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Keith Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion January 2018 - Doctrine and Life, Questions of Our Time -- We live in a changing and perilous time. Our doctrine and walk of faith are severely challenged by the three-fold enemy. Many questions arise. How can we keep faith and a good conscience and yet live in this present world? Starting this month, January 2018, this new feature entitled, Doctrine and Life, Questions of Our Timewill appear each month. In it many timely topics which face the believer of today will be examined in the light of God’s written Word, long held understandings and through His Holy Spirit. How Do I Know This Is God’s Kingdom? God’s kingdom cannot be explained in a manner that satisfies the human mind. It is only understood by faith. It is a kingdom that cannot be seen. “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 [among you]” (Luke 17:20-21). With eyes of faith, God’s children see this kingdom as Scripture describes it. It is the body of Christ, the golden candlestick, the sheepfold, the pillar and ground of truth, the mother of us all… Jesus spoke of the kingdom in the parable of a treasure hidden in a field (Matt. 13:44). “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” (The Treasure Hidden in a Field,LLC 2003). Nonetheless, God reveals the beauty of this kingdom to the seeker to whom He grants His grace. The Ethiopian eunuch sat in his chariot reading the Prophet Isaiah. Philip came to him and asked him if he understands what he was reading. The eunuch replied, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” (Acts 8:31). Philip, by believing his own sins forgiven through Christ, was a child of God. He was guided by the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ to the eunuch who promised to believe upon the Son of God. 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” (Acts 8:37). Still today, salvation through Christ is proclaimed from God’s kingdom through the brothers and sisters of Philip, Christ’s own, who preach the forgiveness of sins in His name and blood. The Gospel’s Power Faith in the gospel of Christ preached from God’s kingdom has brought peace to my heart and has assured me that this is God’s kingdom. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). I see the power that the gospel carries in my endeavor of faith and in caring for my own marriage and family. It heals wounds and stills the heart. I need not look elsewhere when I have received such great treasure. I have the same conviction as Paul when he writes to the Romans, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Rom. 8:16). Once on a mission trip to Ecuador, I asked this question of a man who on an earlier trip had asked for and received the forgiveness of all of his sins. He said, “Now I have peace in my heart.” He had no need to search further. This man and others commented that this is not a faith of outward traditions and rituals, but faith of the heart. The difficult knots in human relations that the gospel has been able to untie has been truly amazing! Brothers on foreign trips have experienced this a countless number of times. Known by Their Fruits Jesus has said of His own that “by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt. 7:20). When I look at the lives of my friends in faith, I see fruits of childlike faith, humbleness, sincerity, honesty, service, love, and a sincere desire to reach heaven. In spite of my own sinfulness, the fruits of faith I see in them assures me that this is God’s kingdom, this is the pathway to heaven. Human Reason or the Bible God’s kingdom is known by an essential principle for true and living faith, that is holding to the authority of Scripture. First of all, one must believe that the Holy Bible is God’s Word written by men through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:21). Secondly, our faith and doctrine must be based on God’s Word. There are many people and religions in this world who claim to hold to the Word as the highest authority, but believe and live contrary. The biblical teaching of marriage being a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman is one case in point. In the name of human love even the previously conservative, Bible-based churches and religious bodies are caving to human opinion and reason regarding marriage and other tenets of the Bible. Seek First the Kingdom of God Jesus teaches, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). Then further He says that in order to find God’s kingdom, one must humble to the place of a child. “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein” (Mark 10:15). A little child is helpless. God grants grace to the helpless who are burdened over their sin. He forgives sins through the preaching of the gospel by His followers from His kingdom (John 20:22,23). Jesus also spoke of a little child being an example of the greatest in the kingdom. In a natural sense, a child believes and trusts in his mother. So also the believer trusts in the care of the congregation, our spiritual Mother. A child does not always understand, but trusts and obeys the voice of the mother, from which comes an immeasurable blessing, peace, and contentment. The Gospel Brings Everlasting Peace I have also been assured that I am in God’s kingdom when I have heard about and witnessed the last days and moments of life for both the believing and unbelieving. For example, a certain woman lived her whole adult life in unbelief. As she became older, she wondered what she can do with her sins which burdened her. Sin has consequence and brings sorrow and difficulty. She often prayed that she could be forgiven.Eventually illness brought death close to her door. She feared death. God’s children approached her. God had prepared the soil of her heart to receive the life-giving gospel. She believed it! She no longer feared death and passed from this life believing her sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. Another example is from the life of my own brother. He was a childhood believer, but was deceived by the enemy of the soul as a young man. He lived most of his life in unbelief. Sin brought sorrow and consequences in life. He said through most of his life that he cannot understand living faith and is secure where he is at. He built a foundation suitable to his own mind. He was no stranger to outward battle as a soldier and in many other challenges in life. When cancer struck, he took on that battle, too, with the same tenacity with which he faced other battles. However, a cure was not to be found, and he had to surrender to face death. Even in the last weeks of life, he wasn’t ready to let go of human reason and accept God’s grace which we offered. One day, he was sure he was going to die. In distress he reached out to his believing family, at first not being able to connect with anyone. Finally, when he reached his believing brother, there was no reasoning, no human foundations, only a plea for the life-giving gospel. He lost his battle with cancer and human reason, but heard the sweet message from God’s kingdom, “Believe all of your sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood,” through which he won the victory and went on to meet his Redeemer face to face. Faith was no longer needed. It had changed to seeing.

