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The Voice of Zion November 2024 - Editorial -- In a world that pushes for more—achievement, possessions, success—contentment can feel elusive. Many struggle to find peace amid comparison and striving.  Unrealistic expectations about relationships or personal achievements can leave us feeling dissatisfied when life doesn’t meet our idealized standards. Pride, meanwhile, can lead us to believe that contentment is something to be earned through our own efforts. Misplaced priorities blind us to the peace that comes from relying on God’s grace, and they prevent us from appreciating the blessings already present in our lives.  True contentment, from a Christian perspective, is found through humility, gratitude, and trust in God’s provision. Instead of seeking satisfaction in worldly successes, we are called to recognize that contentment is found in resting in God’s love, trusting His plan, and appreciating the blessings He has already given. Fulfillment lies in aligning our lives with God’s will. Comparison is often a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can serve as a tool for assessing personal growth. However, more often, it leads to dissatisfaction and envy. Social media especially intensifies this tendency, offering us curated glimpses of others’ lives and creating a sense of inadequacy. Jesus warned against this kind of worry in Matthew 6:25-34, where He reminds us to seek first God’s kingdom, not worldly status or possessions. Yet comparison can also be beneficial when it helps us reflect on our faith: we can prayerfully ponder whether we yet believe as did the saints who went before. Hebrews 13:5 encourages us to be content with what we have, reminding us that God will never forsake us. This type of self-reflection, as Martin Luther emphasized, helps keep us grounded in faith and prevents us from straying into dissatisfaction with God’s guidance. Contentment lies in recognizing that all we have is a gift from God. Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21) warns against hoarding wealth, while Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11–13 remind us that contentment comes through reliance on God. Luther often preached against materialism, reminding us that wealth is fleeting. Instead, trusting in God’s grace sustains us through both times of plenty and times of need. Looking at the lives of those who came before us provides valuable perspective on contentment. Many who lived through hardship often reflect with gratitude for what they had rather than dwelling on what they lacked. This serves as a reminder that contentment doesn’t require perfect circumstances. Just as God provided for the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 16), He continues to provide for us. This reflection can also ease anxieties about our own futures.  Contentment is closely tied to appreciating what we already have. As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:6, godliness with contentment is great gain. When we focus on the present, we see the blessings around us, like a warm home or a peaceful moment outdoors. Setting reasonable goals and limiting distractions, such as excessive screen time, helps foster a balanced, grateful heart.  Paul’s reminder in Galatians 6:2 encourages us to find satisfaction in serving others. Building relationships and helping others bring more lasting fulfillment than material achievements. Contentment isn’t passivity; it is deep trust in God’s provision and a heart at peace with His will. In every circumstance, we find true contentment by relying on God, who provides for us in prosperity and adversity alike.

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion November 2024 - News & Notes Article -- Memories come from my childhood when we would gather in the school gymnasium to pause and remember the soldiers that fought to bring an end to the battles and allow for peace to return among nations. November 11 is a day to give thanks to God for the blessing he has allowed for His children in the nations they dwell. The greatest blessing is the name of a child of God that will one day bring us to experience true eternal peace.  November also marks the end of the church calendar year, and the approach of Advent. On November 1, All Saints Day, we lovingly remember those who have gained the victory of heaven. They are remembered with longing, and with the hope of reunion one day in the glory of heaven. As plans are made for Advent and the upcoming Christmas season, may we remember our heavenly Father’s many blessings and the hope of heaven that waits at the end of our journey.    Updates on LLC Activities  Mission  Minister and Wives camp was held in Longview, Wash., September 20–22. Around 60 couples were able to attend in person along with 20 connections online. Ministers and wives were able to visit about the mutual calling.  We have seen how many congregations have called new servants into the office of ministry. We will again be hosting a New Ministers workshop at the LLC office in February. We encourage local congregations to support in sending those that have recently been called to this weekend event.  Jari Warwaruk has been asked by the Saskatchewan congregations to serve as a fulltime pastor. The Menahga congregation has asked Rick Nevala to serve their congregation as a fulltime pastor as well. We want to remember Jari and Diana along with Rick and Kathy and their families as they transition into this calling in the coming months. A committee is working on updating language of Luther’s Small Catechism. The edition of this update is expected to be ready for distribution for the 2025–26 Sunday School year.  LLC staff can support congregations that wish to have Teacher and Camp Directors Workshops. Contact the LLC Office for details.  Planning for the 2025 Camp Season is in the final stages. During December geographic registration for confirmation school will begin. Nine Confirmation Schools are planned for 2025:  – Four at Stony Lake: • June 14–21  • June 22–29  • July 12–19  • July 20–27  – Two at Kamp Kipa:  • June 15–22  • July 13–20  – One in the Pacific Northwest:  • Dates to be determined – One at Prairie Shores:  • July 20–27 – One at Hasscib Lake:  • July 13–20 Communications When we look back over past decades, we note that over 700 North American youth have attended the opistos run by believers in Finland. This is one of the many meaningful ways the Zions of Finland and North America interact. We are also happy to note that interest in studying at opisto continues to be strong. We had nearly 30 applications for 14 opisto scholarships for the 2025–26 opisto year. In addition, several students are interested in paying their own way to opisto. We are currently waiting for the opistos to let us know how many spots will be available for North American students.  