‍Juha Luokkala, Translation: S. Pylvainen | The Voice of Zion May 2021 -- In the Psalms we can clearly see how varied the emotions of God’s children can be. David tells how he found the joy of believing in his life. When sin stung his heart, he suffered from it. When he received his sins forgiven, he rejoiced that grace belonged also to him, a fallen one (Ps. 32). Today it is thought that a person has happiness and joy when he or she has good health, great wealth or fame and honor. God’s Word teaches that this is not so. Although it appeared outwardly that all was well with David, he was unhappy because his conscience was not at peace. In contrast, Paul and Silas had peace in their hearts, and they praised God in song, although they were shackled in prison (Acts 16:23–25). A person receives peace of conscience only through the grace of God. Jesus promised to give His own peace, that the world cannot give (John 14:27). I have pondered what the joy of believing means to me, and I’ve realized it especially means that I can believe my sins forgiven. The gospel has always sufficed. It has given faith’s power and joy. I asked a few young people what the joy of believing means to them. One said that he feels joy when he is among the children of God. For example, it was so nice to be at camp that he wanted it to never end. It was easy to believe amidst God’s children. Alone during the weekday there are more doubts, and it is not always easy to believe. These young people also found that it would be good to sometimes stop and consider what faith brings to the life of a child of God. Entertainment media presents an image of joy and freedom that is far from the life of a child of God. In reading about this, there can come the idea that faith limits one’s life. A similar sermon came from the enemy of souls in Paradise (Gen. 3). It offered a better life, but in reality, joy and contentment were replaced by fear. The enemy of the soul has been a liar from the start. It taunts us to reject faith by promising something better in its stead. It does not, however, pay to believe the enemy of the soul since it lies. The joy of believing is a much richer and deeper joy than what the world offers. Faith does not hinder life, nor do we, as God’s children, lose anything that is necessary. On the contrary, God’s Word promises that the children of God receive already in this time hundredfold of all manner of good things and ultimately eternal life in heaven (Mark 10:30). Faith protects us from many evils and grants blessings. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). It manifests in God’s children. Sins and sorrows often tarnish joy, but when we can believe sins forgiven, we experience peace, freedom and joy. God’s Word encourages us to rejoice in these great gifts, which God has granted. Kingdom of Children In our times, people have widely abandoned God’s Word. Today, some may even laugh at those who live according to God’s Word. God, however, remembers His children, cares for them and gives His children the power of the gospel. Although faith cannot be comprehended by reason, it contains the power of God. God’s Word directs us to believe simply (Luke 10:21). In God’s kingdom there is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). The Good Shepherd walks among His own and encourages us to trust His guidance. We have a Savior who has overcome the power of the enemy of souls. When listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd, doubts and temptations subside. God’s kingdom is the kingdom of grace, where is proclaimed the gospel, joyful tidings, to all (Col. 1:14; Eph. 1:7). Jesus taught that it is most important to find the Good Shepherd in His kingdom (Matt. 6:33). Jesus prepared the road to heaven for humankind. He redeemed our sins with His innocent sacrificial blood. He rose from the dead and gave His own the task of preaching forgiveness of sins through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 20:23). It is a simple sermon, but in it is hidden the power of God. Everyday Trials The heavenly Father directs our lives, and He allows us to experience trials and joys. He sees our every moment, for nothing is kept secret from Him. Amid trials, questions often come to mind: Why does God allow this? Have I committed some sin, for which God punishes in this way? Has God forsaken me? Believers in the Bible also had such doubts. For example, Job felt bitter, became depressed and blamed God for his tribulations (Job 21:7). During difficulties we usually do not see God’s guidance, nor do we understand His intention. Sometimes we understand later what a certain trial meant for us and our loved ones. And while it is not even always clear later, we know that through trials life’s most important matter is illuminated. At confirmation camp we began and ended our days with simple questions. The first question was: What is life’s most important matter? The campers answered in unison: “Faith.” It is our life’s most precious matter. Through trials, God directs us to think about faith and its meaning. Current Reasons for Distress There are many types of sorrows and distress. At confirmation camp it gave me pause to see how many young people experience fear and anxiety over climate change. One youth related that her friend left faith for this reason. Another admitted having anxiety for not being able to do everything he should on behalf of the climate. I would like to encourage young people to trust in God’s guidance. God has promised to give His own a future and hope (Jer. 29:11). He encourages us to trust Him, the Lord of life and death, who has created the world and oversees it with His Word. It is completely correct to work responsibly in relation to creation. At the same time we can, however, trust that the world and all of creation are in the heavenly Father’s hands. He directs the fate of the world as He wishes and knows when the world will end (Mark 13:32). We live not only for this time but above all for heaven. Our lives are but a palm’s breadth compared to eternity. Prophet Isaiah compared human life to the grass that blooms for a moment and then withers away. Likewise he reminded that God’s Word shall stand forever (Isa. 40:6–8). This compels us to look upon the coming reward in heaven. Worries and anxiety can make believing difficult (Matt. 13:22) and become an obstacle to faith. When life’s most important matter is faith, trust in God’s care is preserved. We do not have to endeavor on our own strength to build our future, but rather we can trust that God has promised to take good care of us. He leads us also during times of tribulation (Ps. 71:20). Happiness and Joy in Daily Life Psalmist Asaf wondered why the ungodly can enjoy their lives, but he must suffer. Then he understood that true happiness and joy is found only near God (Ps. 73). Trials, sorrows and joys travel hand in hand. Faith is a much more valuable matter than temporal life’s joy and pleasures. Even those who are depressed can turn their hearts toward the joy of believing. Joy is often tied to the smallest things. Do we notice the things that bring joy in our everyday lives? David admired life as a great gift of God (Ps. 139:14). Each life has meaning. Each person has a reason for thankfulness. God wants us to live with joy for the gifts He has given. Family, home, workplace, health, study, school and hobbies are all God’s gifts, and we can give thanks for them. Faith Is Not Based in Feelings Faith is not feeling but believing. We may hope that we would experience more strongly the joy and peace that come with faith. However, the Bible presents the life of God’s children as a battle against sin and the lusts of the flesh. In this battle, wounds come as sin besets and slows the journey. At such times we can easily think that other believers are better than me. The Bible believers had those same thoughts. Apostle Paul felt deeply the effect of sin within himself and said he is the greatest of sinners (Rom. 