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- In Faith I Would Repair
Andrew Hotari | The Voice of Zion December 2024 - Column -- When Christmas morn is dawning, in faith I would repair unto the lowly manger; my Saviour lieth there. Whenever I have sung or heard this familiar Christmas hymn, my eyes and ears have noticed the song writer’s interesting choice of the word: repair. While the dictionary tells me that an archaic meaning would be to “betake” oneself – take oneself to a place, today we use it as to fix something that is broken. It is a strong and active verb. Many of us today like to tinker and repair items that have suffered damage or become faulty. There is great satisfaction in fixing things and being a successful repairman. I have often wished for a nice shop with bright lights and ample storage where I could tinker, fix and maintain things in comfort and security. Whatever the songwriter intended, I can consider that the best way to prepare for the coming of Christmas is to be actively mending the one thing that needs constant repair and attention: our life of faith. I often feel that I am so sin-corrupted and faulty – beyond repair. I am an item that no human hands can fix. And yet in that lowly manger, our Saviour lieth there. It was He who was “anointed to preach the gospel to the poor, it was He who was sent to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18,19). He brought the bright lights of heaven with Him, the spiritual facility to care for the suffering sinner in the comfort and security of His kingdom here upon earth. I’ve noticed during the sacrament of Holy Communion how the servants of the Word ask the attendees to come forth to the table of the Lord with a believing heart. In similar fashion the songwriter asks me to do the same this Christmas; to put away all sins of the journey so that I can enjoy the true beauty of Christmas as a free grace child! How kind, O loving Savior, to come from heav’n above; from sin and evil save us, and keep us in Thy love. I have also noticed that even the most gifted song writers throughout the ages have faced the limitations of earthly languages when they have tried to voice thanks to the heavenly Father for the gift of salvation, Christ Jesus. Here, I find a prayer that I would be preserved in His love. I have found the incomprehensible love of Christ; the hidden treasure of God. As such sinners we are reminded: We need Thee blessed Jesus; our dearest friend Thou art; forbid that we by sinning should grieve Thy loving heart. I am like the lowly shepherds on duty in the field unto whom the glory of God was inexplicably revealed. Like them I am often timid, fearful and doubting. In the darkness of the night we hear the message of grace from heaven, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). I can join the shepherds’ footsteps that approach the lowly manger of our Saviour and behold the salvation of the world. When God has granted the power to believe and the Holy Spirit has revealed to our slow hearts that truly our impossible sin debt has been paid in the innocent blood of the Lamb, then we too have been filled with the joy of salvation. May God grant us strength to be hearers and doers of His word by staying close to the loving heart of Jesus. May we strive to keep faith and a clean conscience all of our days. He will come again to collect his own, not those sin-defiled and faulty earthly bodies that were in constant need of repairs, but rather the incorruptible glorified new bodies made perfect in the blood of the Lamb. Andrew Hotari enjoys pausing for a quiet moment to reflect amidst the busyness of life. The Hotari family lives in the Southern Georgian Bay region of Ontario and are members of the Toronto congregation.
- December 2024 Update
Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion December 2024 - News & Notes Article -- On behalf of the staff here at LLC, I wish you all a joyous and peaceful Christmas. The Scriptures relate how many years ago the heavens opened as angels announced the birth of the promised Savior. Today, the same joyful message rings; it gives comfort to the doubting and the hope of eternal Christmas in heaven. May the message of God’s perfect gift to humankind be paramount as we gather with loved ones during this Christmas season. Update on LLC Activities Mission Work Evening devotions are scheduled for weekday evenings throughout the year. Approximately 30 ministers serve in this project each year. The schedule has been made for the coming year and a webinar will be held prior to January to support brothers who have been asked to serve in this way. A weekly Zoom service happens on Sunday morning for brothers and sisters in faith in Ecuador. The schedule has been completed for 2025. Remember the brothers who serve with God’s Word and the brothers and sisters who serve as interpreters each week. Each fall we have a webinar for ministers who will travel on a foreign mission trip during the next year. There we discuss general information about the countries where brothers travel as well as how we support the brothers and sisters in faith in mission countries when a trip happens to their location. Seventeen brothers from North America will travel on mission trips in 2025. Finance The LLC board approved the 2025 budget as presented at the 2024 LLC Annual Meeting with the following changes due to the increase in camp fee participation: – Camp fees increase 10% rather than 35% – Camp Staff Wage increase 50% 2025 Camp Season Enrollment for the 2025 Camp Season will be somewhat different than in previous years. Confirmation and preconfirmation enrollment will be scheduled in January, youth camp enrollment in February and open enrollment will begin in March for all other camps. In addition, an updated payment schedule will be available in 2025. The options will be to pay in full at time of registration, pay half at registration and half later, or a monthly payment plan with full amount required by November 1 of 2025. Camp fee collections in 2024 surpassed previous years, so an adjustment of the fee increase