Wayne Kallio | The Voice of Zion March 2020 -- Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face: that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy father which is in secret; and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. – Matthew 6:16–18 In these three verses at the center of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7), Jesus teaches His listeners about fasting. One may fast at any time, but the period of Lent leading to Easter was – and still is in some Christian churches – the time when most fasting occurs. It is traditionally a time of penitence and solemn remembrance of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection at the time of Easter. Three Sets of Instruction Our text begins with “moreover,” which indicates that the teaching must be an addition to something Jesus had previously spoken. So, if we read from the beginning of the sixth chapter, we make an interesting discovery. There are three parallel segments in which Jesus gives the same instructions, with similar examples, in relation to three different behaviors: the giving of alms, praying and fasting. Surely then we realize that this teaching about fasting must be a much deeper matter than marking one’s forehead with ashes or refraining from most food during the days leading up to Easter, as was common among the Jewish people. Let us learn more from the verses preceding our text. “Take heed,” Jesus warns in verse one, “that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them…when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men.” When in verse five he addresses the manner of praying and teaches the Lord’s Prayer, He tells His listeners, “When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of streets, that they may be seen of men.” And finally, in discussing fasting, He says, “When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.” Worship in Humility Through repetitive words and images, the parallel sentence structure and by contrasting desired actions to those done by hypocrites, we understand that Jesus is teaching His listeners – and us – how to conduct ourselves in all forms of worship. We should behave and worship in true humility, true thankfulness and praise to God, with true righteousness of the Holy Spirit. We should avoid that which looks good to others or that which is self-righteous behavior. Jesus teaches us to reject false humility, self-aggrandizement, self-love, self-reliance, self-accomplishment and self-understanding. Such behaviors, Jesus makes clear, are hypocrisy; they gather praise to oneself rather than offer praise to God. Jesus assures His listeners that God is not fooled by such behavior. He states three times how “they have their reward.” This means that they have sought praise and admiration of men and they have received it. And that is all they will receive. Those who worship in truth and righteousness, on the other hand, need not display it openly, but rather “thy alms may be in secret: and thy Father…seeth in secret.” This clear connection between the Father and His true follower is repeated word for word in regard to prayer: “pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy father…seeth in secret.” And once more, in relation to fasting, the same advice is given: “appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy father which is in secret; and thy Father…seeth in secret.” God knows the true heart of faith. He sees beyond the obvious, beyond appearance and into the person’s very heart and soul. An Open Reward A final repeated phrase is a very comforting promise to the true worshiper and the true believer: “Thy father…shall reward thee openly” (v. 4,6,18). The reward, we know, is not the recognition or admiration of other people, but rather the experience of peace, joy and love from God, our Father, here on earth and once eternally in heaven. Is it not then clear in our text that fasting is not simply a physical action or learned behavior, but rather a matter of the heart? It is not abstention from food or eating sparingly as a religious observance, but rather a quiet preparation of the heart to observe and honor the Easter Story in its full significance: that Christ suffered and died on the cross for me and all humankind so that we may be reconciled with God, our Father and giver of life, both temporal and eternal. It is endeavoring to resist sin, to put sin away and to travel with a clean conscience in the kingdom of God. That is what Jesus, so effectively through repetition, teaches us here.

Harri and Elina Vahajylkka | The Voice of Zion April 2020 -- The Bible does not mention godparents, but the concept of godparents has existed since the time of the early Christian Church. At that time, it was mostly adults who were baptized, and one person was chosen to support the newly baptized in his or her Christian life and orient him or her to the doctrines of faith. Nowadays, the primary task of a godparent is the same. The main responsibility of Christian upbringing has always been given to the parents. The godparent’s duty is to support the parents in that responsibility. Who to Select for a Godparent? When we have pondered who to ask to be godparents for our children, we have most of all desired that the godparent be a believer. Through faith he or she thus has the Holy Spirit, which is the best teacher in matters of faith. As Jesus told His disciples: “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). We have not considered it so important that a godparent be a close relative but rather that the person would be close enough to us that we know him or her from the heart. We have also thought that the godparent should be one who willingly accepts this responsibility. We have not looked for the perfect person for a godparent but rather for one who could serve in this duty with his or her own gifts. Formally speaking, the godparent must have received adequate baptismal teaching. In practice, this means the person should have completed confirmation school. More important than formal teaching is that there is living faith in the godparent’s heart, faith that can be related to the godchild. Speak Simply and Pray Providing a Christian upbringing for a child may seem challenging, even difficult. How have you handled this task? I guess that not many of us have kept actual lessons for our godchildren. I think that this instruction is done more as part of daily life. When we see our small godchild, it is good to remind the child again and again that we are his or her godparents, that our relationship is something special. We can remember the godchild with small gifts, by getting to know him or her personally and by helping the child get to know us. I am happy when I hear that our small godchild William has often recognized me at services when I have served at the pulpit. He willingly comes to greet me and sometimes dares to sit in my lap. When a child grows up, we can perform our role as a godparent by visiting with him or her. It’s nice for godchildren to hear that we have been present in their life from a very early age. The most important part of Christian upbringing may be that the child notices that the gift of faith is most important in the godparent’s life as well. Prayer is a gift, a tool that the godparent might use most often in performing a godparent’s duties. God hears the prayer of a believing godparent, even if the godchild lives far away, even on the other side of the world. The godparent’s prayer is sometimes only a thought or a wordless sigh. Still, we as godparents wish to remember our godchildren in their different ages and life situations. Duty Remains throughout Life The duty of a godparent is a lifelong task. As young ones and as adults too we remember our own godparents. We may keep a more regular connection with some of our godparents, and some of our godchildren, than with others. We may be more involved with our godchildren in their early lives and less often later on. We might go to see the new baby, we participate in the baptism, we sometimes attend the young one’s birthday parties. Adolescence and the time of confirmation school are also important times in the godparent-godchild relationship. As the child grows, childhood faith becomes personal faith. Christian Doctrine teaches that God calls a person in the time of youth. The young person ponders his or her own faith and relationship with God. It is a sensitive time in many ways. We can pray for God’s help that we would be able to encourage our godchild to keep faith and a good conscience. A cross or the Holy Bible as a gift after confirmation school reminds of the most precious gift that a person can own – faith according to the Bible and the salvation offered by Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection. Even as an adult, a godchild may want to ponder the big questions of temporal life with his or her godparents. Perhaps he or she dreams of a certain occupation or a spouse and a family. These dreams and expectations are safe to share with a believing godparent. At that time, it is good to encourage the godchild to trust in God’s guidance. It is also good to do the same when the godchild faces disappointments and trials in life. Personal Encounters How can we care for the relationship between a godparent and a godchild? It can be done by reserving time to meet, by traveling together or by keeping contact in another way. When I was traveling a lot for my work, I often stayed at my godparents’ home. There we visited a lot about life and faith. This was important even for an adult godchild. As a minister I have been able to serve our mutual godchildren by officiating at their weddings. I have experienced this as a position of trust and it has brought great mutual joy. Together we have been able to witness how God has blessed this child’s life in a new way. I have also met my own godparents at the communion table where I was able to serve them with the Lord’s Supper. This was a very memorable moment. Eventually comes the moment when we have to say goodbye to our godparent for the last time. Around the casket of our own godparent we feel grateful for the support and guidance we have received. We don’t even know how often our godparent has remembered us in prayer and in thoughts. Still we can experience that those prayers along with visits with our godparent have carried us to this day. Special to Each Other Pauliina Hillukka | The Voice of Zion April 2020 -- Today I got to make a very nice phone call. For a number of days I had felt joy that I would soon call this dear friend. My husband and I had decided that we would ask her to be our newborn baby’s godmother. It was wonderful to hear how happy this made her. We have already had the opportunity to select godparents for six children. Our most important criteria have been that the godparents are believing and are close to our family. I am very thankful that God has blessed us with a group of friends from which we have always been able to easily find suitable godparents. We have always had one request for the godparents: that they would remember the godchild in prayer, and also us parents, that we would be preserved in faith. At its best, the relationship between a godchild and godparent is life-long. I have been able to upkeep a close relationship with my godparents since I was a small child. I barely remember birthday or Christmas gifts, but what I do remember from my childhood and what I still feel is that I am special to them. I have considered my own godparents a good example for me. Visits in their home about life, the way and the journey are precious memories I carry with me. I have been called into the role of a godmother twenty-two times. Each time the duty has been a welcome one and I have accepted it gratefully. It is easy to be happy about small godchildren, and I feel that they are important examples to me of a child’s faith. My oldest godchildren are entering their time of youth and I pray to God for wisdom to help them when the need arises and to walk alongside them in life. O Jesus, keep our children within Your sweet embrace and journey with them daily, and shield them with Your grace. These arms are Your blest kingdom in which You lift and bear, this home that You provide them where they receive Your care. These words of song of Zion 428 contain my greatest wishes as a godmother. That the heavenly Father would protect all my godchildren so that they would remain as God’s children and would once make it to heaven. This wish has already come true for two of my godchildren. Along with sorrow and longing, I feel great thankfulness that they have reached heaven’s home. I Hold Them in My Heart Lori Loukusa | The Voice of Zion April 2020 -- My first godchild was a baby brother to one of my best friends. He was from a believing home where I as a teenager had spent many days and even nights with this busy and happy family. I remember feeling so excited that these special parents in my life had asked me for this duty. My second godchild was the cutest baby girl, the firstborn to a young couple I had gotten close to, also as a teenager. I visited them often – we had many precious visits. When I look back at this time, however, I realize I had no idea then how special and important of a duty this actually was, to be a godmother. And how I later would feel so inadequate, knowing I had fulfilled this duty so poorly. When my husband and I got married, we each inherited a few godchildren. Our first godchild together, my oldest nephew, was born one month after we were married. Life then got busy and one by one our own children were given as gifts from God. Yet it warmed my heart each time we were asked: Will you be godparents (or like we sometimes say in Finnish – kummis) for our little one? These were all special times and all special godchildren, yet our duty as godparents was often lost in the busy shuffle of life. I remember wondering when I got a package together to give a dear godchild for a confirmation gift: does he even know us? Does he even remember that we are his godparents? It was humbling to admit that this was a possibility. We realized after some years that a little Christmas gift, though it adds to the hubbub of the already-busy season, helps to create a bond between our godchild and my husband and me. I remember too how special it was when godchildren remembered us with school pictures, sometimes a little handmade gift. We have a precious letter in safekeeping, written in a little girl’s handwriting, sent to Pentti after he suffered a stroke years ago. And just last year, when we had a misfortunate car accident, an adult goddaughter sent a card: I’ve been thinking about you. Godchildren bring great joy, but sorrow can come as well. Angels came suddenly to take our little godson, just under three years old, from his loving family. His parents and his siblings were left with sorrow and longing and a huge empty place. Their family’s photo on the dining room wall spoke to me through the years when we visited this home. My eyes were drawn to our cute little godson, reminding of the sad day we heard the news of his death. Yet the photo spoke to me too of God’s great love and care, that He has a plan for each of His own – even when we don’t understand. And a little one – who will never know sin or temptation – is safe in heaven. Our oldest godson, our nephew – a believing husband and father – died from cancer almost 41 years after we held him in our arms on his special baptismal day. We shared in his family’s sorrow, yet we rejoiced that his suffering had ended and he had received the greatest victory anyone could ever receive. We remember his family with many prayers. Another married godson and his wife, who live far away, also lost a young son. When we had a chance to see them in our home congregation some months after his death, words were weak to express our sympathy and let them know we remembered them in prayer, yet we were thankful God gave this opportunity. When a dear goddaughter denied living faith and later married, we wondered: should we give her a Bible for a wedding gift? Would she know that we remembered her and prayed that God’s Word could also touch her heart? I remember not knowing what we should do. My prayer today is that God will continue to help me, my husband – and all of us – to remember this God-given duty of being a godparent, to carry these dear ones in prayer and in our weak ways endeavor to help them on their way to heaven. I pray that they can overlook my many shortcomings and know that if I haven’t personally reached out to them as I would wish, I still hold them in my heart. Discussion Points What kind of memories do you have of your own godparents? What were your thoughts when you were called to serve as a sponsor or godparent? What do you think are the most important things about being a godparent? How can you support your godchild temporally and spiritually? Share teachings that you have received and mutual experiences with your godparent. What does a Christian upbringing mean to you?

