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Eric Mattila | The Voice of Zion March 2023 - Home and Family Article -- Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. – SHZ 219 Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians tells us that love is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). It joins believers’ hearts and minds together. This is a different love than we are accustomed to thinking about. It’s more than a love of attraction or admiration; rather, it is a holy love of the Spirit. We could say in this way, that it is an effect or result of true living faith. It is not forced. It does not come from the mind, but it flows naturally out of a Christian heart, a heart that has accepted the good seed, God’s Word. The Spirit joins hearts in the bond of unity with God’s congregation here on earth. This heavenly love flows from one believing heart to another. As Jesus has taught, “A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34,35). This love is only possible when we are God’s children and own the gift of faith. It does not come from within us ourselves. Jesus emphasized this when He said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4). This is how the Holy Spirit exposes false prophets to believers. We will be able to see that they are false by their fruits. This has again and again proven true even when the other gifts have sometimes been great. Apostle Paul understood the same matter when he wrote, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (1 Cor. 13:1). Dear brothers and sisters, the words of John tell us: “Herein is Love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:10,11). Let us remain in this love. And let us put offenses between us away so this love does not diminish. God Is Love Randy Haapala | The Voice of Zion March 2023 - Home and Family Article -- The Triune God – God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit, three in one – is love. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 John 4:8). What comes to mind when we think of love? We know there are different types of love, a temporal love that includes deep affection for someone. There is also a type of love where we don’t want to hurt nor offend another with our actions or words. This love serves our lives well. But God’s love is a different type of love, a love for the undying soul. God’s love is truth in all things. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Often situations arise where we ask what it means to show love. When people misunderstand God’s love, they may feel that showing His love means that we overlook wrong speech or action. Simply put, this wrong love would mean not saying anything when another is headed down a dangerous pathway, for fear of causing hurt feelings. This kind of love is not according to God’s Word. True love is correcting one another even when it is most difficult to do. We remember Jesus’ story of that man that went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves. There that good Samaritan came and helped the hurting man. He was heading down a path to destruction. This good Samaritan, Jesus Himself, gave the type of love we want and need. This is God’s love for you and me when care for the undying soul is needed. This is the love of God through the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit, which is a gift from God when one believes sins forgiven. Through the love of God, we are cared for by believers at the inn, in God’s kingdom. When cared for at this inn, we say we are in the love of the congregation, endeavoring to keep the mystery of faith in a pure conscience. This is how we wish to remain in the love of the congregation. It isn’t by our own power or strength. The Bible tells us that through the power of the gospel we will remain in the love of God and His kingdom. Through this precious gospel our desire is to remain obedient to God and His Word. Obedience to His Word reveals the love of God. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). Remain believing in that core message of the gospel. In this way the love of God will remain till we attain our goal in heaven. Nowhere else do we find this kind of love. It pays to believe, dear brother and sister! Serving One Another in Love Diane Barber | The Voice of Zion March 2023 - Home and Family Article -- As a child in kindergarten, my desire always was to be a school nurse. During high school I went to a vocational school for nursing. After graduating, even though I still had the desire to be a school nurse, I got married and started a family. I put my plans on hold. Yet I never lost my desire to be a nurse because I have a deep love for children. Many years later, I was able to go back to school to get my nursing degree. I was 50 years old. My first job was school nursing, and I enjoyed serving the school children. However, my greatest joy has been to serve as a nurse at church camps. At camps, I receive so much. I hear the gospel in the morning and at evening, and during the day, I visit with believers and can discuss the way and the journey. Others have served me abundantly, in so many ways. Because of vision problems, I cannot drive. I need help with rides to visit believers and to get to services as well as shopping. I get help in doing projects around my home. Sometimes when I am feeling lonely and tempted, when it seems like nobody remembers me, someone may call or stop by to visit me. At those times, it seems like an angel has come to share the gospel and to bring me comfort. God sees the needs of His children and calls people to serve Him with the gifts that He has given. We may feel shy, unworthy, timid and maybe even overwhelmed, yet we receive joy, comfort and care in serving. It seems that we receive more than we can give. The most important matter is that we care for one another spiritually. Questions for Discussion: 1. Love is the first fruit of the Spirit. Discuss what love is, and what it isn’t. 2. God is love. List ways God shows His love to us. 3. Jesus says we are to love our neighbor. How can we show this? What obstacles might we feel to showing love to a neighbor? 4. Enemies are also neighbors, and we are to love them. Discuss.

