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< Back Confirmation Day 4: The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of God Day 4, Lesson 5: Heaven, Our Goal Objective Heaven is the believer’s destination; We already own Heaven by faith Learning Outcome Explain the purpose of believing and how to reach our goal. Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material Booklet Song: I walk to heaven all the way; / Dear friend, await the morrow. / We soon shall find release for aye / From all our sin and sorrow. / We soon shall see the Son! / To heaven now press on. / Soon God shall wipe away our tears away. / We walk to heaven all the way. (SHZ 585 v.6) ​ Booklet Text: “I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Luke 16:22-26; Rev. 22:3-5; Isa. 64:4; John 14: 1-4 ​ CURRICULUM Lesson 9.16 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS None RESOURCES ​ The Treasure Hidden in a Field, J. Uljas, pages 123-126; Heaven, J. Moll, LLC Summer Services Youth Presentation, 2010 VZ: A Vision of Heaven, A. Loukusa, Oct. 1975, page 148; To the Shore of the Sea of Heaven, Poem by N. Rauhala, Nov. 1983, page 245; The Kingdom of Heaven, J. Frantti, Oct. 1985, page 217; The Teaching of the Kingdom of Heaven, S. Kautto, Aug, 1993, p 12; Previous Next

FOUNDATION After a schism, believers gathered to form a new organization which was named the Association of American Laestadian Congregations. Initial efforts were to meet needs of God’s children: to arrange services, create a publication and Sunday school teaching materials. Read the first issue of The Voice of Zion. (Jan/Feb 1974) 1974_PUB_VZ_Vol1 .pdf Download PDF • 2.03MB Subscribe to The Voice of Zion. LLC History 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s LLC Music History More

Lethbridge Laestadian Lutheran Church Contacts Pastor Hannu Janhunen Phone: 403-327-7795 Email: hannu@netisus.ca Chairman Matthew Ylioja Phone: 403-332-2035 Service Schedule June–August Sunday Service 11:00 a.m. September–May Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Sunday Service 11:00 a.m. Communion Service 1st Sunday Monthly Evening Service 3rd Sunday 7:00 p.m. Friday Bible Class 7:30 p.m. Song Services 1st Friday

< Back Confirmation Day 3: Jesus, the Son of God Day 3, Lesson 4: The Gospel, the Message of Victory Objective The core of the gospel is the forgiveness of sins; The gospel is the power of God to the person who believes it Learning Outcome Explain what the core gospel is and why it is important to me, a believer. Confirmation Exercise Questions #16. What is the Gospel? The Gospel is the joyous message of Jesus Christ. #17. What is the core message of the gospel? The proclamation of the forgiveness of sins. #18. To whom is the Gospel preached? To the penitent and remorseful. Reference Material Booklet Song: And therefore Jesus gave command: / “Go forth and preach in ev’ry land / To contrite hearts, forgive their sin; / O’er Satan’s strength my work will win.” (SHZ 409 v.2) ​ Booklet Text: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Isa. 55:1; Jer. 31:31-34; Matt. 4:23; Mark 1:14-15, 16:15; John 8:11; Rom. 1:16:15, 10:4, 13-17; Gal. 2:16; 1 Thess. 1:5; Tit. 2:11-14; Heb. 4:15-16. ​ CURRICULUM Lesson 3.6 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS The Gospel promises man the forgiveness of sins and salvation in Christ without the works of the Law. In the gospel a new man is born. Those who have come into faith through the Gospel cannot be touched by the condemnation of the Law. When the Holy Spirit sanctifies man, the grace of God teaches him to forsake sin and live in obedience to God's will. RESOURCES ​ Christian Doctrine 55; The Treasure Hidden in the Field, J. Uljas, pages 49-54 LLC Website: The Law and the Gospel, D. Rintamaki, Summer Services, Ministers and Board Meeting, 1994; Gospel of Christ – Power of God, J. Stewart, Winter Services Youth Presentation, 1994. VZ: Counsels and Rebukings of the Gospel, W. Havas, Jan/Feb 1974 page 22; The Gospel Provides Power to Battle Sin, Phoenix Winter Services, April 1994, pages 6-8; Previous Next

MISSION New work fields opened when God allowed a time of awakening in foreign countries. Shared pastorships were established to further pastoral efforts in local congregations. Services were broadcast via the internet and information was available online. A new hymnal brought new music and songs. Learn about the work of the Humanitarian Aid Committee. Read about Foreign Facilities. LLC History 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s LLC Music History More

