Thee” (SHZ 431:1). Adolescents Need Parental Involvement in Their Lives Gail Korpi Adolescence can be a difficult time for a young person’s parents. Parents might find themselves withdrawing from their adolescent child. Sometimes parents withdraw because they are frustrated or confused by the situation and wish to avoid conflict. Perhaps a busy and stressful schedule deprives them of the energy and patience needed to effectively communicate with their child. Or they may even be so wrapped up in their own matters that they can’t bring themselves to care – a fruit of cold, selfish indifference. Parents might even fear that they will lose their child’s love and respect if they are seen to be interfering in his or her life. But when parents withdraw from an adolescent child, they desert him or her when parental support and guidance is needed most. A wide variety of cultural, political and religious beliefs surround us in our multicultural society, and many of these values are at odds with the teaching of God’s Word and kingdom. When confronted by trends, values and beliefs that challenge or belittle the values and beliefs they learned at home, adolescents may feel confused or overwhelmed. It is important for young people to test and evaluate their beliefs. But they also crave parental respect and support and need boundaries for their own safety and security. Outwardly, adolescents seem to resent their parents at times. But inwardly, most admire and esteem their parents. They respect their parents’ judgment and advice. Nevertheless, conflicts may arise when the parents and the adolescent both feel a need to assert their own will. Conflicts arise when an adolescent tests the boundaries to see whether the stated limits are the same as the actual limits. Sometimes an adolescent, perhaps unknowingly, feels a need to test the strength of a parent’s convictions to see whether they are the sincere values of the heart or merely the hollow assertions of the mouth. Believing youth and parents are not immune to the difficulties and conflicts of adolescence. Believing parents may be tempted to withdraw from their children’s lives during this time. If believing adolescents feel that their parents are uninterested in them, they are unlikely to approach their parents when meaningful concerns arise. Balancing the adolescent need for independence with their need for boundaries and security requires a delicate mixture of firmness, empathy and patience. Sincere questions about a child’s whereabouts, company and activities – as well as making reasonable rules and curfews – all convey the parents’ concern for their children and give a sense of security. In the heat of the moment, adolescents may express resentment at what they perceive to be a lack of trust or unnecessary interference. But later in life they often come to recognize the security it provided. In certain localities there are many believing young people who form a cohesive group. It is a great blessing to have believing peers. But even in groups, believing young people are susceptible to temptation. Young people who are experiencing spiritual struggles often form their own splinter groups, where they more freely engage in unwholesome activities. Parents should not assume that adolescents are fully equipped with all the skills they need to properly support one another. It is not healthy for adolescents to spend their free time only with other youth. Believing adolescents need the stabilizing influence and role models that are found in the company of believing adults. Believing adults are real-life examples who have tested the beliefs and values that they learned in childhood and found them to be reliable and true. This in no way diminishes the fact that adolescents still need the support and guidance of their parents. Parents must work hard to keep the lines of communication open throughout their child’s life. When communication is open and free, it is possible for parents and adolescents to discuss matters, particularly matters that weigh heavily or are confusing. Together, they can search God’s Word for answers on the questions of salvation, and for the sure foundation to build their lives on. The gospel is the healing medicine for the wounds and offenses that often occur between parents and children. But adolescence is not all conflict and difficulty. It is also a rich and rewarding time. This is especially true where God’s Spirit and love operate. This is an excerpt from the book Fortifying the Foundation: Keeping a Christian Household (LLC 2016, pp. 152–154). When My Child Starts Looking Kyösti Heikkilä When I was young, I remember thinking how the adult world seems to offer so many captivating things: independence, freedom, opportunity and more. I impatiently waited for adulthood. It felt like time was creeping along too slowly. But since I’ve become an adult, things have felt just the opposite. In adulthood, time runs away, and we quickly fly through different phases in life. I’ve experienced how the children I seemingly just carried in my arms have grown up and are beginning to find their own spouses. As a weak father, I offer advice and encouragement to you, a young person, and to myself as well. God gives us various stages in life: childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age. The