Anna Virtanen | The Voice of Zion January 2018 - Translated from Äiti!, SRK 2016 -- Äiti! Mother! Motherhood and the acceptance of children as God’s gift are under attack in our time. Believing mothers feel the pressure from society in general and health care professionals to limit the size of their families. Moms have trials and doubts related to their role. A Finnish book entitled Äiti! (in English, Mother!) published by the SRK in 2016, is in the process of being translated. In it several believing mothers relate their experiences. One essay per month will appear in the Home and Family feature from January–June 2018. The entire book which contains over thirty essays will be published in the latter half of this year, or early 2019. The examples of believing mothers are powerful. The open expression of doubts, fears, and joys related to motherhood will be a source of comfort and strength for the moms of North American Zion. In the Light of the Home Birches I am in a rush. I’m hurrying to get one child dressed, making a sandwich for another, and a third one asks me to listen to him review his multiplication tables. “Where are my socks?” someone asks. And as though following the script of “Virtanen’s Morning,” one of the little boys spills his milk. The youngest still only has a diaper on when others are in their snowsuits. The car is covered in snow. While I put the younger children in their car seats, the older ones brush snow off the car. I can’t be late because I promised the youth worker from the Lutheran Church* that my little ones and I would join her for morning devotion at the school. We all pile into the car. As I drive along the snowy streets, I start laughing. In all its bustle, the morning was so comical. Or, at least the way I felt was comical! I doubt I’d be laughing if every morning were like this. Maybe routine would make it easier. Now we had the chance to test what it would be like if mom went to work every morning. As I drive toward the school, I reflect with respect on all parents who get the whole crew, from oldest down to the youngest, out the door every morning. I also think of the children who have to crawl out of their cozy beds to rush out the door. Today I am just visiting the school, and after that I can go back home with the little kids and we can start our morning all over again. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I were working. I would belong to a group of colleagues. Perhaps I would be respected for what I can do. Would I be more valuable to society? I once attended a lecture in which a leading researcher told how he had interviewed stay-at-home mothers and how he was surprised to find that they have thoughts. They had profound, meaningful thoughts. He had thought that all homemakers talk about are diapers and breastfeeding. The researcher was honest in telling his presumptions and said that he had been positively surprised. “Home” is a beautiful, warm word. “Mother,” another good and dear word. But when the two words are joined, they are “stay-at-home mom.” It surely is not fashionable. Is it just an uninteresting gray area? Sometimes I think that as a housewife I never get anything done that is concrete. Do I have it in me to do the same thing, year after year? The work I do is so invisible: laundry, cooking, washing, cleaning, mediating disputes, receiving emotional outbursts, taking care of a baby, responding to the needs of children of different ages, and allowing my own needs to be interrupted. Is this enough for me? Soon it will be fifteen years for me as a stay-at-home mom. That many years not working! What if I have lost the skills I learned and it’s too hard to go back to work again? In our society, who I am and what I am measures my value. I have tried to learn that if what I do is valuable to me, it doesn’t matter what others say or think. Once someone asked me, “Do you have a job?” The question was posed quite nicely. I answered that I don’t have a job, and I sit at home with nothing to do. I laughed, as did the person who asked the question. When I’m feeling a bit down, I wonder how working mothers and fathers have the time and energy after work to do everything I do at home during the day. It calls for a lot of organization. Getting children to and from school would have to be figured out, as well as daycare. Other issues would have to be planned, such as who looks after the children if they are not feeling well. Some people are successful with it. Would my husband and I be able to do this all so well that it wouldn’t be too big a burden or stress for our family? Then I think that the time I have for my children and a degree of relaxation are treasures that I wouldn’t want to give up. I am self-employed. I can plan my activities in order of importance. On some days, I’m tired after a rough night and perhaps things