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Teacher Resources We hope to develop a repository of material over time to assist you in your teaching. Please send your input and feedback to Phil Jurmu at pjurmu@llchurch.org 2023 Bible Class Teachers Workshop 2022 Bible Class Teachers Workshop 2022 Sunday School Teachers Workshop 2019 Bible Class Teachers Workshop How to Create a Lesson Plan Presentation PDF Video Notes How to Use Resources in Your Lessons Sample lesson: Daniel in the Lions' Den

LLC Lectionary LLC Lectionary based on the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church Calendar themes and texts. ​ 2022 LLC Lectionary ​ 2023 LLC Lectionary

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AGAIN, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO TREASURE HID IN A FIELD. MATTHEW 13:44 LAESTADIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) is the central organization of Laestadian Lutheran churches in North America. The website provides information about our faith, mission, organization, and activities. Here you will find an overview of our publications and links to member congregations. Welcome to our website and welcome to our services! Christmas Greetings If you would you like to include your personal Christmas greeting in the December issue of The Voice of Zion and/or Päivämies, please click here to fill out the form. ​ The deadline for submitting greetings is October 22, 2023. ​ Welcome to Choir Camp in Finland! ​ The camp will be held in Reisjärvi and Espoo, Finland, August 4–13, 2024. This camp will bring together choir singers and directors from Nort h America and Scandinavia. ​ Click here for more information. Have you heard about Hearken? Hearken is LLC’s publications app. For a monthly fee, subscribers have full access to a broad array of digital periodicals and books, audio and video and LLC albums. Hearken was launched last March and we already have many subscribers, for which we are very thankful. Nonetheless, we occasionally hear from members wondering what Hearken is and how to access it. To provide answers to these questions, we have prepared a video to inform our member congregations about Hearken, our publications app. Click here to learn more about Hearken. Read Sep 5 Home & Family God Bless Our Home Cheryl Skoog | The Voice of Zion September 2023 - Home and Family Article -- From a young age, we learn the golden rule and strive to... Sep 5 Voice of Zion Featured Articles Follow That Which Is Good Kathy Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion September 2023 - What Does the Bible Say Article -- Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but... Sep 5 Voice of Zion Featured Articles What Are Dues? Elizabeth Juntunen and Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion September 2023 1. What are dues? Dues are the money you give to an organization... Sep 5 Voice of Zion Featured Articles A Schoolchild Is a Light to the World The Voice of Zion September 2023 - Editorial -- In our everchanging world, everything has its time. Generations pass, and new children... Sep 1 News & Notes September 2023 Update Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion September 2023 - News and Notes -- Fall is now around the corner. I am reflecting on the busy summer of... 1 2 3 4 5 Shop Quick View Zion Sings (LLC CD-71) Quick View I Found God's Kingdom Quick View The Heavenly Father's Gift Quick View Voice of Zion subscription Quick View Shepherd's Voice subscription Quick View Now the Day Is Over - Board Book On Instagram On YouTube Play Video Play Video 06:49:26 LLC Summer Services 2023 -Sunday, July 9th The 2023 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Summer Services will be held at the Silver Springs property in Monticello, MN. Service Motto: "Upon this rock I will build my church (Matt 16:18)" The services will begin Thursday, July 6th and end Sunday, July 9th. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/summer-services Play Video Play Video 11:54:56 LLC Summer Services 2023 -Saturday, July 8th The 2023 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Summer Services will be held at the Silver Springs property in Monticello, MN. Service Motto: "Upon this rock I will build my church (Matt 16:18)" The services will begin Thursday, July 6th and end Sunday, July 9th. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/summer-services Play Video Play Video 11:55:00 LLC Summer Services 2023 - Friday, July 7th The 2023 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Summer Services will be held at the Silver Springs property in Monticello, MN. Service Motto: "Upon this rock I will build my church (Matt 16:18)" The services will begin Thursday, July 6th and end Sunday, July 9th. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/summer-services Play Video Play Video 08:34:37 LLC Summer Services 2023 - Thursday, July 6th The 2023 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Summer Services will be held at the Silver Springs property in Monticello, MN. Service Motto: "Upon this rock I will build my church (Matt 16:18)" The services will begin Thursday, July 6th and end Sunday, July 9th. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/summer-services Play Video Play Video 07:03:20 LLC Phoenix Winter Services 2023 - Sunday 3/19 The 2023 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Winter Services will be held at the Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Cave Creek, Arizona. Service Motto: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. (John 14:27)" The services will begin Thursday, March 16 and end Sunday, March 19. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 11:38:51 LLC Phoenix Winter Services 2023 - Saturday 3/18 The 2023 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Winter Services will be held at the Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Cave Creek, Arizona. Service Motto: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. (John 14:27)" The services will begin Thursday, March 16 and end Sunday, March 19. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 09:13:33 LLC Phoenix Winter Services 2023 - Friday 3/17 The 2023 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Winter Services will be held at the Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Cave Creek, Arizona. Service Motto: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. (John 14:27)" The services will begin Thursday, March 16 and end Sunday, March 19. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 03:23:55 LLC Phoenix Winter Services 2023 - Thursday 3/16 The 2023 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Winter Services will be held at the Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Cave Creek, Arizona. Service Motto: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. (John 14:27)" The services will begin Thursday, March 16 and end Sunday, March 19. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services

Music Resources Do Not Webcast Song List When choosing songs, song leaders and organists should make sure they are not choosing songs that are in Do Not Webcast list for times when the broadcast is live. Often times the pre-service song and the closing songs are not webcast, so the placement of the song may allow you to sing the listed songs. Coordinate with your service director and webcaster as needed. Do Not Webcast List Copyright Information Copyrigt Information (PDF) Submit Music Submit Music Form Other Resources 2022 Lectionary (Church Calendar Texts and Songs) 2023 Lectionary Songs to Sing at Communion SHZ Introductions Cross Reference Song Leader & Organist Guide Hymnal VK & SL 2016 Cross Reference Wedding Guide Wedding Music Ideas for Processionals and Recessionals Hymnal Metrical Index Song Leading Workshop September 2021 This video shows part of an actual lesson kept this fall for Elk River congregation song leaders. In this 15-minute excerpt, workshop leader Ben Huhta talks about e.g. pronunciation, breathing, preparing for higher notes and singing through long notes. Have your songbook handy when you follow along. Song Leaders & Organist Workshop - June 30, 2020 Introduction to Organ Hymn Introductions Hymn Playing Music in Congregation Life Song Sheets When in the Moon of Wintertide This is intended for local choir directors. If you have an LLC choir and don't have access to this folder, contact lkeranen@llchurch.org Choir Director Login

Member Congregations State Congregation Address Website CA: Alberta Lethbridge Laestadian Lutheran Church Lethbridge, Alberta https://www.llchurch.org/member-congregation/lethbridge-laestadian-lutheran-church CA: Ontario Laestadian Lutheran Church of Toronto 5579 Hwy 27, Cookstown, ON Canada L0L 1L0 http://www.llchurchtoronto.org CA: Saskatchewan Dunblane Laestadian Lutheran Church Mail: Box 160, Macrorie, SK Canada S0L 2E0 https://outlookllchurch.org/dllc-schedule CA: Saskatchewan Outlook Laestadian Lutheran Church 400 McKenzie St N, Outlook, SK Canada S0L 2N0 http://www.outlookllchurch.org CA: Saskatchewan Saskatoon Laestadian Lutheran Church 11 Poplar Rd, Riverside Estates, Saskatoon, SK S7T 1A1 http://www.saskatoonllc.org/ USA: Alaska Alaska Laestadian Lutheran Church 1341 E Sue Ln, Wasilla, AK 99654 http://alaska-llc.org USA: Arizona Laestadian Lutheran Church of Glendale Desert Sage Elem. School - 4035 W Alameda Rd, Glendale, AZ 85310 http://llcofglendale.org USA: Arizona Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church 32424 N 43rd St, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 http://pllchurch.org USA: Arizona Laestadian Lutheran Church of Prescott Valley 3120 Mountain View, Prescott Valley, AZ 86312 http://pvllchurch.org USA: California Coastal California Laestadian