time of youth is spent preparing for the responsibilities of adulthood. Marriage and family are wonderful gifts, but they also come with duties, obligations and much work. They require maturity. For this reason, I hope you do not begin courting too young. Prepare yourself for it. Remember that believers do not casually date one another just for fun; rather, we court with marriage in mind. If someone is not ready for marriage – physically, psychologically, emotionally or spiritually – then he or she is not ready to start courting. Believing young people want their lifelong companion also to be in living faith. It’s impossible to build a complete life together – where everything, including the Holy Spirit, is shared – with someone who is outside of God’s kingdom. We don’t want to play with serious matters, such as courtship with someone who isn’t believing. Remember, you can approach your heavenly father in prayer, asking Him to reveal a companion and to give a spouse. Even after you begin courting, you can pray together that God would give you to each other in marriage. The times of courtship and engagement are intended for getting to know each other. But during these times, you do not belong to each other yet. For this reason, it is important to remember the Holy Spirit’s advice, as Paul writes, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22). Nowadays, many young people freely share that they have decided to start courting, and their courtship begins openly. This is a beautiful way of doing things. Courting couples who do this are not looking to hide in the corners or shadows where many dangers lurk. It makes me happy to see my child’s companion freely coming into our house and feeling at home with our family. But it’s important to remember that the time of courtship certainly includes much more than courtship itself. Study, work, home, and the other believers all continue to be a part of life, and courtship should not push them aside. As a parent, I also want to remind myself about a few important matters concerning my child’s courtship. My children have their own lives, which include establishing their own households and families. Courtship and the selection of a spouse are early parts of this process. They will find their spouses on their own and as God allows. I want to pray for my child and ask God to give my child a suitable spouse. Fatherhood obligates me to talk with my children about the responsibilities and duties of marriage, and to remind them how important a pure courtship is. Oh, how I wish to do this lovingly – as an escort and friend! My own personal experience prompts me to share these thoughts, and I believe that many fathers and mothers also share them. You, our young people, are the children of many prayers! Remember that the grace altar is found in God’s kingdom, and that someone who is weak and faulty has permission to approach it. The blood of our Lord Jesus cleanses penitent ones from the faults of life’s journey. When you thus endeavor to keep faith, God will bless your life. This is an excerpt from the book Fortifying the Foundation: Keeping a Christian Household (LLC 2016, pp. 89–91). A Psalm for Parents Your precious gems from heaven – the young blessed to our care – Lord, give us strength to raise them. Your Gospel help us share, to teach of Jesus’ mercy, of His abundant grace, until at home in glory we see His loving face. Alone we cannot do this, we need God’s kingdom here. As Mother, She directs us and quells our every fear. Our children, She protects them within Her warm embrace. Oh, may they always hearken and heed Her call to faith. We pray, on life’s endeavor in faith they would remain, that they forsake it never, and heaven’s shore attain. And when the battle’s ended, their travel staff set down, Lord, take them home to heaven as jewels for Your crown. Ed Tolkkinen, 2024, rev. 2026 Instructions from Scripture How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their time of youth? God’s Word the counsel best imparts to live in love and truth. Your Word, O God, is heav’nly light that guides us all the day, and through the dangers of the night a lamp to lead our way. Among the children in Your fold Your Word is preached and known. They travel on the paths of old where living faith is sown. Your teachings give direction wise to walk the narrow road. Oh, quash vain thoughts in me that rise. Oh, help me love Your Word. Your Word is everlasting truth; how pure is every page! Your Holy Book shall guide our youth, and well support our age. Isaac Watts 1719; alt. Aaron Wuollet 2026 Discussion questions When is a parent’s job done? How do relationships between parents and children change as children grow older and begin to move out of the home? What are some things parents and their young adult children can do to establish and maintain a positive and mutually beneficial relationship? In what ways can parents continue to support, mentor and encourage their children who have left the nest? The fourth commandment instructs us to honor our parents, and God’s Word gives no expiration date for it. How do young adult children continue to honor and esteem their parents? Who is responsible for putting more effort into building a positive relationship – parents or their adult children? Why?

