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Wendy Simonson | The Voice of Zion November 2022 -- To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1 Consider the geese as they begin their fall journey to open water and warmer climates. There is something impressive and compelling about these large birds as they settle on Saskatchewan sloughs and lakes in the thousands, in search of food to sustain them on the long flights they will soon undertake. I stop my car to watch. As the geese rise from the water, the sound of beating wings, rushing air and honking voices surrounds my car and unfolds onto the open prairie. I have observed this migration year after year, a stunning reminder of the cycle of seasons and of life. It is only one example of the wonders of God’s creation plan to which our Bible verse alludes. As the geese prepare for winter, they follow their instincts and the migration route of generations of geese before them. In a similar way, believers follow the “old paths” that generations of believers before travelled, right since biblical times. According to His Plan The lives of most of us will follow a cyclical pattern through birth, childhood, adulthood, old age, and ending in death. These concepts of earth and life cycles are illustrated also by the words of the preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem, in Ecclesiastes 1: “What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh, but the earth abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again” (v. 3–7). These cycles of life, bird migration, and the recurrent patterns of nature’s elements bring a sense of familiarity and comfort. They demonstrate God’s power and guidance throughout the ages, with earth’s events unfolding, as He wills. This passage also reminds us not to overvalue earthly things; we will eventually leave this world, and all will be left behind. Our goal is to reach heaven where these earthly things will not go. Through Obstacles and Trials As we travel through life’s seasons, we confront obstacles, just as migratory birds do. They suffer hunger, strong winds and storms, predators, disease and even death as they make their long journey. We can compare this to our own lives, where we meet with the challenges that life brings to each one of us. These can be temporal, such as caring for large families, facing illness, or losing a job. They can also be spiritual challenges, where the storms of life threaten to knock us from our foundation of faith. We remember one Bible traveler, Job, who was “perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil” (Job 1:1). Despite this, Job experienced a set of trials that is difficult to comprehend. How might we react in the same situation? The Bible tells us how Satan had come before God, saying, “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” (Job 1:8). Satan told God that He had protected Job and blessed the work of his hands, “but put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face” (Job 1:11). God then allowed Satan power over all Job had, instructing him only not to put his hand on Job himself. Job went through a series of heavy trials over the course of one day, losing his livestock, servants and children. After these events, Job yet trusted God: “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this, Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly” (Job 1:21,22). There is powerful instruction for us in reading about Job’s life and how he remained obedient to God. Even through extreme trials, he continued to trust that God would take care of him. Trust in God’s Guidance All of us in our lifetime will witness the end of the life cycle, as we experience the death of loved ones. As I write, I contemplate news of a childhood friend’s death, and the second verse in this Bible chapter of Ecclesiastes, “A time to be born and a time to die” comes to mind. Everything unfolds according to God’s good and perfect plan, including birth and death. We do not understand God’s ways, but in time, we may come to see how He has indeed directed and guided the path of each life. In reflecting on a death of someone near us, we face the crucial factor of life: reaching heaven when we die. Through death, we are reminded that this is our goal. We want to continue to hold faith precious and pray for that outcome at the end of our life. God teaches us through His Word. It is important for each one of us to follow the path God has laid out for us, trusting in His guiding hand in our lives and believing our sins forgiven. As he guides even the birds, how much more will He guide His created people? We can trust in His promises.

Carly Lampi | The Voice of Zion November 2022 -- When I was four years old, a believing family moved into our neighborhood. Luckily for me, they had a girl my age with whom I made fast friends. We spent the majority of our days together. On hot summer days, we created the most elaborate imaginary worlds out of old cinder blocks and fallen trees, making up silly songs and marching to them, or trying to sell warm lemonade on our road that had very little traffic. On rainy days, we walked up and down that same road, carefully escorting the washed up worms to safety from the pavement to the muddy grass. All the while, we talked about nearly anything and everything. It was a friendship that greatly enriched my childhood. I come from a loving family that has a lot of dysfunction. My parents have both struggled with mental health and their own personal addictions. Their financial, marital, and mental stresses seemed to darken our home, and my brothers and I were witnesses to a lot of their conflict. Although we also had many good days, I battled with a lot of anxiety and anger at home. From an early age, I was drawn to the believers’ home. It was a calming break from what was happening at my house. I was the neighbor girl who was always calling the landline or knocking on the door to come and play. I don’t remember thinking much about the lack of a television in their home or about any other religious differences. I do however remember the peace I felt there as I played amidst beautiful music, the smell of fresh baking, and the loving banter of their family. Looking back on this, it is clear to me that what I was feeling was the presence of the Holy Spirit in their home and the peace that radiates from children of God who have their sins forgiven. Since I spent so much time with them, they began offering to take me to church. I went to services many times with their family from the time I was six to the time I repented at age thirteen. My own family attended a Lutheran church occasionally throughout my childhood. My brothers went to church without a hitch, but I always resisted going as much as possible. I would lay in my bed long after I had woken