Lutheran Church California USA: Colorado Laestadian Lutheran Church of the Roaring Fork Valley 1859 N 1st St, Silt, CO 81652 http://llcrfv.org USA: Florida Laestadian Lutheran Church of Florida Florida http://www.llchurchoffl.org USA: Illinois Laestadian Lutheran Church of Illinois Waukegan, Illinois https://www.llchurch.org/member-congregation/laestadian-lutheran-church-of-illinois USA: Michigan Detroit Laestadian Lutheran Church 290 Fairground, Plymouth, MI 48170 http://dllchurch.org USA: Michigan Ishpeming Laestadian Lutheran Church 567 Washington St, Ishpeming, MI 49849 http://ishpemingllc.org USA: Michigan Pelkie Laestadian Lutheran Church 15439 Pelkie Rd, Pelkie, MI 49958 https://www.llchurch.org/member-congregation/pelkie-laestadian-lutheran-church USA: Minnesota Brainerd Laestadian Lutheran Church & Manor 1501 S 8th St, Brainerd, MN 56401 https://www.llchurch.org/member-congregation/brainerd-laestadian-lutheran-church USA: Minnesota Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church 16144 - 20th St SW, Cokato, MN 55321 https://www.cllchurch.org USA: Minnesota Laestadian Lutheran Church of Elk River 8595 201st Ave NW, Nowthen, MN 55330 http://llcer.org USA: Minnesota Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga 25 Juniper Ave NW, Menahga, MN 56464 http://llcmenahga.org USA: Minnesota Laestadian Lutheran Church of Monticello 1860 County Rd 39 NE, Monticello, MN 55362 http://llcmonticello.org USA: Minnesota Rockford Laestadian Lutheran Church 741 Ibarra Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313 http://rllchurch.org USA: Montana Flathead Valley Laestadian Lutheran Church 1203 US Hwy 2 W, Kalispell, MT 59901 https://fvllchurch.org/ USA: North Dakota Rolla Laestadian Lutheran Congregation Rolla, North Dakota https://www.llchurch.org/member-congregation/rolla-laestadian-lutheran-congregation USA: North Dakota Laestadian Lutheran Church of Williston Zahl Community Center - 316 Church St, Zahl, ND 58856 (west end of Zahl) https://llcwilliston.org USA: South Dakota Laestadian Lutheran Church of the Black Hills South Dakota USA: Utah Laestadian Lutheran Church of Utah Valley Utah http://llcuv.org USA: Washington Longview Laestadian Lutheran Church 261 Wohl Rd, Longview, WA, 98632 http://llc-longview.org USA: Washington Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church 22420 - 102nd Ave SE, Woodinville, WA 98072 http://seallc.org USA: Washington Laestadian Lutheran Church of Spokane 35213 N Dalton Rd, Deer Park, WA 99006 https://www.llc-spokane.org USA: Wyoming Laestadian Lutheran Church of Gillette Gillette, Wyoming

How We Believe The Holy Bible and the Lutheran Confessions are the doctrinal foundation in Conservative Laestadianism. Centermost is the sermon of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. The work of Christ continues in this world as the work of the Holy Spirit in His congregation. ​ In Conservative Laestadianism it is taught that the Holy Spirit performs the work of salvation through the gospel. God sanctifies a sinner within His congregation. The congregation and its members have been entrusted with the word of reconciliation. The proclamation of the gospel is the office of the Holy Spirit. His followers use this authority. While preaching this gospel to all people, they also proclaim the remission of sins, which is the essence of the gospel. Therein the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name and blood is proclaimed to the sinner. Faith comes by hearing and through hearing the word of Christ. ​ In the content of our teaching, the principles of the Reformation are regarded to be the most important. According to these principles, the Holy Bible is the highest authority in questions regarding faith and life and man is made righteous alone by faith, alone by grace, alone by the merits of Christ. ​ Faith is a gift of God. God has given the gift of faith to everyone born into this world. ​ Baptism is the covenant of a good conscience with God. In baptism God strengthens the child's faith and lifts him into the care of the congregation. An individual who has fallen from the grace of baptism can receive the gift of faith anew through repentance. ​ Repentance is a change of heart. According to Luther, it includes penitence and distress on account of sin, but at the same time believing the gospel or the absolution of sin. The essence of the gospel is the forgiveness of sins. ​ Communion is a memorial meal established by Jesus. It is intended for believers for the strengthening of their faith. ​ The kingdom of God is to be found on earth according to the teachings of Jesus. It is a kingdom of grace on earth and a kingdom of glory in heaven. The kingdom of God is one-minded in faith, doctrine, and love. ​ Treasure Hidden in a Field Read excerpts from the book The Treasure Hidden in a Field, by Juhani Uljas by clicking the "Read" button above.