< Back Confirmation Day 2: God, the Triune God Day 2, Lesson 3: The Bible, God's Written Word Objective God reveals His will in the Bible; The Bible is a Holy Book needing the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to open understanding Learning Outcome Give an example of how God reveals His will in the Bible. Confirmation Exercise Questions #7. Where did the Scriptures come from? Holy men of God spoke and wrote as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. #8. What is the main message of the Old Testament? The promise of the coming Messiah, our Lord, Jesus Christ. #9. What is the main message of the New Testament? The fulfilment of the Old Testament promise concerning Christ. #14. The living Word of God is compared to a two edged sword. What are the two edges? The Law and the Gospel Reference Material Booklet Song: The Lord has given us His Word / That we may learn of Him. / A precious book He gave to say / We may be free from sin. (SHZ 446 v.1) ​ Booklet Text: 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 Peter 1:20,21) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Scripture: Eph. 6:17; Gal. 1:8; Ps. 119:105; 12:6; Isa. 40:8; Jer. 23:29; John 12:48; Rom. 2:16; John 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:10-14; Eph. 1:17; 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:12; 2 Pet. 1:20,21; John 5:39 ​ CURRICULUM Lesson 1.1 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS While God speaks to us in nature, the fate of our lives, and the phases of nations, He especially speaks to us in Holy Scripture and our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Holy Scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit and is thus God’s own word. The Bible is not an encyclopedia of history, the world, and nature and its phenomena, but rather the revelation of God's works for the redemption and salvation of man. The Bible speaks of God. Pictures and narratives attempt to illustrate what God is like. • The Bible is Christian faith and life's highest guide. The Bible is a closed book that is opened by the Holy Spirit. It is to be read with prayer. Students will be able to use the Bible and want to study it daily. Students will become acquainted with Jesus’ teachings by reading together or individually one of the gospels during confirmation school. RESOURCES ​ By Faith 2; Christian Doctrine 4, 5, 6, and 7. (p1) By Faith 2; Christian Doctrine 4, 5, 6, and 7. (p2) The Treasure Hidden in a Field, J. Uljas, p. 19-26; God’s Word is the Highest Authority, J. Frantti - Crossing the Current, Pages 11-14 LLC Website: From a Child Thou Hast Known the Holy Scriptures, J. Frantti, LLC Winter Services, 1999, Youth Presentation Previous Next

Our History The Laestadian Lutheran Church takes its name from Martin Luther and Lars Levi Laestadius. The name of the reformer Martin Luther and his teach­ings are well known around the world. The name of Laestadius is less familiar. Lars Levi Laestadius was a Lutheran pastor who served in northern Sweden from 1825-1861. In 1844, after nine­teen years in the ministry, Laestadius was helped into living faith by a woman named Milla Clementsdotter, a member of a group known as “Readers.” Follow­ing his conversion, Laestadius's sermons were instilled with a new power, the power of the Holy Spirit. A revival movement began and soon spread far beyond the borders of Swedish Lapland. ​ The movement reached North America with Finnish immigrants in the 1860s. Congregations were first formally organized in Cokato, Minnesota in 1872 and Calumet, Michigan in 1873. Since 1890 a number of schisms have splintered the movement on this continent. The subjects of disagree­ment have primarily been the under­standing of justification, God's congregation, and the sacraments. The last division occurred in 1973 and was the impetus for the establishment of the Laestadian Lutheran Church. ​ The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) was organized on June 9, 1973 under the name “Association of American Laes­tadian Congregations” (AALC). The association changed its name in 1995 in order to better convey its spiritual heritage and the nature of its organization. Today the Laestadian Lutheran Church has over thirty member congregations in the United States and Canada. The highest concentrations of members are in Minnesota, Washington, Arizona, Michigan, and Saskatchewan. The con­gregations are served by approximately ninety ministers. The teachings of Laestadian­ism are based on the Bible and the Lutheran Confessions. Centermost among these teachings is the sermon of Jesus' ­suffer­ing, death, and victori­ous resur­rec­tion. The work of Jesus Christ con­tin­ues in this world as the work of the Holy Spirit in Christ's congre­gat­ion. Thus the Laestadian Lutheran Church teaches of God's kingdom and preaches repentance and the for­give­ness of sins. We hold, in accord with the Lutheran Confessions, that the Bible is the high­est guide and authority for Christian faith, doctrine, and life.