Jim Frantti | 2012 LLC Home and Family Workshop (SLC) --

Keith Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion February 2012 -- Love, Commitment, and Work Keep Marriage Strong Marriage is like holding on to a treasure that increases in value. It re­quires a lot of effort, but its rewards are immeasurable! A faithful spouse - a friend of the heart who understands, listens, supports, and forgives - is a treasure worth cherishing. Luther prized his wife. “I would not want to exchange my Kate for France, not for Venice to boot; to begin with (1) be­­cause God has given her to me and me to her; (2) because I often find out that there are more shortcomings in other women than in my Kate; and although she, of course, has some too, these are nonetheless offset by far greater virtues; (3) because she keeps faith and honor in our marriage relationship” (WLS 888). We all value close, warm, and secure relationships, but many times fall short in their care. Marriage is a covenant be­­tween two different people. Like other relationships, there are problems that can break the tie between husband and wife, but working through them can show the direction to a happy life together. God established marriage and has said that it is not good for man to live alone. Marriage is a gift of God. The Bible says, “a prudent wife is from the Lord” (Prov. 19:14). Challenges in Married Life Change In the beginning of marriage, a couple lives in good feelings. However, challenges usually don’t take too long to come as the couple adjusts to living together. When God blesses with children, there is great joy, but now the couple must also take the children into account in everything. Preg­­nancy can also bring uncertainty, concerns, and fears. A wife’s physical and hor­­monal changes can be confusing to her husband. The husband’s concern about providing may not be understood by his wife. As the family grows, the focus on children and lack of time for each other can try the relationship. Lack of time for oneself can also cause stress. When children move into adolescence, parents are often at a loss on how they should react to the changing teen. Disagreements and resentment can arise. New adjustments can also come later in life when the nest empties. Another trial some couples experience is that of not being blessed with children at all. Other challenges can affect and try the marriage relationship: economics, unemployment, work stress, accidents, illness, mental weariness, and loss of life. Stress can make one accuse the other. In everyday life it does not take much for the flesh and blood to rise to the surface. My weak and faulty “home side” makes me relate more and more to the words of the Apostle: “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” (Rom. 7:19). In spite of our own faultiness, the estate of marriage that God has established is not diminished. We often remember at weddings that the holiness and permanence of the estate is “not a burden, but a lasting foundation for its constructive continuation.” For that reason, we do not want to allow our flesh to get the upper hand to diminish the gift God has given, but in order to keep it, we must practice humbleness, patience, kindness, forbearance, and forgiveness (Col. 3:13, Eph 4:2). Caring for the Relationship The bond between husband and wife stays strong if each remembers to care for it. Burdens, trials, and difficulties are part of life. The Apostle reminds us that there is also something good in tribulations. They remind us to be patient, to endure, to trust God who gives us hope in Christ. Life’s trials and experiences teach us to be patient with our self and our spouse (Rom. 5:1–6). They teach us that we are sinful and small, but God is almighty and merciful. How do we care for the marriage relationship? Showing understanding for one another and taking time to lovingly listen and speak to each other from the heart are of utmost importance. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Married life is continuously learning to better know one another. Honesty toward oneself and the other builds the relationship. In this way we get through difficult matters. The marriage bond is a tender one that is fed by a positive, kind, and tender approach to one another. Complimenting and thanking one’s spouse for smaller and bigger things, as was done in courtship, rekindles the desire of the recipient to serve the other. Doing so in front of others is also good. Laughter and joy also deepen the relationship. It is important to accept, love, value, and honor our spouse for who he or she is. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Rom. 12:10). Remember to lovingly fulfill the needs of your spouse. Making a concerted effort todo what the other likes engenders warmth and harmony. “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Phil. 2:4). In spite of our best efforts, problems do arise. When arguments develop, both are at fault. To resolve differences, it is important to be open and to listen to one’s spouse. Matters are resolved in a peaceful, kind, honest, matter-of-fact, and loving way (Prov. 15:1, James 1:19). We may not understand everything, but forgiving from the heart is key. Sometimes it is necessary to discuss matters deeper even though they are forgiven. In marriage it is also very important to remember that all problems are not faith-related. Speaking of matters with a close friend or a professional can in some situations be irreplaceable. It isn’t easy to reach out, but there is blessing in doing so. Because we are faulty human beings, both spouses should be a little blind. Luther has said that “it is impossible to keep peace between man and woman in family life if they do not condone and overlook each other’s faults but watch everything to the smallest point…Therefore those who are married should be prepared to condone and forget their mutual offenses, no matter how great they may be, and should resume their customary loving behavior in their association with each other” (WLS 905). In marriage, the lesson of “forgive and forget” needs to be learned again and again: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32). When a couple can learn to forgive from the heart, then there is no need or desire to return to matters that have been cared for with the gospel. The gospel is the power of God in marriage also! Discussion Suggestions: 1. What characteristics do you most value in your spouse? 2. What challenges are you currently facing in your marriage? 3. What do children learn from the marital relationship of their parents, and what aspects of the relationship give children a feeling of security? 