up, pretending to sleep in hopes that my parents would leave me home. At times it felt like the only reason we went to church was to convince ourselves that despite our issues, we still were “good people.” Attending this church likely helped my parents cope with their hardships, but it seemed disingenuous to me as a child, as we nearly never spoke of faith or God in our home. For one reason or another, attending services with the believers never struck me the same way as my family’s church. Perhaps it was the liveliness of all the large families, getting to go there with a friend, or being in the presence of that same peace I sensed in their home. All the same, I loved going to Minneapolis church with my neighbors so much that I attended some Sunday school and even sang in a Christmas program during my early elementary school years. I still remember the excitement of lining up with the other children in the overflow room, feeling like twins with my friend in our matching red velvet dresses. There were definitely periods of time when I lost interest in going to church with the believers, but by the time I was twelve, I was going with them nearly every Sunday and Wednesday. At the time, my dad was happy with this arrangement. He is the son of two Lutheran speakers and felt it was important for his children to be confirmed. While I had gone a few times to confirmation school at my family’s church, I refused to continue. I had made more believing friends and was back in Sunday school. At this time, I was still chasing the wonderful feeling I felt around the believers, while not really listening to the sermons or thinking much about faith. On October 31st, 2009, a couple of girls from church were over at the neighbors’ house. The plan was that we would spend all day together and go to church that evening. That afternoon, the girls and I walked to the nearby coffee shop. On the way back, one of them took me aside. I wish I remembered her exact words, but I remember them being beautifully blunt and to the point. Something like: “So do you want to be a believer or what?” This caught me off-guard, and I really didn’t understand the question. Instead of seeking clarification, I just guessed that the right answer was “yeah” and went with it. She then explained that I needed my sins forgiven, and preached the gospel to me. This is one of my favorite memories, as it details just how simple faith is, and how children can plainly and easily put it into words. The rest of the day was so bright and felt surreal. Even though I don’t believe this is when I truly repented in my heart, it was the day I realized that the peace I saw in the believers could be extended to me. From there, I focused on figuring out what being a believer actually meant. At first, I thought of sin very simply. By this, I mean that I thought of sin as mostly outward actions, like watching inappropriate television shows or purposely hurting others. It seemed like changing my lifestyle to be “mostly sinless” was going to be pretty easy: “I will stop watching television, I won’t lie, I’ll work to respect my parents.” However, it wasn’t long after that I realized that all my doubtful, hateful, and envious thoughts were also sin before God. In other words, it dawned on me that I can’t fool God by my outward appearance, He knows and sees all. After this realization, I felt like I was never safe and feared God and how much He knows. I began to stress over all the bothersome thoughts and feelings I experienced each day; every time I felt envious of someone else, every time I thought I hated a girl at school, every time I accused God of forgetting to bless me. How could I be a “good believer” if I have such a loose grip on my sinful thoughts? Although I thought I repented earlier, I now think my true repentance occurred at this time, when I became deeply troubled and scared of my own untamable corruption. I discussed this with my dear friend, and then I was given to grasp the true meaning of the gospel. When the gospel was then preached to me, I felt all this fear and discomfort with myself lift from my heart. I was free and happy like I couldn’t recall ever feeling before. My spirit is imprisoned by my weak and corrupted flesh; the holy dove of heaven in this vessel of clay doth rest. There trembling in his corner, oh, how often the dove doth wail; the winds of earth are biting through the walls that are thin and frail! At times this dove of heaven is uplifted from fear and woe when warming rays of mercy in his vessel of clay do flow. These words from song of Zion 592 speak so thoroughly to the feelings in my heart. Our own corruption is troubling and scary. This purity of our faith resides in flesh that is weak in the fight against sin and is inherently corrupt on its own. The gospel finds its way from God into our souls and gives nourishment to our faith, encouraging us to continue this journey, and reminding us that eternal life in heaven awaits. When I first began spending time with believers, I was under the impression that believers are as content and happy as they are due to a nearly “sinless” lifestyle. However, after I partook of the gospel that day, I understood that this contentment comes from being counted as sinless by God, rather than being strong and committed enough to not fall into sin in the first place. Partaking of this gospel message is what it means to believe as a child of God. We are faulty, blind, and foolish, full of sin, like other men, yet we’re counted wise and sinless through the works of Christ, Your son (SHZ 203:1). Following my repentance, the Minneapolis congregation became a whole new kind of family to me. I was thoroughly taken care of in many ways. I received many rides to and from church and friend’s houses, and adults would consistently check in with how I was doing and offer guidance when I needed it. I loved visiting the elders and would occasionally help myself to a spot at the elder’s table after Wednesday night Bible class. Still today, when the words “mother congregation” are used, I feel that warmth in my heart of how precious and caring God’s Kingdom was to me then and still is today. God has since preserved me in faith. He has blessed my life in ways that my childhood self would have never imagined. I am now a mother in a believing home with a loving husband, three children, and a fourth baby on the way. The beautiful music I recall at the neighbors’ home is now playing in the background of my own, and the gospel is preached here often. While the devil continues to tempt and try me each day, I simply pray that I will continue to travel on this narrow path of God’s children and make it to the heavenly home one day. All the while I am thankful to God and the way He has carefully directed my life and will continue to do so according to His plan.