weighing on my mind slow me down. Then I take it more leisurely. I only do what is necessary and when I get a chance, I rest. On other days, I am well-rested and energetic. On those days I have the washing machine spinning already early in the morning. I air the rugs out and have dough for rolls rising in the bowl. My colleagues are other stay-at-home parents. I can go sledding or berry-picking with other moms and children in the neighborhood, and sometimes just visit over a cup of tea or exchange text messages asking, “How is your day going?” Sometimes I worry about having enough money to support a family when I am “just” a housewife. We are now satisfied with a lower income level and a fairly modest life. Society places pressure on us, and material well-being plays an important role. Do our children experience inequalities in what our family can get or what we spend our money on? These questions aren’t very easy to answer. You cannot put a price on everything. Not for the moment when a child gets into your lap in the morning, presses her head against you, and says, “My mom.” And there is no price for me being at home when a schoolboy slams his backpack down and comes to tell me what happened at school. There is someone at home who listens. And if the child doesn’t say anything, I can see that something is bothering him. I can pat him on the shoulder and say, “You are important.” These things are not found in labor market talk, and they are not given credit ratings. But they are deposited into a bank account with a short name: The Future. Do our children get by with having too little responsibility because I am at home? There surely is enough housework and responsibility, and it’s a matter of me knowing how to delegate it. What about the smaller children? We do not have the stimulus and social environment at home that a day care has to offer. Is home monotonous and boring? Only mom and siblings to play with. There is often a lot of work that mom wants to and must do during the day. What do I say when a child asks to read a book? “Not now, the potatoes are not peeled. Maybe after I’m finished vacuuming.” Other times it’s different. It is easy to pause and sit on the couch to read with one child on my lap and the other beside me. Or to pack some juice boxes into a backpack and go on a field trip to the back steps, to marvel over light and life in the home birches, and watch the slow flow of the river. For small children, small things suffice. Paper and crayons on the table, a pile of books swaying on the edge of the couch, a pile of magazines stacked in the magazine rack, soon to be cut up by the little ones. Sometimes we get inspired to paint or sing, and sometimes a neighbor boy comes to play outside with us. The children are always excited for Day Circle day. On a baking day, each child gets little balls of dough and little hands form their own delicious rolls. And what a joy when a child gets to cut sausage for soup or cucumber for salad. Yes, these children at home will get along in society when the time comes. Today they can still sleep in in the morning and wake up to climb into mother’s lap. Perhaps it is not what I give, but what I get. What possibilities open up for me in my children! I do not always see what it is I have to learn from them. They are more than a thousand books on education or human rights slogans; their philosophy comes straight from life. And what humor! They are the future. I can learn from this every day, close to the faith of a child. I am a stay-at-home mother, and it is my free choice. It is a wonderful privilege. This is not an idyll as I am not able to create such. Not me, with messy hair, lacking and insufficient. Still, I am dear to my children and to my husband. The support and appreciation of my husband are important for me to be able to work for the good of my home and family. Encouraging comments at services or from a friend I see are also important. I appreciate conversations with other moms, both working and moms who stay at home. I have cherished the comment of an elderly person: “You will never regret holding a child on your lap.” Motherhood has been given to me, and it is a duty that fits me. If it is meant to be, I can one day work outside the home. And already now I can participate in things that refresh me, things that I experience to be my own. Every family has its own kind of life. Everyone listens to the voice of her own family. When we think of going to work or staying at home, we can make decisions based on what is important to our family and on what is possible. The Heavenly Father takes care of us and leads us in these matters. *In Finland, the Conservative Laestadian believers are members of the Finnish Lutheran Church as well as a local Association of Peace (RY), which North Americans would term a congregation or church.