4. What does it mean to forgive and forget? Sources: Eero Salin: “The Stages of Marriage,” VZ, June, July, August 1996 What Luther Says, (WLS), Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Jouko Haapsaari | The Voice of Zion March 2012 -- A Place of Protection “I remember from my youthful years, how especially good it sometimes felt to come home.” A brother reminisced of the years of his battles in faith when growing up. Possibly many of us can join with his memories. A believing home is a refuge for all of its members. God has meant it to be such a place. We need a place of protection as our faith is little, our strength small, and the enemies many and powerful. The psalmist writes about the protection of God’s kingdom for the family: “Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house” (Ps. 84:3,4). The home has been called the nucleus of a healthy society. It is also a small congregation. Therefore, God has protected the office of mother and father so carefully. When He gave the Law to His people, one of the commandments mentioned very specifically that children are to obey and honor their parents. That is God’s good and wise will. It will bring a blessing to those who follow it. The command is connected with the office of the parents, not their individual skills or capabilities in parenting. Home Life Teaches Home life is our natural teacher; it is a place where the rising generation should receive proper and healthy advice on how to live with other people. All of us carry our childhood homes with us throughout our lives. When newlyweds establish their own home traditions, they bring their own home life experiences to this process. Home is a place where we should also learn how to ask for forgiveness and how to forgive one another. There is no home where sin doesn’t affect. We need to forgive one another often; everyone needs forgiveness from his or her close ones. Happy is the home where forgiveness is used often! If a quarrel between parents takes place in front of the family, it is beneficial for the children to also see that it has been forgiven. One of the best lessons and examples is when mother and father care for their own shortcomings and sins with their children. Many of us have precious memories of service occasions at home or other special home activities. It may have taken place at a baptism, a birthday celebration, a Thanksgiving meal, or at the Christmas table. It is good to take time to read Scriptures and to pray together. “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Ps. 119:103). More than a Dwelling Home is the relationship of its members, not a physical building. Our family learned that in a very concrete way when we sold our Finland home and moved to the United States. Now, when our children have come to visit us, they have mentioned how interesting it has felt to come to home on the other side of the world. Home was not connected with the house that we built and where we lived for over 20 years. After all, it was only an abode, a place to live. The “home” was something deeper; it was connected to the people who lived there. When the people moved, the home moved with them. A Place for Forgiveness and Love Forgiveness sets the atmosphere at home. There are other factors, too, that create a warm, loving, and inviting atmosphere at home. One is the songs and hymns of Zion. As technology has advanced, we have good opportunities to have this kind of music in our homes. Another factor in the home atmosphere is the bond of love between the parents. As the saying goes, “The best gift that a father can give his children is to love their mother.” It is true what John writes: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18). When there is no fear, there is trust and a gracious atmosphere. Who wouldn’t want to live there? Discussion Suggestions: 1. Why do you think the psalmist compares the believing home to a swallow’s nest? (Ps. 84) 2. How can we foster open and free discussions at home? 3. What factors threaten the positive, forgiving atmosphere in our homes? 4. Why is it important that we try to arrange services in our homes (ex. at birthday gatherings, engagement parties, family celebrations, or other special occasions)?

Jon Bloomquist | The Voice of Zion October 2004 -- All Saints’ Day falls on November 1st in our church calendar. The origins of this holy day go back the Early Church’s practice of commemorating the death of Christian martyrs. By the 3rd century, because the number of martyrs was so great and the identity of many unknown, it was more practical to establish a single day for the commemoration of all martyrs. All Saints’ Day was first set on May 13th in the West. After Christianity spread to the British Isles, the holy day was moved to November 1st, apparently to coincide with the celebration of Samhain, the Celtic New Year. The placement of All Saints’ Day with Samhain was logical since one of the primary elements of Samhain was remembrance of the year’s dead. Later, in the fourteenth century, the Roman Church added another church holiday, All Souls’ Day. It was observed on November 2nd. Whereas, All Saints’ Day was set for the commemoration of martyrs, All Souls’ Day was for the commemoration of all the departed believers. All Souls’ Day also accommodated the Catholic doc-trine of purgatory and the practice of praying for the souls of dead Christians trapped in purgatory. Lutherans rejected the doctrine of purgatory because of its unscriptural grounds. Following the Reformation, All Souls’ Day was dropped from the Lutheran calendar and both Christian martyrs and other former saints are remembered on All Saints’ Day. The Purpose and Message of All Saints’ Day The primary purpose of the church calendar is to remember the life of Jesus and significant events in church history. It began with the observation of Easter and Pentecost and gradually developed to include other events from the life of Jesus and the church. In some cases, the dates of Christian holy days were fixed as a counterpoint to pagan holidays. Christmas and All Saints’ Day are two examples of this. In doing so, the Church sought to give believers an alternative holiday, one that would focus on salvation history and the message of the gospel rather than pagan worship and superstitions. The message of All Saints’ Day is the message of victory over death through trust in Christ’s grace and mercy. The Bible itself gives us a good example of how we ought to remember the former saints in the Letter to the Hebrews. The author lists many former saints, a “cloud of witnesses,” and reminds us of the faith by which they “obtained a good report” (Heb. 11). This message was obscured under the cult of saints that had developed in the medieval church. The Reformation again sounded the true message of All Saints Day. The Augsburg Confession states: “It is also taught among us that saints should be kept in remembrance so that our faith may be strengthened when we see what grace they received and how they were sustained by faith. Moreover, their good works are to be an example for us, each of us in his own calling… However, it cannot be proved from the Scriptures that we are to invoke saints or seek help from them. ‘For there is one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus’ (1 Tim. 2:5), who is the only saviour, the only high priest, advocate, and intercessor before God (Rom. 8:34). He alone has promised to hear our prayers. More-over, according to the Scriptures, the highest form of divine service is sincerely to seek and call upon this same Jesus Christ in every time of need. ‘If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous’ (1 John 2:1)” (Augsburg Confession: Article XXI). The Connection Between All Saints’ Day and Halloween In North America, the secular holiday of Halloween coincides with All Saints’ Day. In fact, Halloween takes its name from All Saints’ Day, which was earlier called All Hallow’s Day. Because Christians have traditionally observed holy days from sundown on one day until sundown the following day, it has become common to begin the observation of the holy day on the preceding evening, thus our Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve observations. The evening before All Hallow’s Day was called All Hallowe’en and eventually Halloween. It is both unfortunate and ironic that while the name Halloween has its roots in the Christian tradition, the Christian element has largely disappeared and the pagan traditions and the commercial aspects prevailed in the observation of the holiday. The History of Halloween in America The seeds of our Halloween tradition arrived with Irish immigrants in the late 1840s. In recent decades Halloween has become a major holiday and retail event, trailing only Christmas in terms of consumer dollars spent. A component of pranks and mischief has always been associated with Halloween. It has come from the traditions of Samhain. The Celts had a highly structured social order that was typically relaxed during the Samhain celebrations. This allowed the powerless majority to engage in mischievous pranks and petty vandalism without consequences. The tradition of mischief and pranks has prevailed in our own era. Periodically, the vandalism and pranks become more mean-spirited resulting in the costly destruction of property and cruelty to animals. One of these more destructive phases occurred during the 1970s. Com­munities and groups have responded by trying to organize safer, more constructive alternatives. In the 1970s, the conduct of some Christian youth at Halloween caused concern in God’s kingdom. This concern led to heightened discussion of Halloween. It appears that many believers had participated in the secular Halloween traditions for years without giving the issue much consideration. The roots and nature of Halloween were more closely examined and discussed among believers. The Dark Side of Halloween Many Halloween symbols and traditions are associated with mischief, divination, death, evil, and the powers of darkness. They include ghosts and goblins, trick or treating, witches, black cats, bats, goblins, jack o’ lanterns, skeletons, ghosts, evil spirits, and demons. Because the Celts passed on their history orally, written records do not exist and it is not possible to fully determine the origin or development of all of these symbols and traditions. In the modern era, most people do not take the various myths and legends associated with these symbols and traditions seriously, dismissing them as superstitions and folklore. For years the context of earlier pagan worship and the occult weakened in society’s collective awareness. During the last fifty years, however, there has been resurgence in a wide range of pagan religions including neo-paganism and Satan-ism. These groups have been accused of animal and human sacrifice, sex and drug orgies, and the like, especially in connection with Halloween. Generally, these groups deny these accusations, and it may well be that they are inaccurate or exaggerated—at least where most of these groups are concerned. On the other hand, many neo-pagans readily acknowledge that Halloween is for them a day when they worship their gods and goddesses, and practice necromancy and divination. Whether or not the darkest and most extreme charges directed at witches and Satanists are accurate or not, their beliefs are clearly contrary to the teachings of God’s Word and Christian faith. With the resurgence of pagan religions and the incidents of vandalism and destruction, Halloween lost much of its innocence. In recent decades, many religious groups began to re-evaluate their stance on Halloween. Living Christianity’s Position As a result of the Halloween discussions in our American Zion, the then AALC Work Committee wrote a letter to member congregations in October 1980 that summarized the understanding that the discussions had produced. There was widespread agreement about the need for watchfulness in Halloween observances. The pagan connections and dark components of Halloween were disturbing and worrisome. Believers wished to heed the scriptural admonitions to avoid the appearance of evil (1 Thes. 5:22). Establishing the “distinctions of Christian soberness” was more difficult. The Work Committee noted that a zealous and restrictive attitude at work on the one hand, and leniency and fleshly tendencies on the other, made finding solutions more difficult. The understanding that emerged was “that we abstain from participating in the ‘traditional’ celebrations of the worldly Halloween, not only on the basis of its pagan mixtures, but even more because of the evil excesses now associated with its observance.” Two issues that were frequently discussed were trick or treating and school Halloween festivities. Questions on these two issues have resurfaced from time to time. The October 1980 letter did not specifically address trick or treating. It fell under the general statement regarding traditional celebrations, their pagan mixtures and associated excesses. The understanding emerged that believing homes would not send their children out to participate in the traditional trick or treating. God’s children have endeavored to follow this understanding since then. When unusual or exceptional situations arise, it is hoped that Christian freedom would prevail. Here, too, believers want to be mindful of the dangers of both over-watchfulness and leniency. Above all, it is important that Christian love not be broken. The 1980 letter did address school Halloween issues. It pointed out that because holidays, including Halloween, are a part of our culture, Christians have not objected to instruction within this cultural context. Neither have they found reason to oppose or abstain from such instruction or activities unless they are contrary to faith and good conscience. While occasional concerns with regard to Halloween movies, some party activities, or objectionable costumes remain, it appears that school issues have become less difficult in recent years since many school districts have scaled back or modified their Halloween festivities in response to concerns from churches in general. In recent discussions about Halloween, the LLC Work Committee reviewed the October 1980 Work Committee letter and whole-heartedly supported the spirit of the letter and the positions it presented. Do We Celebrate the Christian or the Secular? In its October 1980 letter, the Work Committee suggested that congregations schedule song services, Bible class, or services in order to establish a wholesome Christian alternative for our youth and children. The desire was to focus attention on the Christian holiday rather than the secular, that is, on All Saints’ Day rather than Halloween. It was clear then, as it is now, that