The following scholarships were awarded for the 2025–26 opisto year. Names of recipients are shown along with their home congregations. Per current selection criteria, initially six scholarships are awarded to applicants from the East-Central mission area, five scholarships to applicants from the Northwest area, and three to applicants from the Southwest area. These numbers align with the proportional distribution of membership. The numbers may shift as some recipients cancel and others from the waiting list take their spots. We wish these scholarship recipients God’s blessings as they prepare for their year abroad that will begin next August! Jämsän Kristillinen Kansanopisto  Ava Byman – Phoenix, Ariz. Andrew Niemela – Elk River, Minn. Anne Pirness – Outlook, Sask. Lucia Wuollet – Glendale, Ariz. Ranuan kristillinen kansanopisto Marjetta Haapala – Longview, Wash. Anton Haataja – Seattle, Wash. Costin Simonson – Glendale, Ariz. Holly Ylioja – Lethbridge, Alta. Reisjärven kristillinen opisto  Mikael Anderson – Williston, N.D. Krista Edwards – Alaska Katherine Hotari – Toronto, Ont. Laurel Hill – Ishpeming, Mich. Connor Kinnunen – Cokato, Minn. Kristy Lehtola – Rockford, Minn. It is exciting to note that we have a dozen or so book projects currently underway. We work on these as time and resources allow. We will work to complete these and publish them over the course of the next few years. At the top of the list right now is the LLC history book, for which the manuscript is finalized and final edits are being made before layout. As noted in previous issues of The Voice of Zion,  the LLC’s fiction writing contest is open through the end of November. We are happy to note we’ve already received several submissions! Once the contest is closed, we will begin to review the submissions. A reading group appointed by LLC’s Print Publications Committee will select the two winning manuscripts that will be developed into books. Our Hearken  app has been in use for two and a half years! We are satisfied and grateful for how this venture has gone thus far. We have been able to offer a steady stream of new content, and we have received useful feedback as well. As we continue to publish content on this app, we also ponder what the future of Hearken  should look like. What thoughts and wishes do you have? Freely share them with us! In our Hearken  plans for upcoming weeks, there is plenty of Christmas content. This is something that Hearken subscribers can look forward to. In 2025, we plan to share content with SRK’s Päivämies  newspaper in every issue of The Voice of Zion.  We will produce one page of content on a mutual theme, and they will produce another page, and then we will each publish a two-page spread on the theme in question. For 2025, the themes for Voice of Zion  issues will be miracles of Jesus. Stay tuned to see how these themes are discussed on the pages of this paper in the coming year. We plan to host a Youth Content Creators day camp at the LLC office in Monticello, Minn., in January or February. The focus of the day camp will be on illustration, writing and broadcast/podcast skills. When details are finalized, we will send information on this day camp to LLC congregations.

The Voice of Zion November 2024 - Home & Family Article -- Respect means holding something as important and to be honored. Respect is both how we treat others and why we treat others this way. Both of these aspects of respect are found in Scripture The commandments tell us to honor and respect our parents; this includes elders. Further, we are instructed to love our neighbor; this also includes that honor and importance that we give to all of God’s creation. We wish to treat others with honor no matter who or what they appear to be. God made each person; each person has an undying soul and value before God. In the following articles, you will read viewpoints about respect from a variety of people from the Alaska congregation.  Respect One Another Brendan Johnson As the years pass, I seem to recall less and less from my childhood. Vivid memories fade, and I can’t seem to imagine the memories that used to be clear pictures. It is almost as if some memories were a story about myself told to me by friends or family. At times I am not sure if I actually remember something or if my brain created the memory to fill in the story.  Then there are those memories that have compiled so many times throughout our life that they have been chiseled into our brain. The life lessons we have been taught. We don’t know where we remember it from, how it came about, or who taught it, we just know we will never forget it. It exists in your head whether you believe it or not. The Golden Rule is one of those memories: “Therefore all things ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matt. 7:12). Treat others as you yourself would like to be treated. We were taught that at a young age, whether from our parents or a school teacher or a mix of people. Maybe you heard it at Sunday school when caught poking fun at someone or you hurt someone’s feelings.  The original instruction comes from the Bible. As we read in Matthew, Jesus instructs us on how to treat others. In more understandable English, the NKJV says, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets.” The Bible’s instructions on the matter are clear, so why is it often hard to do this? One would assume that instruction we have been taught our whole life, from within God’s kingdom and from society, would be easy to follow. That is not the case, even though we all wholeheartedly believe it. One problem often lies in our own attitude. When I don’t feel good about myself for any reason, it may be because I have sin on my conscience. I may find it difficult to respect others. How can you show respect to anyone else if you feel burdened or don’t respect yourself?  Perhaps, you can only respect others as much as you respect yourself. If you find yourself struggling, put your pride away. Talk to a believer you are close with; they will not judge you. You are not alone in your struggles. Put away sin. Keeping faith and a clean conscience, it is easier to again fulfill the God-given duty to treat all with respect.  Each Unique, Each Precious Lindsey Haataja When we wander outside among the trees and shrubs in the woods, we discover something intricate and amazing about God’s creation of nature: we never find two pieces of it exactly the same. No two leaves share the same veins, no two rivers follow the same path and no two clouds shape or move the same way. God made each part of His creation unique. This is also true of his children, and I found this important to remember when we were blessed with identical twins seven years ago.  Raising two babies, two toddlers and two boys that go through the same milestones is both challenging and rewarding. A challenge for me has been to not compare them to each other, and to not put one down because one twin is stronger in one area than the other.  