of 35% has been reduced to a 10% increase. Recruitment for Seasonal Core Staff for our camp centers is open, and information will be available and distributed to member congregations by December 1, 2024. The following seasonal positions need to be filled: – Hasscib Lake Caretaker – Hasscib Lake Office Assistant – Hasscib Lake Kitchen Head – Hasscib Lake Caretaker Assistant – Stony Lake Kitchen Head – 4 Stony Lake Core Staff Positions: Caretaker Assistant Office Assistant Staff Assistant Kitchen Assistant – Kamp Kipa Kitchen Head – Kamp Kipa Office Assistant – Kamp Kipa Caretaker Assistant Education A teacher’s workshop-seminar is scheduled for February 8, 2025, and will be held at the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Monticello 9:00 am–2:00 pm. The purpose of the workshop is to provide support for teachers to develop a classroom environment without a classroom space. The theme for the workshop comes from SHZ 451, “Little Ones to Him Belong.” The intended audience is any teacher in the congregation and Sunday School directors. This event coincides with LLCM Winter Services. Additional information will be distributed to congregations in December. Pastoral The discussion to consider additional Bible translations to the King James Version has been underway for several years now. It has been important to take the time to prayerfully consider and discuss this matter. Congregation delegates were informed at the 2024 Annual Meeting that a series of videos will be sent to congregations regarding Bible translation and usage. The first in a series of three videos was shared with member congregations to view and visit around this topic. The Laestadian Lutheran Church of Utah Valley has called Chad Laiho and Wyatt Kesti into the office of ministry. We wish to remember Chad and Sarah along with Wyatt and Kendra and their families as they begin their service as servants of the Word. Communications We recently published a digital-only music album on Hearken, our publications app. The album is called Eventide and it features evening songs recorded by the Menahga, Minn., congregation adult choir. This album will also soon be available on other digital music platforms. Some Hearken users have experienced issues and glitches while using the app. Many of these users have Android devices. If you are experiencing usability issues, please tell us about your experiences in our online form. See the LLC website to access the form. Your input on these issues will help us solve them. In 2025, there will be some new features in The Voice of Zion. One example is a Bible Class feature, which will contain a Bible lesson structured in a teachable format. These lessons will focus on Jesus’ miracles. At the 2024 LLC Annual Meeting, delegates approved a plan to arrange music discussions and workshops in member congregations. LLC Music Coordinator Liisa Keranen will visit congregations that request such a visit. Liisa has already visited a few congregations and the music work update presentation as well as song leader and organist workshop have been well received. We are currently working on a poetry project together with the SRK. The aim of this joint effort is to produce poems and verses that can be used to congratulate others at life milestones, whether in greeting cards or read aloud in celebrations. If you are interested in contributing to this project, contact Ruth at rdelacey@llchurch.org Our Christmas Publications Sale in our online store continues through December 31 or while supplies last. The LLC Office will host a Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 12. Come in the afternoon to browse the bookstore, make purchases, visit with staff and sing Christmas songs with us.
- At Peace with God’s Will
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.
- November 2024 Update
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.
- Respect
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?
- The Way wherein I Should Walk
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.
- The Bible is God’s Word and a Believer’s Highest Authority, Part I
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.
- Being a Light
Sara Aho | The Shepherd’s Voice October/November 2024 - Home and Family Article – Have you ever caught lightning bugs on a late summer evening and put them in a jar? Lightning bugs cast a warm and cozy glow and can even light your pathway on a dark evening. Through God’s grace, and our desire to live as believers, we carry and reflect the light of Jesus. This light is a gift, one that we can share with others. Our light shines through what we say and how we act and like the lightning bug, it can draw those who wander in dark unbelief. By sharing the light of the gospel, we can uplift one another. During youth camp, several girls asked to meet with me, their Big Sister. They wanted to discuss a matter that was troubling them. This matter had caused love to be broken among the girls. We huddled in a dark furnace room where each one shared their story. The gospel was preached, and the love was restored. The dark furnace room was filled with light hearts! We can bring our light to others by being kind and showing love. My aunt Alice, who lived far from other believers and was alone in her home, often went many days without speaking with others by phone. Many months went by between visitors. She shared how much it lifted her loneliness to receive a phone call, a card or letter in the mail and to have visitors. These brought great joy to my aunt and brightened her day, but they also brought blessings to those who remembered her. We don’t see our own light shining, but it shines through us, how we live and act. By being a light, we can help, encourage others and even add light on the path to heaven. Things to visit about: What does it mean to be a light to others? How can we be a light at school or at home? In what ways have others been a light to you?
- Forgiveness Opens Christian Love
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.
- Love Your Enemies
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?