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< Back December 13, 2024 Click the link below to open a recipe for Christmas tree treats. Christmas Tree Treats O Holy Night Previous

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

< Back Confirmation Day 2: God, the Triune God Day 2, Lesson 3: The Bible, God's Written Word Objective God reveals His will in the Bible; The Bible is a Holy Book needing the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to open understanding Learning Outcome Give an example of how God reveals His will in the Bible. Confirmation Exercise Questions #7. Where did the Scriptures come from? Holy men of God spoke and wrote as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. #8. What is the main message of the Old Testament? The promise of the coming Messiah, our Lord, Jesus Christ. #9. What is the main message of the New Testament? The fulfilment of the Old Testament promise concerning Christ. #14. The living Word of God is compared to a two edged sword. What are the two edges? The Law and the Gospel Reference Material Booklet Song: The Lord has given us His Word / That we may learn of Him. / A precious book He gave to say / We may be free from sin. (SHZ 446 v.1) Booklet Text: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:20,21) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Scripture: Eph. 6:17; Gal. 1:8; Ps. 119:105; 12:6; Isa. 40:8; Jer. 23:29; John 12:48; Rom. 2:16; John 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:10-14; Eph. 1:17; 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:12; 2 Pet. 1:20,21; John 5:39 CURRICULUM Lesson 1.1 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS While God speaks to us in nature, the fate of our lives, and the phases of nations, He especially speaks to us in Holy Scripture and our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Holy Scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit and is thus God’s own word. The Bible is not an encyclopedia of history, the world, and nature and its phenomena, but rather the revelation of God's works for the redemption and salvation of man. The Bible speaks of God. Pictures and narratives attempt to illustrate what God is like. • The Bible is Christian faith and life's highest guide. The Bible is a closed book that is opened by the Holy Spirit. It is to be read with prayer. Students will be able to use the Bible and want to study it daily. Students will become acquainted with Jesus’ teachings by reading together or individually one of the gospels during confirmation school. RESOURCES By Faith 2; Christian Doctrine 4, 5, 6, and 7. (p1) By Faith 2; Christian Doctrine 4, 5, 6, and 7. (p2) The Treasure Hidden in a Field, J. Uljas, p. 19-26; God’s Word is the Highest Authority, J. Frantti - Crossing the Current, Pages 11-14 LLC Website: From a Child Thou Hast Known the Holy Scriptures, J. Frantti, LLC Winter Services, 1999, Youth Presentation Previous Next

COOPERATION COOPERATION Mutual work with sister organizations was formalized, with mutual efforts in mission work and publications. Home and family work was facilitated. New facilities helped meet expanding needs across the continent. Scattered use of digital technology in work areas solidified into robust use of digital platforms to hold services domestically and abroad, broadcast programs, facilitate education and provide publications content. LLC congregation growth over the past 50 years. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/72117d_3864b0384b064330974e3b0a12c14099/480p/mp4/file.mp4 LLC Member Congregations LLC History 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s LLC Music History More

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

< Back December 8, 2024 Happy Second Advent Sunday! Click the link below to see a video featuring song of Zion 23, Oh, Come, Little Children. Oh, Come, Little Children 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