One twin loves taking care of the babies and toddlers, loves insects, has a quiet voice, offers to help out often and loves to sing. The other twin has a loud voice, always wants to fix broken things in our home, never can decide what he wants for breakfast in the morning and loves all things winter. They are both a joy to have in our home in their unique way. God blesses all of us with different gifts, abilities, hobbies, ambitions, likes and struggles.  Despite differences, we are all children of God traveling home to heaven. We can work to practice the golden rule, and respect other children of God by speaking kindly, offering support and encouragement, appreciating people for who they are and giving thanks to God for creating everyone unique.  When God set out to form the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the acorns that fall off the trees and you and me, He created everything perfectly unique.  Children’s Perspective  Eli Kumpula, age 9 What does respect mean to you?  It means being nice, helping others and not being mean. Who in your life do you respect? My family and everybody. Where did you first learn about respect? At home, church and school. Megan Edwards, age 12 What does respect mean to you? Some words that came to mind are to be considerate and polite. Who in your everyday life do you respect?  Elders, teachers and everyone. Everyone deserves respect Where did you first learn about respect?  When I was young, at home, church and at school. Reuban Huhta, age 8, and Malachi Huhta, age 10 What does respect mean to you? Malachi:  Respect means to be respectful to elders and respect the church because it’s God’s house. Reuban:  You should respect people’s stuff because it’s not yours. Who in your everyday life do you respect? Malachi:  I have respect for my grandma and grandpa because they’re older and wiser than me. Also, God, because He is the Giver of life and made the world. Reuban:  I have respect for my parents because they teach me and take care of me. Where did you first learn about respect? We both learned about respect from Sunday school and parents. Malachi:  my gampy taught me about respect as well. Respect Adeline Bekkala Respect is an important topic for everyone to consider. To respect someone or something is to admire, esteem, and recognize the worth of that subject. This world is created by God and He saw worth in everything He added to His creation. Therefore, while our human nature may find it difficult to see the worth of certain people or things, we may pray and strive to respect one another.  For most people, respect starts in the home. Children follow their parents’ example on how to show respect. They notice that their parents respect each other, their children, themselves and their own boundaries. And when they interact with others outside the home, children notice how their parents respect all neighbors, friends and the land around them.  Respect is also an attitude and behavior that can be learned through instruction and experience. A good habit or practice is to respect yourself by not participating in activities you’d prefer not to, despite the normalcy of the activity, or any peer pressure that occurs. Communication, empathy, boundaries and observation are all skills that may help us develop further respect for others.  While we may have respect in our minds and hearts, showing respect to others is another aspect to consider. It doesn’t take much effort to thank hosts, greet someone, and respect other’s property and facilities by cleaning up after yourself. As we think of the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12) and how it ties to respect, we acknowledge that we cannot control anybody in what they think, say, or do, but we can control our reaction to those things and when we react with respect, we are able keep Christian love amidst disagreements.  In our own weakness we may struggle and have doubts, we can help each other with the gospel and remember that every new day is another opportunity to try our best.  Discussion Questions  What does the Golden Rule teach us about respect? Whom should we respect in our daily lives? How can we show respect and kindness to others, even when they are different from us? How do we show respect for other people’s belongings and spaces? Where and how were you taught to be respectful? How can we teach it to others?

Eric Mattila | The Voice of Zion November 2024 - The Sabbath Word 4 Article -- Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. – Psalm 143:1–10 Our text has been designated as a text for Judgment Sunday. The theme for this Sunday in our church calendar is Christ, the Lord of the Universe.  This psalm is attributed to an Old-Testament brother in faith, David. David was pursued and threatened by those who wished him harm. In our text, he openly speaks about the weariness and fear that overcome him. He looks back on his life and remembers the blessings that have been granted unto him, and he turns to God in prayer. This can be a familiar experience to the children of God today. Any number of things can cause us fear and doubts. Perhaps someone has ill will towards us, perhaps the influences and sins of the world come close and entice us. Trials of health or finances or other things can cause us to worry and wonder if God has forgotten us. Or it can be our own smallness and lacking in faith that cause us to tremble. God Hears Our Prayers David prayed because he trusted and believed that God heard his prayers. He knew he needed help from outside himself that was greater than himself. When things were at their worst, he could only turn to where hope and trust were. Prayer is this kind of gift for us also. We can pour out our concerns and worries to our heavenly Father and trust that He hears. This is the heart of a child, one who believes that there is One who is greater, who can help and care for us.  As our theme notes, Christ is the Lord of the Universe, and He helps us even in difficult matters. The matters of the world around us are under the eye of our heavenly Father. He watches and knows all. He directs and guides these things yet today. His ways and wisdom are far above our understanding. It feels secure to leave our matters in His hands. Expecting an Immediate Answer David’s flesh was so close, like it is with us. He wanted an immediate answer. In fact, he wanted it by the next morning. Impatience and stipulations can creep into our prayers. In some ways it’s normal for us to think we would know best how our lives should go. It is easy to advise God what trials we would be content with and which ones we could do without. It is nonetheless important to remember to add this to our prayers: “Thy will be done.” We can trust that in trials and the affairs of the world that God knows so much better than us how to direct matters. We can believe that He has good thoughts toward us. He has shown this by giving His Son to die on our behalf. He has called us personally into this precious kingdom and given us the gift of faith. This is true love and care. Let us be content and accept the lot we have received. Through our trials, we can take joy in our faith and look forward to arriving on the shores of heaven.