Pamela Martinez | The Voice of Zion January 2018 -- It all started about two years ago when I went to the doctor. He asked me several questions that made me think that I had inherited thyroid problems from my grandfather. He examined my neck, felt something strange, and then recommended an ultrasound. Later that same day I had it done, accompanied by my mother. The doctor confirmed that he had found some nodules in my thyroid. Things then happened quickly one after the other. After several more tests I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. What Will Happen!? The first thought I had was, “What would happen with my life, my family, my plans, my studies, and so many things?” I didn’t want to die as I still had so many dreams to fulfill. The moment we found out was terrible for my family. They continually reminded me to trust in God as He will never forsake us. I clearly remember not being able to sleep that night, as thousands of thoughts echoed through my mind. Feelings of sadness and desperation invaded my heart; I didn’t know how I would face the things that were to come. I lamented how in such a short time my life had been completely turned around and many times felt resentful toward God, wondering why these things were happening to me. A Long, Painful Experience My thyroid was removed, then another biopsy, followed by radioactive iodine treatment. In all it lasted six weeks and was very painful. I began to suffer the absence of my thyroid and now needed medication. I had to spend over two weeks of isolation time at my grandparents’ hacienda where my grandmother watched over me. The after-effects of the surgery included painful scarring and treatment. During this difficult time, I had a very complicated semester of study at the University. I would not have been able to manage if not for the unconditional support of my entire family, my brothers and sisters in faith, my friends and everyone, but above all if God had not been in my heart and in my life. It was in Him I took refuge and with faith I prayed that He would give me strength to continue onward. From the beginning, He gave me the strength, patience, and courage so that each day I was more hopeful that everything would turn out well. God Taught Me to Value Life It was a difficult experience, yet when all was said and done, I thank God that I am feeling well and hope that the cancer is completely gone. I must still have tests done to make sure of this, but I am thankful to Him for giving me enough strength each day to lift me in those moments when I feel my strength wavering. Everything I have lived through has taught me to value life. I feel how blessed I am to have the grace of God and to have a large family of believing brothers and sisters who, like all my own family, were the fundamental pillar throughout this difficult stage. They showed me that despite the distance they could show me all their love and support through calls, messages, and letters. I don’t have the words to express my thanks for all that has been done for me. Today I value so many things that possibly were unimportant to me before. I value each person that God puts in my journey, each day that God gives me life, each moment that I can enjoy with my loved ones, each moment that I can laugh with my sisters, each time that I can feel the love of my grandparents. I am grateful to God and to my parents for giving me support to accomplish my goal and have my profession. I value and am thankful for being able to see the light of day and the darkness of night. I am so happy and grateful to God for teaching me to value all that I have and showing me what can be achieved through His love and by faith. I could not describe in words all that I feel, I only know that God knows why everything happens in our lives. His purpose is to make us humble and know that to have faith in Him is to have everything. Dios Sabe Porqué Todo empezó hace aproximadamente dos años cuando fui al médico. Me hizo varias preguntas con lo que me supo manifestar que era muy posible que tenga problemas de tiroides similares al de mi abuelito por factores genéticos. El examinó mi cuello, sentía algo extraño, y me solicito que me realizara un eco tiroideo. En ese mismo día por la tarde fui a realizarme el eco, acompañada de mi madre. El médico me dijo que lamentablemente había encontrado unos nódulos en la tiroides. Las cosas sucedieron demasiado rápidas una tras otra. Después de varios exámenes el doctor me diagnostico cáncer de tiroides. ¿¡Que Pasará!? Los primeros pensamientos que tuve fueron, “¿Qué es lo que va a pasar conmigo con mi vida, mi familia, mis planes, mis estudios, y tantas cosas?” No quería morir aun que tenía tantos sueños por cumplir. El momento cuando nos enteramos fue terrible para toda mi familia. Siempre me decían que hay que confiar en Dios que él nunca nos desampara. Esa noche la recuerdo tan claramente miles de pensamientos retumbaban en mi mente que no lograba conciliar el sueño. Invadían los sentimientos de tristeza y desesperación en mi corazón; no sabía cómo iba afrontar las cosas que estaban por venir. Decía el por qué en un tiempo tan corto mi vida dio un giro total y varias veces me sentía resentida con Dios, y decía porque me pasan a mí las cosas. Una Experiencia Larga y Dolorosa Me extrajeron totalmente la tiroides, realizó otra biopsia, y siguió con el tratamiento de Yodo radioactivo. En total fue seis semanas y era muy doloroso. Empecé a sufrir los efectos de la ausencia de la tiroides y ahora necesité a tomar las pastillas. Hay que cumplir el aislamiento de más de dos semanas en la hacienda de mis abuelos con mi abuelita, quien con todo amor me atendía. Los efectos de la cirugía incluyo problemas muy fuertes con la cicatriz y otros tratamientos. En este tiempo tan difícil, estaba cursando un semestre muy complicado de la Universidad. No hubiera podido resistir si no tenía el apoyo incondicional de toda mi familia, mis hermanos en fe, mis amigos y todas las personas, pero sobre todo si Dios no hubiese estado en mi corazón y en mi vida. Fue en quien me refugiaba y con fe pedía que me de fortaleza para seguir adelante. Así fue desde un inicio Dios me dio mucha fuerza, paciencia y valor para que cada día mis esperanzas crecieran de que todo saldrá bien. Dios Me Enseñó a Valorar la Vida Fue una dura experiencia que, a pesar de todo, le agradezco a Dios por ahora sentirme bien y con la esperanza que el cáncer haya desaparecido por completo. Aun debo realizar análisis para tener esa certeza, agradecida por darme la fuerza suficiente para cada día levantarme en los momentos que sentía que mis fuerzas acababan. Todo lo que viví me enseñó a valorar la vida. Siento lo bendecida que soy por tener gracia de Dios y tener una gran familia de hermanos creyentes quienes, al igual que toda mi familia, fueron el pilar fundamental en toda esta etapa difícil. Quienes me demostraron que no importa la distancia para brindarme todo su amor y apoyo a través de llamadas, mensajes y cartas. No tengo las palabras para agradecer todo lo que hicieron por mí. Hoy valoro tantas cosas que quizá antes no consideraba importante. Valoro cada persona que Dios pone en mi camino, cada día que Dios me da para seguir viviendo, cada momento que puedo disfrutar con mis seres queridos, cada momento que puedo sonreír junto a mis hermanas, cada vez que puedo sentir el amor de mis abuelitos. Agradecida con Dios y con mis padres por brindarme apoyo para cumplir mi meta de tener mi profesión. Valoro y agradezco el poder ver la luz del día y cada obscuridad en la noche. Me siento muy feliz y muy agradecida con Dios porque me enseñó a valorar todo lo que tengo y todo lo que a través de su amor y la fe se puede alcanzar. No lograría describir con palabras todo lo que siento, solo sé que Dios sabe por qué pasa cada situación de nuestras vidas. Él siempre tiene una finalidad para hacer de nosotros humildes y saber que si tenemos fe en él tenemos todo.