Position Statements INTRODUCTION LLC Position Statement - adopted July 2006 We live a time during which the concept of right and wrong has blurred. It appears that many people accept the philosophy of moral relativism, denying the existence of moral truths. As a result many base their beliefs on the ever-changing tide of popular opinion and thus have no enduring foundation upon which to build their lives. The Bible, once widely respected and esteemed as the foundation for Christian faith, is now commonly believed to have only symbolic value, more significant as a source of history and culture than moral guidance. Our beliefs direct our lives and guide our actions. They have consequences with regard to both eternal life and this life. As individuals and as a society we will reap the consequences of our actions. Thus with heartfelt concern we wish to draw attention to the following issues and present our position on them. GOD'S WORD THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD We believe that the Bible is God's Word. While men have written the Scripture, they have not done so as an expression of their own will, but God has moved them by His Spirit to express His own will (2 Pet. 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16). God's Word is not to be treated or regarded in the same manner as man's word but rather granted our highest esteem and reverence. GOD'S WORD IS CHRISTIAN FAITH'S HIGHEST AUTHORITY 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. GOD'S WORD IS UNCHANGING AND ETERNAL 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. According to Jesus, the content and the message of the Word of God does not change along with changes in the world. God's Word is always timely. We cannot relinquish this principle. Jesus says of the permanence of His Word: “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away” (Luke 21:33). THE CENTRAL MESSAGE OF THE BIBLE IS SALVATION IN JESUS CHRIST The teaching about Jesus Christ and the salvation that God in His love has prepared in Christ is the central message of the Bible. Man is saved alone by grace, through faith, on the merits of Christ. Only faith in Christ justifies man and makes him acceptable to God (John 20:31; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8). FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES CONCEPT OF GOD Increasing numbers of people have rejected belief in the Triune God revealed in the Bible. They prefer instead to create a concept of God that conforms to their own notions. We believe that there is no living God beside Him who has revealed himself in Jesus Christ and His Word. God is love. He is also holy, righteous, and unchanging. He hates sin but loves sin-fallen mankind. CONCEPT OF MAN Modern man's self-image has become both more individual-centered and human-centered. Understanding of the fact that man is responsible to both God and his fellowman has dimmed. The view that man is basically good is also widely held. This view is contrary to God's Word. While God created man in His image (Gen. 1:26) and has intended that man live in unity with Him, man was corrupted when the first human pair, Adam and Eve, fell into sin. As a result of this original sin, man's basic nature is no longer good but corrupted by sin and inclined to evil (Gen. 6:12, 8:21; Rom. 3:10-12, 23). It is because of sin that there is so much evil in the world. SIN Sin is one of the principal concepts of the Bible. Simply stated, sin is the falling away of the heart from God. Every person has a conscience and some kind of understanding of right and wrong. The voice of the conscience, however, is corrupted if it is not joined to God's Word. Knowledge of and reverence for God's Word has dimmed in our time and with it people's concept of right and wrong, of sin, has also dimmed. If teaching about sin ceases, man's awareness of his need for God's grace also ceases. MAN'S VALUE IS BASED ON CREATION AND REDEMPTION Because every person is created in God's image (Gen. 1:26) and has been redeemed by Christ, every individual is of value, unique, and irreplaceable regardless of age, position, occupation, race, gender, or other attributes. God wishes us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. True love for our neighbors is to help them when they are in need and to encourage them to live according to God's Word and support them in their endeavor to do so. It also includes warning them of the dangers of living contrary to the will of God (Lev. 19:17; Eph. 5:11; 2 Tim. 4:2). GOD IS LORD OVER LIFE AND DEATH As knowledge increases and technology advances, man strives to take decisions of life and death into his own hands. This manifests itself, for example, in the prevention of conception, the termination of pregnancy, some kinds of gene manipulation, efforts to clone humans, and euthanasia. People have forgotten that God is the Creator and upholder of all, Lord over life and death. He alone has the power to create life and take it away (1 Sam. 2:6; Job 10:12; Ps. 139:13-16). He has not authorized man to control life. The duty of medicine is to protect life, alleviate suffering, and promote and maintain health while respecting humanity. DOCTRINE AND LIFE GO TOGETHER Doctrine and life are closely joined. God blesses those who live according to His will. The gospel brings man freedom in Christ and gives him the power to serve God and his fellowman. It does not give him permission to live in sin (Gal. 5:13; 1 Pet. 2:16). God has lovingly set limits for man, like loving parents do for their children. The grace of God teaches us to reject sin and to live according to the instruction of His Word (Tit. 2:11, 12). CHRISTIANITY IN SOCIETY GOD'S LAW AS A FOUNDATION FOR SOCIETY AND ITS LAWS Just as God has established the so-called laws of nature, which govern the physical world, He has also established a moral law, sometimes called higher or natural law, which governs the lives of men. This law is universal, eternal, and unchanging. God reveals this law to all men by general revelation, that is, through nature, the fate of men's lives, and history (Rom. 1:19, 20; 2:14, 15), as well as in His Word. There it is briefly expressed in the Ten Commandments and even more briefly in Jesus' Two Great Commandments (Matt. 22:37-40). Previous generations have recognized the existence and immutable nature of this higher law. They have understood that by His law God does not seek to hinder and oppress man but rather to protect life and all that which is sacred and precious in life. As a result, they strove to emulate God's law in the laws of our land. Recent generations and their elected leaders, legislators, and judges have challenged or denied the existence or validity of a higher law. Deviating from the truths of God's law and the teaching of His Word shakes the foundations of our society and threatens its survival. THE FEAR OF THE LORD GRANTS SECURITY It is a benefit to our society that this and upcoming generations are given wholesome models for life and secure conditions for growth. These rise from the correct fear of God and from personal faith. “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge” (Prov. 14:26). SOBER LIVING IS A PART OF CHRISTIAN MORALITY Sober living has always been part of Christian morality. The Scripture warns of the dangers of alcohol and other intoxicants. It teaches that the power of alcohol wars against the will and power of God (Isa. 5:11, 12; 1Cor. 6:10; Eph. 5:18). The use of intoxicants causes immeasurable suffering and hardship in our society, affecting not only the user, but also others around them. Individuals in the public eye, including elected officials, civil servants, and educators, can teach the value of a positive, unimpaired lifestyle by providing an example of sober living in their own lives. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY ISSUES GOD CREATED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY God has established marriage and family in His creation work and they are thus defined and governed by the natural law of God's creation (Gen 2:18, 23, 24). Attempts to redefine marriage and family and to alter or resist their intended purpose thus injure families and society. MARRIAGE-A LIFELONG COVENANT BETWEEN MAN AND WOMAN A fundamental change of values and concepts marked the so-called sexual revolution of the 1960s. Marital fidelity lost its significance. Sexual cohabitation has gained moral acceptance in our society. The fulfillment of nearly all one's inclinations has become permissible. This is manifested, for example, in legislation legalizing same-sex unions. God, however, instituted marriage as a lifelong covenant between man and woman. God's will is that sexual life between man and woman takes place only in the estate of marriage. The Bible always calls sexual relations outside of marriage fornication. DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16). Moses allowed divorce, but, as Jesus explained, he did so only because of the hardness of men's hearts, that is their unbelief, and that it had not been so from the beginning. Jesus taught: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt. 19:6; Mark 10:9). The effects of increasing divorce are evident in our society. Truly divorce, in a person's innermost being, is always a wounding and pivotal change-not to mention the degree to which children and youth suffer when their parents part ways. Because God established marriage as a lifelong covenant it ends only when one of the spouses dies. According to the Bible remarriage is acceptable only after a spouse has died (Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:39). HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR IS SIN The Bible teaches that homosexual behavior is immoral and as such is sin (Rom. 1:24-27; Lev. 18:22). Appeals to God's creation work and genetics do not justify homosexual relations, for even if in some cases the individual may not be responsible for the onset of the homosexual tendency, God's Word nonetheless obligates him or her to abstain from its practice in the same manner that it obligates an individual with normal sexual inclination to abstain from extramarital sexual relations. God does not approve the sexual relations of partners of the same sex and He does not bless such relationships. It is with good reason that the Bible warns against this sin. The increase of homosexuality and its acceptance has always been an expression of moral decline. GOD WISHES TO PROTECT AND STRENGTHEN MARRIAGE AND FAMILIES God's Word seeks to protect and strengthen the family (Exod. 20:12; Prov. 1:8; Eph. 6:1-3). The family forms the fundamental unit of society and strong families are crucial to the health and preservation of society. Our society needs to value lifelong marriage and to support parenthood. Governments, policy makers, and public institutions at all levels should strive to support and strengthen marriage and families. CONCLUSION The Bible teaches that true wisdom begins with the fear of God. He and His Word are eternal and unchanging. A life built upon the enduring values of God's Word brings blessings to both the individual and society: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). God's Word is a bright and true light. It exposes evil and gives man knowledge of his sin and convicts him of it, but it also tells of the forgiveness and life that God has provided in Jesus Christ and the keys of the kingdom of heaven with which His children forgive penitent sinners on His behalf and thus release them from the bondage of sin.