Position Statements INTRODUCTION LLC Position Statement - adopted July 2006 ​ We live a time during which the concept of right and wrong has blurred. It appears that many people accept the philosophy of moral relativism, denying the existence of moral truths. As a result many base their beliefs on the ever-changing tide of popular opinion and thus have no enduring foundation upon which to build their lives. The Bible, once widely respected and esteemed as the foundation for Christian faith, is now commonly believed to have only symbolic value, more significant as a source of history and culture than moral guidance. ​ Our beliefs direct our lives and guide our actions. They have consequences with regard to both eternal life and this life. As individuals and as a society we will reap the consequences of our actions. Thus with heartfelt concern we wish to draw attention to the following issues and present our position on them. GOD'S WORD THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD We believe that the Bible is God's Word. While men have written the Scripture, they have not done so as an expression of their own will, but God has moved them by His Spirit to express His own will (2 Pet. 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16). God's Word is not to be treated or regarded in the same manner as man's word but rather granted our highest esteem and reverence. ​ GOD'S WORD IS CHRISTIAN FAITH'S HIGHEST AUTHORITY We believe that God's Word is Christian faith's highest authority and thus Christian faith's guiding principles and doctrine must be examined and evaluated in the light of God's Word. ​ GOD'S WORD IS UNCHANGING AND ETERNAL The claim that God's Word is bound to time and shackled to the culture of its time does not do justice to God's revelation. According to Jesus, the content and the message of the Word of God does not change along with changes in the world. God's Word is always timely. We cannot relinquish this principle. Jesus says of the permanence of His Word: “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away” (Luke 21:33). THE CENTRAL MESSAGE OF THE BIBLE IS SALVATION IN JESUS CHRIST The teaching about Jesus Christ and the salvation that God in His love has prepared in Christ is the central message of the Bible. Man is saved alone by grace, through faith, on the merits of Christ. Only faith in Christ justifies man and makes him acceptable to God (John 20:31; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8). FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES CONCEPT OF GOD Increasing numbers of people have rejected belief in the Triune God revealed in the Bible. They prefer instead to create a concept of God that conforms to their own notions. We believe that there is no living God beside Him who has revealed himself in Jesus Christ and His Word. God is love. He is also holy, righteous, and unchanging. He hates sin but loves sin-fallen mankind. ​ CONCEPT OF MAN Modern man's self-image has become both more individual-centered and human-centered. Understanding of the fact that man is responsible to both God and his fellowman has dimmed. The view that man is basically good is also widely held. This view is contrary to God's Word. While God created man in His image (Gen. 1:26) and has intended that man live in unity with Him, man was corrupted when the first human pair, Adam and Eve, fell into sin. As a result of this original sin, man's basic nature is no longer good but corrupted by sin and inclined to evil (Gen. 6:12, 8:21; Rom. 3:10-12, 23). It is because of sin that there is so much evil in the world. ​ SIN Sin is one of the principal concepts of the Bible. Simply stated, sin is the falling away of the heart from God. Every person has a conscience and some kind of understanding of right and wrong. The voice of the conscience, however, is corrupted if it is not joined to God's Word. Knowledge of and reverence for God's Word has dimmed in our time and with it people's concept of right and wrong, of sin, has also dimmed. If teaching about sin ceases, man's awareness of his need for God's grace also ceases. ​ MAN'S VALUE IS BASED ON CREATION AND REDEMPTION Because every person is created in God's image (Gen. 1:26) and has been redeemed by Christ, every individual is of value, unique, and irreplaceable regardless of age, position, occupation, race, gender, or other attributes. God wishes us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. True love for our neighbors is to help them when they are in need and to encourage them to live according to God's Word and support them in their endeavor to do so. It also includes warning them of the dangers of living contrary to the will of God (Lev. 19:17; Eph. 5:11; 2 Tim. 4:2). ​ GOD IS LORD OVER LIFE AND DEATH As knowledge increases and technology advances, man strives to take decisions of life and death into his own hands. This manifests itself, for example, in the prevention of conception, the termination of pregnancy, some kinds of gene manipulation, efforts to clone humans, and euthanasia. People have forgotten that God is the Creator and upholder of all, Lord over life and death. He alone has the power to create life and take it away (1 Sam. 2:6; Job 10:12; Ps. 139:13-16). He has not authorized man to control life. The duty of medicine is to protect life, alleviate suffering, and promote and maintain health while respecting humanity. ​ DOCTRINE AND LIFE GO TOGETHER Doctrine and life are closely joined. God blesses those who live according to His will. The gospel brings man freedom in Christ and gives him the power to serve God and his fellowman. It does not give him permission to live in sin (Gal. 5:13; 1 Pet. 2:16). God has lovingly set limits for man, like loving parents do for their children. The grace of God teaches us to reject sin and to live according to the instruction of His Word (Tit. 2:11, 12). CHRISTIANITY IN SOCIETY