Krista Simonson | The Voice of Zion December 2017 -- For me, the season of Advent and Christmas always brings with it a mixture of thoughts and emotions. The excitement and joy seen in children’s eyes and bright smiles is contagious! In the evenings, peaceful Christmas music lulls tired little ones to sleep. Then, when the household has quietened, memories sometimes seep into my heart—floating, pulling, tugging, bringing a smile, a tear, a sigh. Life is like a patchwork quilt with various squares of fabric, each with their own color and texture—experiences and happenings all sewn together into a unique design. Sometimes I have wanted to take a pair of scissors and snip out certain squares in my own “life-quilt”—or, at the very least, change the color or choose a fabric that is not so rough. But then, I have been reminded that I am not really the “Quilt-maker,” which is a good thing, for surely I would pick only the softest, most luxurious of fabrics! But would I, do I, really truly want my quilt to be so soft and cozy? Or, do I need those rougher patches sewn in, so I would not get too comfortably wrapped up in this life? The “Quilt-maker” surely knows how I need those coarser (sometimes itchy) fabric squares added to this quilt of mine! This evening as the tree lights twinkle, casting their warm glow about the room, it seems hard to believe that another Christmas season is already here. Each year brings its own happenings—joys, sorrows, laughter, and tears—new fabric squares to be added to each of our own “life-quilts.” We do not know what the year ahead holds for us, or even what tomorrow brings, but it is comforting to know that even amidst great changes, the Christmas message always remains the same. True Christmas joy and peace do not belong to just one season. Is there anything more comforting or more secure? Life on earth is fleeting. One day even these “life-quilts” will be left behind. May true Christmas peace find a dwelling place in all hearts, bringing with it the greatest hope of one day joining all heaven’s angels in the joyous, eternal Christmas celebration. No matter what comes in this life, let us hold on to that beautiful hope.

Walt Lampi | The Voice of Zion December 2017 -- The announcement of Jesus’ birth came with the angelic proclamation of “good tidings of great joy” for all people. Genuine peace and joy of Christmas starts in one’s own heart and his or her relationship to God. It is the foundation of all interpersonal relationships. Peace is rare in the world but abundant in the kingdom of the Prince of Peace. Jesus’ peace is different, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:27), since it is an inner peace of heart. The trials and cares of life may plummet and stress but the peace of God gives strength to endure. For the believer, peace with God is firstly related to keeping faith and a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:19). Secondly, it is being content with God’s will. A defiled conscience robs one of the joy of salvation and eventually the hope of eternal life. It can fill one’s heart with bitterness and harm others too. Allow, “the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Col. 3:15). We are a battling congregation. Only by the power of the Spirit and light of the Word can we war against Satan and his kingdom. It is a battle of Light against darkness. Keeping the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3) includes discussing the way and the journey with others, sharing one another’s joys and sorrows, and caring for differences with the gospel. As travelers on life’s way we can offend each other in word or deed. Fortunately, we have the throne of grace nearby for our feet are “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15). The oral preaching of forgiveness is the power of God to salvation for all that believe. It is intended for our use and offered freely for our needs. Peace is one of the many fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23). “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33). God leads and guides His people through the office of the Holy Spirit. He does this through the congregation where servants are called into various spiritual duties. We are urged to pray for them and to “be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thess. 5:13). Faith life is interwoven with congregation life. One will not be saved by believing in his or her own way but only according to the Scriptures as enlightened by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit teaches us how to live in peace. We are urged to “follow after the things which make for peace and things wherewith one may edify another” (Rom. 14:19). First love, then joy and peace after which we may edify one another. Even the most difficult and seemingly impossible matters to solve vanish when one first examines his or her own heart and finds there the greatest of all sinners, the one who most needs forgiveness. Trust that, “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). ‍