< Back December 6, 2024 Click the audio link below to hear a poem titled Candle Choir. To read the poem, click the link. Candle Choir Candle Choir Previous

< Back Confirmation Day 5: I Need the Word Of Grace Each Day Day 5, Lesson 5: Prayer, Thy Will Be Done Objective Prayer is the speech of our heart to God; God answers according to His will and in His time Learning Outcome Create a personal prayer to God. Confirmation Exercise Questions #10. What is prayer? Prayer is the speech of the heart to God. #28. Let us together recite the Lord's Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven: Hallowed be Thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven: Give us this day our daily bread: And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us: And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. #29. Let us together recite the Benediction: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make His face shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up His countenance upon us, and give us peace. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Reference Material Booklet Song: Our Father, Thou in heav’n above, / Who biddest us to dwell in love / As brethren of one family, / To cry in ev’ry need to Thee, / Teach us no thoughtless words to say, / But from our inmost heart to pray. (SHZ 168 v.1) Booklet Text: And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. (Luke 11:1) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Matt. 6:5-15; Ps. 42:1,2; 100; 130; 150; Num. 6:24-26; Rom. 8:24-28; 34; Heb. 7:25; Exod. 17:10-13; Jer. 29:11-14; Luke 18:1-8; John 16:23-30; Acts 12:1-11; 16:25-34; Ps. 66:20; James 5:16-18 CURRICULUM Lessons 4.4, 9.11 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS Students will know what prayer is and able to pray as God’s Word teaches. Students will be able to say the Lord’s Prayer, Benediction, and to understand their meaning. The Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ make intercessions on our behalf. God hears our prayers but may delay in fulfilling them or give that which is more needful for us. We can approach God with any, and all our matters, both temporal and spiritual. God has promised to hear our prayers. Believers can approach God as a child does to a father. God created man in His own image and fellowship; we can speak to God and hear His speech. RESOURCES By Faith 28; Christian Doctrine 78-82 ; The Treasure Hidden in the Field, J. Uljas, p. 72-77; VZ: Jesus’ Teaching of Prayer, K. Kankkonen, Sep. 1993, page 13; The Power and Value of Prayer, Abs. Tauiainen, Jan 1996, page 12; The Bible’s Teaching on Prayer, Päivämies editorial, May 2005, page 2. LLC Website: Prayer, L. Hakso, Summer Services Ministers and Board meeting, 1998; Prayer, M. Kontkanen, Summer Services Ministers and Board meeting, 2009. Previous Next