Our Organization The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) is a nonprofit corporation organized exclusively for religious purposes and is qualified as an exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The LLC is the central organization of 32 member Laestadian Lutheran congregations in North America. The operations of the LLC are structured around four main areas of work in serving its membership and promoting its mission (see “Our Mission”). If you have any questions, please Contact Us. The areas of work are defined as follows: Pastoral Work Sacred Acts, pastor support, spiritual counseling, resource to member congregations. Mission Work Domestic and foreign mission trip coordination, supportive resources and media resource development. Christian Education Different programs that teach, instruct and guide both the youth and elderly of our congregation. These include Sunday school, Bible study, confirmation, youth camp programs; educational resources; camp facilities; Opisto scholarship program. Sunday School Teachers Resources A collection of resources designed to assist in instructing Sunday school lessons. Opisto Scholarship Program The LLC has joined with it's sister organization, the SRK, to provide 14 annual scholarships for students to attend one of three schools in Finland. Publications The LLC publishes a variety of publications to support the work of the LLC in furtherance of its Mission Statement, nurturing lives of faith and preaching the message of salvation through the redemption work of Jesus Christ. Publications include periodicals, books and music and audio products. Publications are developed under the auspices of the Publications Department and the Publications Committee. Many products are translations in mutual work with the SRK in Finland. PERIODICALS The Voice of Zion, a monthly paper with devotional and event articles. The Shepherds Voice, a children's magazine published seven times per year. Christmas in Zion, an annual Christmas magazine. Easter Messenger, an annual Easter magazine. BOOKS Books include devotional, historical and novel writings for all ages. MUSIC AND AUDIO Congregational singing, children's singing, and choir recordings based on music from the church's hymnal, Songs & Hymns of Zion, both teach as well as provide enjoyable listening. MOBILE HYMNAL The LLC-published Songs and Hymns of Zion contains all the songs in the current Songs and Hymns of Zion. PURCHASE/RENEW SUBSCRIPTIONS Contact Eeva Nikula at eeva.nikula@llchurch.org with any questions about your subscriptions or if you wish to receive our periodicals. VOICE OF ZION ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ADS To place birth, engagement or wedding announcements in The Voice of Zion, please fill out the forms below. Birth Engagement Wedding Death To place ads or other announcements in The Voice of Zion, please fill out the form below. Place an Ad Please note, only ads for non-profit organizations can be placed in this publication. C ontact Annette Johnson at annette.johnson@llchurch.org with questions. CHANGE OF ADDRESS If you have a change of address, telephone number, email address, or other contact information for LLC subscriptions, communications, or the LLC Telephone and Address Directory, please complete the following form. Change of Address SRK PUBLICATIONS The LLC carries a variety of publications, both written and audio, produced by the SRK in Finland. These publications are not available online but may be purchased through congregation bookstores or the LLC office directly. Contact the LLC office to check availability or to place special orders. General Operations support the noted areas of work in finance, technology, and administration. Board of Trustees The LLC Board of Trustees consists of 15 members representing member congregations allocated to three regions of the North American continent – Eastern, Midwestern, and Western. Trustees serve for three-year terms and are elected annually at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Trustees meets regularly five times throughout the year. Board Committees A Board Committee structure closely involves trustees in the work of the LLC and provides direction and support to staff. Each committee is comprised of at least three trustees, along with staff/directors associated with the committee’s areas of responsibility. Board Committees currently are as follows: Personnel, Finance, Christian Education, Mission Work, Pastoral Work, Publications. LLC Staff The LLC employs both full- and part-time personnel in areas of pastoral support, mission work, Christian education, publications, and administration. Staff works closely with the Board of Trustees and coordinates and relies upon the service of numerous volunteers in carrying out its duties and responsibilities. Other Boards and Committees The LLC Board of Trustees appoints boards of directors to oversee operations of each of the LLC camp facilities: Hasscib Lake Camp, Champion, Michigan Kamp Kipa, Prescott, Arizona Stony Lake Camp, Park Rapids, Minnesota Other Committees include: Mission Committees for each of three North American regions Scholarship Selection Committee to support the Opisto Scholarship Program Music Committee, a subcommittee of the Publications Committee Humanitarian Aid Committee If you have any questions, please Contact Us

The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) is the central organization of Laestadian Lutheran churches in North America. The website provides information about our faith, mission, organization, and activities. Welcome to our website and welcome to our services! AGAIN, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO TREASURE HID IN A FIELD. MATTHEW 13:44 LAESTADIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) is the central organization of Laestadian Lutheran churches in North America. The website provides information about our faith, mission, organization, and activities. Here you will find an overview of our publications and links to member congregations. Welcome to our website and welcome to our services! Donate Follow us on Instagram @laestadianlutheran Load More New Hymnal Supplement Now Available The first supplement to Songs and Hymns of Zion (2008) is available digitally as of November 14, 2025. This release marks a significant milestone in the ongoing hymnal development work of the Laestadian Lutheran Church. It brings together familiar melodies, newly translated texts, and brand-new songs written by believers from across North America. Read more about this supplement here. Read