if the focus were placed on All Saints’ Day most of the Halloween related concerns and questions would dissipate. In a world that is increasingly battered by secularism, the need for Christian toe-holds increases. Consider the changes wrought by secularization since 1980: prayer is now forbidden in public schools; count-less stores remain open on Sundays; plaques, emblems, and monuments containing biblical quotations are being removed from government buildings and property; an effort is being made to remove “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance; and the traditional Christian view of marriage and human sexuality is ridiculed and challenged. The Christian calendar provides toe-holds that families and individuals can cling to in the face of secularism’s onslaught. The events of the Christian calendar pro-vide opportunities to carve moments from daily life for the purpose of turning our attention to life’s most important matter. The message of All Saints’ Day stands in contrast to the message of the secular Halloween. It gives us comfort and hope in the darkness of this world and the struggle against our own sin-corruption. The victory of the former saints and their experiences assure us of God’s help in the midst of trials and suffering, of His grace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, of our Savior’s victory over the powers of darkness, and of His promise of eternal rest and peace to those who believe.

Dan Rintamaki | 1994 LLC Longview Summer Services - Speakers and Elders Meeting - June 30 -- The teachings of Martin Luther testify, in accord with the Holy Scriptures, that God has given two holy proclamations from heaven-the Law and the Gospel. ln the gospel of John, it is written, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). These two proclamations are pictured in the Letter to the Hebrews: "For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Heb. 4:12). One edge of the sword represents the Law and the other the Gospel. Each has its own office. Luther has pointed out that through the rigid requirements of the Law, God demands what we are or are not to do. Through the Gospel, God reveals His love and offers grace and the forgiveness of sins unto life eternal. The Law and the Gospel are as different one from the other as light is from darkness, but without the Holy Spirit it is impossible to differentiate between them. ln the light of God's Word, we will study a little further the purpose and use God has intended for the Law and the Gospel. The Law God gave His Holy Law through His servant Moses on Mount Sinai. God wrote them on tables of stone in the form of the Ten Commandments. They were delivered in the midst of thunder, lightning, and quaking and brought terror and fear into the hearts of those present. The Ten Commandments are divided into two parts. The first three commandments require love for God. The remaining seven require love for our neighbor. The Book of Leviticus defines the requirements of the Law with about six hundred ordinances which are to be kept faultlessly. The Apostle James wrote in his epistle, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10). ls it then possible to attain a righteousness acceptable to God, a righteousness meriting souls salvation, by the works of the Law? The Apostle Paul answers in his Letter to the Galatians: "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" (Gal.3:10-13). Paul also wrote to the Romans, "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20). Could we say then, that if one had no knowledge of the law that he is excused from it? The answer is no. The Apostle explains, in the second and third chapters of Romans, that it has been written into the hearts of all mankind: "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness" (Rom. 2:12-15). God in his love saw it necessary to give His Holy Law to awaken sinners from the sleep of sin and death. Thus the Apostle Paul writes, "Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound." The Law prepares a sinner to the receive the gospel. Paul explains this purpose in Galatians 3:24, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." The Law is preached to the unbelieving, as the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; knowing this, that the law is not made for the righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murders of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for mensteelers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine" (1 Tim. 1:8­10). Luther has said that the Law should be preached to an unbeliever as if there is no Gospel. Then when he has sorrow over sin and the wrath of God's Law condemns him to eternal death, preach the good news of the Gospel as if there is no Law. The Law is not preached to the believing: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth" (Romans 10:4). lnstead, to them is preached the gospel of the Lord Jesus, the forgiveness of sins in His name and blood. The Gospel The word gospel means "good news." Luther has defined the Gospel as the ministry of grace, because it proclaims the saving doctrine of life, the divine promise, and offers grace and the forgiveness of sins. When it is received by faith in the heart of a sinner, it brings peace, joy and freedom. Through the proclamation of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus' name and precious blood, the heart is filled with the peace of God, which passes all understanding. (Phil. 4:7). The living hope of eternal life brings unspeakable joy! God in His fatherly love prepared the Gospel of salvation in His Son: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16) The promise of the Savior was heard first by Adam and Eve in Paradise. After they fell into sin, God called them and clothed them with coats of skins. These picture God's grace and forgiveness and the righteousness of the Lord Jesus, of whom John the Baptist said when he first saw Him, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The perfect redemption work of the Lord Jesus satisfied the Heavenly Father. ln Matthew 17:5 it is recorded, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." Jesus left nothing undone when He prepared the Gospel. ln perfect obedience to the Heavenly Father, He fulfilled the Holy Law, was tempted in all points just as we are, but was yet without sin. He took the lowly form of a Servant, the likeness of man. He submitted himself to mockery, scorn, and all manner of persecution, even to the death of the cross, where He shed His holy and innocent blood for the remission of sins. There He cried, "lt is finished" (John 19:30). His resurrection Easter morning overcame the power of sin, death, and Hell and concluded the preparation of the Gospel of life. Dear brothers and sisters in faith, we have hope at this moment through the Gospel of peace. From grace we have permission to believe the forgiveness of all our sins in Jesus' name and precious blood. The Apostle Paul wrote, ""For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2: 8-10). Lastly, we join with Paul's words the Romans: "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16).