Hannu Kallunki | The Voice of Zion April 2020 -- Installment 14 of 20, translated from the book Christ Is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever: Writings on the Basics of Faith and Doctrine. (Ed. Ari-Pekka Palola, SRK, 2018) The law and the gospel are two central concepts in the Bible. The law declares God’s righteous will, and the gospel is the joyous message of Jesus Christ and His atonement work. The relationship between the law and gospel is central to the doctrine of how God justifies a sinful person and how the person remains righteous, i.e. acceptable before God. God Gave His Law through Moses The book of Exodus describes in detail how God gave His law. He appeared to Moses on Mount Sinai and spoke to him amid fire and smoke (Exod. 19). God dictated to Moses the law of the Ten Commandments and commanded him to deliver it to the people of Israel (Exod. 20). The Ten Commandment Law contains all that God demands of a person in relation to Him and in relation to one’s neighbors. In the law, God revealed His holy and righteous will and His commandments for humans and how they should live. The first three commandments deal with people’s relationship with God. The final seven commandments govern life alongside other people. The Ten Commandment Law was the constitution of the nation of Israel. It remains the foundation of Western legislation and values. The Law Demands Perfection In the language of the Bible, the law is more than just commandments and prohibitions. It expresses God’s unconditional demand on humans. The law demands perfection. Mere outward observance of the law is not sufficient; rather fulfilling the law requires that the mind and heart completely consent to what the law demands, every moment and in all things – even in one’s thoughts. Jesus said that one who is angry at his or her brother has already murdered the brother, and one who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her (Matt. 5:21–28). The law is spiritual but humans, on the contrary, are corrupt, sold into slavery of sin (Rom. 7:14). Not one person can fulfill the law of God, which remains valid until the end of the world. According to our Savior’s own words, not “one jot or one tittle” will disappear from the law (Matt. 5:18). The law of God is not bound to time and thus does not change as people or humankind change. Humans Corrupted by the Fall into Sin God created humans in His own image. God’s creation work was perfect, and in paradise humans had a direct connection with their Creator. God spoke directly to the people and they had complete knowledge of God’s will and also the ability to fulfill it. The fall into sin completely corrupted the divine nature that existed in humans. God’s will became inclined to evil. As a result of the fall into sin, original sin exists in every person, for which the person himself or herself does not have the ability or the desire to fulfill God’s law. The Duty of the Law The law awakens knowledge of sin in a person who has become separated from fellowship with God. It also teaches the person to know what sin is (Rom. 3:20; Rom. 7:9–13). The law curses a person, strips the person of all his or her own possibilities and reveals him or her to be faulty, a transgressor before God. According to Luther, “the proper and the principal use of the law is to reveal unto a man his sin, his blindness, his misery, his impiety, ignorance, hatred and contempt of God, death, hell, the judgment and deserved wrath of God” (Commentary on Galatians). The law shatters one’s trust in one’s own strength and misconceptions about oneself. The duty of the law is to awaken a person living in unbelief – whether in ungodliness or self-righteousness – and lead the person to Christ and His congregation to receive grace and forgiveness. Sin indeed exists without the law, but a person does not realize his or her own sinfulness unless the law reveals it (Rom. 7:9,10). The duty of the law ends when a person, owning the gift of faith, becomes a partaker in Christ and the righteousness of faith He prepared (Gal. 3:23–26). The law performs God’s work when it reveals sin and cracks and overthrows a person’s self-righteousness. If, on the other hand, a person goes in search for personal merit and acceptability to God by fulfilling the law, then the enemy leads the person astray into works righteousness – the works of self-righteousness. Jesus Has Fulfilled the Law Jesus has completely fulfilled God’s law demanding perfection (Matt. 5:17). He did it out of love for sin-fallen humans. God was in Christ and reconciled the world unto himself and did not impute people’s trespasses unto them (2 Cor. 5:19). God did this in His eternal righteousness so that all people beginning with Adam have been born and will be born into this world as God’s creation and partakers of Christ’s redemption work. All people have been redeemed from beneath the law to grace; therefore, children are born as children of God, heaven-acceptable (Eph. 1:3–5). If a person is deceived by sin and thus loses childhood faith at some point in his or her life, the person is subject to the curse of the law and to condemnation and is separated from the living God. A person who has fallen under the curse of the law nevertheless has the possibility to return to God’s grace and reconciliation with God. To this end God has established in His congregation on earth the office of the word of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:19). It is the office of the Holy Spirit, and it is performed by people who themselves have been able to believe their sins forgiven (Matt. 16:17–19). Paul described in the letter to the Romans how regardless of the law, God has brought people righteousness to be owned by faith, that righteousness which the law and prophets testify. God’s righteousness comes by faith in Christ and it can be owned by all who believe. All people are in the same position, for all have sinned and are without God’s glory and the perfection that the law demands. All people who believe nonetheless receive by God’s grace the gift of righteousness because Christ has fulfilled the law and redeemed people free from slavery of the law and sin. God had placed Christ as the atonement sacrifice and for that reason His blood brings atonement that can be received in faith (Rom. 3:21–26). For this reason Paul proclaimed, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38,39). Human Works and the Law The fall into sin corrupted humans so profoundly that human will, nature and mind became inclined to evil. People became incapable of all that is good before God (Rom. 3:12). The law appeals to human reason and will, by which a person is able, at best, to bring about so-called societal righteousness. The law, however, becomes a danger in terms of salvation if it leads to the thought that a person could fulfill God’s law. In the letter to the Galatians, Paul strongly emphasized that those who rely on works of the law are under the curse of the law (Gal. 3:10). Luther also referred to righteousness of the law as active righteousness. This label describes how it is based on actions and works. The opposite of active righteousness is gift righteousness which, as its name implies, is received as a gift, by the grace of God. Luther felt that both were necessary and both had their own role. Each must nonetheless remain in their respective roles. Faith and the endeavor of life, grace and works as well as worship of God and earthly matters must not be mixed together (Commentary on Galatians). Jesus summarized the core essence of the law in two commandments: love God above all else and your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:36–40). Even the law’s original purpose is love. Due to original sin, however, humans lack the ability to place God before all else, fulfill His will and love Him with all their heart. It is just as impossible for humans to love their neighbors as themselves. Paul had to struggle with the fact that he could not find within himself anything that would have been according to God’s will. He felt that he had the desire to do good but yet he could not rid himself of evil because sin dwelled in him. He stated that in his innermost he joyfully accepts God’s law, but in his actions he sees another law fulfilled which battles against the law that affects him within (Rom. 7:15–23). Due to original sin, humans are by nature prisoners of the law of sin. A person can be liberated from this imprisonment only by God’s atonement and redemption work in His Son Jesus Christ. This redemption work can be owned by faith, which God gives as a gift. One who has by faith become righteous consents in his or her heart to God’s law and wishes to fulfill it. This is a fruit of living faith and the Holy Spirit rather than a demand of the law. The Gospel Liberates from the Bondage of the Law The duty of the law is to strip a person of all his or her own possibilities before God and to drive the person to Christ in order to own that which Christ has performed and merited on his or her behalf. The gospel belongs to the one awakened by the law. The core of the gospel is the forgiveness of sins. Jesus himself said that God has so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in His should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus Christ has atoned the sins of the whole world in His suffering and death. He has completely fulfilled the law of God and liberated humankind from bondage of the law. Luther described one who believes the gospel as a “new man in a new world, where is no law, no sin, no sting of conscience, no death, but perfect joy, righteousness, grace, peace, life, salvation and glory.” He continued by asking, “Why do we then nothing? Do we work nothing for the obtaining of this righteousness?” He answered his own question, “Nothing at all…we believe this only, that Christ is gone to the Father and that he sitteth in heaven at the right hand of his father, not as a judge, but made unto us of God, wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption” (Commentary on Galatians). The gospel is on earth among people. Jesus left it to His own with the authority of the Holy Spirit and promised that whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them (John 20:22,23). This office of the gospel in connection with the office of the keys is performed by the Holy Spirit in God’s congregation through believing people. The kingdom of God is a kingdom of grace, where there is no law but rather righteousness, peace and joy (Rom. 14:17). A person who has been able to believe all his or her sins forgiven is no longer under the law but is taught by the grace of God (Titus 2:11,12). The Holy Spirit in the heart of the one who believes guides him or her to live life according to God’s will. Paul stated, “If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom. 8:9–14). It is not a question of following the law, but rather of living in the freedom of the gospel. The Gospel’s Light and Power The Formula of Concord in our church’s [Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland] Confessional writings states that God’s law belongs to a believer as a guide to living a Christian life (third use of the law). The Formula of Concord explains that the law belongs to a Christian because new birth is not complete in this life but is only beginning. However, there is nothing to be found in the Bible that supports the thought that a person could develop in faith. Christ either dwells in a person or does not dwell; there is no intermediate state. The Christian continues to fall into sin and in the battle against sin he or she needs the law and the gospel. Sin is real in the life of a Christian, but grace and the presence of the Holy Spirit are also real. The Bible does not teach the third use of the law, but rather that is a doctrinal error of which Christendom will likely never be free. In this doctrinal error, the law and gospel have become mixed. The Bible clearly teaches that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes (Rom. 10:4). The law is the schoolmaster until Christ comes but Christians are not under a schoolmaster (Gal. 2:23–25). The law is not made for the righteous but for the ungodly (1 Tim. 1:9,10). Believers are not under the law but under grace (Rom. 6:14). Luther stated that the law is not an instructor to the conscience: “The law and Christ are two contrary things, whereof the one cannot abide the other. For when Christ is present, the law may in no case rule, but must depart out of the conscience and give place only to Christ. Let him only reign in righteousness, in peace, in joy and life” (Commentary on Galatians). Self-righteousness and permissiveness of sin are real dangers, but a believing person is not protected and guarded from these by the teaching of the law, but rather by God’s grace and the power of the gospel. The child of God cannot have two teachers. Paul said, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4). He continued, “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law” (Gal. 5:18). At the Council of Jerusalem, the apostles stated that the yoke of the law should not be put on the neck of the disciples (Acts 15). The office of the law ends where the office of the gospel begins. When by the power of the Holy Spirit a believer proclaims the gospel of the forgiveness of sins to one awakened by the law, God transfers the person from a state of soul under the law to grace and gives the person the gift of faith and the Holy Spirit. When by the power of the gospel a person has been able to believe, a new teacher enters the person’s heart: God’s Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not speak in His own name but reveals that which He receives from Christ and the Father. It is the duty of the Holy Spirit to reveal what is sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8–14). In considering how the law teaches compared to how grace teaches, old Christians described the difference in precision as follows: grace is like sunlight that shines into a room. It shows every floating dust particle. It is just as impossible for the law to increase the understanding gained by grace than it is for the moon to increase the brightness of the sun. A believer does not need the light or instruction of the law alongside the light of the gospel. The gospel is the power of God, and it brings salvation to everyone who believes. In the gospel the righteousness which is acceptable before God is revealed from faith to faith. The righteous shall live by faith (Rom. 1:16–17). Bibliography Luther Martin Book of Concord Commentary on Galatians. Original work “In epistolam S. Pauli ad Galatas commentarius ex praelectione D. Martini Lutheri collectus” 1535. Lectures on Romans. Original work “Epistola ad Romanos. Die scholien” 1516. Jussila Heikki. Elämän ihme. SRK 1974. Zidbäck Aulis Ole vapaa, vapaaksi ostettu lauma. Juhani Raattamaa – opettaja ja sielunhoitaja. SRK 1985.