Ben Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion November 2024 - Doctrine and Life Article -- This writing is based on a presentation kept at an October 1 meeting of Minnesota congregation boards and ministers. It has been a familiar theme in the life of believers since the Reformation that the Bible is the highest authority for faith and life. It is worthwhile to pause and consider this matter again. What does this mean in our modern world? How do we as individual believers read and interpret the Bible? How does it still provide an unfailing guide thousands of years since its writing and since the oldest texts were being passed down orally from generation to generation? All these questions are best answered with the Bible itself. Our understanding of and relationship to the Bible is based on what the Bible itself says. Peter writes: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pet. 1:20) When Peter writes “Knowing this first…” we can see this is a foundational text in understanding what the scriptures are. We “know this first” that the Bible is inspired by God, it is His revelation to humankind. This can only be grasped by faith. One can have great respect for the wisdom and authority of the Bible, but without accepting that it is God’s message and revelation, it cannot profit it us unto salvation. Paul also writes to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Paul confirms and supports what Peter teaches and also adds that the Bible is our source of Christian doctrine (teaching). This confirms the reformation principle that all teaching is to be examined and evaluated in the light of the Bible. When we read any text or writing we may have different understandings based on our own experiences and knowledge. What is the place of reason in understanding the Bible and how do we resolve the differing perspectives and individual understandings that can arise between believers? At the time of the Reformation these questions were also considered. The confessional writings show that because understanding is given by God, humans can in some small way see and know the good works of God. As human reason was also corrupted by the fall, it is insufficient to know God fully. Still, reason and understanding are tools to understanding the Bible. The Holy Spirit “opens the understanding and heart to understand the Scriptures” (Formula of Concord). Reason must be subject to and serve faith, not the other way around.  Shortly before his death Jesus promised his own: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). From this we can trust that the Holy Spirit is the key that opens the Bible in the congregation. We do not rely on our own interpretation but instead find it good to study the Bible in the care of the congregation. From Peter’s and Paul’s teaching on scriptures divine “inspiration,” we trust that the Holy Spirit still works in the mouths of teachers and preachers, and in the hearts and minds of the hearers. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” When reading and studying the Bible it is good to keep principles of interpretation in mind. Lutheran principles of interpretation are based on the teachings of our forefather in faith, Martin Luther, and more importantly are in accordance with the scriptures themselves.  The first principle is that the Bible should be interpreted according to its central message, salvation in Jesus Christ. This helps to define what is central to our faith. The second principle is that the Bible is explained with the Bible. Individual verses and portions are placed in context using other teachings in the Bible. With the foundational understanding that it is God’s Word and revelation, we interpret portions that can seem contradictory in this light. An example of this is Paul’s instruction on righteousness of faith (Rom. 3:21–31) and James’ teaching on works effected by faith (James 2:14–26). They should not be seen as battling each other, but instead standing back-to-back, battling against different errors defending the truth of God’s Word.  The third principle is that the Bible is a spiritual book, and correct understanding of it requires faith. Only by faith can we accept the that the Bible is God’s Word. With acceptance of this, we then desire to be obedient to God’s Word in everyday life. The fourth principle is that the Bible belongs to all Christians. No one person has been given the wisdom and authority to wholly understand and interpret the Bible. The truth of God’s Word is opened when we read, hear and study together. From this principle we also see that God’s Word and His congregation belong together. God’s congregation is where the Holy Spirit opens God’s Word, and where His children willingly and obediently hear it. The final principle is the separation of the law and the gospel. God’s revelation in the Bible contains God’s will (the law) and the message of God’s saving works (the gospel). The law shows people their sinfulness and need of grace, and the gospel delivers the sinner to Christ and frees them from sin. When studying the Bible it is important to keep Paul’s instruction to Timothy in mind: “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith” (1 Tim. 6:20,21). The gift of faith and the correct understanding of the Bible is a treasure placed in our care or that has been “committed to thy trust.” We endeavor to be obedient to God’s Word and not twist it to suit our preferences. The writer to the Hebrews also exhorts us to remember the “cloud of witnesses” that surrounds us. This is understood to be those former saints who were victorious through faith (Heb. 11–12). It is good to ask: is my faith in accord with the former saints? Will they “witness” on my behalf?  Paul also warns to “Avoid the irrelevant babble and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge, for by professing it some have swerved from the faith” (1 Tim. 6:20,21, ESV). In our time, the authority of the Bible is diminished by many. This may be due to what are seen as inconsistencies or inaccuracies based on modern understanding from human knowledge and discovery. We can also err by trying to make the Bible into something it is not, i.e., a textbook of history or science and defending it on these grounds. These are the types of discussions and debates that we can be drawn into and “swerve from the faith.” It is good to remember our foundational understanding of what the Bible is: God’s revelation to us and everything He has seen necessary to include for our salvation. It is not a book of facts, but a book of truth. That the Bible contains perspectives and worldviews that reflect the understanding of the natural world at the time of its human writers does not diminish its authority or the greatness of the treasure God has given us. The Bible is a book that we cannot ever master. Though we would spend a lifetime devoted to study, it opens to us according to the measure given by God. It yet provides us comfort and encouragement to those who still wish to hear. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things…and the God of Peace shall be with you” (Phil. 4:8,9).  Discussion questions: What may get in the way of our reading and studying the Bible? How do we approach portions of Scripture that we don’t understand? Share of an experience in reading or hearing God’s Word when you felt the Word especially opened to you? What Bible texts are especially dear to you? Sources: Holy Bible, King James Version.  (n.d.). Holy Bible, English Standard Version.  (2001). Crossway. Holy Bible, New International Version.  (2011). Zondervan. Kolb, Robert, and Timothy J. Wengert, eds. The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000. Palola, Ari-Pekka, ed. Christ is the Same, Yesterday, Today and Forever.  LLC, 2022.