7:18–24; 1 Tim. 1:15). Jesus related how during the final judgement the righteous will wonder when it was that they served Jesus as they were said to have done. They don’t feel deserving of a place in heaven. The self-righteous, however, will wonder when they have failed to serve Jesus (Matt. 25:31–46). Feelings of weakness and poorness are thus one of the hallmarks of God’s children. With this we must be content. According to the Bible, a person with even a mustard seed of faith could command a tree to be plucked up and planted (Luke 17:6). Jesus knew a child of God’s feelings and began His sermon on the Mount comfortingly: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). Although we are weak in ourselves, in Christ we are perfect. The Joy of Participating Sin dwells in us and attempts to take us farther from God. Therefore, it is important that we want to keep a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:19). When we believe the gospel, God cleanses the conscience of all sin. Faith and the journey are lightened. Today there is much talk of communality. God’s kingdom is more than a community, because it also contains a spiritual dimension, which can only be understood through faith. Faith is always personal. We believe and we know that by traveling in the throng of God’s kingdom we will one day arrive at our destination in heaven. The youth with whom I visited were concerned that after confirmation school many no longer participate in activities with believers. The young people expressed that especially during these times it would be important to encourage one another to believe and to participate when the children of God gather. In the discussion we noted how meaningful the texts are that we send to friends. A WhatsApp group text “Let’s go to services” can create a positive ripple effect in the friends’ group. If on the other hand a text is sent that says, “I don’t feel like going,” others answer with “Well not me either then.” I encourage the young ones to support each other in faith. I know that many struggle with feeling alone. But no one is entirely alone. The Savior travels with you. We pray that lonely ones would find an escorts, a friend, with whom to continue the journey. God sees the suffering and gives help in His time. A connection with God’s children is important for preserving faith. Without connection to God’s kingdom it is impossible to get to the destination in heaven. Without walking in the light people cannot partake in God’s kingdom nor the forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:7). In the throng of God’s kingdom, the pure stream of the gospel flows among us (Heb. 12:1). Raising Children with One’s Own Gifts Many parents feel like poor childrearers and they ponder how they can raise their children correctly. These times are not merciful to parents, as they are subjected to many demands. God has given them the task to raise their children and the necessary gifts for this task. We can trust in God’s care even in this task of raising children. He sees our weaknesses and shortcomings and wants to help us. Many parents have shed tears and blamed themselves for their children leaving faith. But think of Jesus: He was a perfect teacher and still all the disciples did not remain believing. Faith is always a personal matter. And with God all things are possible. The seed of God’s Word sown at home can germinate in a child’s conscience even years later. We can turn to the heavenly Father and pray that He would invite those who lost their faith back to the kingdom. Even in this matter, we may leave our cares and sorrows in His hands. Rejoice in the Lord Always In the battle with the world, our flesh and the enemy of the soul’s temptations, doubts come to mind: will I ever get to heaven. It seems I have so little faith, I wonder if there is any to be found at all. In the storms of the world it may go as it did for the disciples who were in a boat on a lake when a storm came. Jesus saved them when they cried to Him for help (Matt. 8:24–26). We do not have to fear. God is our comfort and helper in the moment of distress (Ps. 46:2). Jesus encourages His own to take heart, although they experience tribulations in this world, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). We do not have to defeat the enemy of the soul, for Jesus has done this on our behalf. His power is greater than the power of the enemy of the soul. We also do not have to trust our own strength. We can simply take comfort in God’s grace (2 Cor. 12:9). The Good Shepherd encourages everyone to believe and trust in His power. He has said that no one can pluck God’s children out of His Father’s hand (John 10:29). We have a refuge in God’s kingdom, where God protects us with His armor (Eph. 6:13–17). We can trust in the power of the gospel. One day we will enjoy perfect bliss in heaven’s home and praise God for His great love. ‍Originally published in Finnish in the SRK’s 2020 yearbook of current topics Yhteyttä rakentamassa (Building a Connection), Ed. Juha Luokkala and Ari-Pekka Palola (SRK, 2020). Translated and published with permission.

Michael Ylioja | The Voice of Zion May 2021 --‍ One of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering him said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. – Luke 7:36–50 ‍ Simon, a Pharisee, desired to invite Jesus to come sit at meat with him. Simon and others in the city had heard of Jesus and His teachings. Simon wanted to listen and discuss with Jesus, which in itself is a good thing to do. However, when we note what happened during the meal, it is plain to see where Simon’s faith was. Simon, like all Pharisees, lived a self-righteous life. He felt that through his good works he had attained a higher status than the sinful woman. God does not give faith according to social status or good works, but rather to those who seek His kingdom. Simon wondered why Jesus would allow such a sinful one to touch Him. He was like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the good Samaritan. He would not associate with people of what he perceived a lower class (Luke 10:30–36). Jesus’ Mission Jesus came into this world to call sinners – not the righteous – to repentance (Matt. 9:13). Jesus can see into our hearts just as He saw into the hearts of Simon and the sinful woman. When the woman heard Jesus was in the city, she desired to see Him. Her faith was weak and she felt her unworthiness before Jesus. She knelt weeping at His feet. Serving Him in this lowly manner was all she felt she could do. Since her sins were forgiven, she felt great love towards her Savior, and she anointed His feet with ointment. We can pray to the heavenly Father that He would give us faith like this sinful woman to serve in His kingdom with the gifts He has given. Jesus uses a short parable (verses 41 and 42) to explain forgiveness and love. One debtor owed fifty pence and the other owed ten times that. Both were forgiven their entire debt when they couldn’t pay. Jesus asks Simon who will love Him most. Simon hesitantly gives the correct answer: the one whom Jesus forgave most. Through eyes of faith we can see that the debt of our sins, for which we ourselves were unable to pay, was paid for in the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. We then love much as well. Through faith we have love and desire to show this love to those around us. We Live Under Grace Simon and the other guests that sat at meat with Jesus did not have true faith. They did not see or understand that Christ came into this world to save sin-fallen humankind. Instead they murmured among themselves, “Who is this that forgiveth sins also?” They lived under the law and believed they were saved by following the law. We live under grace and are saved by faith in the Lord Jesus by believing our sins forgiven. Simple faith saved this sinful woman, and it will also save us. Let us cling to that gift of faith that God has given unto us. May it always be near and dear to us!