Harri Vähäjylkkä, Translation: Sam Roiko | The Voice of Zion November 2022 -- Approximately every two years representatives from the SRK, LLC and SFC gather in person to plan our joint work and so workers can get to know one another personally. In September, LLC board members Jim Jurmu, Sam Roiko and Petri Hotari, along with LLC staff Adrian Pirness and Arvin Pirness went to Finland to participate in the latest such joint meeting. Throughout the week, representatives of the SRK, along with SFC and LLC worked to prepare a news article about the meetings to convey the abiding unity of faith and understanding that God lovingly provided. While in Finland, the LLC received a request from the SRK asking to consider sending two brothers to their Pastors Camp. This camp is for believing brothers who are ordained pastors and others who work in the national church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Jon Bloomquist and Sam Roiko attended and experienced there also the unity of faith and understanding. Situation in North American Zion Discussed at Meetings of Sister Organizations Representatives of three central organizations of our Christianity, SRK, LLC and SFC, gathered for a cooperative work meeting in Oulu the week of September 19, 2022. A central topic in the discussions was the division that has happened amid North American Zion, which has resulted in a heresy. The anticipated meeting of the sister organizations occurred in September after a pause due to COVID. Early that Monday morning, the coffee table at the SRK office was bustling with activity. Believing friends greeted one another in three languages; some had not seen each other for a long time, and some had never met face to face. There have been retirements and personnel changes in sister organizations. However, during COVID, contact was maintained through many messages, e-mails and remote meetings. Greetings Contained Joys and Sorrows Monday’s discussions focused largely on the situation in the Zion of North America. The representatives of the LLC’s administration and office spoke about the events of the last few years and also of very recent happenings in North America. Their greetings contained joy that God has blessed the work and protected His obedient children in faith. Meanwhile, sorrow was felt because many signs were evident which demonstrate that the long-standing division has resulted in a heresy. Representatives of the Finnish and Swedish sister organizations related greetings from their own countries. These greetings noted that the situation in North America and its difficulty have also been evident in various contacts and discussions in Finland and Sweden. They brought up that in the week’s joint meeting, it is necessary to also talk about difficulties and the spiritual battle. These are part of the life of God’s congregation; God’s congregation is also a battling congregation. Meeting representatives of the different countries noted that it is important to share this matter with believers. “It is necessary to reveal what the situation is and what types of issues are behind the sorrowful situation,” many stated. God’s gracious and calling nature was spoken of in the discussions. It was stated that acknowledgment of a difficult situation, even a heresy, is not harshness, but also through this God calls those who have gone astray (1 Cor. 11:19). Repentance is God’s work from beginning to end, and through it one can return to God’s kingdom. The Division Has Developed over a Long Period of Time LLC representatives described the background of the current situation. The situation has not developed overnight but rather over the course of many years. Questions of faith, doctrine and life have been discussed in one-on-one visits, and more broadly within individual congregations, for example at congregation discussion evenings. Regional and continent-wide discussions have also been convened so that matters could be cared for. The most recent continent-wide gathering was held on May 7–8, 2021. At that meeting, there was concern expressed that a different understanding of the doctrine of the congregation existed in the midst of the believers of North America. It was also openly acknowledged on both sides that there were two groups within North American Zion and that we cannot continue as a divided flock. Discussions on Doctrine Discussions of doctrinal questions have taken place among congregation speakers, board members and congregation members in North America for nearly ten years. The matters have also been discussed at the large LLC service events and other gatherings. Discussions have also been arranged at local congregation events. However, the end result of the discussions has been that the mutual understanding and love of believers has not returned but rather that the division has deepened and become stronger. At the meeting of the sister organizations, questions arose concerning what kinds of matters have been discussed among believers in North America over the years, and where different understandings have been observed. Others wanted to know what signs and fruits of division have become apparent. LLC representatives shared that over the years there have been many discussions on various doctrinal questions. Discussions have taken place regarding justification, the position and significance of God’s Word, the relationship between the written Word of God and the Word of God preached by the Holy Spirit, the relationship between God’s Word and the congregation, the office of the Holy Spirit, and, in connection with that, the essence of the congregation and its significance and duty, forgiveness of sins, confession, and servants of the congregation. Meeting participants had experienced that to some extent, doctrinal matters have also been examined as if they were diametrically opposed. For example, discussion speeches brought out how the perfect righteousness prepared by Christ and the grace owned by faith seem to have cast their shadow on the importance of watchfulness, the endeavor and confession. Representatives of the North American central organization said that in doctrinal discussions there have not always been big differences. However, this has not removed division nor restored unity of faith. LLC representatives felt that in the current situation the strongest disagreement between the two parties was the perspective of God’s congregation and the work of the Holy Spirit in the congregation. Discussion participants noted that the power of God’s Holy Spirit always affects both in the preaching of God’s kingdom and in its gospel. If some hear the gracious voice of the gospel in a sermon and others hear the demand of the law in the same sermon, it cannot be that the hearts of the listeners are in the same condition. And if the gospel of forgiveness brings joy, peace and freedom to some, but does not free others from burdens, a critical mind, and accusations, the fault is not in the living gospel, but in the heart of the listener. In the discussion it was brought out that the view of some is that in