Matti Kontkanen | 1994 LLC Longview Summer Services - Youth Discussion - July 2 -- Nobody has strength to live if there is no joy in life. Everybody seeks to have joy in their life: children do, young do, elders do. Believers also seek joy. A main question in seeking joy is, where from and what kind of joy does one seek. In the following story we will listen to what happened to two girls who were seeking joy. . . . (Story read by young person. “As Two Blossoms on the Slopes of Mount Zion”) – from At Daybreak book. What happened in this story? We often hear news how someone has given up his or her faith. Why does this happen? What is the sin that separates the young from God’s kingdom? We will look at the story one more time from the point of view of joy. The girls had the desire for joy. The story told us that the girls rejoiced in their hearts that they could be children of God. They also made many new believing friends in their new location where they started their schooling. They were happy to greet Maria’s uncle, a speaker brother, a confessor father. Then a short while later, they found joy in different places, in functioning in the student government, in an unbelieving friend, and in having loud parties in the evening. What made the reason for joy change? Was it something similar to the reasons to the first fall in Paradise? The serpent told the first couple: Did God really say so? Did the enemy of souls in the girls’ case make them doubt that there is no joy or less joy in the kingdom of God than in the world? Did the girls error in listening to this sermon which made them start wondering about it in their thoughts? The second main question is: What do we do when the enemy teases us and makes us doubt about the joy of believing? It happens during the many trials that we have to go through. How do we get from the trials and doubts into free and joyous believing? I will briefly relate a story about a boy whose name was Allen. He had failed his final exam at school. Questions whirled in his mind: Why does it have to go like this for me? Why must I be so unsuccessful? It seemed like all the others had fun, but he had no reason for joy. His parents tried to comfort him but it didn’t help. Then his believing friends contacted him. . . . (Story read by young person. “Why Does it Always Go Like This for Me?”) – from At Daybreak. Here we can see that the enemy of the souls took away the joy of believing by thoughts of hopelessness and depression. Notice how important it is to keep in touch with believing friends, even and especially during hard times. Remember in trials to be steady, humble yourself under the guidance of God, and rejoice even when you don’t succeed. The third main question is: What are the joys of believers and how do we rejoice in everyday life? In everyday life we live in the world and continuously see unbelievers looking for joy in the joys of the world. It certainly effects our flesh so that we might become puzzled as to how we as Christians are to be joyous. We will begin by mentioning that believing itself is and brings righteousness, peace, and joy to ones heart. In this righteousness we are happy and rejoice of all the gifts which God grants us according to His will. There certainly are a lot of them: There is the home and parents, brothers and sisters, love and care of the home, unity and fellowship of the family members – don’t let the strive for money destroy this source of joy in our Christian homes – There is the possibility of learning and going back to school, there is the beautiful nature, free and independent fatherland – we may pray for the good of our country. We may rejoice for being able to work for our country– there is daily bread–there is enough money even to give some of it to those who are in need. There is the fellowship of the Christians – I have seen many of you joyously meeting each other here in these days –There is the treasure of righteousness in Jesus in the kingdom of God. There is the joy of a good conscience. There is the joy of the hope of a better future. The Bible exhorts us to rejoice even in trials, in sorrow, and under ridicule. There is the work of the kingdom of God – we may do it willingly and with joy like the disciples of Jesus did–There will be the fulfillment of joy in Heaven. In order to have joy, you do not need to have all of these joys listed above. Only one of them is absolutely necessary – it is faith, the foundation of all joy. Being in faith, you may have joy even if you have only one gift of God.