Erkki Joensuu | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - The Sabbath Word 4 Article -- I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee. – Psalms 119:162–168 The heart of the person singing the psalm is happy and rejoicing. Just before this, the singer has lamented, confessed his sinfulness, and asked for God’s mercy. “Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word…quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness” (Ps. 119:153,154,159).  The source for the singer’s joy is God’s living Word, the promise that God will send a Savior, His only Son for the atonement of his sins. God will send the One who will bruise the head of the serpent and win over the power of the devil (Gen. 3:15). The psalm singer believes in the promise and forgiveness of his afflictions. He had found his Savior Jesus, in the Word of God.  He compares his experience to the great kill of a hunter. The hunter had been shown the prey animal, he had been able to catch it, and he was able to partake in eating. This was a life-and-death matter for him. One’s death had become life for him. Now he had food to survive; he did not have to die. “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:24). Psalms were an integral part of ancient Israel’s worship service. Worshipers sang together with the help of musical instruments, tunes and musical leaders. Even during the Old Testament times, sorrow over sins, confession of sins, the proclamation of God’s mercy and absolution, and repentance – the change of heart and mind – were no strange concepts for believers. Already then, they believed in the salvation of mercy according to the priesthood of Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18; Ps. 110), and not according to the law.  Today also, during the New Testament time, these essential elements are part of God’s children’s worship service. The reading of Communion rites includes the confession of our sinfulness and proclamation of absolution, and sermons acknowledge our sinfulness and include the absolution of sins as well. The same is true when Christians take care of offences which have broken the love between them, or whenever Christians forgive each other sins that have attached during the journey in the name and blood of Jesus. Forgiving one another is according to the example of Jesus: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13: 14,15). The subject of the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost is forgiveness, Christ’s exhortation to “Forgive one another.” Mutual Christian love opens from forgiveness. Christian life is based on the forgiveness received because of Christ’s death on the cross. His suffering, death, and resurrection as a winner of evil compel us to face our neighbors with kindness, gentleness and forgiveness. Such an attitude makes it possible for God’s manifold gifts to be effective in all their richness. Our psalm text shows how God’s forgiving love impacted the people’s singing. God’s Word found a place in their hearts and the Holy Spirit opened their eyes to see that God’s Law was not condemning and upsetting them anymore, but it become their truth and a pillar. In their hearts they loved the will of God, and they hated and abhorred lying and falsehoods the enemy of the souls had planted in their flesh. They saw God’s power as greater than evil powers. They were no longer able to contain their happiness, but their hearts exalted in praise to God for His goodness and for the peace they experience all through the day.