Keith Waaraniemi with Jim Frantti and Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion April 2020 -- The COVID-19 pandemic has had a sobering effect on the entire world. During this pandemic, as in all times, we can say, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). We turn to God in prayer for ourselves and our communities. We pray for local authorities, national leaders and medical professionals. We don’t comprehend the challenges they face, but through their efforts we receive blessing and protection. They are ministers of God for our good (Rom. 13:4). In North America, federal, state and provincial authorities have given us guidelines on how to slow the spread of the virus. Using their best judgment and available information, they recommend that gatherings be limited, both religious and otherwise. In accordance with these guidelines, LLC has taken unprecedented steps to address the situation. Please refer to News and Notes from LLC for further details. The LLC recommends that all congregations follow the instructions of their local and national authorities. In these times, we may wonder how serious the pandemic actually is. We each have our own perception based on our own perspectives and the information we have received. History may someday tell the tale, but likely the answer will reside with God alone. At this time, we know that the virus spreads at an alarming rate and thousands of people have died. That is why heeding the advice of authorities is not only prudent, but absolutely essential. We pray and trust that God gives the appropriate officials the necessary wisdom to make necessary decisions. Just as previous generations have faced overwhelming threats and have worked together in times of natural disasters, war and economic turmoil, let us each take responsibility to do our part to help slow the spread of the virus. Elders and those with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to the virus’ effects, but people of other ages are not exempt either. Human life is fragile for all of us. The events of our daily lives have been significantly altered. School and university instruction is canceled and has shifted to online learning. Family life may feel fuller, at times overwhelming, without normal routines. Many businesses are temporarily closed, and some store shelves are empty. The full extent of this pandemic’s effect on our lives is yet unknown. Changes in employment may begin to cause financial concerns. All of this can make the future feel more uncertain. We may be worried, anxious and doubting. In these times, let us trust in the message of God’s Word, which assures us that there is nothing new under the sun and nothing happens without God’s knowledge. Read Psalm 46:10 and Psalm 73:23–25; there the psalmists sing of God’s presence and blessing. This pandemic reminds us of how much we need one another. Let us now, as always, remember how Jesus instructed us to love our neighbor and carry loved ones in prayer. We pray on behalf of those who are ill and those who care for the ill. We pray for those whose livelihood suffers as a result of economic upheaval. We pray for families and parents who are affected as schools close and routines are upended. We remember those who are alone, those who are suffering and need assistance. Let us comfort and instill hope in our children and youth who may feel distress in uncertainty. Can we see a silver lining beyond this cloud of trial? God’s ways are above our ways. While we must limit social gatherings, this does not prevent us from hearing or meditating on God’s Word. Some congregations broadcast online services, and archived sermons take on a new importance. We cannot gather at services, and we feel a deep longing for believing fellowship. Yet the message and comfort of God’s Word still brings us peace, blessing, hope and joy. We have seen examples of online devotions, Sunday school and Bible class. God is at work in ways we could not have foreseen. May the message of the gospel also reach those who long to find peace of conscience, those that seek a gracious God. In this time, God is granting us an opportunity to focus on our own households, our closest ones. We can be thankful for modern technology which allows us to stay in touch with friends and family. Let us uplift one another and care for one another and pray. Let us find God’s blessings amid the changes we experience. He has promised to give us hope and a future (Jer. 29:11). Amid crisis, our heavenly Father reveals to us all that living faith and caring for our neighbor are the most important matters in our lives. May God give us continued forbearance and patience. We join with the words of the songwriter in song of Zion 382: “What God ordains is ever good.” God will never forsake us!

Matti Taskila | The Voice of Zion May 2020 -- Installment 15 of 20, translated from the book Christ Is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever: Writings on the Basics of Faith and Doctrine. (Ed. Ari-Pekka Palola, SRK, 2018) The Visible and Invisible Congregation The New Testament congregation means the congregation of God, i.e. the Christian congregation, whose members the Holy Spirit has through the gospel called, sanctified, gathered and enlightened with His gifts and protects in the one true faith (Large Catechism). The members of this congregation are called to follow Jesus in “doctrine, life and suffering.” The Christian congregation is in essence the communion – or fellowship – of saints, in which its members remember each other and carry each other in prayer. According to the Augsburg Confession, the Christian congregation is the community of saints in which the gospel is purely preached and the sacraments are administered according to the command of Christ. The communion of saints differs from all temporal organizations in that it believes and lives by the will and guidance of God. In the Bible, the most common names for the congregation are the congregation of God, the family of God, people of God, the house and temple of God. The congregation is also called the body of Christ, since the congregation and Christ belong together (John 15:1–13; Eph. 4:15,16; 5:31,32). Jesus’ work in the world continues in His congregation as the work of the Holy Spirit (Christian Doctrine, item 44). The Christian congregation is simultaneously visible and hidden. In its visible or present form it is the assembled group of believers, which nonetheless can only by faith be understood to be the holy congregation: “I believe that on earth there is a holy group and congregation of pure saints, under one head, even Christ, called together by the Holy Ghost in one faith, one mind and understanding” (Large Catechism). When we speak of a hidden or invisible congregation, we also include those followers of Christ who have passed from time to eternity as well as e.g. all children all over the world. The origin of a child’s faith is in God’s righteous nature: He justified sinful humans for the sake of His Son’s promised atonement and redemption work even before the world was created. A child, nonetheless, as an heir of Adam is corrupted by original sin, but through the merit of the second Adam – Christ – the child is acceptable to God and pure, simultaneously righteous and sinful. The Congregation is Based on God’s Word The living congregation of God is comprised of people that truly believe that Jesus is their Savior. Luther described that where faith hears the voice of the Good Shepherd, i.e. the correct proclamation of the gospel, there it also sees the congregation of God even though the eye would only see a scorn-worthy group of people (On the Power and Primacy of the Pope). Faith is attached to the Word, not to a person. The proclamation of the true Word of God is inseparable from the congregation. The Good Shepherd and His flock belong together. Through the Holy Spirit we see that the congregation is the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). Its foundation is the doctrine of prophets and apostles – the understanding of faith based on God’s unchanging Word – where the cornerstone is Jesus Christ himself (Eph. 2:20). This truth is upheld by the congregation. God’s congregation is infallible in its doctrine of justification, because it adheres to the Word of God. In this way God’s living congregation will be preserved on earth until the end of time. The Bible, the written Word of God, is the authority in the congregation. Luther explained: “The spirit of God governs the congregation, and the Spirit of God leads the saints – Romans, 8th chapter (14th verse), and Christ is with His congregation even unto the end of the world (Matt. 28:20) – We know this, I say, for in our creed we say: I believe in the holy, catholic [meaning “universal”] church. It is impossible that the congregation can err in even the smallest point of doctrine” (Bondage of the Will). One Holy Mutual Congregation The innermost essence of the congregation of God can be studied only with the Word of God. Since we as humans cannot comprehend God’s omnipotence and immensity, the deepest value of Christ’s congregation remains a mystery to us. The congregation has no point of comparison or equivalence in this world. Also, a human is unable to determine who truly is a member of the congregation, for only God can see into a person’s heart. The borders of the congregation go “from faith to faith and from heart to heart.” The fellowship of the Holy Spirit transcends all human borders. For that reason the members of God’s congregation can never be recorded in books or lists. According to the Creeds, there is one Christian congregation (Eph. 4:4), because there is only one Christ. Luther proclaimed, “There is not more than one Church, or people of God, on earth. This one Church has one faith, one baptism, one confession of God of the Father and of Jesus Christ. Its members faithfully hold, and abide by, these common truths.” (Church Postil III, 17th Sunday after Trinity, Epistle Sermon on Eph. 4:1–6). According to Luther’s teaching, the Christian congregation also has one mind and understanding. It has manifold grace gifts but it is unanimous in love, without sects or schisms (Large Catechism). The New Testament congregation was born on the first Pentecost when the disciples were given the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4,41,42). The apostles set out to bring forth the message of God’s kingdom. This task was to continue to the “ends of the earth.” That is why the Christian congregation is also called the apostolic congregation. Its foundation is the testimony of Jesus’ disciples – the apostles. This is stated as follows in the Nicene Creed: “We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.” The congregation of Christ is holy because it is reserved for God and Christ’s spirit works within it. The holiness is not due to any goodness on the part of the congregation members; rather it is a gift received in Christ. In spite of its holiness, the congregation is also sinful because its members are corrupted by original sin. For this reason the congregation will never become fully pure in this time. Many forms of sin and doctrinal errors attempt to corrupt it. Luther explained, “The congregation is pure, but it is sinful at the same time. For this reason, it believes the forgiveness of sins and prays, ‘Forgive us our sins.’ We are not called holy because of our nature, as a wall is called white because of its white paint. The holiness in us is not sufficient. Christ is our complete and whole holiness. If what we own is not sufficient, Christ is sufficient” (Commentary on Galatians). The congregation is mutual or catholic because it represents and teaches the entire truth of the Bible and strives to spread throughout the world. Therefore, it does mission work according to Christ’s command. Jesus called His followers to perform this task. He summarized the contents of mission work as preaching the gospel and the presence of God’s kingdom (John 20:22,23; Luke 9:1,2; 10:1–11). The same sermon yet continues with possibilities given by God. He sees into people’s hearts and sends His messengers to those seeking the truth. Mission work is not only done as organized, but each believer is a priest of the Holy Spirit who has authorization given by Jesus to testify of Christ’s grace (1 Pet. 2:9). Therein Christ becomes present for a person. Upholding the Word of God is the duty our Savior gave His followers. He has given His children grace gifts which must be used to edify the congregation and to fulfill the will of God. Peter exhorted believers to be always ready to tell those who ask what their hope is based on (1 Pet. 3:15). Opportunities for the work of God’s Word open up amidst everyday life, work or free time. Martin Luther especially ordered fathers to care for their children’s Christian upbringing (Small Catechism). The Grace House of Absolution Human salvation from the power of sin and death is based solely on the work of Christ. Luther summarized this as follows: “By faith alone, by grace alone, by the merits of Christ alone.” The hearing of God’s Word is essential to the rebirth of an unbelieving person, for “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). A good example of this is Peter’s sermon on Pentecost, when nearly three thousand people believed and were baptized (Acts 2:41). The Holy Spirit affected the birth of faith. The effect of the Spirit was also evident when those who accepted the gospel began to speak boldly of the risen Jesus. Martin Luther firmly linked the congregation and justification of humans: “Therefore he who would find Christ must first find the Church. How should we know where Christ and his faith were, if we did not know where his believers are?” (Church Postil I, Christmas Day, Second Gospel Sermon on Luke 2:15–20). Luther wrote of membership in the congregation: “one is not and cannot be a member of the Christian congregation, unless he is a correct believer, righteous and holy, as we say in the Creed: ‘I believe in the holy Christian Church.’ But one who is not a true believer, holy nor righteous, does not belong to the Holy Christian Church.” (Psalms 118 Commentary). According to the understanding of the early congregation, the congregation is part of the doctrine of salvation. A person’s new birth and entrance into the congregation are simultaneous occurrences. In the Large Catechism, the connection between the congregation, God’s Word and faith are summarized as follows: “Therefore we believe in Him who through the Word daily brings us into the fellowship of this Christian Church, and through the same Word and the forgiveness of sins bestows, increases, and strengthens faith” (Large Catechism). God uses the congregation and forgiveness of sins as tools in justifying a sinner and keeping him or her justified. Concerning the remission of sins, Luther identified three core principles: first, the remission of sins is based on the command of Christ. Second, it is by nature the office of the Holy Spirit. Third, Christ has bequeathed this office on the congregation which has received the Holy Spirit (Church Postil II, First Sunday after Easter, Gospel Sermon on John 20:19–31). God, however, does His calling work everywhere in many different ways. His paths are untraceable, His judgments unsearchable (Rom. 11:33). Lars Levi Laestadius’ closest coworker Juhani Raattamaa called the Biblical congregation of God the “house of grace” or “heaven of grace,” outside of which there is no pure Word. According to Raattamaa, the Holy Spirit does its work of new birth and justification through the congregation. Authorized to do so by Jesus, the congregation performs the office of reconciliation here on earth. The Place to Care for Faith and Mutual Fellowship The members of the Christian congregation are joined together in Christ. The most familiar image of this is likely Jesus’ parable of the vine: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” If the living connection to Jesus is broken, the branch will dry and God will cut it off the tree (John 15:1–6). In that case, the connection to God is severed as well. Jesus also taught about this matter in His farewell speech: “I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you” (John 14:20). The unity of the saints is unity of the spirit and love, but above all it is fellowship with Christ. Paul described the congregation as the body of Christ, the head of which is Christ Himself. He holds the body together (Eph. 1:22,23; 4:15,16). A person cannot have a true relationship with God without the work of the Holy Spirit and the congregation. Paul compared the relationship between Christ and the congregation to that of a man and woman in marriage (Eph. 5:31,32). That connection is inseparable (Col. 2:18,19). For that reason a Christian cannot believe differently than what the holy, mutual congregation teaches. When Christ – the way, truth and life (John 14:6) – is in His congregation through His Spirit, the congregation endeavors in one faith, doctrine and hope. As the living congregation of God, it clings to the Word of God and Christ’s gospel of forgiveness. Faith is cared for in the congregation: “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Cor. 12:26). According to Christian Doctrine, a Christian must diligently use God’s Word and the Lord’s Holy Supper, prayer and mutual Christian fellowship in order to be strengthened and remain in faith (Christian Doctrine, item 77). These were a central part of the life of the early congregation (Acts 2:42). Christians’ life together also includes encouraging one another with words of correction, rebuke and instruction (2 Tim. 4:2). Paul exhorted, “Warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” (1 Thess. 5:14). The mind of a Christian and the atmosphere of grace flow from the fellowship of love effected by God. The righteousness God gives as a gift results in the fruit of submitting to God’s love. It consists of compassion toward oneself and others as well as supporting and caring for one another in love. The intention of loving instruction is not to demand but to encourage and help God’s child in his or her battle against the power of sin. The True People of God Luther taught that the church is not primarily an institution or organization, but it should be the living community of Christ, which the Holy Spirit has gathered through the Word and sacraments. Within the visible church is an invisible congregation. Luther differentiated between a national church and a congregation of brethren. On the one hand he supported the idea of a national church because it cared for the people’s spiritual education. On the other hand, Luther felt that the true congregation or congregation of brethren included the practice of members caring for one another, i.e. “the practice of Christian brotherly discipline.” It was the responsibility of this so-called core congregation to do mission work within the national church (German Mass and Order of Worship). For Luther, the most important hallmark of the true congregation was God’s Word: “First, this Christian holy people is to be known by this that it has God’s holy Word…Wherever you hear or see this Word preached, believed, confessed and acted on, there do not doubt that there must be a true ecclesia sancta catholica, the Christian holy people…for God’s Word cannot be present without God’s people and God’s people cannot be without God’s Word” (On the Councils and Churches). Lars Levi Laestadius also found the core congregation inside the external congregation (ecclesiola in ecclesia). This living Christianity is the true people of God, the community of saints born of faith of the heart and the Holy Spirit, a people who have fellowship in the same gospel or doctrine. The Holy Spirit also renews, sanctifies and governs their hearts. Such a congregation of Christ is always within the external congregation, but it is invisible to “this world,” which does not know Christ’s own (1 John 3:1). Insight on the true people of God opened to Laestadius only after he met Mary of Lapland and with her guidance found a new life in Christ. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland [Finland’s national or “state” church] is a precious gift of God. The instruction the church provides has had a deep impact on our nation’s spiritual life, morals and wellbeing. Within this church is also the living congregation of Christ. In different parts of the world, however, there are members of the congregation of Christ that belong to some other church or are not members of any church. Nevertheless they have unity of the Holy Spirit with the congregation of Christ. This unity cannot be created by blurring doctrial differences between churches or denominations. It is born only of God’s congregation through the remission of sins preached by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Kingdom of God – the Realm of God’s Kingship and Grace The main topic in Jesus’ preaching was the kingdom of God. In the Bible it is also called the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of the Father and the kingdom of Christ. Jesus depicted the essence of the kingdom of God with over thirty parables. Our Savior taught that the coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed or seen (Luke 17:20). To Nicodemus He nonetheless said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). One who is born again sees by faith the kingdom of God, which is among people and has approached him or her (Luke 17:21, Mark 1:15). It is both visible and hidden. It is the presence of Jesus by faith in the heart of one who is born again. People who have Christ as King in their hearts are members of Christ’s body, i.e. His congregation. They are partakers in God’s kingdom and simultaneously members of the people of God. First and foremost, the kingdom of God is the kingship and majesty of God (1 Chron. 29:11), which pertains to God’s being and His salvation work. The kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), nor does it seek temporal power. It is unconquerable and everlasting (Dan. 7:14), but it can be removed from people’s midst (Matt. 21:43). Therefore a person’s most important duty in life is to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). In reality, a person is not even able to seek God, but God works through other people He has saved: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:11, 12). We can read in the Bible that Jesus was received by faith only by the living congregation and its members (John 1:11–13). Apostle Paul preached everywhere of the kingdom of God (Acts 20:25), which appeared among people in Christ. Old Testament believers beheld it with the eyes of the Spirit and awaited its appearance, trusting in God’s promise. According to the Swebilius Catechism, God’s kingdom is a kingdom of grace here in this time and a kingdom of glory once in eternity. In essence it is righteousness, peace and joy given by the Holy Ghost (Rom. 14:17). God’s kingdom can also be described as the realm of God’s grace and love. Believers inherently possess its deepest essence, which is gift righteousness. In them, God’s kingdom approaches other people. The Congregation Proclaims the Presence of the Kingdom of God In His Word, God has given the hallmarks of the Christian church and the kingdom of God. For that reason, the congregation must always be built on the foundation of God’s Word. The Old Testament congregation meant the people of Israel or the part of it which was assembled around the Word of God. According to our Christian doctrine, the congregation of Christ on earth is alien, scattered and battling. It lives under the guidance of the Holy Spirit until the end of the world, but when Christ comes it will appear together with Him glorified and rejoicing (Christian Doctrine, item 50). One can also attempt to describe the congregation with other pairs of opposites: it is both earthly and heavenly. It is present and yet to come, hidden and visible, divine and human. Nonetheless, no words or human conclusions are sufficient to capture the true essence of the holy, mutual apostolic congregation. In order to learn to know the kingdom of God, we must learn to know God. He is almighty and hidden, merciful and gracious. He hates sin. When God’s children preach the kingdom of God, they reveal the will of God. They are ambassadors of the kingdom of God. Even though the Christian congregation and the kingdom of God are different concepts, they are not separate from one another: the message of the kingdom of God is not genuine without the Christian congregation, and only members of the body of Christ can proclaim the true presence of God’s kingdom. Bibliography Christian Doctrine Briefly Presented. Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, 1948. Luther Martin Augsburg Confession. Bondage of the Will. Original work ”De servo arbitrio” 1525. Church Postils I–III. Commentary on Galatians. Original work “In epistolam S. Pauli ad Galatas commentarius ex praelectione D. Martini Lutheri collectus” 1535. Commentary on Psalm 118. Original work “Auslegung des 118. Psalms” 1529–30. Defense of the Augsburg Confession. German Mass and Order of Worship. Original work “Deutsche Messe und Ordnung des Gottesdiensts” 1526. Large Catechism. On the Councils and Churches. Original work “Von den Konziliis und Kirchen” 1539. On the Papacy. Original work “Von dem Papsttum zu Rom” 1520. Svebilius Olaus Lutherin Vähän katekismuksen yksinkertainen selitys. 1745. Lohi Seppo Sydämellinen kristillisyys. Lars Levi Laestadius ja lestadiolaisen herätyksen alkuvaiheet. SRK 1989. Zidbäck Aulis Ole vapaa, vapaaksi ostettu lauma. Juhani Raattamaa – opettaja ja sielunhoitaja. SRK 1985.