Sam Roiko | The Voice of Zion July 2021 --‍ And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. – Luke 9:57–62 The time had come in Jesus’ public ministry when he was turning his gaze to Jerusalem. His time of public ministry was coming to an end, and He was well known throughout the land. He many times had a multitude traveling with him. Luke records for us three different individuals who were nearby when Jesus was traveling. One volunteered to Jesus that he would follow Jesus wherever He went. The reply of Jesus was a comment that foxes and birds have places to live, but the Son of man does not have a place where to lay His head. This does not sound like a welcoming or inviting response. However, our Lord and Savior knew the hearts of all men. Did He hear the self-assurance of one who thought he could follow Jesus by his own ability, courage, and understanding? Jesus’s words to the man point out that following Him, Jesus, means ‘denying oneself, and the need to take up the cross and following him’ (Matt. 8:34). One’s Own Understanding Leads Nowhere One’s own ability and understanding may bring one a short distance, but the end is often unfortunate: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12). Peter, on Maunday Thursday evening, promised Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death” (Luke 22:33). Peter’s self-assurance resulted in him being found in the place of one who denied his Lord and Savior. Another man heard the invitation from Jesus to “follow me.” He responded with the request to first go bury his father. Jesus replied to “let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” Jesus does not disregard the death or burial of loved ones; in fact He wept with Mary and Martha over the death of their brother Lazarus (John 11:33). Here He wanted to remind that the preaching of God’s kingdom goes forth to those who are yet living here on earth – those who have passed away have no ability to change their fate, as the rich man in the parable realized too late (Luke 16:19–31). This is why Jesus has sent His own, to preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins, in His name (Luke 24:47), saying, “the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you” (Luke 10:9). Keep the Gaze on the Goal The third man heard the call to come follow the Lord Jesus, and said “Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.” Jesus replied, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” The use of a plough to till the soil for planting must have been familiar. When guiding a plough, one needed to look ahead to ensure the rows were straight. The best way was to look to the destination, the end of the row. If one’s gaze turned away from the goal, the plough would turn off the path as well. This metaphor serves to highlight the place our faith must have in our lives. Jesus’ words also remind of the first commandment: “I am the Lord thy God… thou shalt have no other gods before me.” If something or someone becomes more important than God, it has become a false god. Jesus Himself said, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:37). Even family relations, those whom we live with and are closest to, cannot be more important than the gift of faith. Take Heed These examples show us how important it is to take heed and pay attention when we hear the call into God’s kingdom. The call into God’s kingdom is unconditional. When the disciples Peter, James and John heard the call, they forsook all, and followed him (Luke 5:11). Nothing remained more important than following the Lord and Savior. When we begin to place conditions on our entry into God’s kingdom, the call is not accepted. We cannot demand God to show us our errors or prove to us why we are not correct. Rather, as the Holy Ghost says, Today if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts! (Heb. 3:7,8). He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches (Rev. 2:7) The gospel of God’s kingdom is also unconditional. To the poor, the gospel is preached (Matt. 11:5). The preaching of God’s kingdom is sweet and beautiful (Isa. 40:9).