North America, in LLC congregations, the law is preached to the believers, while in Finland grace is preached. The meeting representatives did not agree with this observation. Faith Creates Unity, Sin Breaks It In their speeches, the meeting attendees brought out the fact that unity between believers is born of God’s Holy Spirit. This unity cannot be achieved or maintained by humans. Sin, meanwhile, breaks this unity. True unity can only be achieved by mutual faith and the Holy Spirit. That unity and also the other fruits of the Holy Spirit are lost if living faith is extinguished. The works of the flesh replace them, one of which is heresy, as Paul writes to the Galatians (Gal. 5:19–21). God’s grace also belongs to those who have fallen into the sin of heresy. Acknowledging the existence of a heresy does not mean that God’s grace has ended. Those who have fallen into heresy are called unto repentance. Repentance and personally owning the forgiveness of sins renews love and restores a living unity with God, His kingdom, and the other children of God. There is joy on earth and in heaven over every one who repents (Luke 15:10). There Is Security in God The representatives of Finland, Sweden, and North America related in their speeches how the contacts with other believers have brought joy even in the midst of difficult times. In various discussions with the LLC, a connection and common understanding that is created by the same faith and the Holy Spirit have been felt. There has been no doubt that we believe exactly the same way. In Finland and Sweden, the understanding has remained that the congregation of God is also present among believers in North America. God Himself cares for His congregation even during times of spiritual battle. The discussion culminated in this, that the essence of God’s kingdom and the foundation of faith will never change. The mystery of faith is still owned with the faith of a child. Jesus set a small child as an example of faith to His disciples, who were considering their own position and competing for a place. God’s children still do not need to fear, even though they may encounter different messages and accusations. God cares for each of His children and rules His own kingdom. Sidebar: In the discussion, a presentation kept by Juhani Uljas in 1998 was quoted: “A heresy always grows within the congregation of God. There comes a fracture in the love among God’s children. The internal unity of faith and spirit breaks. An “inner circle” or a “group within a group” is formed that has a tight mutual unity, which also begins to separate from the congregation of God. “Understandings of faith change. Some fall away from the foundation of the righteousness of faith to be under the law without realizing it. They drift away from the freedom of the children of God into the bondage of traditions, the letter of the law and rules. In this phase the fruit of heresy becomes more clearly evident. “When the separation from the love of the children of God has taken place, a battle arises against it. The altered understanding of faith and doctrine raises war against the congregation of God. In this way a group that has internally separated also separates outwardly.”

Marv Wittenberg | The Voice of Zion December 2022 -- It is once again the Christmas season in which we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus. As a child of God, you experience a peace not known by the world – the true peace of Christmas which is the peace of God. Long ago on the first Christmas night, the shepherds were watching over their sheep when an angel approached them with the heavenly message of the birth of the Messiah. “Fear not for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10,11). After sharing with the shepherds where they could find the baby Jesus, the angel was joined by a great throng of heavenly beings: “Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13,14). In the world, we long for temporal, outward peace. The Hebrew word for peace is shalom and it conveys the idea of completeness and well-being. As an individual, one can be at peace with a decision or an outcome in his or her life. Between people and families, peace exists when individuals get along and are not at odds with one another. Temporal peace also exists between nations when they are not at war. Relatively speaking, we live in a peaceful time, though there are places where restlessness and even war exist. We can remember in prayer those who suffer; may they feel the call to seek salvation, to gain peace in their lives and hearts. Peace amongst nations is a blessing to be thankful for, but in life a child of God has a far more important peace, the peace of God, God’s peace. God’s peace is different from this temporal peace, for it is spiritual. It is owned only by faith, through believing the gospel and living of God’s grace. Such peace is a gift only from God – it doesn’t come from human endeavors. This peace comes when one’s sins have been forgiven and one can freely believe. It brings a joyful and happy heart, and with eyes of faith, God’s kingdom is seen as beautiful and God’s children as fellow travelers and escorts. It is a matter beyond human comprehension and difficult to describe with words. Apostle Paul used these words: “The peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). What are the contours of God’s peace in our lives? Peace resides in our daily environment – a spiritual home in our home congregation. The congregation cares for us, instructs us and provides escorts on the journey. We can follow the age-old pathway that has been set before us from the beginning. And God in His Holy Spirit lights that pathway for us, a piece at a time. God provides a place to rest our sorrows and cares. We are assured that our petitions are heard. Above all, we own the grace altar, on which we can deposit our sins when we ask to hear the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. All these elements create a refuge of holy peace in our lives and bring the promise of everlasting peace in heaven. By faith, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the child of God can own in his or her heart the true joy of Christmas, our Lord Jesus. He has shared with His own: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). He further relates: “These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Be uplifted yet as another Christmas approaches to continue believing. Traveling in faith, one can have Christmas every day of the journey – by believing all sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and precious blood. God’s Word promises that one day we will be free from the trials and tribulations of this life and be able to celebrate the eternal Christmas in heaven with all the saints. “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes” (Rev. 7:16,17). The songwriter has also preciously written: “You hear it, O children, each Christmas, how one day our way doth lead from trials to Christmas eternal and heavenly Christmas peace!” (SHZ 28:3). It is worthwhile to yet believe!