Keith Moll | The Voice of Zion December 2017 -- And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem. And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him. And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.—Luke 19:28–40 Advent—a Time of Waiting The church year starts with Advent, a time of waiting. Is waiting difficult for you? It seems that the more I wait for something, the longer it takes to come. During the period of Advent, we prepare for and await Christmas. May our hearts joyfully receive Jesus during this season, and always. Our text relates of when Jesus rode into Jerusalem for the last time. The people of Israel waited for the Messiah. It was a time for rejoicing, for the long-awaited Savior had come! Jesus’ disciples received Him with joy and praised God in a loud voice. When we believe that our sins are forgiven, we receive Jesus by faith and praise God, as the disciples did. Jesus Sends His Disciples Bethphage means “mouth-house.” Jesus sent two disciples there to free a colt and bring it to Him. With faith, Jesus’ disciples did what He asked them to do. God’s Word today is preached from His house, God’s kingdom, through the mouths of His children. The core message is the forgiveness of sins. Jesus taught about hearing, believing, and salvation: “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” (John 5:24). God’s messengers are sent to preach good tidings to those sorrowful over sin. Like the disciples, we also by faith preach God’s message in this world. It is God’s work which calls sinners to repentance. The King of Kings Comes in Humility The Old Testament prophets told of the coming Messiah and how He would free His people. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: “Behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (Zech. 9:9). When Jesus rode into Jerusalem many were waiting for a king that would lead his people to victory out from under foreign rule. Jesus, a lowly King, came in humility riding on a colt, the foal of a donkey. He came to bring salvation, not warfare. He is one who carries the burdens and labor of man. Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Matthew records that both a donkey and its foal were brought to Jesus. Luther explains this to represent man’s two portions. The donkey is that outward portion which can be forced to do those things that it does not want to do. The colt, on the other hand, is our inner portion which no man has power over. It had never been ridden on. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, it was the colt that he was on. A person troubled over sin and crying for help willingly receives God’s message of forgiveness for all sins. A new way of life begins, allowing Christ to lead the way. This way leads us to Jerusalem, our spiritual heavenly home. The donkey follows along the way. Trust in God A child of God has faith and trust in what God has prepared. Good works and fruits follow, after living faith is received. These works do not merit salvation, but are done with faith and joy. Our Savior is meek and lowly, one whom the weakest person can approach. Christ still lives today among His own. God’s children preach the freeing message, “Sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name and precious blood.” This Advent season, let us believe this gospel message and allow Jesus to live in our hearts. When we believe, our hearts join in crying out: “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.”

Jenica Nevala | The Voice of Zion November 2017 -- As a theologian, musician, and educator, Martin Luther taught of matters close to the heart of God’s people. He studied the prophets and realized that music complimented their service to God. He saw in the psalms and canticles (hymns or chants), the desire to praise God and thank Him for His protection. Luther’s Life Depicted in Lyrics Although his songs depict the struggles and victories of all believers, Luther’s own life provided background for songs that teach of repentance and confession. Luther wrote in the first of his theses, “As our Lord Jesus says: Repent, He means that the entire life of a Christian should be one of repentance.” Even in the matter of music he referred to the songs of his unbelieving youth, and how the melodies would haunt him. He lamented that error would be set to such captivating tunes. Musical Instruments of Luther’s Time The musician Luther lived at a time when musical instruments were simple. Although there were smaller organs, the large pipe organs we know today were not yet found in Germany. Common bowed string instruments, such as the violin, were just being developed. Luther taught himself to play the lute and accompanied himself and others in homes and congregational singing. He enjoyed singing with his family knowing that God could be worshipped while enjoying the melodies. Teaching Through Songs At a young age Luther already studied music and continued these studies while serving as an Augustinian monk. The skills he developed were then used to teach the German people of the basic tenets of faith. Luther wanted to base some songs on the small catechism. He wrote one each for the Lord’s Prayer (SHZ 168), the Creed (SHZ 209), and the Ten Commandments (SHZ 180). These songs were written for the common man to learn the catechism and to help understand the meaning. In the different areas of his life Luther found music to be an important tool for battling against the enemy. He thought it was important to use music in a good way, to teach and comfort those who found themselves burdened with the trials of life. Luther’s Well Known Songs A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (SHZ 181) is Martin Luther’s most well-known song, not only in our hymnal but around the world. It is based on Psalm 46 and is many times referred to as the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” Luther speaks of God’s power and authority. He paints a strong picture of the Victor striking down the forces of hell, and of the Word standing strong over darkness, “We tremble not; we fear no ill, they cannot overpower us.” This hymn was used by many composers, such as Bach and Mendelssohn in cantatas, symphonies, and organ chorales. The melody itself is beautifully written. It begins with three bold trumpeting notes (the highest part of the melody), representing the hammers on the doors of the Castle Church. Dear Christians, One and All Rejoice (SHZ 272), written in 1523, was the first of Luther’s congregational hymns. Many believe that Luther wrote down the melody