GOD'S LAW AS A FOUNDATION FOR SOCIETY AND ITS LAWS Just as God has established the so-called laws of nature, which govern the physical world, He has also established a moral law, sometimes called higher or natural law, which governs the lives of men. This law is universal, eternal, and unchanging. God reveals this law to all men by general revelation, that is, through nature, the fate of men's lives, and history (Rom. 1:19, 20; 2:14, 15), as well as in His Word. There it is briefly expressed in the Ten Commandments and even more briefly in Jesus' Two Great Commandments (Matt. 22:37-40). ​ Previous generations have recognized the existence and immutable nature of this higher law. They have understood that by His law God does not seek to hinder and oppress man but rather to protect life and all that which is sacred and precious in life. As a result, they strove to emulate God's law in the laws of our land. Recent generations and their elected leaders, legislators, and judges have challenged or denied the existence or validity of a higher law. Deviating from the truths of God's law and the teaching of His Word shakes the foundations of our society and threatens its survival. ​ THE FEAR OF THE LORD GRANTS SECURITY It is a benefit to our society that this and upcoming generations are given wholesome models for life and secure conditions for growth. These rise from the correct fear of God and from personal faith. “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge” (Prov. 14:26). ​ SOBER LIVING IS A PART OF CHRISTIAN MORALITY Sober living has always been part of Christian morality. The Scripture warns of the dangers of alcohol and other intoxicants. It teaches that the power of alcohol wars against the will and power of God (Isa. 5:11, 12; 1Cor. 6:10; Eph. 5:18). The use of intoxicants causes immeasurable suffering and hardship in our society, affecting not only the user, but also others around them. Individuals in the public eye, including elected officials, civil servants, and educators, can teach the value of a positive, unimpaired lifestyle by providing an example of sober living in their own lives. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY ISSUES GOD CREATED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY God has established marriage and family in His creation work and they are thus defined and governed by the natural law of God's creation (Gen 2:18, 23, 24). Attempts to redefine marriage and family and to alter or resist their intended purpose thus injure families and society. ​ MARRIAGE-A LIFELONG COVENANT BETWEEN MAN AND WOMAN A fundamental change of values and concepts marked the so-called sexual revolution of the 1960s. Marital fidelity lost its significance. Sexual cohabitation has gained moral acceptance in our society. The fulfillment of nearly all one's inclinations has become permissible. This is manifested, for example, in legislation legalizing same-sex unions. God, however, instituted marriage as a lifelong covenant between man and woman. God's will is that sexual life between man and woman takes place only in the estate of marriage. The Bible always calls sexual relations outside of marriage fornication. ​ DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16). Moses allowed divorce, but, as Jesus explained, he did so only because of the hardness of men's hearts, that is their unbelief, and that it had not been so from the beginning. Jesus taught: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt. 19:6; Mark 10:9). The effects of increasing divorce are evident in our society. Truly divorce, in a person's innermost being, is always a wounding and pivotal change-not to mention the degree to which children and youth suffer when their parents part ways. Because God established marriage as a lifelong covenant it ends only when one of the spouses dies. According to the Bible remarriage is acceptable only after a spouse has died (Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:39). ​ HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR IS SIN The Bible teaches that homosexual behavior is immoral and as such is sin (Rom. 1:24-27; Lev. 18:22). Appeals to God's creation work and genetics do not justify homosexual relations, for even if in some cases the individual may not be responsible for the onset of the homosexual tendency, God's Word nonetheless obligates him or her to abstain from its practice in the same manner that it obligates an individual with normal sexual inclination to abstain from extramarital sexual relations. God does not approve the sexual relations of partners of the same sex and He does not bless such relationships. It is with good reason that the Bible warns against this sin. The increase of homosexuality and its acceptance has always been an expression of moral decline. ​ GOD WISHES TO PROTECT AND STRENGTHEN MARRIAGE AND FAMILIES God's Word seeks to protect and strengthen the family (Exod. 20:12; Prov. 1:8; Eph. 6:1-3). The family forms the fundamental unit of society and strong families are crucial to the health and preservation of society. Our society needs to value lifelong marriage and to support parenthood. Governments, policy makers, and public institutions at all levels should strive to support and strengthen marriage and families. ​ CONCLUSION The Bible teaches that true wisdom begins with the fear of God. He and His Word are eternal and unchanging. A life built upon the enduring values of God's Word brings blessings to both the individual and society: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). ​ God's Word is a bright and true light. It exposes evil and gives man knowledge of his sin and convicts him of it, but it also tells of the forgiveness and life that God has provided in Jesus Christ and the keys of the kingdom of heaven with which His children forgive penitent sinners on His behalf and thus release them from the bondage of sin.