< Back Confirmation Day 7: Mission Work: Go Ye Therefore and Teach All Nations Day 7, Lesson 4: Mission Work, Spreading the Gospel Objective God commands that we go into the world to preach the message of Christ to everyone; God leads and guides the work Learning Outcome Give examples of how God has spread His word throughout the world. Confirmation Exercise Questions #12. How does the work of Christ continue in the world today? Through the work of the Holy Spirit in His congregation. Reference Material Booklet Song: When Jesus was trav’ling among us / He freely extended His grace. / He still offers hope and forgiveness: / “I want to rekindle your faith.” / He sent forth His spirit in us to abide / And gave us the duty to feed and to guide: / “Go, therefore, and teach in each nation and place / My word of salvation and grace. (SHZ 184 v.2) ​ Booklet Text: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.(Matthew 28:19,20) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Prov. 14:34; Jer. 29:7; Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Tim. 2:1,2; 1 Pet. 2:13-15; I Kings 3:7-9; Ps. 5:8; 17:5; 143:8, 10; Prov. 1:7; 11: 10,11; 29:8; Eccl. 9:18; Matt. 5:13-16; Gen. 39:1-9; Ps. 23; 34:7-10,15,17; 84:11; Prov. 1:33; 2:21,22; Nah. 1:7; Mark 16:18; Luke: 10:19; John 16:33; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; Gen. 1:27; Acts 10:28; 17:26-28; Gal. 3:28; Job 31:13-15; Ps. 33:13-15,18,19; Matt. 5:13-16; Heb. 12:14; Rom. 12:18-21; Acts 17:26, 27; Prov. 14:34; Ezek. 18:32; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9; Ps. 34:14; Matt. 5:9; Acts 1:1-8; Acts 3; Acts 8:26-40 ​ CURRICULUM Lessons 6.5, 6.6, 9.2 ​ ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS God wishes to fulfill His will in the various situations of societal life. Student will learn to ask for and seek God's will in various issues of societal life. God wishes that we confess faith in word and deed in different situations of societal life and thus confess their Lord. Christ's promises to be with His own every day, everywhere, also in societal life. God's creation people are equal, but at the same time different and unique. Student will try to develop his/her own and the group's attitude toward acceptance of other groups and cooperation with them without departing from the teachings of God's Holy Word. Student will learn to find methods for diminishing tension between groups, understanding here also the significance of asking and granting forgiveness. Student will learn to value his/her own national heritage as a gift of God, but at the same time relate positively to other nations. Mission work today is very much like the events recorded in the book of The Acts. Mission work happens in God’s, not man’s time, and He reveals where and when it happens. RESOURCES​ By Faith 36; I Found God’s Kingdom, SRK/LLC Book, a collection of believer’s stories LLC Website:Neither Jew or Greek, B. Johnson, Winter Services, 2008 Previous Next

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.

< Back Confirmation Day 3: Jesus, the Son of God Day 3, Lesson 3: Temptation and Sin Objective Sin is when our heart falls away from God; The attraction to sin is called temptation Learning Outcome Explain the difference between sin and temptation and give examples of each. Confirmation Exercise Questions #4. What separates man from God? Sin. #5. What is sin? Sin is thoughts, words, and deeds that are contrary to God’s will. #6. What is the “mother" of all sins? Unbelief. Reference Material Booklet Song: In Adam’s fall is all depraved: / Man’s nature and his wisdom. / When we are born, within our veins / Is flowing deadly venom, / And it is sure there is no cure / But Christ, who brought salvation. / For Satan’s lie led Eve to die / All men received damnation. (SHZ 275 v.1) ​ Booklet Text: When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:15) ​ Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Gen. 3:1-19; Jer. 17:9-10; Ezek. 18:21-32; Luke 21:34-36; Rom. 3:9-18, 7:17-21, 13:9-10, 13:13,14; 1 Cor. 6:9-11, 10:12-13; James 1:12-16, 4:17. ​ CURRICULUM Lessons 3.4, 7.5, 9.1, 9.4 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS Because of the Fall, sin and death have entered the world. As a result of the Fall into sin, sin dwells in our members. Sin is the transgression of God's will and the committing of iniquity against our neighbor. Leaving good undone is also sin. Sin appears in relations between people and in distortions of community life. Although God hates sin and condemns it, He loves sinful man and wishes to save him from everlasting condemnation. RESOURCES​ Christian Doctrine 21-28, LLC Website – LLC Position Statement, Adopted by LLC July 2006; Sin and Its Consequences, D. Anderson, Winter Services, 2009; Did God Really Say? E. Jurmu, Summer Services Youth Presentation, 2012; Being Made Free from Sin, Ye Became Servants of Righteousness, J. Frantti, Summer Services Ministers and Board Meeting, 2015; Behold, I was Shapen in Iniquity, J. Stewart, Winter Services, 2017. VZ: Bible Concepts – Sin, I. Joensuu, Sep. 1993, page 13; Temptation, E. Reinikainen, Mar. 1979, page 35; The Temptation of Jesus, W. Lampi, Mar. 1990, page 51; Previous Next