Scott Landa | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - What Does the Bible Say Article -- Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matt 5:10 What is persecution? In the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (2003), “persecution” is defined as harassment and suffering that people and institutions inflict upon others for being different in their faith, worldview, culture or race. Persecution seeks to intimidate, silence, punish or even kill people. Believers have suffered some form of persecution since the beginning of time simply for desiring to follow the will of God. As I pondered this I wondered how I, as a child of God, respond to persecution from those in the world. I remembered the precious example of Stephen. Who was Stephen? Stephen was one of seven deacons appointed over the congregation of Jerusalem after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Stephen was full of faith and the Holy Ghost. He was given much understanding and wisdom in Christ. Those who questioned and debated with him were not able to refute the wisdom given him by the Spirit. Instead, they brought him before the council in the synagogue with false accusations of blasphemy.  Stephen rebuked his accusers with the truth of God’s Word, and he was cast out and stoned and died a martyr’s death. Yet he desired that God would make his persecutors able to see God’s glory so that they might be able to own the hope of heaven as Stephen did. “He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60). It is recorded that there was a young man there, named Saul, who witnessed and maybe even participated in the call to stone Stephen. Could it be that the loving and forgiving heart of Stephen was able to prick Saul’s conscience?  Saul was later able to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd on the road to Damascus and received Jesus into his heart when Ananias blessed him. As an apostle of Christ, he did much work in the early church in Jesus’ name. What other examples of persecution are there in Scripture? Abel suffered death at the hand of his brother Cain because Abel offered, by faith, to God a more excellent sacrifice (Heb. 1:4). Noah suffered the taunts and jeers from the people of the world for years as he worked on the ark God instructed him to build. The children of Israel suffered slavery and oppression. The prophets were despised and even considered as traitors to their fellow citizens for warning of God’s punishment if they continued in their worldly ways. Many were imprisoned and some put to death for believing in Christ.  Wherever the believers are, the enemy of souls is also present, working in others to treat believers with ridicule, bitterness, even hatred. How is it in our day? We in North America have for many years been allowed religious freedom: we can gather around the hearing of God’s Word without fear of persecution. We can see God’s guiding hand in this and pray that He continues to allow it to be so. We do, however, encounter those who cause us harm with words or actions; perhaps they ridicule our beliefs, ignore us or exclude us from their circle. Though forms of persecution today are physically not as harsh as they were in years past, disrespectful words are still difficult to endure, and they try our faith. Remember, dear brother and sister in faith, that we have accepted this cross in hope of one day being able to inherit the glory of heaven (Mark 10:21). How are we encouraged in our journey of faith? Jesus instructs us to not place our trust in the things of this world. He wants us to lay aside the pride of this life so that we will have treasure in heaven. We are encouraged to remember that if we are made uncomfortable by those in this world, this is so only because the flickering candle of faith still is a light unto the world. One who lives in darkness is not able to abide the light of Christ which shines in each of His own (John 15:18). Christ instructs us, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44). It is important that we remember to have a forgiving heart towards those who mistreat us. As Stephen followed in the way of Christ, so also we say, “Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).   Discussion Questions: How do we in our day stand up for our faith? What resistance might we face? How can we support one another when we face persecution for our beliefs? How do we as Christians want to treat those who persecute us? What does Jesus teach us? What does Jesus mean when He says those who are persecuted are blessed? What gives us hope during moments when we face ridicule and persecution?

Arvin Pirness  | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - News & Notes Article -- Fall is a busy time at the LLC office with staff, the LLC Board, and committees meeting to finalize plans for 2025 and prepare plans for 2026. These meetings and planning sessions remind me how important it is that God’s children remember to serve one another with their time. Thousands of volunteer hours are provided every year to serve brothers and sisters in faith. Christian love obligates us to escort one another in grace and truth to the end of our journey. Update on LLC Activities Camps The camp season is nearly over. As information from the camp season is reviewed, the respective camp boards begin preparing for the 2025 season and planning for 2026. This year a Woman’s Camp and Health Trials Camp were added. Both events were reviewed positively by those that attended.  As of the middle of September, 3,545 participants have attended camps. 280 attended Confirmation School. Camps have been arranged by six North American Camp Boards: Hasscib Lake, West Coast, Prairie Shores, Stony Lake, Kamp Kipa and Silver Springs.  Facilities There has been a lot of maintenance and improvements at LLC Camp Centers this year. Four cabin interiors at Kamp Kipa were improved; walls and ceilings were furred out, walls were covered with drywall and new flooring was installed. These cabins are now very nice. Replacement of deteriorated siding and painting of the entire lodge was completed in late spring. Volunteers at Stony Lake completed an overhaul of the main lodge decks. All this work is completed due to the large number of volunteers investing in camp work.  Education  Additional teaching materials have been created for third-grade Sunday school material and have been distributed to congregations this last year. For the 2024–25 Sunday school year additional teaching material is being piloted for 4th and 8th grade. Over the next few years, the goal is to continue to update teaching materials for all Sunday school grades.  Mission Work The Williston congregation has called Adam Lampi as a minister to serve their congregation. We wish Adam, his wife Carly and their family God’s blessings in these duties. Communication has been sent out from the office for all who are scheduled to serve in 2025 at LLC services, mission trips, camps, as well as for events coordinated by the camp boards and area mission committees. These 380 events are in addition to the regular service schedule in our local congregations.  Communications As has been communicated previously, we will discontinue printing lists of individual Christmas greetings in the December issue of The Voice of Zion . We will include greetings from LLC staff and Board and also from SRK and SFC. Member congregations can place Christmas greetings in the form of an ad if they wish. More information on this will be sent to congregation boards. The tradition of Christmas greetings in Christianity’s newspapers is a long one, and as times and habits of sending others Christmas greetings change, so do our practices. The 2024 Content Creators Workshop at Stony Lake Camp was well attended. Participants learned about and practiced writing skills, illustration, composing and arranging music and planned services broadcast content for 2025. In addition to individual sessions, there were also mutual sessions in which workshop participants discussed various aspects of creating content for LLC publications. Questions discussed included: – How does publications content support the spiritual, emotional, and congregational life of our audience? – Do our publications make space for those outside our faith while also deepening a connection with and between believers? – How can we make theological concepts and our core beliefs understandable for all readers? How do we tailor messages for different age ranges without watering down the core message? – How can we address contemporary issues through the lens of faith without becoming political or divisive? – What balance of print, audio, video, and visual content should we aim for? A recent topic of discussion in our area of work focuses on the fact that everything we produce is published on one or more digital platform, whether Hearken,  our website or external music streaming services. Some things we produce are also published in print or as physical products such as CDs. Previously it has felt that the main focus is print and physical products, with digital efforts being a side effort. Has this balance now shifted? We will continue to discuss this question and its implications to our work and planning our publications in future years.