Mary Hotari | The Voice of Zion December 2022 -- Thinking of Christmas Peace, remembering Christmases past, brings such comfort. Who gives us this peace? It is God, He who on Christmas sent His Second Person into the world to bear our sins and atone for them. In today’s world that is restless and fearful with raging wars and uncertainty, we turn to God’s Word for comfort and guidance. How do we endeavor on this pathway and attain the destination with the worldly winds violently blowing around us and the enemy enticing us, tempting us, seeking whom he may devour? In John 5:24, we can read the words Jesus speaks to us: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” In specifying “verily I say unto you,” Jesus emphasizes that His words are indeed the truth and that we can securely trust and take comfort in His words. He tells and instructs us that when we are hearers of His Word and believe on the Lord that sent Him, we have the promise of everlasting life and will not be condemned. One day we will pass from death to an eternal Christmas in heaven. The pathway of a child of God is that of ever-changing scenery. We find there are blessings as well as trials and, at times, heavy burdens to carry. One day, the sun shines and the future looks bright; such are the carefree and light days. Then there can be days of raging storms and blinding winds. The destination is blurred – or unseen. It is during these days in particular that the child of God needs to be strengthened and uplifted with God’s Word and the gospel, to wash away sins and doubts in the name and blood of Jesus. Along the journey we can be comforted with the words in Isaiah 41:10: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” As the Christmas season approaches, we can securely embrace the promises of God, knowing and wholeheartedly trusting that believing in this way, we are led and guided toward that eternal Christmas in heaven. There we will experience true heavenly peace.

Curt Simonson | The Voice of Zion December 2022 -- O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. – Psalms 98:1–4 As we approach the day of Christmas we come with many thoughts and feelings. Often the busyness of life and the things left undone draw much of our attention in life. As we are busy planning for tomorrow, we often seem to forget to enjoy the blessings given for today. The psalmist encourages us to sing a new song unto the Lord. “The old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” The faith of God’s children has not changed since the promise of God given in the garden of Eden, although the world and the ways of life have changed much since the promise so long ago. The children of God do not praise God in a new and different way than the old believers, but the song begins new every day. Yesterday’s faith expired and today’s faith is new. Praise at Christmastime As we make our plans for the celebration of Christmas, it may seem like there is so much that needs to get done that we compromise the joy of the Christmas season. The words of the Psalmist remind us that the most important things are finished, and in these important things, nothing has been left for us to complete. That is the work of salvation. In all generations God has revealed the way to heaven, it is by His right hand and His holy arm. He did not leave anything for us to complete. This psalm was written many years before the birth of Jesus, but it shows us that God revealed His kingdom to the world in the same way as today: in mercy and truth. The name Israel means one who wrestles and has prevailed. The kingdom of God is the place upon earth where the children of God are joined together in song and rejoicing. We rejoice in this that we, through the name of Jesus, are washed in the blood of victory. The work Jesus came to do was difficult and painful, He suffered under the heathen. He was rejected by many of His own. Many people of the world did not even stop in their busy life when He came into this world. The city of Bethlehem was sleeping, but on the hillsides of Bethlehem angels visited believing shepherds with news of great victory: “Unto you is born this night in the city of Bethlehem a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” Let Us Go to Bethlehem The shepherds had not done anything of themselves, but in faith they waited and believed. To such people God brings good tidings. The shepherds said one to another, “Let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger, …even as it was told them by the angels.” The shepherds were so moved with joy they “noised abroad those things which they had seen and heard.” Although it doesn’t seem like the rejoicing which we have internally as God’s children is a loud noise, to those on the outside of God’s kingdom, this loud noise is the marvelous light showing to those on the earth the way to heaven. “It makes all wonder that hear it, those things which were told them by the shepherds.” Dear reader, as we make our way to Bethlehem, the place of bread, the work of Jesus has been completed for you. Here in the house of Israel is the “pillar and ground of truth.” You do not need to worry if you have left things undone or the preparations of the Christmas season are not complete. Although it may seem like you have wrestled and tired along the way, the gospel message of the forgiveness of sins yet belongs to you! A believing sister or brother can offer this gift to comfort and uplift. In this way we prevail in faith and rejoice in a new song, that in the righteousness of Jesus we have the living hope of the eternal Christmas in heaven.