Harri Vahajylkka | The Voice of Zion May 2020 -- Courtship has a clear purpose and goal. It aims toward the upcoming marriage of the two that are courting. Courtship is wonderful, but it is also a serious matter. The time of courtship is meant to be a time when the future spouses get to know each other’s background, personality, values and way of life; it is meant to be a time to plan a future together. Falling in love can happen in many ways. It can be sudden and intense or it can last longer, deepening from a friendship or infatuation into love. Sure feelings or insecure feelings are part of falling in love and courtship. One has to give time and space for the other’s feeling of uncertainty, and no one should be forced to commit against their will. Over the years I have met many wedding couples. Love stories never follow the same pattern. Love is God’s gift. Through this gift, God unites two people in marriage, a beautiful gift of His creation work. Courtship touches a person’s deepest feelings such as falling in love. One should not begin courtship without genuine intent to get married. Playing with another person’s feelings can hurt deeply. Courtship should not be used to show how “popular” one is among one’s peers or to show that “I have someone too.” Adolescence and growing to adulthood include infatuation and feelings of falling in love. These feelings, however, do not require courtship. When two people discover one another and notice their interest and mutual affection persisting and deepening, at some point they realize they are in love. What Is Love? The most important tools in courtship are listening and discussing. With these tools you can get to know the person you’re in love with, the person whom you wish to commit to and with whom you’re ready to spend the rest of your life. Love is the gift and power of God that unites two people. Apostle John states that “love is of God” (1 John 4:7). That love is more than just a deep feeling between two people. Married love could be described as many thin strands woven into a strong rope that unites a man and a woman in mutual matrimony. This deep relationship involves loving and accepting the other just as God has created him or her. Nonetheless our own traits or even wrong behavior models learned in childhood do not justify doing sin. We cannot for example use our own short temper to justify insulting words or invalidating the other. Love does not place conditions or demands on another person. One does not need to earn love either. Love also involves building trust and respect. Caring for love requires openness and learning to be open. Two Become One During the time of courtship it is good to learn to express your opinions, wishes and feelings. It is also necessary to listen to what the other shares about himself or herself. Sometimes it takes time to learn openness, but it is worth it. When God unites spouses together, two become one. Then my spouse’s life becomes part of my life. It is good to know what kind of home the other has grown up in and what kind of life the other has lived to this point. In a secure courting relationship one may share joys and strengths in life and also those trials and difficulties that affect what kind of person I am today. The courtship period also includes discussion of what kind of home we want to have in the future. What foundation do we want to build our home on? It is necessary to ask what faith means to you and me. Do we believe in the same way? It is also good to discuss other values that shape our lives. How important are money and temporal success in this life? Do we want to acquire a lot of material goods or perhaps settle for less and spend more time together with our family? What makes you happy in life? Or what makes you unhappy? Even during courtship there are occasionally conflicts, arguments and sin. In those cases we learn how our future spouse faces adversity and difficulties. How do we resolve arguments and take care of matters? We learn that although we love each other, it does not make us perfect or sinless. During courtship we must learn to speak about matters such that we can talk freely and without fear or guilt about what we experience and feel. We must speak and listen to the other as long as it takes for the argument or other difficult matter to be dealt with so that we can be free of it and move forward. Marriage Is Very Special Marriage is the union of two people into one, as Jesus teaches us. He says they are no longer two, but one flesh (Matt. 19:6). In marriage we share and do almost everything in relation to our spouse. How I act or don’t act affects my spouse. How I pay attention to my spouse, serve him or her, what names I use and how I talk to him or her, how I take my spouse’s needs into account…all of these are what Jesus means by “being one.” The most important word in marriage is not me but us. Marital love is part of our everyday life. In everyday life, the trust, affection and respect for the other – things that are born of love that is cared for – are tried. Healthy love shows itself in life’s small and larger things. Love can be expressed by talking beautifully to one’s own spouse and making him or her happy in small ways. I still remember a time years ago when I came home from work to the scent of coffee. At that time my wife did not drink coffee, so I knew it was made for me. That ordinary coffee had a strong aftertaste of love! Seemingly small things can also be meaningful the other way around as well. I have noticed that time together with one’s spouse occasionally has great impact on the wellbeing of our mutual love. If I only have time for work, my own hobbies, friends and helping others, what does that say about our relationship. It is not a good sign if my spouse’s needs are met only after everybody else’s or if we don’t enjoy being together. It is necessary to discuss the big things in life, such as moving to another location, work, bigger purchases, and to decide on these things together. That allows both to commit to the mutual decision and later also stand by it. When a decision is shared by the spouses, then both want to commit to it and also endure any possible resulting adversities. If big decisions are made without consulting one’s spouse, it may cause blame, arguments and bitterness. In the hands of the enemy of souls, fatigue and bitterness are powerful weapons against faith. In this way too we wish to support our spouse on the way to heaven. Already at the beginning of marriage it is worth learning to spend time doing things together. My spouse and I have found that everyday life easily takes us further from one another on an emotional level. Our discussions revolve around everyday topics such as the children’s school, dentists and new bikes. What happened to our deep and love-filled discussions about life, dreams and the future? We have agreed to let the other know if we find that we’ve grown mentally distant from one another. Then we have to reserve time together to go on a walk or to eat out or get away for a short time. Spending time together helps us find the love and that familiar person from under all the matters of daily life. Forgiveness Renews Love God’s adversary, the enemy of souls, is against love. It would wish to destroy all the beauty that God has placed between spouses. Nonetheless, we have been given the strongest antidote to sin. This medicine is the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. Sin causes us to say bad things when we are arguing and to think wrongly of the other. We blame the other and defend ourselves, and we fail to see our own mistakes. We might even wonder why we are married since we have such deep disagreements. When we are able to stop and think about our own actions and words, we often find ourselves lacking. We can pray for the humility to approach our spouse and humbly ask him or her to forgive our sins and transgressions. Our hearts aren’t always willing to forgive, but the gospel thaws hearts and opens up a constructive way to discuss matters. I have found that sometimes when we are clearing up our arguments, I need to again ask for the gospel for the sake of my own corrupt nature. When forgiveness of sins is asked, received and believed, we can continue our journey together in good spirits. The gospel of forgiveness also bears the fruit of being able to discuss those difficult matters that we as spouses have encountered. It may sometimes be necessary to get professional help if the difficulties involve, for example, some sort of violence or abuse of power between the spouses. We may need specialized professional help if, for example, substance abuse or addiction to e.g. gambling or pornography has become a part of one’s life. The gospel gives the sinful person’s life a new beginning and a new opportunity. Surviving these difficulties together deepens the love between spouses and makes clearer the common goal spouses have through faith – eternal life in heaven.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion May 2020 -- Marriages don’t survive on their own; even long marriages require care, tending and commitment. We cannot place love into another person’s heart, but we can tend to the love that we hold for one another. After many years of married life, it’s apparent to me that love in marriage is constantly evolving. What starts as a little seedling, properly nurtured, tended and cared for, can grow into a beautiful well-manicured tree. Marital love, when properly tended, mellows and deepens, - especially due to the ebb and flows of life. The love I now know is vastly different than the love I knew on my wedding day. In our wedding ceremonies many of us have taken traditional marriage vows – “in prosperity and adversity alike” – for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. Prosperity is easy to accept – all would happily accept the good which God gives. However, adversity is much less welcome. Yet, adversity teaches in ways that prosperity cannot. Enduring adversity requires trust, patience and faith in God in the midst of trials. With the marriage vows comes a lifelong journey and commitment to a spouse which God has given as a help meet (Gen. 2). Even though there are many long-lasting marriages, there is no perfect marriage. Each spouse brings to the marriage that which he or she has learned from life experiences; perspectives and opinions are formed from these. Communication is vital for love to grow, but it’s inevitable that at some point communication will break down. When that happens, respect is of utmost importance. Things said disrespectfully can have long lasting implications. In the end, each person stands to win if he or she finds compromise and common ground. A healthy relationship requires much care and forgiveness. It has to come from within and humility is needed. Enduring through periods of illness in marriage can require a great deal of self-sacrifice that rarely brings recognition. For example, a once very capable partner compromised by illness can be physically and emotionally changed. This can challenge and also change the relationship, and the sick one’s spouse – often also the caregiver – wishes and prays that their loved one and their relationship could return to what once was. Sometimes good health is granted again, other times not. Sometimes there is left a new normal, where better health returns but not as it once was. It is good to prayerfully trust that all of this too is from God. And we can know and be comforted that when we are faithful to our marriage vows and love our spouse, God will bless and care for us even through difficult trials of illness. Trials remind us that here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come (Heb. 13:14). One reason God allows trials is so that we can be companions and escorts to those in similar life situations. We have learned in our life together how much comfort comes from a call to an expectant mother, prayers offered when we have suffered loss or a visit from an angel-friend when we’re weary from the heat of everyday life. Life teaches us that we can in turn offer the same love and support to those who are now experiencing similar trials. There are ways to upkeep a happy marriage. Ride the waves together – when accepted from God, trials are good and remind us of His care and protection. “Count your blessings” is a reminder to be grateful and thankful for all that God has done. Above all, use the gospel of forgiveness generously. It is God’s greatest gift and it is the key to long-lasting marriages. Soon forgotten are the busiest days when so many things were left undone or incomplete. In my life there remains a loving vine with fruits of her labor hanging like lovely blossoms on the walls of Zion (Ps. 128). There remains a deepening love, a tenderness that in the busiest days was hidden under everyday duties and worry and concern. Hands, now work-hardened, still have a tender touch. God has given special blessings as our day of life turns toward evening. A believing spouse can share the special gift of forgiveness, on which all marriages should be founded. It is God’s gift to us. God blesses in obedience and faithfulness. It is our special duty to care for one another in the twilight of life, “until death do us part.” For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:1).

