Search Results

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

< Back December 19, 2024 Click the link below to open instructions for creating a manger scene showing Baby Jesus. Jesus in the Manger Christmas Peace Previous

< Back December 22, 2024 Happy Fourth Advent Sunday! Click the link below to see a video featuring song of Zion 33, An Angel Came from God Above. An Angel Came from God Above Still, Still, Still Previous

< Back Confirmation Day 8: Wrap-Up Day 8, Lesson 1: Confirmation Review Objective Write a key thought for the theme and lessons each day. Learning Outcome Confirmation Exercise Questions Reference Material Additional Reference Material Previous Next

< Back December 11, 2024 Click the link below to open instructions for constructing a nativity scene. Nativity Scene Still, Still, Still Previous

< Back Confirmation Day 4: The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of God Day 4, Lesson 1: The Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier Objective Holy Spirit calls and gathers the congregation of Christ; The Holy Spirit comforts, teaches, and guides Learning Outcome Give examples of how the Holy Spirit sanctifies. Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material Booklet Song: You desire true devotion / And a heart of purity; / You hate evil and corruption / You despise hypocrisy. / Therefore, sanctify my mind, / That in me You always find / An abiding dwelling lowly, / Worthy of Your presence holy. (SHZ 127 v.6) Booklet Text: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.(John 14:26) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE John 20:19-23; John 14:26; Acts 15:28 Matt. 16:15-19; Acts 10:43; Rom. 3:24,25; 1 Cor. 6:11; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 4:15; 9:7-12; 1 John 1:7; 5:13; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19; Rev. 5:9; 7:14; Jer. 1:4,5; Rom. 15:16; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 5:25-27; 2 Thess. 2:13,14; 1 Pet. 1:1,2; 1 John 1:9 CURRICULUM Lesson 2.7 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God the Father and of Christ. God is the almighty Lord, whose sphere of influence is boundless. He has given His Holy Spirit as a guide and comfort to the believer. God sent His Holy Spirit into His Congregation. The Holy Spirit speaks in our conscience and in God's congregation. The office of the keys is a function of the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness is the office of the Spirit and not the office of mere words. RESOURCES By Faith 21; Luther’s Small Catechism Apostle’s, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds The Holy Spirit and Its Work, V. Juntunen, The Sheepfold Tender, pages 102-111. LLC Website: The Office of the Holy Spirit, W. Lampi, Summer Services Ministers and Board meeting, 2017; The Office of the Holy Spirit, C. Simonson, Summer Services Youth Presentation, 2017. VZ: The Holy Spirit’s Work, H. Jussila, May, 1994, page 3; Bible Concepts: The Holy Spirit, May, 1995, page 12; The Holy Spirit, The Comforter, P. Haataja, Feb. 2010, page 4. Previous Next

< Back Confirmation Day 6: Caring For Faith Within the Congregation Day 6, Lesson 1: Baptism, a Covenant of a Good Conscience Objective Baptism is the covenant of a good conscience with God, which obligates us to battle against sin; Jesus commanded to baptize and teach Learning Outcome Explain what baptism is and its benefit for a believer. Confirmation Exercise Questions #22. What are the sacraments? Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. #23. Will the class please stand and recite the baptismal command? "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matt. 28:19-20) #24. What is the significance of baptism? Baptism is the covenant of a good conscience. Reference Material Booklet Song: Jesus, we have come to Thee, / In our arms an infant bearing: / In the gown of white we see / What the infant’s soul is wearing. / Jesus, shield this infant tender, / Be their help and great defender, / Great defender! (SHZ 223 v.1) Booklet Text: “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him”(Acts 8:37,38) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE 1 John 1:7-9; 1 Pet. 3:21; Acts 2: 38-41; 8:35-38; 9:17,18;10:44-48; Mark 16:15,16; Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3-6; Mark 10: 13-16; Matt.18:3-6 CURRICULUM Lesson 4.1 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS Student will know the scriptural foundation for child baptism. In Baptism, God speaks to the child and promises His grace every day for strength to believe RESOURCES By Faith 25 ; Christian Doctrine 59, 60; Luther’s Small Catechism Part IV; Treasure Hidden in a Field, J. Uljas, pages 61-65 The Door Opens by Faith, Not Baptism, Päivämies, The Sheepfold Tender, pages 55-56 VZ: Baptism, J. Uljas, Sep. 1998, page 5 LLC Website: The Sacraments, M. Lohi, Summer Services Ministers/Board mtg., 2017. Previous Next