Ari-Pekka Palola | The Voice of Zion January 2023 -- In 2018, the SRK, our sister organization in Finland, published Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever: Writings on the Basics of Faith and Doctrine. The articles from this book were translated into English and published by LLC in The Voice of Zion in 2019 and 2020 and in book form in 2022. In 2020, the SRK published a companion volume to Christ is the Same called Miten minä uskon, How I Believe. The latter volume contains writings on the same topics as the former, with the intent of presenting the topics in a brief and understandable way, accessible to readers of all ages. Beginning with this issue of The Voice of Zion and extending into 2024, we will publish a writing from How I Believe each month. Our prayer is that these articles on topics of faith and doctrine will edify God’s children and help each one’s endeavor all the way to heaven’s home. How I Believe Brief Writings on the Basics of Faith and Doctrine Editor: Ari-Pekka Palola Published by SRK, 2020 To the Reader It is good for every Christian to know the basics of faith, even if knowledge is not a prerequisite for faith. The need for information has become more and more evident in recent years. Both young and grown-up Christians have pondered how we actually believe and teach. This book aims to answer questions. The book’s purpose is to clearly and understandably describe how we believe and teach, and to share briefly what our understandings are based on. At the same time, the book aims to open to readers the meaning of key concepts related to questions of faith. This book is based on articles published in 2018 in the book Christ Is the Same Yesterday, Today and Forever. In this book, the main contents of those articles are gathered into a short and easy-to-understand format. The book works best when read as a whole, in which case the texts complement one another. To make reading easier, the number of references has been reduced to a minimum. The most important Scripture references are marked in the margins, and at the end of the book there is a bibliography of the most important sources. This book is intended to find its way into the hands of every Christian to provide information on the basics of faith and to raise interest in them. This book can certainly also be used in mission work and youth work in our Christianity. For readers who are not Conservative Laestadians, the book offers a basic overview of our understanding of faith and doctrine. Authors and Their Subject Areas Helén, Aimo Faith, Morals and Ethics Lecturer, Kärkölä Juntunen, Viljo Original Sin and Its Fruits ThD, Dean, Oulu Kallunki, Hannu The Law and the Gospel Director of Joint Municipality Authority, Raahe Kivioja, Pauli Work of the Holy Spirit Acting Vicar, Simo Kiviranta, Jorma Jesus Christ Dean, Oulu Kopperoinen, Juho Final Events Vicar, Länsi-Turunmaa Kupsala, Jari Creation and Humankind Lecturer, Oulu Niemelä, Pauli The Bible – Highest Authority of Faith and Life ThD, Vicar, Oulu Nissilä, Keijo Theology and Faith ThD, Oulu Ottman, Hanna By Faith Alone ThD, Director of Communications, Helsinki Pelkonen, Ari God’s Grace in Christ Chaplain, Hollola Rentola, Pentti Faith and Culture Principal, Alajärvi Sallinen, Martti God Dean, Iisalmi Soronen, Mauno God’s Revelation Vicar, Haapavesi Särkiniemi, Seppo Fundamentalism Chaplain, Espoo Taskila, Matti The Christian Congregation and the Kingdom of God Principal, Kannus Tervo, Pekka Life in Faith Classroom Teacher, Espoo Österberg, Raimo Repentance and Justification Lecturer, Nivala During the editing work, sections of text and ideas have been transferred from one article to another, because the discussion of each topic has been combined into one chapter of the book. All the text under one main heading is not necessarily produced by the same author. That is why the writings are not published under the authors’ names. In working on these texts, the editor has been supported by a committee consisting of Valde Palola (chair), Johannes Leppänen, Olli Lohi and Markku Seppänen.