Matthew Keranen | The Voice of Zion June 2020 -- In October 2019 the SRK, our sister organization in Finland, published Myrskyjen keskellä, Suomen Rauhanyhdistysten Keskusyhdistyksen historia 3 (1962–1980). This title in English is In the Midst of Storms, History of Central Association of Finnish Association ]]> This is the third in a series of books on SRK history. It follows Protected in Two Shells (2010) and Expanding Gospel Work (2011). The LLC has published a summary in English of these two history works under the title Expanding Gospel Work (2012). In the Midst of Storms tells the history of the SRK during the years from 1962 to 1980. It is not the history of Christianity, nor is it a history of local RYs, rauhanyhdistykset (Associations of Peace, i.e. local Conservative Laestadian congregations). The source material is mainly from the SRK archives. In addition, interviews were conducted with those who were in roles of responsibility in the SRK during the time period in question. SRK representatives share that this history book aims to describe objectively, based on sources, what happened, why it happened and what the consequences were. It is important to view the study as a whole in order to get a thorough, overall picture of the time period covered in the book. During this time period, there were difficulties, and God’s blessings and guidance were also truly evident in the work in Christianity. In discussing this book, SRK representatives stated that they felt it was necessary to publish this book and the timing of it is good. SRK Board Chairman Matti Taskila wrote, “God has prepared a suitable time to confront recent history.” We at the LLC are interested in this book for a number of reasons. First and foremost, we wish to read more about the history of our sister organization. Because our organizations have worked together for decades, their history is partly our history as well. Moreover, as has previously been printed in this periodical, we have embarked on our own history project. In 2023, the LLC, formerly AALC, will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The LLC Board has allotted resources for a book to be written on the 50-year history of our organization. Keith Waaraniemi will research and write the book and I will serve as project manager. We consider it very important for believers to know our common history. A backward view on where we’ve traveled, what we’ve overcome and how God has guided our every footstep as an organization gives us assurance that He will show us our path forward as well. While God’s kingdom remains, its workers and work fields change over time. May we preserve our story for the dwellers and workers to come. It is valuable that through our history project, the younger generations will have access to objective and factual information on LLC history. To learn more about the SRK history project and the book in question, I interviewed Markku Seppänen and Ari-Pekka Palola and translated their answers into English. Markku Seppänen is chairman of the SRK Publishing Committee, which oversees the contents of all SRK periodicals, recorded albums and books. Ari-Pekka Palola is SRK’s Publishing Director. He wrote and researched the SRK history books, and Markku oversaw the review, editing and publishing processes. The following interview contains Markku’s and Ari-Pekka’s answers in their entirety. What does the SRK hope to accomplish in publishing a series of thorough historical studies? Markku: It has always been important for believers to follow in the footsteps of believers who went before us. We can learn from their lives. We can follow the phases of the battling congregation and note how God has guided and protected on the foundation of God’s unchanging Word. He has been present in the midst of adversity as well. The most recently written period of history from 1962 to 1980 was distant enough from the perspective of historiography, but also near enough. It is yet possible in the form of interviews to hear the experiences of those still living who carried responsibility at the time. Ari-Pekka: Knowing the history of Christianity has been deemed necessary in order for us to understand present-day matters and so we would have a clear picture of e.g. what the issues were in various schisms. Schisms and many other issues relating to phases of Christianity were so complicated that unraveling them has required extensive and thorough research. Otherwise, we would not have gotten the correct overall picture of them. Why is it important to know your history? Ari-Pekka: It is good to know what kinds of phases have led to the present day. This has not been at all self-evident. Many things that are a regular part of life in Christianity today have come about in a particular situation for a specific purpose. Similarly, many decisions have been made in particular circumstances and they are easier to understand when they are examined against that backdrop. The history also includes many events and schisms, the effects of which are still visible in many ways. How do you explain the benefit of this work, in a nutshell, to a young person? Markku: I would like to tell them that it is good for us to learn from the past. From history we can see how the doctrinal foundation of faith has remained the same. God has blessed and guided those who trusted God’s Word and those who were preserved in the love of believers. From history we see how the work of the gospel has progressed. In an open and objective history writing one can find answers to questions or false rumors that weigh on one’s mind. The falls and wrongdoing of individual believers may have been generalized to apply to all of Christianity. For most on the outside, the Bible’s teaching of one kingdom of God has been the greatest stumbling block. A wrong spirit causes discord and confusion among Christians. The reason for schisms and false doctrines seems at all times to be that a person grows in his or her own mind and falls away from the place of a child. Then love grows cold and there often comes a judgmental and rationalizing spirit. At the worst, God’s congregation can begin to look cheap and God’s children very faulty. Ari-Pekka: In a nutshell: knowing the past helps to understand many things that one may wonder about. It also gives the opportunity to avoid repeating mistakes that have sometimes been made. How objective is it possible for one to be studying the history of Christianity “from the inside?” Markku: Ari-Pekka Palola is a recognized historian. The SRK history study has been conducted using scientific history study methods. Personally I even think that the deepest essence of the history of Christianity cannot be studied without understanding and personally experiencing the foundation of faith. In my opinion, a more in-depth history of Christianity requires a scholarly approach that is simultaneously hermeneutic, empathetic and understanding. Still, all research is always flawed. It is also good to note that In the Midst of Storms is not the history of Associations of Peace (RYs) or of the entire Conservative Laestadianism but rather the history of our central organization, the SRK. In reading our history it is necessary to look at the whole entity from the perspective of faith and view events at hand as having been allowed by God. Ari-Pekka: In research, objectivity is always a big challenge when the author belongs to the group that is being researched. The author must at all times consciously strive to examine things objectively and avoid presenting the views of an “insider.” It requires constant awareness. On the other hand, “insiderism” is also beneficial in automatically understanding the nature, meaning and purpose of certain things. One must just attempt to explain them such that even an outsider understands. This book deals with the years 1962–1980. What are your most important findings from this period? Markku: This period of history (1962-1980) was very significant. During this period, Finland, Europe and the whole world underwent a time of strong societal change. Traditional values were questioned and secularization was evident in society and in the church [Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland]. This development caused great concern among believers over how we could remain in faith and brotherly love. God guarded His congregation. The work of Christianity expanded and prospered in unprecedented ways. During that time the foundation was laid for current child and youth work with camp centers and various kinds of activities. On the other hand, there were also doctrinal battles. It is most important to see how believers were protected in the doctrine, faith and love of Christ. In Finland only a small group separated from the believers. The Bible shows that there have been times of battle since the days of the apostles. Even these times of crisis have been allowed by God. Even though things that are wrong have found their way into Christianity, there has always existed the correctly believing congregation. Ari-Pekka: The main research findings in this new book relate to how great difficulties and strong growth of work in Christianity existed side by side throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Christianity existed amid great external pressure and in the beginning of the 1960s and throughout most of the 1970s there were also internal difficulties. Despite these difficulties, the work developed rapidly: camp work expanded, the first camp centers were acquired, day circle and Bible class work was started. Publication work expanded, books and recordings were published alongside periodicals. The number of visitors to Summer Services doubled. Also during the time of caretaking meetings the work developed and believers were willing to devote a great deal of time and resources to the work of Christianity. This shows that their faith community was important to them and they wanted to be part of it despite the negative issues. What is your message to people who may be troubled at things that have happened in the past? Markku: At different stages in history there have been difficult times and trials. They are part of life. Such times are experienced in an individual’s life and also in the life of God’s congregation. The challenges of a changing time can create conflicts with living faith. That is why God’s Word encourages us to watch. Unrest has also been caused by doctrinal arguments, false doctrines and schisms. These too are the reality of a battling congregation. God does work through us imperfect and sinful people. Jesus, however, lives amidst His disciples and can calm the storms. Others may have drifted in the battle outside the kingdom of God. Some of them may have experienced wrong, law-minded hardness. God’s kingdom is so precious that it is not worth leaving because of the faults of individuals. To those who have fallen away and to all who made mistakes yet belongs Jesus’ unfathomably great love, inviting gospel and the word of forgiveness. It is most important to remain humble in the place of a child and to personally believe one’s sins forgiven. No one of us can rise above others. In the living congregation the voice of the Good Shepherd is always heard; with love it calls, guides, encourages and comforts. God can protect us in faith. In a miraculous way God protected the believers even in Russia where they lived for a long time under anti-God rule in a closed state and also experienced severe persecution. A book about their experiences will be published in Finland this summer. Ari-Pekka: To people struggling with issues that happened in the past, I wish to say: it is easier to deal with your difficult experiences if you understand the context they are part of. Then you will notice that it is not an injustice specifically against me. Mistakes have been made in caring for many things, and these should be openly acknowledged. This is the case, for example, in connection with caretaking meetings. However, this does not mean that all caretaking meetings and all the issues discussed at them were wrong. Someone may have been talked to about an actual concern, but in the wrong way. It is a more difficult situation for one who was talked to about something that was later deemed unfounded. That has also happened. If those who made mistakes in soul care are still alive, it pays to discuss the matter with them. Hopefully they are ready to admit their mistakes and correct matters on their part. If the individuals are already dead or are not ready to admit their mistakes, it can alleviate your situation if you for your own part are able to forgive them. It is good to remember that they have acted to the best of their understanding and have not made bad mistakes on purpose. How has this latest book been received in Finland? What sorts of discussions has it raised? Markku: Discussion among those outside our group has been surprisingly moderate and calm. It seems to me that the history book has usually increased understanding and calmed the attitudes toward Conservative Laestadians. According to some opinions, the history book should have dealt more with the fate of those who drifted away from the group after the caretaking meetings and also the effects on people of negative aspects related to the caretaking meetings. In past years, Conservative Laestadianism has been labeled by individual abuses during the period of caretaking meetings as well as by false doctrines that do not belong to living faith and which in some places have made their way into Christianity. Those included the demand for public confession, digging into one’s heart, withholding forgiveness and law-minded hardness, which contained characteristics of the New Awakening movement from the beginning of the last century. These issues come to correct light in this new history book. The history book has aroused a great deal of interest among believers. This has also been shown by the book’s sales figures. The reception of the book has been calm for the most part. There has been some discussion on whether it is necessary to use names in addressing the mistakes of those centrally involved in the work of God’s kingdom who have been in error. Most of them have later received the grace of repentance and have passed away in faith. It is good to note this. Handling these topics requires skill and tact while remaining in the truth. It is important to maintain a respectful attitude toward all that has happened and to remember our own weaknesses. No one of us has been protected in faith and on the right path by our own merits, but rather by God’s grace and with the power of forgiveness. Ari-Pekka: The new history book has been well received and it has been read a lot. The first printing of 2500 books sold out before Christmas and we had to print more. Many have said that they’ve read the book and are particularly pleased that it addressed the caretaking meetings openly and honestly. There has been only a smattering of critical comments. In what ways do SRK and LLC’s history intertwine? Markku: These histories have a very natural and close connection. As I understand it, there has been close and equal interaction between the central organizations. Mission work is done in cooperation. Even the older history of Finnish and American Christianity, including schisms, are closely connected. What is important is open and confidential cooperation and discussion of faith, doctrine and life, for which especially in these times there is good possibilities with the development in technology. New history is born every day. Ari-Pekka: The history of the SRK and LLC has been closely linked since the founding of theAALC. SRK’s support was of great importance to American Christians after the heresy. The SRK supported the establishment of the AALC and the beginning of its work in many ways and provided a lot of pastoral or caretaking support as well to American Christianity. This led to a situation in the late 1970s in which the AALC brothers did not dare to make decisions without first asking the opinion of SRK brothers. The SRK sought to avoid such an arrangement and stressed that they are not infallible and are unable to assume such responsibility for America’s affairs. What does the course of history tell about our future? Markku: History tells how God protects His children and congregation even in times of difficulty. We should not be overly attached to personalities or individuals but rather rely on God and His Word. It is important that the voice of the Good Shepherd is heard in all situations and that we would not grow in the work of the Lord. In the kingdom of God, the least is the greatest. The Good Shepherd calls those who have drifted away, loves the fallen with the mind of the Good Samaritan, forgives, lifts, carries and comforts those who erred. The Good Shepherd seeks those who are lost high in the mountains and hills of pride, those trapped in the maze of reason and philosophies and those submerged in permissiveness of sin, and He calls them back into the very middle of His flock to believe. God’s grace is the best teacher. Ari-Pekka: Events in history do not automatically tell anything about the future, but they do tell us what kinds of things can happen in the future as well. There are many phenomena that have tended to recur in Christianity in perhaps slightly different forms. We can assume that this will continue to be the case in the future. And when that happens, we can potentially be aware of the situation and benefit from our past experiences as we respond to it. Your greetings to North American believers and those working onAALC/LLC History Markku: My wife Liisa and I have very warm memories from a speaking trip in 2003. It was wonderful to experience that love and hospitality shown to us. We met dear sisters and brothers, many of whom have already gone to glory. We have often remembered our trip. Our prayer is that we would remain there and here on the same path of faith. It is important to protect the love between children of God. Even true doctrine will not save if love for God’s congregation is lacking. God leads us through this battling congregation to the rejoicing congregation in the glory of heaven one day. We are yet on the journey, children of the day, and we can look to the future with confidence. God will surely help us in all our phases. Working on this history has emphasized to me the importance of remembering past generations with gratitude. In their day, they have spared no effort in serving God’s congregation with their own gifts, correcting their mistakes and acknowledging their weaknesses. Most of them have already reached the destination victoriously. Ari-Pekka: Greetings to the LLC history writers: Try to view things objectively, even when it feels difficult. Don’t try to write the entire history of Christianity in America but focus rather on the phases of the AALC/LLC and examine issues related to individual congregations consistently from an LLC perspective. Be prepared to take a critical look at your own actions as well and to admit your own mistakes openly. Remember that none of us are infallible, neither do we need to be. Also, remember that the history book is not meant to be a history of the kingdom of God and no work can ever be that.