The Voice of Zion October 2024 - Editorial -- As the golden hues of autumn settle across our fields, we find ourselves in a season that invites reflection and gratitude. The harvest, a time when the fruits of human labor are gathered, reminds us of the blessings God has provided throughout the year. It’s a time to reflect on the many freedoms we enjoy, including the freedom to vote, believe, and worship as our conscience guides us. As we approach Thanksgiving and also Election Day, uncertainties that loom on the horizon—whether personal, communal, or national—can stir up doubts and fears. But the Bible offers us profound guidance on how to navigate. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are reminded to “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” This call to gratitude helps us recognize God’s presence in all aspects of life, both in moments of celebration and challenge. As we reflect on Election Day, we can give thanks for the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of our communities. In Daniel 2:21, we are reminded that God “changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.” While elections are important, we can trust that God is ultimately in control of the course of history. Our hope is not in the hands of human leaders but in the eternal reign of Christ, our King. The prophet Habakkuk offers a beautiful example of trust in God, even when the future is unknown. He declares, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines…Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:17,18). Habakkuk’s response is one of faith, recognizing that God’s goodness and provision are reasons for joy and thankfulness, even when life’s outcomes are uncertain. As we gather around our Thanksgiving tables, it’s natural to be thankful for the blessings of family, food, and shelter – and living faith. But let us also strive to give thanks for the ways God sustains us through every season of life. In James 1:2–4 (NIV), we are encouraged to “consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Challenges are opportunities for growth, deepening our reliance on God and witnessing His faithfulness in our lives. A bountiful harvest reminds us of the spiritual harvest that God is cultivating within us and around us. Even when the fields of our lives seem barren, God is at work, ever planting seeds of faith, hope, and love. Lamentations 3:22,23 assures us that “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” This Thanksgiving, let us pray for strength to be a people of hope and gratitude, not just for the blessings we see but also for the unseen work God is doing in our lives and in our nation. We are blessed to live in countries where we can freely worship and vote, contributing to the common good. We approach the election season with the confidence that, regardless of the outcome, God’s purposes will prevail. Let us remember the words of Psalm 46:1–3: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.” We ask God to fill our hearts with thankfulness this season—not just for the harvest that fills our barns, but for the enduring hope that fills our souls, knowing that our God is sovereign, faithful, and good. We can be confident that He holds our future in His hands.

Pam Redman | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - Home & Family Article -- Fellowship with our escorts in faith is a great blessing. We are fortunate to have services, camps and other gatherings where we can receive nourishment for our souls and create bonds of love with other believers. Involvement in activities of God’s kingdom is beneficial to believers. It is secure to stay in the middle of the congregation where we can discuss matters of our hearts with those who are of the same spirit. We are advised, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). God has given us the gift of faith and gifts to serve. The book of James reminds us, “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (1:22). We are often encouraged to put our gifts on the exchange table for use in the kingdom. Each gathering and event requires people to work in various roles. This can be a great opportunity to meet and get to know others while working on the project, whether it is building a church, preparing for summer services or cleaning up after coffee lunch. We may not recognize our own abilities, even thinking, “Why me?” If one is not able to serve, he or she can pray for other workers. “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work” (Neh. 4:6). God blesses willing hearts and hands. Another important aspect of believers’ gatherings is singing! “I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me” (Ps. 13:6). We are the most fortunate people!   Joy in God’s Congregation Steve Kallinen What do I remember after I leave services? It is not the details, but it is joy like a child would have after washing a basket in the rain, as refreshment and preparing for a new day. There at the gatherings, friends have made me smile or laugh, the sermon has touched my heart and soul, and the singing has brightened the day. As a natural plant grows, it needs more water and fertilizer, not less. People are like the plant that continues to need nourishment for the heart and soul, feeding the tender plants of God’s Word, so they would grow and flourish to produce grain for the harvest to heaven. How good to be under this refreshing moisture. On a trip to Kenya last December, a young man waited from early morning at the service site, as he wished to “not miss the services when we would finally arrive for church to be held.” I figure he waited five or six hours for the services to begin. The time of awakening in Africa creates a hunger for God’s Word. We heard several times, “We wish these services would last three to four days at a time in our area.” Likewise in Sierra Leone in May they sat and listened, they stayed throughout the day’s events and yet hungered for more. How we can also learn from them? “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:22). Remember the children of Israel as they crossed the Red Sea, and the Lord destroyed those who attempted to capture them, so then Miriam led the children of God in unity and rejoiced singing, “Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea” (Exod. 15:19–21). Children hear His calling voice; they rejoice together that God had helped and we also must say, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12). I could also mention how camps have been a great oasis in the desert for me. They are precious opportunities for fellowship, for devotions, and for learning about faith. Yet, how often am I there?  The gathering of the community of saints is comforting to one who needs to feel the hand of God’s angels for support in faith. Lambs find comfort in a flock, not when they are alone in the pasture. In the flock the Shepherd is watching and protecting them—and us—from onslaughts of the enemy.   