as was sung by a traveling artisan. This hymn speaks of Jesus’ sacrifice and work. It is a hymn of thanks for God’s work through Christ. The hymn is usually sung during the time of Lent and Easter as it tells the story of the crucifixion. It ends with the message of our heavenly goal: “Take heed lest men with base alloy the heav’nly treasure should destroy; this counsel I bequeath thee.” From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee (SHZ 276) appeared in 1524 in the Achtliederbuch hymnal. The hymn is based on Psalm 130 and is often considered Luther’s best hymn. It was used in many significant events, such as the funeral of Frederick the Wise, and was sung during the Diet of Augsburg by Luther and his aides. In the early years, the song was sung at almost every worship service, before the mutual confession. It is a hymn of penitence. The melody comes from J. Walther’s Choir book of 1524. Walther also helped write verses two and three of the hymn. God Made the Ten Commandments Known (SHZ 180) was first introduced in LLC’s 2008 hymnal. The first verse tells the story of how we received the commandments. In verses 2–10, the first line includes the commandment, and the following lines include the explanation. The last two verses explain why God gave the commandments and reminds us that we cannot earn salvation through our own doing, “Help us, Lord Jesus Christ, for we a Mediator have in Thee; our works cannot salvation gain; they merit us but endless pain.” This hymn is a Latin sequence hymn, sometimes referred to as a Kyrie hymn. Kyrie Eleison translates to “O Lord, have mercy.” We see that at the end of each verse, this line is included. Before the time of the Reformation, one of the few parts the congregation was involved in was to utter the words “Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison.” Source: This Is Luther, Ewald M. Plass, Concordia Publishing House Discussion Points: 1. Which song or hymn of Zion is your favorite? Share reasons why. 2. Can you relate to any of Luther’s songs that are found in our hymnal? In what way? 3. Have you experienced that Christian music is an important weapon for battling against the enemy? Why is it so? ‍

Steven Kallinen | The Voice of Zion November 2017 -- Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.—Matthew 13:47–50 The Just and the Unjust Jesus here relates of matters of the heart that will be revealed on the final judgment day. The reward for each person will be according to his or her life—was there a desire to live by faith, or not? Christ will come to judge the “quick and the dead” at an unpredictable moment. Thus, once the call sounds there will be no more time to reconcile matters, but he who believes by faith will have Christ as his reconciliation victory (2 Cor. 5:19). As a fisherman throws his net into the sea to catch every kind of fish, so Jesus pictures a net cast into the sea of people. This net has been gathering people from all races and nations since the foundation of the world (Rev. 7:9). Those that are caught in the net are revealed at the time of harvest. The angels will separate the “wicked from the just” and throw into a furnace of fire those who “hast a name that thou livest, and art dead” (Rev. 3:1). When the net is pulled to shore, everything becomes visible; all the evil deeds of men are revealed. Every person will one day face that moment. Will the answer from the Judge be, “I never knew you, depart from me,” or to one who is living by grace and truth, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:34)? Many hear the calling voice of the Good Shepherd at some time in life, but few heed the call. In the example of the ten lepers, Jesus asked, “Where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17). Only one had continued in faith to follow Jesus, giving glory to God. Jesus said to him, “Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:19). The Pharisees demanded to know when the kingdom of God should come, thinking that with their eyes they would see a glorious sight revealing His kingdom. Jesus replied that God’s kingdom was already in their midst, or among them. Similarly, man’s eyes could not see the beauty of the inside of the ark, which only looked like tar and pitch from the outside. Eyes of faith see the fields already white waiting for the harvest at the end of this world. Wait with Patience and Prayer In faith, we must patiently wait for His Second Coming. Man would want to see results of the work now, even to quickly pull the tares from among the wheat, but Jesus teaches love and patience which is contrary to the mind of the flesh. Thus, with the mind of Christ, Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6). With patience and prayer, we say as the psalmist: “Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me…Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk” (Ps. 143:7,8). The example of the rich man and Lazarus reveals how one who was rich with the things of this world ended up with a great gulf between him and the glory of heaven where the grace-beggar Lazarus sat, having reached the eternal shore of peace and beauty. Do not ignore the calling voice of the Good Shepherd. Why can we both mourn and rejoice when a believer passes away? Especially when a dear family member or close one is called, we miss them and need to learn to live without their support and fellowship. However, when a heavenly testimony remains of one who passes away in faith, we know it is a great victory for them to enter the bosom of Abraham, and finally one day to the glory of heaven eternal. Therefore, we need each day to continue to believe, for we own the hope of heaven by faith. May we be found in the world, but not of the world, on the day that His angels come to harvest the grain for heaven.