Mikko Pasanen | The Voice of Zion July 2021 --‍ Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. – Rom. 14:13–19 The Apostle Paul writes to the Roman believers whom he had not actually visited on his missionary journeys. The whole letter, therefore, is a clear explanation of the foundations of faith in which Paul explains simply how we believe. Did some congregation members have a dim understanding of believers’ freedom and grace? Many Roman citizens at that time lived an indecent lifestyle. Were believers also affected by this lifestyle? Apostle Paul was certainly aware of the Roman culture. However, perhaps that was not the only matter in question. Perhaps also the flame of love flickered weakly in some believers. Some of the Jewish believers in Rome thought that the religious laws of the Jews must be followed. Paul had heard about this from other believers and wanted to encourage the congregation in Rome to accept others’ viewpoints without breaking the love. Are Cultural Differences a Matter of Faith? Paul reminds Rome’s Jewish believers that the Jewish customs and laws were not required teachings for all believers. For example, circumcision, a custom of the Jews, was not necessarily a matter of faith. Rather, “He is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter...” (Rom. 2:29). Cultural differences such as this could even have led to a rift between believers who were Jewish and those who were Gentiles, extinguishing the flame of faith and suppressing love. Likewise, we today do not want to add burdens onto believers. Instead, we wish to help other believers in their endeavor. Paul tells the Romans, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight” (Rom. 3:20). “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham or his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith” (Rom. 4:13). The enemy of the soul would certainly prefer to see love broken over disputes of the law, but our salvation relies on faith, not the law. Instead of arguing about the law, Paul teaches believers to show love by “distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:13–14). Paul continues, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:16–19). Therefore, Paul advises to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). Let Us Live Peaceably Today as in Paul’s time, we battle against the enemy of the soul who would wish to break the love between believers. When following the instruction of a governing body is in question, God’s Word says that authority is of God. In this, we want to be obedient and a light to the world. Thus, we cannot rise up against authority – has not God both ordained and given a sword to authority? (Rom. 13:1,4). There is no authority that does not come from God. If we rise up against dominion, we also rise up against God’s ordinance. Doing so will result in punishment. Do we not want to do the right thing so there is no need to fear the authorities? As ordained of God, authority does not carry the sword in vain, but punishes the wrongdoer. Again, the believer wants to keep love and live according to God’s Word. God’s people live in freedom and not in bondage. God’s children have freedom – not the freedom to do or live in sin, but the freedom of the believer to live in this world trusting that Jesus will return to take us to the home of His Father, where He has now gone to prepare a dwelling place for the children of God. Righteousness, Peace and Joy As Paul explains to the Romans, God’s kingdom does not demand laws and commandments. Instead, God’s kingdom is freedom, righteousness, joy, peace and love. When sins are forgiven, a believing heart does not want to offend others, much less the community of believers. However, when sin besets and roots into the heart, the kingdom of God begins to look old-fashioned; it begins to show all its faults and mistakes. No grace for another can be found. Then also, when unforgiven sin remains on the conscience, the office of the Holy Spirit will begin to fade with the weight of sin. The bells of grace are not desired to be heard. The spiritual connection is cut and the office of the Spirit shifts to the office of the Word. Oh, how sad when the Spirit departs: joy is gone and peace dims. Love is cold and mercy decreases. Freedom is destroyed. The instruction of the Holy Spirit and of grace is not heard. Ended is the eternal joy and in its place is hatred, sorrow, bitterness, frenzy, malice, breaking and grating. Faith of the heart changes to unbelief. Instead of turning to unbelief, the fallen should listen to the Holy Spirit’s grace instruction and humble themselves onto repentance. This instruction is the same today as it was in Paul’s time. If love has been broken and a judging, critical attitude weighs on the conscience, the call comes from God’s house that you may believe your sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and precious, atonement blood.

Johanna Lumijärvi, Translation: Eeva Kariniemi | The Voice of Zion July 2021 -- Who was Lydia? The women of the Bible were just as varied and interesting as women today. While most of the women that come to mind when we think of biblical times were mothers who worked in or near the home, there were also women living in many situations, specifically workers who helped forward God’s message by giving time and monetary resources to apostles of the Word. One such woman was Lydia, a merchant of purple cloth, which was valuable at the time when Apostle Paul made his journeys, about 40 AD. Perhaps Lydia’s business produced income which she was then able to use to benefit the early church. In SRK’s book Raamatun naisia Eevasta Priscaan (Women of the Bible from Eve to Priscilla), Ed. Marja-Liisa Sivula and Raili Ojalehto (SRK, 2011), we read that Lydia was the first European believer in Europe who was named in the book of Acts. In this excerpt, Johanna Lumijärvi tells of Lydia’s meeting with Apostle Paul, and of her repentance. Paul, who previously persecuted Christians, made several missionary journeys with other apostles after his conversion to Christianity. There were altogether three missionary journeys to various destinations. The meeting of Lydia and Apostle Paul occurred early on the second missionary journey. Luke, the author of the Acts of Apostles, relates that the journeys of Paul or of other apostles did not always go according to plan, but rather the Spirit of God prevented a planned journey and directed them elsewhere. This is what happened also at the beginning of the second missionary journey. Paul and Timothy along with their companions first attempted to go to Asia Minor and then proceed to Bithynia. Since those plans were thwarted, they ended up in Troas on the Aegean Sea. While in Troas, Paul had a vision at night in which he was asked, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Paul and his companions set off and arrived in Philippi after a couple days. On his missionary journeys, Paul usually went in each new city to the synagogue, to the site where Jews worshipped God. There it was good for him to proclaim the message of the risen Jesus. During a Jewish service any Jewish man could ask for the Bible scrolls and give a sermon on some text in the Old Testament. In Philippi, when it was the Sabbath day, Paul and his companions went to the riverside to find a place to pray, because the city did not appear to have a synagogue. If there had been even ten Jewish men, there would have been a synagogue. Ten males above the age of thirteen were required to hold a Jewish worship service. Paul knew that a site for a prayer meeting might be found on the shore of the river, because alongside running water it was easy to perform purification rites, for instance. Luke relates, “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she received the message that Paul spoke.” In this rudimentary way the Bible describes the most important event in the life of Lydia. Lydia believed the gospel proclaimed by Apostle Paul. Lyydian ja Paavalin Kohtaaminen Paavali, joka oli entinen kristittyjen vainoaja, teki kristityksi käännyttyään lähetysmatkoja muutamien muiden apostolien kanssa. Eri puolille suuntautuneita matkoja oli kaikkiaan kolme. Lyydian ja Paavalin kohtaaminen ajoittuu toisen lähetysmatkan alkupuolelle. Apostolien tekojen kirjoittaja Luukas kertoo, etteivät Paavalin tai muiden apostolien omat suunnitelmat aina toteutuneet, vaan Jumalan Henki esti suunnitellun matkan ja ohjasi toisaalle. Näin kävi myös toisen lähetysmatkan alussa. Paavali ja Timoteus seuralaisineen yrittivät mennä ensin Aasiaan ja sitten Bityniaan. Suunnitelmien estyttyä he päätyivät Troakseen meren rannalle. Troaksessa Paavali näki yöllä näyn, jossa häntä pyydettiin: ”Tule meren yli tänne Makedoniaan ja auta meitä.” Paavali seurueineen lähti matkaan, ja he saapuivat parissa päivässä Filippiin. Lähetysmatkoillaan Paavali meni yleensä uudessa paikassa synagogaan, juutalaisten jumalanpalveluspaikkaan. Siellä hänen oli hyvä julistaa sanomaa ylösnousseesta Jeesuksesta. Juutalaisessa jumalanpalveluksessa kuka tahansa juutalainen mies saattoi pyytää kirjakäärön ja pitää puheen jostakin Vanhan testamentin tekstistä. Filippissä sapatin tultua Paavali tovereineen meni rantaan etsimään rukouspaikkaa, koska kaupungissa ei näyttänyt olevan synagogaa. Jos Filippissä olisi ollut kymmenenkin juutalaista miestä, siellä olisi ollut myös synagoga. Juutalaisen jumalanpalveluksen pitämiseen vaadittiin näet kymmenen yli 13-vuotaista miestä. Paavali tiesi, että rukouspaikka saattaisi löytyä rannasta, koska virtaavan veden äärellä oli helppo suorittaa esimerkiksi puhdistumismenoja. Luukas kertoo: “Sapattina menimme kaupungin ulkopuolelle joenrantaan; arvelimme, että siellä olisi rukouspaikka. Istuuduimme sinne ja puhuimme naisille, joita siellä oli koolla. Meitä kuuntelemassa oli myös muuan Lyydia, jumalaapelkäävä nainen, joka oli kotoisin Tyatirasta ja kävi kauppaa purppurakankailla. Herra avasi hänen sydämensä ottamaan vastaan sen mitä Paavali puhui.” Näin koruttomasti Raamattu ilmaisee tärkeimmän Lyydian elämässä tapahtuneen asian. Lyydia uskoi Paavalin julistaman evankeliumin.