LLC Board of Directors | The Voice of Zion January 2023 -- The spiritual division that has troubled our North American Zion for many years has sorrowfully led to heresy. During the 2022 LLC Annual Meeting, congregation delegates formally acknowledged that two congregations no longer travel in unity with other member congregations. Discord surfaced soon after the 2015 LLC Summer Services. In the years that followed, some alleged that the teaching of our Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) was wrong on a number of points of doctrine. These matters were discussed in small group meetings, joint board meetings, regional meetings, and continent-wide meetings. Among points of doctrine discussed were justification, the office of the Holy Spirit, the relationship between the written and spoken Word of God, the relationship between God’s Word and God’s congregation, the essence and role of the congregation, the forgiveness of sins, confession, and the role of the congregation’s servants. A continent-wide meeting of congregation board members, annual meeting delegates, and speakers was held May 7–8, 2021, to discuss the growing spiritual division and doctrinal questions. Two days of extensive discussion at this meeting, like earlier meetings, did not result in one-mindedness and unity. Two distinct voices were heard. The Apostle John writes, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). Most congregation representatives and meeting participants agreed that the Holy Spirit had spoken through the mouths of God’s children and guided the discussion. They heard the familiar voice of the Good Shepherd. Some, however, were of a different mind. They did not hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and did not join in saying “it felt good to the Holy Ghost and to us” (Acts 15:28). The Holy Spirit calls and unifies God’s children in understanding, mutual faith, and spirit (Eph. 4:3,4). Years of discussion made it clear that a false spirit was dividing our North American Zion. The meeting openly acknowledged that there were two groups in our midst and that we could not long continue as a divided flock. Jesus said that false teachers are known by their fruits (Matt. 7:16). God’s Word clearly identifies the fruits of His Spirit and the fruits of the flesh. The fruits of the Spirit include love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, while the works of the flesh include hatred, discord, strife, and heresies (Gal. 5:20,22,23). Among those who have departed, the critical mind and spirit with which they viewed and approached God’s congregation and its servants in North America have borne fruits of discord and strife. They did not see God’s congregation here as a golden candlestick and thus they did not heed Jesus’ instruction: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:29). In addition to these fruits, disturbing traits appeared in the positions of some who have departed. Among these was a rebuffing, at times even a belittling, of sanctification. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Pet. 1:2). Minimizing its place in the lives of God’s children leads to unwatchfulness in the endeavor, a dismissing of the danger of sin, and a diminishing of the importance of confession. This was accompanied by another disturbing trait, namely, the dismissal of the importance of preaching absolution in sermons and in general. The Holy Spirit continues the work of Christ in His congregation. The Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies God’s congregation on earth. Martin Luther said: “I believe that there is on earth a little holy flock or community of pure saints under one head, Christ. It is called together by the Holy Spirit in one faith, mind, and understanding. It possesses a variety of gifts yet is united in love without sect or schism.” 1 This unity of faith, mind, and understanding is not achieved by human wisdom, debate, or negotiation but by the Holy Spirit’s teaching and enlightenment of God’s Word in the congregation. Luther further explains, “The Holy Spirit reveals and preaches that Word, and by it he illumines and kindles hearts so that they grasp and accept it, cling to it, and persevere in it.” 2 At the 2022 LLC Annual Meeting, delegates raised the issue of the spiritual division in the North American Zion and the danger of the harm and confusion it spread. During a free and open discussion, meeting delegates and attendees shared a loving call to repentance to restore unity of faith. This call was neither recognized nor accepted as the call of the Holy Spirit. Delegates recognized a different voice and spirit in the speeches of delegates and guests from Minneapolis and Wolf Lake and that those congregations did not travel in unity of spirit with other LLC member congregations. Delegates then made a motion to formally remove the Minneapolis and Wolf Lake congregations as member organizations in the LLC. The motion was discussed at length and then passed with near unanimous approval. The motion was in accord with the LLC bylaws which state that member congregations are required to “act in conformity with the same spirit and doctrine confessed by the other member congregations” (Article II, Section 1). We sorrow over this heresy and pray for the return of all who have strayed and become lost. We recognize that the Apostle Paul’s words have been fulfilled in our midst: “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you” (1 Cor. 11:19). We pray that they might still find grace to walk footsteps of repentance and return to the Father’s house, to His living congregation. It is the kingdom of grace here on earth, through which leads the way to the kingdom of glory in heaven. LLC Board of Directors Northwest: Roger Plough, Carey Simonson, Dean Simonson, Marv Wittenberg Southwest: David Edwards, Michael Kumpula, Lauri Nevala East-Central: Randy Hillukka, Petri Hotari, Jim Jurmu, George Koivukangas, Peter Kuopus, Rick Nevala, Sam Roiko, Keith Waaraniemi Sources: Theodore G. Tappert, ed., The Book of Concord the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. (Philadelphia: Mühlenberg Press, 1959), 417. Theodore G. Tappert, ed., The Book of Concord the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. (Philadelphia: Mühlenberg Press, 1959), 416.