The Voice of Zion June 2020 -- I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 1:4). Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord (Ps. 127:3). But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). These portions of God's Word signify how important a job we as parents have in upbringing our children, in sowing the seed of faith. What they learn as a child often remains with them throughout their lifetime. Teach the ABCs of Faith Mavis Warwaruk | The Voice of Zion June 2020 -- In our duty as parents, we are fortunate to have the assistance of God’s congregation. We have our small home congregations where our children begin to learn the simple ABCs of faith. Then we have Day Circle, Sunday school and camps. This work is among the most important work in God’s kingdom. As parents we find these resources a big help and a necessity to reinforce our weak teachings at home. Living faith has remained the same through all the generations. “I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us” (Ps. 78:2,3). We believe the same as our believing parents, grandparents and other elders, and can take comfort in teaching our children in the same way the previous generations have taught: Put away sin as it attaches. Strive to keep a clean conscience. Only unforgiven sin can separate people from God. Preach the gospel of the forgiveness of sins often. Encourage the youth in their daily struggles. Open your home to haps and invite the young to visit. I hosted our area’s haps group shortly after my brother Gary passed away. We sang Safe in the Arms of Jesus in his memory. It was such a comfort to be reminded that if we remain believing we too can one day reach the shores of heaven. For those who have lost this gift of faith, we want to show them that we still love them and their undying soul. After my husband Larry received the grace of repentance, he said he had always felt the love of the believers. This meant so much to him. Faith Comes by Hearing It is so important to take our children to services. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Growing up, I remember parents who did not take their children to hear the Word of God. Sad to say, they are no longer believing. My uncle Jake Ylioja sometimes said, “A church without the sound of children is a dead church.” Children are the future of God’s kingdom. Often it would seem easier to leave the children at home or to only listen online. However, we all need the fellowship of the believers whenever possible. For those living away from a congregation, Internet services are a big support – and they can be for all of us. One can sit and listen with the family to a live sermon or an archived sermon. Many timely discussions are also available. This is an additional tool one can use to reinforce the home teachings and give opportunity for the children to sit quietly to listen to God’s Word. Sunday school lessons are also available. Listening to God’s Word is important to all. Even when my husband wasn’t believing, he often went to church with us where he could listen to God’s Word. When God opened his heart, he knew where to go to have his sins forgiven. It was one of the happiest moments in our family to know he was now a child of God and heaven acceptable. And we were reminded that we do not have to understand everything – all we are required to do is to believe our sins forgiven. “Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and he is rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). Resources and Helps LLC publications are a big asset: books, audio recordings and periodicals. The Illustrated Home Bible is a storybook Bible that is simple, easy to read and understand and beautifully illustrated. This book is a benefit to any home library. There are many other resources as well for which to be thankful, many different aids to help us instruct our young in interesting ways. An older book of the believers, From Victory to Victory, translated from SRK’s Voitosta voittoon (1971), includes the following instruction: “It is the will of God, you beloved young brothers and sisters, that you would receive strength through grace to walk as it is comely to a young Christian…and that you parents also would receive strength through grace to raise your children in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit” (p. 140). And from the same book, on page 8: “The Holy Ghost unites those who believe the living gospel; children, young people, middle-aged, old, rich, poor, learned and unlearned into one holy family and royal priesthood in Christ.” Faith Comes by Hearing David and Karen Young | The Voice of Zion June 2020 Advice from elders is timeless when they encourage us to bring our family to the hearing of God’s Word. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). At gatherings of God’s children, we feel joy! “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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16,17). The gospel comforts and gives strength. Singing songs of Zion with fellow believers at services, camps and discussions also brings peace to restless hearts. Peace and comfort enfold us while attending and as we leave congregational events and camps. God’s gatherings instruct and encourage weak and faulty parents. We often go home from such gatherings uplifted, thankful for a fresh start, making new promises as parents. We learn together with our fellow believers – escorts in faith who share the same spirit – and peace, comfort and joy abound! God gives guidance in Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Gracious God, we pray to You: Shepherd all our children. We are foolish, slow of heart. Father, You must lead them. Carry our beloved young; keep their hearts from evil. May a guardian angel be with them as they travel (SHZ 429:1). Thank You, God, for Being Beside Me Lars Anderson | The Voice of Zion June 2020 -- All people experience trials and difficulties – no one is immune. We can look back to the first human couple and read about the struggles they had to experience because of their fall into sin. Adam and Eve went from living in paradise where everything was provided for them to having to work for their food, shelter and all that was needed to survive. God provides and blesses us with all that we have in this life; it’s His will that we work for our daily bread still today. We don’t have to look very far, however, to become discontent. The Internet and social media have made us more connected than ever before. It’s easy to look through this medium to see how others portray their lives. Without even realizing it, we can become envious and discontent. We may try to secretly compete with each other or wish to live the same ideal life we see pictured. We can begin to criticize others or have ill feelings towards them. If we fall too far into this trap, it can lead to depression or anxiety when we feel we can’t keep up or be able to have the same, seemingly beautiful life. It’s easy to fall into comparing – it’s a natural human tendency. We remember that Cain was very jealous of his brother Abel and even killed him because of this. As we experience trials or difficulties or find ourselves struggling to feel joy in our life, is there something we can do to help? Count Our Blessings What does this mean? For me, this can be as simple as saying a short prayer of thanks to God when I recognize or realize my blessings. It can be thanks for a good night’s sleep when I wake in the morning, that God has given a new day or that the sun is shining. God hears all our prayers! Recognize the Cause of Our Trial Sometimes we can take steps to change our trial or difficulty. Of course, this may not always work depending on the trial. But as an example, if we have become discontent because of what we see on social media, we can work to change the amount of time we spend online. Or we can even delete or suspend our accounts. If the news of this world causes anxiety, we can turn off our radio and news feeds. If we suffer from depression or anxiety, we can also reach out for professional help. Speak with a Trusted Friend A friend might be able to see things from an outside perspective that can help in some way. They can listen, comfort or seek help on our behalf. A believing friend can comfort with the gospel of forgiveness. Trust in the Gospel The gospel heals a wounded conscience. It comforts and strengthens us to know our matters are in order and we are heaven-acceptable. Trials and difficulties are not a punishment from God because of our sinfulness, yet God allows trials in our life to try our faith. We should not blame God for our difficulties. Instead, let us remember to give thanks to Him that we are still a child in His kingdom and that He cares for us daily. Discussion Points What resources have you found that have helped in teaching your children? Do you know prodigal sons or daughters whose childhood teachings have led them back to God’s kingdom? What has this spoken to you? How have Internet resources been helpful in your teachings? How can we be a good example to our children? In parenting, what have been your greatest helps?