Our Mission To preach the gospel of repentance and remission of sins to the people of our communities, our nations, and throughout the world so that they might become partakers with us of the grace that God offers sin-fallen man in His Son Jesus Christ. ​ To nurture and strengthen the faith of the believing and root our children in Christian faith in God's kingdom. ​ To awaken and inspire Christian values and ethics, soberness of mind, love of homeland, and responsible citizenship among the people of our nations.

The Kingdom of Heaven ​TREASURE HIDDEN IN A FIELD "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth,and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." Matt. 13:44 ​ ​THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN There is no subject which was more prevalent in Jesus' preaching than the kingdom of heaven, that is, the kingdom of God. It was the most common subject of His parables and was the theme of His preaching.(1) In fact, Jesus said that the first thing that a man should search for in life is God's kingdom and His righteousness.(2) ​ It is important to find God's righteousness, for He has declared man's righteousness, or our very best deeds, impure and unacceptable in His sight.(3)The righteousness which is acceptable before God is found in His kingdom. ​ Jesus was once asked to explain when the kingdom of God would come. In His reply, He reveals two essential points: first, the kingdom of God is not visible to the human eye, and, second, it is present in the midst of men.(4) ​ ​A HIDDEN KINGDOM It might seem impossible to find a kingdom that cannot be seen, but with God's help it can be found. Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matt. 7:7). In the parable at the top of the page, Jesus shows us that while the kingdom is hidden, it can indeed be found. ​ The parable illustrates why the kingdom of God cannot be seen. It is like treasure buried in the dust and dirt of a field, hidden from man's sight. It is certainly an apt picture. In this world God's kingdom is hidden beneath the flaws and faults of believing people, people whom God has made from the dust of the earth.(5) ​ ​A GREAT TREASURE The parable also illustrates what happens when a man finds God's kingdom. He hides its treasure, sells all that he has, and buys it. Simply said, God's kingdom becomes the most important matter in his life. He wants, above all else, to protect and preserve his new-found treasure and follow the people of God and the Lord Jesus.(6) ​ Like the man in the parable, we have found the kingdom of God and obtained its treasure. We now carry this treasure in our sin-corrupt bodies. We wish to share it with you. ​ ​YOU CAN HAVE THIS TREASURE What we can offer you is God's forgiveness in Jesus Christ. This forgiveness is the very essence of the gospel and the essence of God's kingdom. Martin Luther said: "Forgiveness of sins is nothing more than two words in which the whole kingdom of Christ consists...This word of consolation shall not cease among Christians until the last day: 'Thy sins are forgiven, be of good cheer.' Such language a Christian always uses and openly declares the forgiveness of sins."(7) ​ Luther was right. This word of consolation has not ceased. God's children live of it and use it constantly. We declare it to any sinner who longs for God's forgiveness. ​ We can give you this treasure because Jesus has given us the power to forgive men their sins. He said that what we forgive on earth is also forgiven in heaven, that is, it is forgiven before God.(8) Belief in this gospel of forgiveness obtains what it promises, namely, God's forgiveness and the righteousness of Jesus Christ, the righteousness that is acceptable to God. You can have it too. ​ ​END NOTES 1 "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:14­15) "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." (Matt. 9:35) ​ "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." (Luk 9:1, 2) ​ 2 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33 ) ​ 3 "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isa. 64:6) ​ "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Rom. 3:10­12) ​ 4 "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20, 21) ​ 5 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2 Cor. 4:7 ) 6 "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost." (1 Thess. 1:6) ​ 7 Luther, Martin, "Sermon for the 19th Sunday after Trinity" in Luther's Church Postil, Vol.V, trans. John Nicholas Lenker (Minneapolis: Lutherans In All Lands Co. : 1905) 201, 202, 209 ​ 8 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20:21­23) ​ "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matt. 18:18) ​ "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." (2 Cor. 5:18­20)