David Ojala | The Voice of Zion January 2023 -- What is a family? Generally, we think of a family as a mother and father and their children. An extended family could include cousins, grandma and grandpa and aunts and uncles. In one account in the Bible, Jesus taught those visiting with Him about His family. When Jesus was on earth, He had a natural family. One time when He was visiting with many people including His disciples, His natural brothers and mother came to see Him. Those who Jesus was visiting told Him that His mother and brothers had come. Jesus used this as a teaching moment. He asked those that were there a question, “Who is my mother, or my brethren?” (Mark 3:33). He essentially was asking who God’s family is. Spiritual Family Jesus’ description of His family might surprise us. He didn’t talk about His relatives only, but His spiritual family – those who do God’s will. “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother” (Mark 3:35). In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ description of family is expanded: “Jesus stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Matt. 12:49,50). Those who do God’s will are believers – we also refer to them as children of God or our brothers and sisters in faith, those, who by God’s grace, believe their sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and precious blood. This is who makes up God’s family. Just like natural family, we are close to God’s family. We share joys and sorrows and care about each other. There are some believers who have a small natural family but have many relatives in God’s family – this is a great blessing. Even if we have a large believing extended family, we may move to a congregation where we have no natural family. There, it is especially comforting to be part of God’s family. Spiritual Love Just as natural family has love for one another, members of God’s family have love towards one another. In God’s family this love is spiritual love – the deepest kind of love where we want to help each other get to heaven. This love comes as a fruit of the Spirit by faith. Jesus spoke about this kind of love when He told His own: “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12), and “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Jesus also has instruction about the love we have for our natural family and the love we have for God. He instructs that those who love their natural family more than God are not worthy of God, saying, “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). There may be situations where some members of our natural family are not believing or have recently lost their faith. The family bonds can be strong and we struggle between familial love and spiritual love. We love unbelieving ones deeply as natural family members but cannot give them living faith – this comes as a gift from God. It might be difficult for us to rebuke family about their errors because we don’t want to break family bonds. However, spiritual love is more important than natural love and the greatest love we can show is care for their undying souls. We can ask for God’s help in this situation and approach our loved ones in humility and meekness: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest though also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). May God give us a heart to remind our dear ones in love and truth about the importance of being part of God’s family. Spiritual Food Around the holidays many of us gather as families. It is a precious and enjoyable time when children come back home to their families and extended family. Often the most festive times are centered around meals and eating. The gatherings of God’s family at service events, camps or other occasions are similar. They are joyful times when we can reunite with old friends in faith and be fed with spiritual food – God’s Word – the core of which is the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. How blessed we are when God has given us both a natural family and a spiritual family. Just as we long for family connections and need temporal food, may we always be given a heart that regards God’s family as beautiful and has a hunger for God’s Word.

Ben Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion February 2023 -- We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. – Psalm 44:1–6 It can be difficult to see God’s guiding hand in our day-to-day lives. In a moment of trials and difficulties, we struggle to see purpose and easily forget that the thoughts and ways of God are higher than our own (Isa. 55:9). Looking back, we can often see more clearly the goodness of God toward us. Our psalm text recalls God’s goodness in the past and encourages us to trust in His protection and guidance now and in the future as well. “We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us.” It is clear that the previous generations had shared with their children the works of God. They were faithful to the instruction that God through Moses had given: “Thou shalt teach [these words] diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by thy way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deut. 6:7). The sowing of God’s Word is the responsibility of each believer. There is a special obligation for parents to speak of God’s goodness to their children and to speak of how the power of God in the gospel has carried them throughout their life. The psalmist especially recalls how God had prepared the promised land for His chosen nation. “Thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.” God drove out the enemies of His people and planted Israelites there. They were given a land of milk and honey where everything had been prepared. Moses warned the children of Israel before they entered the promised land to “beware lest thou forget the Lord” (Deut. 6:10–13). In studying the history of the children of Israel, we see that they often forgot this instruction. It is a reminder for us to not only be hearers of the word but doers as well (James 1:22). The psalm tells who was responsible for these victories. “For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance.” It was God’s power and might that accomplished these things, not the armies of the Israelites. God showed them grace and favor, and these were not earned by any merit of their own. In the same way, the sowing of God’s Word is His work. Only He can bless it and give increase, and only He deserves honor and praise for the harvest (1 Cor. 3:7). Following the Psalmist’s recollections of God’s past blessings, he asks God for deliverance: “Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.” This is a good example to us on how to approach God in prayer. We can remember Him and praise Him for His goodness and in faith ask for future blessings. Although the people at the time this psalm was created lived in a difficult time, they were able to trust in God. The previous generations had done the work of sowing God’s Word. They had shared with their children and grandchildren God’s goodness and mercy and laid a sure foundation for their offspring. Let us do the same in our time. Speak to your children and grandchildren about how God has helped in your life. Take time to visit the elders and hear of their experiences. Pause to sing songs of Zion, which speak to us so powerfully of God’s goodness and love. Freely share the gospel of forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name and blood. Especially in this gospel, the love of God is revealed to us in our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:39).