Marcus Korpi | 2003 LLC Marquette Summer Services - Youth Discussion -- In God’s Kingdom we say and believe that confession is a grace gift yet the enemy of souls attempts to deprive us of this grace gift by sowing seeds of confusion and misunderstandings. We often hear questions related to confession and to the care of our conscience, for example: What are name sins? Do I need confession in order preserve faith and a good conscience or is the general proclamation of the gospel sufficient? What about caring for offenses we have caused with a brother of sister? The topic of our discussion this evening is Confession. We are going to focus on the confession of sins in the Kingdom of God. In the beginning of this introduction, I would like to first define some basic terms. Two terms sometimes used interchangeably are ‘repentance’ and ‘confession.’ For the sake of this introduction, the use of these terms is as follows: Repentance – When one comes into the Kingdom of God. Confession – True Confession of Sins With Absolution That Happens Inside the Kingdom of God To help follow the presentation, we need to define what confession and absolution mean. Keep these in mind as we examine confession this evening. CONFESSION – To acknowledge or to admit. It is the opposite of denial, and it negates denial. ABSOLUTION -When we confess our sins, the gospel assures our sins are forgiven. We will talk about ‘General Confession” and ‘Individual Confession.’ Individual Confession includes Silent Confession, Private Confession, Confession of Love, and Public Confession. General Confession ‘General Confession’ is when we collectively confess in the communion liturgy. The Communion liturgy contains the following: first, an exhortation to confess sins; second, the actual confession of sins; and the third, the absolution, by the gospel, which the minister proclaims to the congregation (communion guests). By this confession, we acknowledge and confess ourselves to be part of the redeemed, sinful humankind for which Christ gave himself, and are part of the Body of Christ. Through faith, we are partakers of the eternal salvation. We are simultaneously sinful and righteous. (Sacred Acts) Individual Confession Silent Confession This is Confession that springs from faith. Silent confession takes place daily when we acknowledge sin in our hearts during prayer, and when we are open before God. We acknowledge ourselves guilty of all manner of sins, even of those which we do not perceive, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We are all sinners by nature. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”(1 John 1:7) We want to confess all before God even those faults we do not understand and see. “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults.” (Psalm 19:12) We want to be open before God and acknowledge our sinfulness and not deny our sins. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) Why do we not believe our sins forgiven through prayer as some do in the world? God does not directly reply to us in our prayer, but God answers our prayer with His forgiveness in His congregation with the preaching of the precious Gospel. In hearing the general gospel preached, as we have heard so many times during these services, we can believe our sins forgiven. This gospel sounds repeatedly in God’s Kingdom to the sinner. God has given us the Gospel, which is the good tidings of our Lord and Savior Jesus and the salvation He has prepared for us. The Lord Jesus has suffered and died for our sins and has taken all the sins of the world so we do not need to burdened by sin. As Jesus says: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28) His blood is what cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7). Jesus has taken that burden of sin and we do not need to carry sin. When we hear this gospel, we receive power. The general preaching of gospel often gives us power to care for particular sins that trouble our heart or to care for offenses we may have caused between brothers or sisters. Hardening to sin in the world is very dangerous and has its effect on us. The attitudes of the world can easily attach to believers. Sin becomes a matter of opinion instead of what God’s word teaches us is right and wrong. Sin is diminished and sin has become permissible in society. Because of this, believers are easily drawn and attracted to sin. Many years ago in society, certain behaviors were sin. Today the same behaviors are “no big deal” and have become acceptable in society and sometimes even encouraged. Sin becomes familiar, acceptable and justified by the world. It creeps into the life of a believer and we no longer acknowledge sin as sin before God. Private Confession According to Luther in the Small Catechism, confession consists of two parts: the one is that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution from the confessor as of God Himself, in no wise doubting, but firmly believing that our sins are thus forgiven before God in heaven. Absolution is the most important part of confession. Absolution is the freeing from sins so we can believe freely and we can make new promises. When we fall into sin and we have not offended another person, we also have private confession in addition to collective and silent confession. In James it is written: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, they ye may be healed.” (James 5:16) We live in God’s grace Kingdom. Often we have such little faith that God has given the grace gift of Private Confession. In Private Confession, we can confess a sin or sins that trouble our conscience to a confessor father or mother. He or she then proclaims God’s forgiveness by the gospel for those particular sins that we have confessed. Confession helps us stay in faith but does not give us faith. Confession is given as an aid to the believer to care for his or her conscience. It is comforting that we can go and speak of our sins and our temptations to another believer. We can then be reassured by the gospel. Luther writes: “Privately confessing sin to a confessor father is a refuge. Peoples whose consciences the devil holds captive in his snares and has fascinated and worn out so thoroughly that they do not know how to release and extricate themselves but only feel and see that they are bound to perish. For there is no greater misery in this life that the pains and anguish of a heart that lacks advice and consolation. Therefore such people should be given an open door to confession so that they may seek