< 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 Confirmation Day 5: I Need the Word Of Grace Each Day Day 5, Lesson 1: Grace, Unmerited Love Objective Grace is the undeserved and unearned love and mercy of God towards sinners; Grace is the teacher and source of strength for the child of God Learning Outcome Give an example of how grace is unmerited love and mercy. Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material Booklet Song: Here grace will teach you, you will find / That Jesus takes Your burdens; / His house is called the House of Bread, / He feeds the hungry pilgrims, / And in this kingdom on the earth, / God’s joyful children travel / To heaven’s home eternal. (SHZ 287 v.9) Booklet Text: “For by Grace are ye saved through faith.” (Eph. 2:8) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Tit. 2:11-13; Eph. 2:8; John 1:14–17; Rom. 3:21-26; Rom. 4:16; 1 Cor. 1:3; 15:10; Eph. 2:5-7; Eph. 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:9; Tit. 2:11, 12; Tit. 3:1-8; Gal. 2:21; Col. 3:16; 4:6; Heb. 4:16; 2 Pet. 3:18; CURRICULUM None ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS Grace cannot be earned Grace is the love of God The grace of God is also the power in the endeavor of faith RESOURCES VZ: Bible Concepts: Grace, The Love of God, A. Hirvonen, Nov. 1993, p 12; Time of Visitation, Time of Grace, Time of Death, K. Paavo, Aug. 1987, page 4; The Effect of God’s Grace, E.Lepisto, Nov. 1981, Page 174; By Grace Alone, A. Paananen, Apr. 2016, page 2; Previous Next

< Back Confirmation Day 5: I Need the Word Of Grace Each Day Day 5, Lesson 4: Sexuality Issues Objective God gave sexuality for man and woman in marriage, to continue human life; The enemy of souls tempts to misuse our sexuality Learning Outcome Explain how my sexuality is a gift from God Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material Booklet Song: Master, the times are corrupt and enticing. / Grant us Your Word of instruction and blessing. / Ne’er let our hearts to this world be conforming, / That from Your kingdom not one would be drowning. (SHZ 479 v.2) Booklet Text: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.(Luke 21:36) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Genesis 38:10; Lev. 18:22; 2 Sam. 11; Prov. 7; Eccl. 1:9; Luke 5:8, 21:36; 1 Jn. 1:8,10; Rom. 1: 26,27; 3:23, 7:17; 1 Cor. 10:13; Col. 3:5,6; 2 Tim. 2:22; James 1:14,15; CURRICULUM None ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS Sexuality is intended for marriage, between a husband and wife It is in marriage only that sexual life is realized with a sense of responsibility. (V to V) Believers need to be very watchful and battle against temptation Masturbation is a sin It is sin to live a gay, lesbian lifestyle Appeal to creation and genetics does not justify homosexual relations If you have personal questions and fears about sexuality, talk to a trusted believer The gospel is the power of God Discuss Dress: How we dress may arouse fleshly desires in others Attitudes towards the opposite sex Avoid physical contact that arouses the flesh Man’s glorification of the body (sex symbol) Casual dating – Sexual contact, casual sex Sins of the flesh – Masturbation, pornography, other RESOURCES LLC Website: LLC Position Statement Homosexual Behavior is Sin Victory to Victory, Sexual Life and Its Irregularities, E. Pelkonen, pages 69-74; He Created Them Male and Female, L. Värynen, Fortifying the Foundation, pages 74-75; Male and Female, At the Crossroads of Choosing, pages 37-42. Previous Next