The Voice of Zion August 2021 -- LLC 2021 SUMMER SERVICE CONGREGATION EVENING, JULY 2, 2021 Introduction In many of the discussions of recent years, we have heard it said that we need to turn to God’s Word. What do we mean by the term God’s Word? What is it? Where do we find it? How do we recognize it? How should we receive it? How should we read it or hear it? I suspect that when most of us hear, read, or use the term God’s Word we usually think of the Holy Bible, the written Word. The Bible itself however refers to God’s Word more broadly. It speaks of God’s Word in 3 ways: 1) as God’s Son, the Incarnate Word, 2) as a written word, and 3) as a spoken word. The Word Made Flesh The gospel of John begins with the words, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1–3). They are at the same time the echo and explanation of the first words of Genesis. But John is not finished. A little later in his prologue he writes, “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). This is one of the great mysteries of God. They are words beyond this presenter’s ability to grasp or explain. The Word, that was with God and that was God, the invisible and eternal, became flesh and revealed himself to us. He became a man to be heard, to be seen, and to be touched (1 John 1:1). The fulfilment of the prophet’s words: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matt. 1:23). God, who had in times past and in various ways, spoken to the fathers through the prophets, has now in these last days spoken to us by His son (Heb. 1:1). The Word, Jesus Christ, God’s Son, as Paul writes, though he was in the form of God, emptied himself out and took on the form of a servant, was born in the likeness of men, like you and like me. And He humbled himself to death on the cross (Phil. 2:6–8). God, the Word, was with us and died for us. But He is not dead. He appeared to this same John on the Isle of Patmos and said: “Fear not; I am the first and the last: -- I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Rev. 1:17,18). The Word of God is not dead. He still speaks. He has ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father but has a body here on the earth. It is His church, and He is its head (Eph. 1:22,23, 5:23,29–32). When we speak of God’s Word, we speak of Jesus Christ. These are all great mysteries of God. They cannot truly be understood or explained by reason, not even by the best minds. They remain objects of faith. The Bible – The Written Word of God God has also revealed himself in the Holy Bible, a written Word. The Bible itself tells that this written Word of God was written by men. These men did not however express their own will, but as the Apostle Peter states, God moved them by His Spirit to express His own will (2 Pet. 1:20,21). God’s Word thus has both a human and a divine element. Another mystery. It is important to understand and remember this. We see the human component, for example, in the Bible’s descriptions of the natural world. The men who wrote the scripture portrayed the world as they saw and understood it with their knowledge of nature at the time. It is also important to understand and remember what the Bible’s purpose is. Luther noted that the Bible does not profess to give a detailed history of the world, nor even a complete biography of the persons whom it introduces. Its object, he says, is to set before us the history of the kingdom of God. Thus, it only describes such persons and the events that are necessary for that purpose. We understand that the Bible, even though it has a human element, is nonetheless God’s own Word. Thus, regarding its message and purpose, the Bible is unerring. Because the Bible is God’s Word, we are not to treat it like man’s word but are to grant it our highest esteem and reverence. God’s Word is also eternal and unchanging. To claim that God’s Word is bound to time and shackled to the culture of its time does not do justice to God’s revelation. According to Jesus, the content and the message of the Word of God does not change even though the world changes. It is always timely. He said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away” (Luke 21:33). The central message of the Bible, the written Word, is Jesus Christ and the salvation that God has prepared in Him. The Apostle John reveals this in explaining the purpose of his gospel. He says, “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). This can be said of the entire Scripture, for Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). As Paul said of Jesus, “it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell” and that in Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 1:19, 2:3). Thus, God’s revelation is complete in Jesus Christ. He is “the way, the truth, and the life” and “no man cometh unto the Father,” but by Him (John 14:6). Jesus commanded John to write: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8). There is no new thing to be added. The way of salvation is complete. All that needs to be done for our redemption has been done in Christ. Because the Bible is God’s Word and His complete revelation, we regard it as the highest authority and guide for Christian faith and life. The LLC’s 2006 position statement expresses our belief in this way: “We believe that God’s Word is Christian faith’s highest authority and thus Christian faith’s guiding principles and doctrine must be examined and evaluated in the light of God’s Word.” This statement is based on the so-called Formal Principle of the Reformation. It is expressed in the Epitome of the Formula of Concord as follows: “We believe, teach, and confess that the prophetic and apostolic writings of the Old and New Testaments are the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged, as it is written in Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” And St. Paul says in Galations 1:8, “Even if an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Tappert, T. G. (Ed.). (1959). The Book of Concord the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. (p. 464). Philadelphia: Mühlenberg Press.) The Spoken Word The third form of God’s Word is the oral or spoken Word. It is the Word that God proclaims in the present, to you and to me. He has not withdrawn from the earth and gone silent. He has not abandoned us. He has not only left an account of what He has said to a past generation. He still speaks to you and me in the present world. Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:16–18). Through His Holy Spirit He speaks in and from His congregation. It is a gospel that is not “in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance” (1 Thess. 