The Kingdom of Heaven TREASURE HIDDEN IN A FIELD "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth,and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." Matt. 13:44 THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN There is no subject which was more prevalent in Jesus' preaching than the kingdom of heaven, that is, the kingdom of God. It was the most common subject of His parables and was the theme of His preaching.(1) In fact, Jesus said that the first thing that a man should search for in life is God's kingdom and His righteousness.(2) It is important to find God's righteousness, for He has declared man's righteousness, or our very best deeds, impure and unacceptable in His sight.(3)The righteousness which is acceptable before God is found in His kingdom. Jesus was once asked to explain when the kingdom of God would come. In His reply, He reveals two essential points: first, the kingdom of God is not visible to the human eye, and, second, it is present in the midst of men.(4) A HIDDEN KINGDOM It might seem impossible to find a kingdom that cannot be seen, but with God's help it can be found. Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matt. 7:7). In the parable at the top of the page, Jesus shows us that while the kingdom is hidden, it can indeed be found. The parable illustrates why the kingdom of God cannot be seen. It is like treasure buried in the dust and dirt of a field, hidden from man's sight. It is certainly an apt picture. In this world God's kingdom is hidden beneath the flaws and faults of believing people, people whom God has made from the dust of the earth.(5) A GREAT TREASURE The parable also illustrates what happens when a man finds God's kingdom. He hides its treasure, sells all that he has, and buys it. Simply said, God's kingdom becomes the most important matter in his life. He wants, above all else, to protect and preserve his new-found treasure and follow the people of God and the Lord Jesus.(6) Like the man in the parable, we have found the kingdom of God and obtained its treasure. We now carry this treasure in our sin-corrupt bodies. We wish to share it with you. YOU CAN HAVE THIS TREASURE What we can offer you is God's forgiveness in Jesus Christ. This forgiveness is the very essence of the gospel and the essence of God's kingdom. Martin Luther said: "Forgiveness of sins is nothing more than two words in which the whole kingdom of Christ consists...This word of consolation shall not cease among Christians until the last day: 'Thy sins are forgiven, be of good cheer.' Such language a Christian always uses and openly declares the forgiveness of sins."(7) Luther was right. This word of consolation has not ceased. God's children live of it and use it constantly. We declare it to any sinner who longs for God's forgiveness. We can give you this treasure because Jesus has given us the power to forgive men their sins. He said that what we forgive on earth is also forgiven in heaven, that is, it is forgiven before God.(8) Belief in this gospel of forgiveness obtains what it promises, namely, God's forgiveness and the righteousness of Jesus Christ, the righteousness that is acceptable to God. You can have it too. END NOTES 1 "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:1415) "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." (Matt. 9:35) "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." (Luk 9:1, 2) 2 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33 ) 3 "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isa. 64:6) "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Rom. 3:1012) 4 "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20, 21) 5 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2 Cor. 4:7 ) 6 "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost." (1 Thess. 1:6) 7 Luther, Martin, "Sermon for the 19th Sunday after Trinity" in Luther's Church Postil, Vol.V, trans. John Nicholas Lenker (Minneapolis: Lutherans In All Lands Co. : 1905) 201, 202, 209 8 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20:2123) "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matt. 18:18) "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." (2 Cor. 5:1820)

< Back December 5, 2024 Click the link below to listen to a story about Abby, who can’t wait for her Sunday school program. A Christmas Part for Abby Christmas Peace Previous

< Back December 9, 2024 Do you know your Christmas songs? Click the link below to answer questions about Christmas songs in our hymnal. Songbook Puzzle Christmas Peace Previous