Juho Kopperoinen | The Voice of Zion June 2020 -- Installment 16 of 20, translated from the book Christ Is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever: Writings on the Basics of Faith and Doctrine. (Ed. Ari-Pekka Palola, SRK, 2018) In my article I will discuss the Bible’s teachings on eternity, human life, death and fin ]]> I will reflect on people’s ability to perceive time and its passing as well as endless time, eternity. I will consider the ending of all that exists, death and life after death. Discussing eternity and final events piques interest but it can also cause fear and concern. The Bible in many passages addresses death, eternity and final events. The underlying theme throughout these is that humans and nature belong to the world God created. All creation has a limited lifespan. Above all this is nevertheless God’s care for creation, which spans from time to eternity. A Christian has strong hope of life continuing after death (John 5:21–29). The Bible promises that a person created in the image of God will enter the land of endless peace, rest and joy. Many Bible passages describe the new earth and the new heaven. Many readers likely remember the story of Lazarus going to the bosom of Abraham or of Jesus’ words to the thief: “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 16:19–31; 23:40–43). These two stories summarize the hope found in Christian teachings regarding the last events. Time and Timelessness Humans have the ability to comprehend time and measure its passage. They are also able to plan their near future and their own use of time. Humans nevertheless live in this moment and cannot travel to another time. We cannot return to the past and correct our mistakes nor can we travel into the future to bypass a difficult period of time. Humans are bound to their own time. The Creator sets for each person the boundaries of life, which the person cannot change or move. A person, just like all other creation, has his or her own time and lives from birth to death. The question of what happens after death has always preoccupied people. The Bible’s descriptions of God’s time help us understand that humans do not comprehend time like God does (2 Pet. 3:4–13). How could we comprehend the relationship between God and time which the psalmist describes by saying that a thousand years in the Lord’s sight is like one day (Ps. 90:4)? God’s work always happens in this moment. To God time is always the present. He has a boundless past and an immeasurable future. He has always been. From Him has all originated, and to Him all returns (Col. 1:16,17). His decisions are eternal and absolutely wise. People’s ability to perceive God’s time is lacking in many ways. A time-bound person cannot comprehend the essence of timelessness and eternity. It is a bit like trying to combine the past and future into the present moment or like trying to combine linear and cyclical experiences of time such that time passes but does not progress. God is above all that exists, sustains all things and allows people to feel the might of their works, but nonetheless He only reveals a small part of Himself and His hidden, sacred power. We must humbly acknowledge our limitations. God does not consent to be a part of time as perceived by humans. He has no beginning and no end. He is above and beyond our ability to comprehend. Eternity is a characteristic of God, but He also calls humans there. He has promised humans eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. The Bible describes how the human mind and undying soul look toward eternity and timelessness. We believe that by faith a person has eternal immortality with God. Likewise, we understand that the greatest misfortune occurs when a human soul’s connection to God is severed for eternity. The Nicene Creed describes the Son’s eternity: He “ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; from thence he shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.” The same creed also states the following about eternity: “we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.” Humans are temporal and perishable, but a person can partake of eternity when the gospel – Christ’s grace – can bless him or her and free the person from the power of sin and evanescence. When one is thus freed, heaven touches earth. The Small Catechism explains: in the “Christian Church He [the Holy Spirit] daily and richly forgives me and all believers all our sins; and at the last day, will raise up me and all the dead, and will grant me and all believers in Christ everlasting life.” The Apology of the Augsburg Confession further defines this: “Because faith makes [us] sons of God, it also makes [us] coheirs with Christ…we do not by our works merit eternal life; for faith obtains this, because faith justifies us and has a reconciled God. Eternal life is due the justified.” The End of the World – Threats and Prophecies According to the Christian understanding of time, humankind’s time will once end. Connected to the ending of time is the promise of Jesus’ second coming (also called parousia) and the final judgment. The study of final events is called eschatology. Many Bible passages, such as the books of Daniel and Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation, contain prophecies describing the end of the world. The Bible also mentions signs connected with end-time events. There have always been people who feel enticed to interpret these prophecies and place the end-time signs into the events of their own time. One should treat these doomsday predictors and interpreters of signs with caution. God does not give exact knowledge of His plans through these signs. He has not even let Jesus know the moment when time will end (Matt. 34:35,36). One must not infer from this, however, that the end of time is discussed in the Bible only as an allegoric event. People must live with the knowledge that in addition to the ending of their own lives, each person will also face that which awaits all of humanity: the moment when the books of heaven are opened. In this day and age, humankind is concerned about the state of the climate and changes in nature. Studies show that global average temperatures are rising, glaciers are shrinking and living conditions are changing in many areas. There have been natural disasters in many parts of the world that could be interpreted as God’s signs of end of times. However, overly hasty interpretations should be avoided. It is good if knowledge of these changes lead to efforts to protect nature and the environment. Meanwhile it is important to remember that previous changes in nature, such as ice ages, have taken place allowed by God. The Christian outlook on this goes back to the biblical creation narration where it says that humans should cultivate and protect creation (Gen. 2:15). This means that people are allowed to make reasonable use of that which nature provides, but at the same time they must take care of the environment. It is good for modern humans to remember that the Creator has allowed enormous climate changes in the past as well. Following these, creation has settled into a new form, always within the limits allowed by the Creator. He does not allow humans to destroy the world He created. The gifts of nature should be used with respect for all creation and with esteem for each neighbor created in the image of God. Paul wrote, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Rom. 8:19–22). Many may associate Paul’s words “groaneth and travaileth” with the current concern for the state of nature and the environment. However, this interpretation does not do justice to the context of this text. Paul used this everyday metaphor to express the longing a person feels as he or she awaits deliverance from sin. Jesus’ Second Coming Jesus Himself spoke of events of the end times (Matt. 24–25; Mark 13). This theme is also featured in the Book of Revelation. From the beginning, Christians have awaited the second coming of Christ. In the letters in the New Testament, it can be seen that during the early church, the thought of Jesus’ imminent return changed into awaiting His return (1 Thess. 4:17; 2 Cor. 6:2). Christian faith still lives while we wait. Believers have been given hope of heaven (Rom. 5:19–21). It is like an anchor that gives strong courage so that one needn’t fear nor doubt what is to come. This hope encompasses trust in the resurrection of the body even though we as humans cannot fathom how it will happen (1 Cor. 15). Christ is the hope of glory. The Gospel of Mark describes the chasm between the human world and God’s world. This chasm will close when the Son of Man arrives and the scattered believers are gathered into one people of God (Mark 13). A core theme is God’s promise to guide His own even through difficult happenings towards the good destination. Mark connected Jesus’ exhortation to the church to “Watch!” with following the signs of the times. The endeavor cannot be passive waiting, but rather it must be active watching. The Gospel of Matthew tells of the coming judgment of the world (Matt. 24–25). On the last day, Christ will come in glory with all His angels and will sit on His throne. All people will be gathered in front of Him. They will be divided into two groups: one group will go to eternal life, the other to eternal punishment. This perdition is meant for Satan and his angels, but those who have not believed the gospel will also go there. Luke has recorded in his Gospel three teachings about the end times or about Jesus’ second coming: the servant waiting for his master (12:35–59), the question of when the kingdom of God will come (17:20–37) and Jesus’ speech of the destruction of the temple and final events (21:5–36). Luke describes the coming of God’s kingdom in glory as an event in which Jesus gives His own royal power. For the disciples, God’s kingdom is already present (17:20,21; 22:28–30; 23:43). The main point is to be ready at all times because no one knows when the last moment will come. The Gospel of John does not describe the return of the Son of Man, nor does it tell of the end of the world. In the eschatology of John, faith persists through death and death cannot deprive faith of its future. If a person does not believe, he or she proclaims his or her own judgment (John 3:18). In the Gospel of John, eternal life is such that Jesus’ own know Him, the one true God, whom the Father has sent (17:3). Jesus prayed that all His own would be one, just as He and His Father are one (17:21). The Redeemer is in His own and the Father is in His Son. Their unity carries a person as God’s own to the coming perfection. This is already present in the kingdom of God blessed by the Holy Spirit. In instruction that describes the end of everything, one must exhibit special humility and responsibility. It is necessary to be careful that one’s own false certainty does not take root in biblical teaching. Human interpretation is not based on a lasting foundation. This, however, does not preclude a call to repentance or warning one of the danger of losing one’s immortal soul. Christian teaching on the final events emphasizes God’s mercy and grace. He can open the door of heaven and close the gates of hell. Resurrection and Eternal Life in Heaven Christian faith teaches the resurrection of the dead. Christ was the first to rise from the grave. With His resurrection, He opened heaven to believers. Christ’s own have before them the true resurrection of life. Although the body disintegrates in the grave after death, in the resurrection will occur a new union of body and soul. God will create a new, glorified resurrection body. The resurrection of the body is the type of work that God does not reveal to humans. Nonetheless, faith in the resurrection is such a central part of Christian faith that without it faith would be entirely in vain (1 Cor. 15:12–23). People in New Testament times had access to a wide variety of Old Testament end-time imagery. Important concepts of symbols included the guidance of God experienced by the people of Israel, God’s kingdom, the Son of Man, heavenly elders and “powers,” the book of life, the tree of life, new Jerusalem, the holy city and the temple. In those times those words had both a historical meaning and an allegoric meaning that revealed sacred mysteries. In everyday use, the word heaven [translator’s note: in Finnish, taivas means both sky and heaven] describes the atmosphere and a certain part of space. In Christian language, heaven means God’s invisible world. The Nicene Creed states, “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.” The invisible world, such as heaven and angels, are beyond human comprehension, but they are important to faith (Exod. 20:4; Ps. 113:5,6). Heaven is part of the realm of God from which Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit come. Heaven is the source of all salvation and blessing. However, even the heaven will one day disappear (Ps. 115:15,16; Matt. 24:35; Luke 21:33). In Christian teaching, heaven is the eternal dwelling place of the blessed. God’s kingdom transcends the boundary between heaven and earth. The battling, traveling people of God are on earth, whereas the angels as God’s servants and rejoicing people of God who have made it to the destination are in heaven. Eternal life and heaven are explicitly described in many songs. Familiar images include white robes, celebration feasts, harps and songs and golden cities. These metaphors convey and sustain hope which free a person from sorrow, hunger and lacking. A person longs to be free from trouble and sorrow. A believer can await in hope the last call, which is expressed in the Gospel of Matthew in the following way: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:34). God Is the Lord of All In my article I have discussed eternity and the last times. Although these topics are written about in many Bible passages, we must content ourselves with the fact that we look at their message as though through a mirror or from afar. It is easier for us to understand the promise contained in those passages of a time in which all sorrow and worries are gone forever. On these themes my thoughts have gone in two directions. On the one hand I have thought how clearly Scripture describes God’s sovereignty. He is the Lord of time and timelessness, life and death. On the other hand, in many of these questions I have had to acknowledge my own limitations and inability. After reading the texts, I must admit how little I am able to understand the end of life and the events of eternity. And yet I trust. I live in this time and meanwhile I await in faith the fulfillment of those promises, which in many ways remains hidden from me. Bibliography Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed. Luther Martin Apology of Augsburg Confession. Large Catechism. Resurrection of the Dead. Commentary on Chapter 15 of Apostle Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians. Original work “Das 15. Kapitel der Ersten Epistel S. Pauli an die Korinther” 1532. Sermons on the First and Second Epistles of St. Peter. Original work “Epistel S. Petri gepredigt und ausgelegt” 1523. SmallCatechism. Hulkko Kullervo Ylösnousemusta kohti. SRK 1990. Huovinen Eero Lutherin kuoleman teologian ekumeeninen perusongelma. Suomalainen teologinen kirjallisuusseura 1981. Uusi ilo: pääsiäisen evankeliumi. WSOY 2014. Lauha Aarre Pyhä kirja puhuu. Kirkkovuoden Vanhan testamentin tekstien selitykset. Kirjaneliö 1983. Nissilä Keijo Katsokaamme uskon alkajaan ja täyttäjään. Heprealaiskirje – kehotuspuhe uskossaan väsyneille. SRK 2015. Schweizer Eduard Uuden testamentin selitys 1–4. Kirjapaja 1989–1992. Teinonen Seppo ja Riitta Ajasta ylösnousemukseen. Kirjaneliö 1975. Uljas Juhani Peltoon kätketty aarre. SRK 2000.