Faith Cometh by Hearing Don Lahti Children sometimes ask why we go to church. There could be multiple answers from the Bible to this question. In Romans, Apostle Paul said, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (10:17). He also said, “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (v. 14). Living faith is not of us ourselves. God first calls us into faith, as is recorded in the first letter to Corinthians: “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1:9). A child might next ask, how can one come into living faith? Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matt. 7:7,8 NIV). In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). We understand, according to God’s Word, that living faith is of God and He gives it to the humble and penitent sinner who seeks to receive the absolution of their sins from another believer, one who has the authority from the Holy Spirit to forgive sins, as is recorded in 1 Peter 2:9. “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.” Jesus gave this authority to His own disciples before He died on the cross, according to Luke 24:49, “Behold, I sent to promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” John 20 also contains this: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (John 20:22,23, NIV). As we examine how the Bible instructs us about faith, we understand how important it is to gather around God’s Word. We desire to attend church, Sunday school, Bible class and other gatherings of God’s children. We need the constant reminders that are given us in the Bible and through the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew how necessary it was, as He instructed His disciples in His farewell sermon regarding how important it was for Him to go away. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).  The writer to the Hebrews reminds us of the importance of fellowship with believers, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). If we keep a distance from other believers, on the edges of God’s kingdom, there are dangers. The enemy of souls can begin to tempt with lies, which can corrupt the human mind, causing us to doubt. Doubts could eventually lead one away from God’s kingdom. Instead, we wish to heed admonition to travel in the “middle of the flock.” By doing so we are protected in faith.   Living Away from a Congregation Gladys Lahti When I was growing up, we did not have a church nearby to go to. My dad was in heresy. My mom repented from the heresy when I was just a small girl. After Mom received the grace of repentance, she came home on the train from the cities. Dad had asked the minister from his church to pick her up from the train station and bring her straight to the church and he would get the cows milked before going to church. When Mom got off the train, she was able to confess her faith to the minister. She told him she would not be going to church with him because she had found God’s kingdom.  So the minister brought her home. He only brought her as far as the end of the driveway that led to the house. Yet to this day, I can picture Mom walking up the driveway, seeing Dad standing in front of the barn watching. I’m sure he was wondering why she came home instead of going to church. I remember how much it meant to my mom and to us kids when the believers would stop by to visit. We would always sing songs of Zion together and Mom would discuss faith with our company. It was so special when Dad would bring us to the believing services. It meant so much to be able to get to church.  We don’t want to take it for granted when we are able to get to services, especially remembering that this didn’t happen often in the past. God has preserved me in faith to this day, and I pray that He would continue to protect me and guide me in faith until the end of my journey.   Attending Church Services Hannah Keranen Why would a believer not want to go to Church Services? When we are believing, it seems natural that we get hungry to hear God’s Word spoken.  We desire to be in the middle of the flock of believers. Where are we likely to find them? We find them at church services and other service events and occasions, or at the homes of believers. As a child we always attended Sunday school and then the church service that followed. During church we sat quietly while the minister delivered a Finnish sermon, followed by an English sermon. All was well and we felt refreshed. Nowadays, people appreciate the fact that services can be listened to online at home, in a vehicle while traveling, any time of day or night. This is very acceptable but it feels important, if possible, to incorporate fellowship also. This helps us to remain on the straight and narrow pathway to heaven. If we endeavor, young and old, with a clean conscience, having sins forgiven, we can be joyful and live in God’s peace.   Susan Kiviahde In pondering the importance of attending church, the first thought that came to my mind was the Bible portion, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). It is very important to remain in the love and fellowship of the believers. It is a wonderful option to be able to listen online when we cannot make it to church, but we should not make that an excuse to not attend services at the church. It is important to attend the meetings of the believers. This is especially true in times of conflict and turmoil in God’s kingdom. During the heresy of 1973 and also in the recent heresy, it became very evident in meetings that there were two voices in the congregation. By attending meetings with an open mind, we can see for ourselves the fruits that are revealed in different speeches. “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt. 7:20). Leading up to the 1973 heresy, I listened to both sides until it was revealed to me which side was the true kingdom of God. To remain as a child of God, it was most important to remain in this true kingdom, regardless of the fact that most of my family and many dear friends were going the other way. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all things will be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). Although I then lost many dear ones, I have experienced Jesus’ words to be true: “Everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life” (Matt. 19:29). This is what we all hope for when our days on this earth come to an end.   It Is Important to Gather John and Esther Martin We enjoy singing together Sunday evenings at the manor. We enjoy when we get visiting families with children to church on Sundays. The children brighten our day. It is important to gather with believers. It is good to teach children by example the importance of attending services and having fellowship with believing friends.  We often feel our own poorness in many ways. We can enjoy evening devotions. We live day by day and putting sin away as it attaches.   Discussion Questions How does it help you in your faith to attend services? How do camps help you along the narrow way? Why is fellowship important? How does talking with others help us believe? How can serving in God’s kingdom keep us close to the center of the flock? What words can encourage and support ones who seldom attend services? Discuss where and how we might extend an invitation to services to those who have not yet found God’s kingdom.