1:5). The author of the Letter to the Hebrews refers especially to this spoken Word, when he writes that the Word of God is living and powerful (Heb. 4:12). This oral Word is inseparably linked to God’s congregation. When Luther said that “God’s word cannot be without God’s people, and conversely, God’s people cannot be without God’s word,” he was speaking of the oral Word. He said, “First, the holy Christian people are recognized by their possession of the holy word of God…This is the principal item, and the holiest of holy possessions, by reason of which the Christian people are called holy; for God’s word is holy and sanctifies everything it touches; it is indeed the very holiness of God…For the Holy Spirit himself administers it and anoints or sanctifies the Christian church with it…But we are speaking of the external word, preached orally by men like you and me, for this is what Christ left behind as an external sign, by which his church, or his Christian people in the world, should be recognized” (On the Councils and the Churches). Paul’s writing about the relationship of husband and wife, uses Christ and His church as an example. He says that “Christ is the head of the church” and “the church is subject unto Christ” and he then concludes with these words: “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Eph. 5:23,24,31,32). The church is not above the Word but subject to it and one with it. As Paul’s says, a great mystery. It too is an article of faith. The Bible reveals the role of the oral Word. Paul writes, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Peter too shows that new birth occurs through the oral gospel when he writes to those who had been “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever…And this is the word by which the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Pet. 1:23,25). Luther says, “Actually, the Gospel is not what one finds in books and what is written in the letters of the alphabet; it is rather an oral sermon and a living Word, a voice that resounds throughout the world and is proclaimed publicly, so that one hears it everywhere” (Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 30: The Catholic Epistles. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.) (Vol. 30, p. 3). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House). By the oral Word the message of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ, is proclaimed in the present and personally to the hearer. A penitent sinner does not need to wonder if God, who so many years ago through the mouth of Nathan forgave David, or through the mouth of His Son forgave the paralyzed man, hears his or her prayer for forgiveness and truly forgives him or her. God hears, and He still speaks. He speaks in the present. He through the mouths of His children imparts His forgiveness to the penitent individual. They are His ambassadors, and He has entrusted them with His Word of reconciliation and the keys of His kingdom (2 Cor. 5:18–20; Matt. 16:19; 18:18; John 20:22,23). He That Hath An Ear, Let Him Hear As we noted earlier, the claim that God’s Word is bound to time and shackled to the culture of its time does not do justice to God’s revelation. God’s Word is always timely. At the same time, because of the human element, we recognize that the prophets, apostles, and Jesus spoke to the people of the world in which they lived at that time and in terms that were familiar to them. God’s congregation through the New Testament time has faced many challenges and issues that have not presented themselves in earlier phases of history. The Holy Spirit has always taught and guided His congregation in the face of new issues and challenges. The early New Testament congregation faced new questions when the gospel spread to Gentile nations. They met in Jerusalem to discuss those challenges in the light of God’s Word. They had a long discussion. Only a few speeches have been recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit led and guided their discussion, and they reached a timely and appropriate course of action. Their conclusions were prefaced with the words, “it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us.” What comforting words. God’s children in later ages, even ours, have had the same experience. God has not abandoned us. He is not silent. God through His Holy Spirit leads and guides His congregation whether the challenges are those brought by new technologies and developments or spiritual turmoil. God has not abandoned us. He still speaks through His Holy Spirit. Jesus instructed servants of the Word in the churches of Asia Minor, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:29). This instruction can be difficult to accept. When we look at God’s congregation, we easily see many shortcomings and faulty sinners. That God speaks through sin-corrupt people is another one of His mysteries. This too becomes an article of faith. In his preface to Revelations, he addresses this issue. He says, “This article, ‘I believe one holy Christian Church,’ is an article of faith, as well as the rest. The reason, therefore, cannot recognize it, though it puts all its glasses on. The devil can cover it over with offenses and tumults, so that you have to take offense at it. God, too, can hide it with faults and short-comings of all kinds, so that you become a fool and pass such judgment on it. It will not be known by sight, but by faith, and faith concerns the things we do not see (Hebrews xi); and the Church joins with her Lord in the song, “Blessed is he that takes no offense in me.” May God grant us faith and humility to hear what God through His Spirit teaches in His congregation. Before the Word God reveals himself to us in His Word. It is His great gift and blessing to us and to all mankind. It is a treasure that does not stop giving. As Paul writes to Timothy, “the holy scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:15,16). God’s Word can teach us, comfort us, and it can also cause us distress. We want to approach and use God’s Word with humility and reverence and with prayer. We should strive to read out of the Scripture what God would say to us and not read into Scripture what we would like it to say. As we heard, the Scriptures do not express the will and message of the men who wrote them, but that God’s Holy Spirit inspired them to speak the will and message of God. The Holy Spirit is also the key that opens the Bible. The Bible is also a spiritual book. It contains many acts of God that appear impossible to us. It contains many mysteries of God that reason cannot explain. They require faith. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please” God. We should always remember that the Scriptures are to be explained by the Scriptures. God is not the author of confusion. The message of the Scripture does not contradict itself. We should consider each portion, and our understanding of it, in the light of the rest of Scripture and the entirety of its message. This practice helps us to avoid subjectivity. Paul told Timothy, a servant of the Word, that he should strive to “rightly divide” or correctly handle God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15). All of us, when we study God’s Word, should seek to understand what God, through the speaker or author, intended to say to the people to whom He spoke or wrote. Then we can try to rightly apply it to our lives and the issues that we face. A careless, lazy, or misguided approach to the reading and study of God’s Word can lead us to confusion and wrong understanding. Teachers and preachers have a special burden to “rightly divide” God’s Word as those who “watch for your souls, as they that must give account” and who will “receive the greater condemnation” (Heb. 13:17, James 3:1.) “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” ‍ Source: Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 41: Church and Ministry III. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.) (Vol. 41, p. 148–150). Philadelphia: Fortress Press.