September 2026 Update Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion September 2026 -News and NoteS -- As another summer draws to a close, the familiar rhythms of autumn begin once again. Children return to school and to Sunday school, congregational activities resume after busy summer months, and fields in many places are beginning to yield their harvest. These changing seasons remind us of God’s continued care, both for our daily needs and for our souls. We give thanks for the many blessings of the summer News & Notes Sep 1 Scrolling with Intention Taryn Laulainen | The Voice of Zion September 2026 - Round the Table articles -- Youth from the Utah Valley congregation share reflections about using social media with a believing heart. I’ve been an active social media user for the past ten or so years, and during this time, social media has changed many times over. In the early days of being online, it was much easier to manage our social media feeds. Now, with the never-ending scroll, we are never more than a tap or sc Voice of Zion Featured Articles Sep 1 When Children Grow Up Todd and Connie Erickson | The Voice of Zion September 2026 - Home and Family articles -- Listen to your father, who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old. – Proverbs 23:22, NIV We’ve spent the past 30 years raising our children to adulthood. As we move toward retirement and reflect on life, questions and thoughts swirl: How will our children remember their childhood home? I hope our children haven’t picked up our bad habits. I hope they have more pat Home & Family Sep 1 Language Camp at Kamp Kipa Adeline Moll | The Voice of Zion September 2026 - Camp Matters article -- The LLC Language Camp was held at Kamp Kipa in Arizona July 7–13. The camp welcomed a group of 53 youth and leaders from Finland, along with North American participants, directors, teachers, and counselors, for a total attendance of 73. The Finnish group was accompanied by Mauno and Heli Soronen and Hannu and Kaisa Kinnunen as group leaders. Following participation in LLC Summer Services in Minnesot Voice of Zion Featured Articles Sep 1 The Gift of Freedom Gary Hoikka | The Voice of Zion September 2026 - The Sabbath Word 4 -- Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which Voice of Zion Featured Articles Sep 1 1 2 3 4 5 International Mission Work Website Every month, tens of thousands of people search the internet for how sins can be forgiven, where the kingdom of God is and what repentance means. To help searching ones find God’s kingdom, and as a means of performing mission work in a digital space, the SRK, SFC and LLC have now launched a new website: kingdomofpeace.net Read more about this new website here. Shop Quick View Enclosed in His Care: Annual Anthology 2025 Quick View CD # 83 Lift Up Your Eyes Quick View Hymns Ascending Quick View Time for Words Quick View CD # 81 A Morn of Song Quick View In the Shelter of the Hill Hearken – Our Publications App Attention Hearken Users! Some users have occasionally reported usability issues with Hearken, especially on Android devices. We have created a form to help us collect information on these issues, so they can continue to be looked into and solved. If you have experienced issues while using the Hearken app, please take a moment to fill out the form at this link: https://forms.gle/Ht7x5phU2w9C1ptA6 Thank you! We value your feedback. On YouTube Play Video Play Video 03:57:56 2026 LLC Summer Services - Thursday July 2nd Welcome to 2026 LLC Summer Services! Summer Services will be held at Silver Springs in Monticello, Minnesota, July 2–5, 2026. Menahga and Brainerd serve as host congregations this year. Our motto for the services is “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you” (1 John 1:3). The services will begin Thursday, July 2nd and end Sunday, July 5th. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/2026-summer-services Play Video Play Video 01:02:58 Thursday 3pm Welcome to 2026 LLC Summer Services! Summer Services will be held at Silver Springs in Monticello, Minnesota, July 2–5, 2026. Menahga and Brainerd serve as host congregations this year. Our motto for the services is “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you” (1 John 1:3). The services will begin Thursday, July 2nd and end Sunday, July 5th. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/2026-summer-services Play Video Play Video 02:49:00 2026 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Thurs Feb 19th Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 05:56:21 2026 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Sunday Feb 22nd Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 37:21 Winter Services 2026: Marv Wittenberg Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 35:45 Winter Services 2026: Rick Nevala Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 56:15 Winter Services 2026: Adrian Pirness Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 38:55 Winter Services 2026: Juha Alanko Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services

< Back Confirmation Day 4: The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of God Day 4, Lesson 3: Conscience, God's Voice In Us Objective The conscience guides us to do what is right, warns of sin, and instructs to repent when we have fallen; The conscience works properly when it is bound to God’s Word and the voice of the congregation Learning Outcome Describe what the conscience is and how it functions Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material Booklet Song: Listen, precious young believer, / To your heart your Friend is speaking: / “Friend, I know that you are tempted. / It is you that I am seeking.” (SHZ 486 v.1) Booklet Text: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Gen. 39:7-12; Dan. 1:8; Ps. 103:8-13; Gen. 3:7,8; 1 Sam. 24:5; 2 Sam. 24:10; Job 15:20-25; 27:5,6; Ps. 32:3,4; 38:1-22; 40:11,12; 51:1-19; Prov. 16:25; Jer. 6:15; Luke 11:33-36; Acts 24:16; Rom. 2:14, 15; 7:15-23; 1 Tim. 1:18,19; 3:9; Heb. 9:14; 10:22; Isa. 1:16,18; 1 Pet. 3:15-17; 1 John 3:20-21; 1 Cor. 4:3-5; Ps. 139:23,24 CURRICULUM Lesson 3.5 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS It is significant that God wishes to forgive and cleanse the conscience. Student will know how to care for his/her conscience. RESOURCES Christian Doctrine 16; Keep Faith and a Good Conscience, J. Bloomquist, Phoenix Winter Services, Feb 1998; VZ: Faith and Good Conscience Discussed, H. Huhdanpää, Feb 1999, page 7; Decision-Making Tied to God’s Word and Good Conscience, J. Stewart, Mar. 2015, page 2 Previous Next