Contact Office Location and Mailing Address: 212 West 3rd Street Monticello, MN 55362 763-479-2422 info@llchurch.org General Inquiries First Name Last Name Email Message Thank you for submitting! Send Change of Address Form Question Box Birth Announcement Engagement Announcement Wedding Announcement Death Announcement Voice of Zion Ad Opisto Scholarship Program Administrative Department ARVIN PIRNESS Executive Director arvin.pirness@llchurch.org LLC Annual Meeting LLC Board Meetings LLC Sister Organization Relations MARIA FREDRICKSON Receptionist, Administrative Assistant maria.fredrickson@llchurch.org Foreign Mission Work Administrative Support Camp enrollment Bookstore inventory, orders and shipping Congregation communication ELIZABETH JUNTUNEN Finance Manager ejuntunen@llchurch.org Finance & Budgeting ADELINE MOLL Facilities & Events Manager adeline.moll@llchurch.org Scheduling Camp staff support Facilities maintenance & operations Facility use & rental Summer & Winter Services Mission Department ADRIAN PIRNESS Global Mission Programs Manager adrian.pirness@llchurch.org Foreign mission work Office technology & equipment support LLC liaison to Humanitarian Aid Committee DANIEL KUMPULA Pastoral & Mission Program Manager daniel.kumpula@llchurch.org Pastoral work Home & Family committee Education - Sunday School, Confirmation school, Bible Class Area Mission Committee support Summer & Winter Services PHIL JURMU Publications Director phil.jurmu@llchurch.org Planning and production of LLC publications MATTHEW KERANEN Publications Editor & Content Curator matthew.keranen@llchurch.org Periodical Editor LLC Service Broadcast Content Support Social Media Coordinator LLC Content Creator Workshops & Content Creator Support LLC Liaison to Opisto and Language Camp programs SANDRA PYLVAINEN (part-time) Project Editor sandra.pylvainen@llchurch.org Book Project Editor Book writer coaching and support EEVA NIKULA Publications and Broadcast Coordinator eeva.nikula@llchurch.org Content coordinator for periodicals, Hearken and broadcasts Publications volunteer coordinator Bookstore contact LLC Services Bookstore Liaison Subscriptions management – payments, change of address contact ANNETTE JOHNSON Layout Artist annette.johnson@llchurch.org Overall graphic design Print publications layout Services logo & designs support Voice of Zion announcements Voice of Zion layout Website oversight SHANNA PIRNESS Digital Media Specialist shanna.pirness@llchurch.org Digital publications creation & coordination Hearken app management Services programming support Publications layout support LIISA KERANEN Music Coordinator liisa.keranen@llchurch.org Church music Music copyright Music production Music training Publications Department

< Back December 23, 2024 Click the audio link below to hear a poem titled Something Happened. To read the poem, click the link. Something Happened Something Happened Previous

< Back December 1, 2024 Today is the first day of our new church year. Happy First Advent Sunday! Click the link below to see a video featuring song of Zion 11, A Candle We Are Lighting Now. A Candle We Are Lighting Now Christmas Peace 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 20, 2024 Click the audio link below to hear a poem titled A Child Questions. To read the poem, click the link. A Child Questions A Child Questions 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 4: Caring for One Another Objective First we should love God; We should love our neighbor as ourselves Learning Outcome Describe how God’s love prompts me to help others Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material Booklet Song: When we see our neighbor suff’ring, / When he lacks necessities, / May we share our many blessings, / All the gifts that we receive. / May we comfort him who struggles, / That he never weeps alone. / May we tell him of the Savior / Seated at the mercy throne. (SHZ 412 v.3) Booklet Text: “Am I my brother's keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Gen. 4:1-15; Gen. 23:2-6; Sam. 12-13; Matt. 7:12; 18:15-20; Luke 7:36-50; Luke 10:25-37; Luke 22:54-62; John 16:13; John 21:17; Rom. 12:10, 14-18; 1 Cor. 2:1-5; 2 Cor. 5:19,20; Gal. 1:6,7; 6:1,2; Eph. 4:1-5, 32; Col. 3:16; Heb. 12:1,2; 1Pet. 2:9. CURRICULUM Lesson 7.6 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS Joseph’s faith engendered love, which gave strength to forgive and care for others The Good Samaritan used his time, skills and money for the good of one that needed help The love that God gave as a gift teaches us to accept ourselves and our neighbors as unique persons created by God Valuing diversity does not mean approving of sin and an indecent life Continuous criticism, suppression, and derision of another person and cold indifference are foreign to the neighborly love that is the fruit of true faith. Neighborly love is being near, listening, but also caring and desiring to help when needed Neighborly love gives us a readiness to meet a diversity of cultures with an open mind. A person who has set out on a different road in faith matters may long for contact with believers. Learn to discuss in such a confidential, secure manner so that a person could openly ask questions and even question matters. Search for answers within the congregation of God. It is our task to convey the Redeemer’s loving invitation. A penitent sinner can believe sins forgiven unconditionally in the gospel proclaimed from the Kingdom of God. RESOURCES By Faith Lesson 37 ; Christian Doctrine 85 - Saved to Serve; How to Approach Another Person, Aimo Helen, SRK Speakers and Elders meeting at Summer Services 2013; How to Approach Another Person, Keith Waaraniemi, LLC Summer Services 2014 (Presentation based on Aimo’s Introduction); Crossing the Current: Neighborliness–An Individual and Worldwide Matter; Crossing the Current: Neighborliness – A Neighbor in Need, J. Bloomquist, pages 98-99; The Sheepfold Tender: Bear One Another’s Burdens, D. Lahti, p. 143-147; Do You Care About Me?T. Hanninen p.163-164; I Will Seek That Which is Lost, H. Kallunki, p.165-173 ; VZ: A Brother’s Keeper, Youth Page (several articles), Jul 1999, page 8 Previous Next