Carey Simonson | The Voice of Zion August 2021 --‍ As Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing… Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. – John 9:1–7, 39–41 The paradox of the blind seer is familiar to many of us. Yet here in John’s text we encounter the miracle of Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth, followed by conversation regarding that miracle. John devotes an entire chapter to the healing of this blind man and the many conversations it inspired amongst the man’s neighbors, and between the man and his neighbors, the man and the Pharisees, the Pharisees and the man’s parents, the man and Jesus and finally Jesus and the Pharisees. Many of these people did not believe that Jesus was the son of God or able to heal this blind man. ‍ Who Sinned That This Man Was Born Blind? The disciples thought that the man’s blindness was a punishment for sin. We may also wonder if God is punishing us or others when we or they experience difficulties in life or when accidents happen. Jesus clearly tells the disciples that it was God’s will that this man was born blind. It was not a punishment. This answer is enough for us as well. We can trust that “He gives to you whate’er is best” (SHZ 367:4), and “He careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). God gives trials and joy. Certainly, some of the difficulties we face in life are a result of our own decisions, while others are simply from God and it is better to accept them from the hand of God rather than battle against them. “All my joys and all my sorrows He apportions ev’ry day. Even in the trying times, God is near me, by my side” (SHZ 430:2). The Works of God Should Be Made Manifest in Him Through the healing of the blind man, Jesus was able to show the works of God. As Jesus once said: “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:38,40). In many cases, Jesus healed and forgave sins with His Word (e.g., Mark 2:5–12); but in this case, Jesus put clay on the man’s eyes and had him wash in pool of Siloam. When the man obeyed Jesus’ instructions, he was able to see. Jesus healed this man’s temporal sight but also opened his spiritual eyes to see and his heart to believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 9:35–38). In the same way, the living gospel, which is preached from God’s kingdom today, heals wounds of sin through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Blind See and the Seeing Are Blind The Pharisees did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God. They even tried to use God’s law to prove that Jesus could not be from God. “Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day” (John 9:16). The Pharisees knew God’s law, but they did not believe. Their knowledge did not help them. In fact, we could say it hindered them. On the other hand, this unlearned blind man simply explained to the Pharisees that Jesus must be of God because He had healed him. This angered the Pharisees and “They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out” (John 9:34). We see a sharp contrast between the simple faith of the blind man and the pious knowledge and unbelief of the Pharisees. Paul saw this also. “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Cor. 1:26,27). Or as Jesus said: “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31,32). Thus, the blind man who could see is an image of how only through faith are we saved.

Jeremy Honga | The Voice of Zion August 2021 --‍ Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. – Matthew 11:20–24 After Jesus overcame Satan’s temptation in the wilderness, He began his public ministry: “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17). During His ministry He traveled through many cities throughout Galilee. The cities mentioned in our text – Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum – were among the cities where Jesus preached. He proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom. He healed those with affliction and disease. He made the blind to see and the dead to live. His fame spread far and wide and many came unto Him to be healed (Matt. 4:23–25; 11:5). Here we can perceive His “mighty works” which were done in those cities. Self-Righteousness Clouded Their Sight Although great crowds witnessed these miracles, there were many who did not repent and believe. Their life was not one of open sin and ungodliness, such as was the case in the cities of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom of the Old Testament. In fact it seems quite the contrary; self-righteousness, good works, wisdom and understanding were the demise of many. Others surely knew and even believed that Jesus was the Son of God but in their own heart did not repent. Jesus’ warning in our text is strong. Not only one who lives a worldly life of sin and ungodliness will face judgement’s wrath, but also those who hear the gospel Word and then reject it. God is a gracious God and His Word tells us of His profound love towards sinful humans. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). However, His Word also teaches, even as our text relates, that many reject the grace of God and walk the broad way which leads to everlasting destruction (Matt. 7:13). At Any Time or Place At His will, God grants times of visitation to individuals who are without His grace. During a time of visitation, God causes one to pause and consider his or her soul’s condition, death and eternity. It is a time when one’s conscience becomes awakened. The person experiences worry and fear for his or her soul and begins to seek peace. This visit or call from God can come in different ways and at any time and place. Sometimes deep sorrow and distress, caused by difficult trials, is allowed to overcome in order that one would realize the need for God’s grace and forgiveness. God can and does also call through blessings He allows into one’s life. One such blessing could be when one in unbelief finds believing friends. We can understand that each way of visitation is a special gift from God, because He is calling a person unto repentance and to everlasting salvation. When humble hearts receive the call, God can then lead them to the doors of the kingdom where sins are preached forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus. The power of this gospel brings peace of conscience. God does not grant moments of visitation all the days of one’s life. His Word teaches of this and the importance to heed and to not reject His call: “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isa. 55:6). “Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Heb. 3:15). It is a matter of eternal life and death. A Time of Visitation Is Yet at Hand The time of visitation is yet in our land. We pray that God through His living Word would awaken the hearts of fellow citizens that they with us could be partakers of His grace. We want to be faithful messengers of Christ and carry His gospel with us, to preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins as He has commanded. We can do so with joy and remember that “if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Cor. 4:3,4). We should also pray that sin and evil, prevalent and accepted in our society, would not influence us nor any believer to shipwreck. Instead, may each of us always remember the teaching to endeavor in faith and to preserve this faith in a good conscience, washing sins away through the power of the gospel. When we remain in the fellowship and care of the congregation of God and in unity with the Holy Spirit, we remain in God’s grace and will be protected unto the end.