Kimmo Heikkilä | The Voice of Zion November 2017, Translated from Päivämies, no. 37, 2017 -- A certain friend had heard that question. The questioner had himself been a person confessing faith. What could be behind such a question? Doesn’t going to services seem important anymore? The desire to go to services must have been quite small. Had faith of the heart, faith according to God’s Word, become his personal faith? “I want to be a believer, but I believe in my own way.” The spoken word at services vexes one with such a mind. Lack of desire for services isn’t a new matter. Already in the early days of Christianity, the writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminds of neglecting to gather together, “as the manner of some is.” Our time is busy. Busyness exists at work, with our studies, at school, and even at home. Services and other congregation activities also use up their own time. There are good hobbies. It feels like there isn’t enough time for everything that we would like to do. Inevitably matters must be prioritized. Do we remember then the importance of hearing God’s Word? What is the most important of all for us? The experience of being part of a community is a good matter. We know that we aren’t alone. But do we belong to our congregation and go to services only because we want to be together in a community with like-minded individuals? Has it just become a good habit? When I go once a week to listen to the sermon, I’m known as a believer. Then has personal faith been forgotten and in its place come habitual Christianity? Our home Zion is a fellowship of believers where we are known. Most often we associate the words “home Zion” to the congregation of which we are members. It is mostly this way. But for many it is a smaller group of people, consisting of travel friends living close to each other—since every locality doesn’t have its own congregation. In our home Zion we can experience a secure sense of community. We want to believe in the same way, we are on the same journey, and we have a united goal. We aren’t God’s children because we go to services, but rather because we can personally believe our sins forgiven through grace. This is God’s great gift, which we can’t merit ourselves. It suffices that we want to believe. We go to services so that we can hear God’s Word, the message of forgiveness, and be given strength to believe. We continually need strengthening for our faith, travel provisions, for we are in fact only children of the day. During busy times, a lot of provisions are consumed. It is the same on the road of faith also. In God’s kingdom, the securest community of all on this earth, there are sufficient travel provisions for all. There we have the strong promises of God’s Word.

Terry Ruonavaara | The Voice of Zion October 2017 -- Prayer is indispensable in our life of faith. It is the means by which we share the deepest feelings of our heart with God. Let us not doubt that the Heavenly Father hears even our weakest sigh. God has given man a way to speak with Him from the heart. This is a gift from God. He wants us to use this gift. We also want to remember that man is not saved by praying. Our salvation is only attained by believing our sins forgiven through the merit work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. King David had a simple but very important prayer to God, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23,24). David knew his own tendency to stray and wanted God to preserve him in faith. By prayer he brought this inner worry to the ear of the Heavenly Father. He was unsure of even his own thoughts. He was not confident in himself as once in his life when he had deeply fallen. He pleaded with God to examine his heart, lead and guide him. His prayer was that of a humble child of God. James has written that the “fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). It means that the prayer of a believer is powerful. God knows our prayers even before we pray for something. Sometimes God answers our prayer right away, and sometimes He answers them at a later time. He does not always answer in the way that we would want Him to, but He answers in the way that is best for us. At times we may pray for something to change in our lives, but later on we see how God has guarded our lives, and we realize that the change that we prayed for has not occurred. God has instead patiently allowed our lives to continue as He has planned. In this way God has brought us closer to Him. God knows our hearts; He knows our needs. His Word reminds all people to first pray for what is most important, that is the finding of God’s kingdom and eternal life. We pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come,” which expresses our heartfelt desire that God’s kingdom would come to me personally through the Holy Spirit. Jesus emphasized this later in the same chapter: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). Jesus’ words underscore that the most important purpose of a person’s life is eternal even though he or she has temporal concerns too. We remember how Cornelius prayed to God continuously. The Heavenly Parent knew Cornelius’ heart and his sincere prayer for peace of conscience. God answered his prayer and sent Peter to his home where he was able to believe his sins forgiven. In prayer, we ask God for much in our lives. Often we pray for temporal things in this life. We also pray for our parents, for our children, and for our loved ones. We pray for those who are struggling with burdens and trials. We pray especially for those who have lost the gift of living faith. And we pray that we would personally be able to continue our own endeavor of faith. Prayer is God’s gift to us and the means by which we can bring all our cares to Him. Let us not doubt that our prayers are heard. Neither let us despair of His goodness toward us. Remember to thank God for all the blessings that He has given in our lives. The Creator has given us life and in prayer we say, “Thy will be done.” God’s will is always best. ‍