Michael Ylioja | The Voice of Zion September 2021 -- It came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungered, he, and they that were with him? How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? And he said unto them, the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. — Mark 2:23–28 ‍ During Jesus’ public ministry he traveled and taught. In our text we read of an encounter with the Pharisees that occurred on the sabbath. The disciples picked ears of corn as they were going through the corn fields. The Pharisees, who devoted much of their time to studying the scriptures and following the law, saw this occur and saw a chance to show their biblical knowledge. They knew this behavior of the disciples was not according to the Old Testament law. The Pharisees believed that salvation was merited by observing the law. Jesus saw into their hearts and knew their self-righteous ways, so here He wishes to teach them about salvation, that He is Lord of the sabbath. In responding to the Pharisees’ rebuke, Jesus used an Old Testament happening which He knew the Pharisees would be familiar with. He reminded them of when David hid from King Saul and was hungry. The priests gave David the shewbread, which was only to be used in sacrificing and eaten by the priests. Jesus used this example to show the Pharisees that there is not salvation by following the law, but by believing in Jesus as the Son of God. When we have this faith in our heart, we desire to follow the will of God. Jesus was the ultimate messenger of God’s will. Jesus Himself said, “think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (Matt. 5:17). Through His teaching and the teaching of the Holy Spirit, we are also messengers of God. We preach and share the joyful message of God’s kingdom to all who would wish to hear it. The end of our text shows us the wisdom of God. God made the sabbath day for us. We humans were not made for the sabbath. Only the triune God is holy. We are holy only through the Holy Spirit that dwells within us and within the congregation of God. We cannot attain salvation or heaven on our own as the Pharisees thought. We so often focus on matters of day-to-day life and forget the most important aspect, preserving faith and keeping a clean conscience. We are blessed with the sabbath day on which to gather and hear and discuss God’s Word and be refreshed by the gospel. ‍

Rick Nevala | The Voice of Zion September 2021 --‍ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. — Matthew 6:19–24 ‍ God promises to care for His own. We humans, however, are often so tied up in this life that we forget God and His promises. We try to make a living in our temporal calling. We feel we should have control over our own destiny and should follow our own path. We make plans for the future and seek what’s best for our families. Believers too fall prey to the inclinations of our flesh and own reason. We can begin to lay up treasures, mammon. The drive to want more and more is not far from us. We compare ourselves to our neighbors when we ought not to. We may wish to have what they have and then push to make more money so that we can attain these items. Our thoughts can even become consumed with making money and buying things. Do Not Covet Things of This Earth Mammon is an Aramaic word that means “gain.” Whatever we think of as gain for us in this world is mammon. To some it is sports and temporal glory, to another physical appearance and reputation, to another a full belly, to yet another riches and possessions. Paul instructs the Philippians about those that seek earthly gain, saying that the end of those who mind earthly things is destruction (Phil. 3:18,19). Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matt. 19). Scripture clearly teaches us not to covet things of this earth. At the end of our journey, they will be left behind and ultimately these things will perish. God has promised to care for us in our everyday needs. Just as the plants and the animals in nature are provided for with sun and rain and nourishment and shelter, so too will our needs be provided for (Luke 12:22–31). In this passage from the gospel according to Luke, Jesus reminds us to trust that God knows our needs. Rather than seeking these things, we should seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness (v. 31). Lay Up Treasures in Heaven The Word of God teaches us to lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven, to seek God’s kingdom and those things that follow it. Heavenly treasures are eternal. The apostle speaks of what these treasures are, reminding us that the greatest of these is charity, the bond of perfection (Col. 3:12–17). The most important matter in life is to have faith and to know our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our greatest treasure is the forgiveness of sins. It connects us to the blood of Christ. Christ’s blood drops mark the way to heaven. We follow Him and gather His blood drops, as we hear in sermons. When we follow Christ in obedience of faith to the end of the journey, eternal treasure awaits. While we yet tarry here on earth, we must guard our hearts so that it doesn’t attach to treasures of this earth. Where our treasure lies, there is also our heart. When faith is the most important matter in our lives, we wish to follow the Lord Jesus in life, suffering and doctrine. Each day we make promises to walk in newness of life, trusting in God’s guidance and caretaking. Walk in the Light We thus endeavor to keep faith and a good conscience. We wish to care for the treasure God has given us for this time. We walk in the light as He is in the light, not grudgingly but with our whole heart. Not in hypocrisy, but in truth. As our text reminds us, we cannot serve both God and mammon; therefore we must choose which we cling to. The apostle reminds us that if we love the things of this world, then the Father is not in us (1 John 2:15–17). Our text warns us of walking in darkness, out of reach of God’s care. This means walking in open sin, and it also means walking in self-righteousness. If the light in us is darkness, our text admonishes, then how great is that darkness! If we believe that we are believing correctly and are not, that is a scary place. We pray that we may remain in the light of God and walk therein. God’s care is found in the gospel, and this gospel is not found in the darkness. In darkness, one loses sight of the blood drops of Christ, and the gospel loses its appeal. Rather the person’s own reason lights his or her way. God promises to care for His own. He reminds us to not be dismayed, for He is our God and He will strengthen us and help us (Isa. 41:10). He will battle with us against the threefold enemy. If God is for us, who can be against us?