and find consolation from the ministers of the church. Or if the matter is so repulsive that one is ashamed to confess before a minister, let him confide in some other Christian and pious person, whoever he may be, whose faith is apparent.” (What Luther Says) Often in God’s kingdom, we talk about the term “name sins.” What are name sins? These are sins we can put away in private confession. The Holy Spirit that dwells in the heart admonishes us to put away all matters which prevent us from believing freely. It seems to me that Luther speaks of what we refer to as name sins when while writing about Private Confession in the Catechism, he answers the question: What sins should we confess? Luther writes: “Before the confessor, we should confess those sins alone of which we have knowledge and which we feel in our hearts and which trouble our conscience.” These sins then we can put away in Private Confession. “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.” (Heb 12:1). While it is true that the general gospel promises the forgiveness of all sins, the common experience of God’s children is that their faith is so weak that they have needed private confession and its absolution. Some may claim that their faith is so strong that they are able to free their conscience from the burden and accusation of sin under the general proclamation of the gospel and that they thus have no need for private confession. When discussing the obstacles to confession, our brother Juhani Uljas has described his own experiences in this way: “What if I do not speak about transgressions to anyone, but try to believe the matter that particularly bothers my conscience forgiven through the general preaching of the gospel? In my experience, I can say that one cannot reach peace or freedom this way. No matter how much I have tried to believe that particular matter gone, it has kept on bothering me. It has been like a rock in a shoe and made the travel troublesome. Then when I have spoken of these matters which have troubled me to my confessor father, I have experienced a surprise. First of all, my confessor father has understood me and nothing has indicated he would not carry me as a believer. As he has on behalf of God, proclaimed all sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. I have experienced a relief. The sins that have troubled me have no longer come to mind to accuse me. The rock has been removed and the journey has felt easy. The only thing I have regretted is that I have carried burdens on my conscience in vain.” Here we want to remember that in order for a conscience to operate properly it must be enlightened and guided by the word of God. We also want to remember the dangers of ignoring the rebuke of our conscience and the resulting hardening. Bloomquist writes “If man continually ignores the prompting of his conscience and allows it to become a reservoir for sin, his conscience will harden. It will cease to function properly. His understanding of right and wrong soon becomes clouded, then finally it is lost. His sense of shame and sorrow begin to disappear. Paul tells Timothy that this disdain or neglect for the care of conscience causes spiritual shipwreck, in other words, spiritual death. It is for this reason Paul urges Timothy to keep “faith and a good conscience.” (Keep Faith and a Good Conscience, Bloomquist 1998 Phoenix) This is so our conscience would remain tender and continue to speak to us and teach us so we could remain believing. The enemy of souls wants to spoil this grace gift of confession. There is a danger of making confession our salvation. Confession is a grace gift given by God intended to help us in the endeavor of faith. It should not enslave us as believers. We cannot make our confession more important than absolution. The word of absolution, which is part of confession, releases us from burdens weighing our conscience. Confession as an operation does not cleanse our conscience, but by faith we are absolved of our sins. God does not cleanse our hearts by confession but by faith. “…purifying their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:9) Luther says, “As I exhort to confess it means that I exhort to live as a Christian.” Absolution is the medicine that lifts the burdens, sadness, sorrow and remorse of sin. It makes our journey in faith easier. “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.”(Jeremiah 17:14). The gospel heals our wounded conscience, and frees us from the bonds of sin. A person can have the wrong motives for confessing sins. Rather than sorrow over sin, perhaps he is trying to please the person that rebuked him or wants to “get him off his back.” This is confession of the lips, pseudo, or fake confession. It is confession without penitence. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalms 51:17) When we talk about private confession, we also talk about to whom we can confess our sins. To whom can we turn to in private confession? “But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem and to an innumerable company of angels.” God has given us angels along the way in his Kingdom as escorts to help us on our journey. It is a Kingdom of forgiveness. It is good that we can find a true friend in the Kingdom of God to open our heart to. We can speak of the way and the journey. We can hear the forgiveness of sins preached. It is a kingdom of grace and mercy. When someone comes to take care of matters with a confessor father or mother, we want to have the mind of Christ. “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 5:36 Matt. 10:10) Juhani Uljas also writes: “I have also been a confessor father. Those believers that have told me of matters and to whom I have consoled with the word of absolution have been close and dear to me. I have not regarded them as poor travelers. I have learned to know them as Christians to whom the matters of faith are important and who endeavor to preserve faith and good conscience. I also acknowledge as a confessor father I have an obligation to keep all matters confidential.” As a side note, our general experience is that sin makes us feel bad, and confession and absolution makes us feel relieved. In the case of depression, we might experience similar bad feelings, which will not go away by taking care of our conscience. It is vital to distinguish between the bad feelings caused by depression and the bad feelings caused by sin. Someone may in vain try to take care of depression through confession, finally become desperate, and conclude that they do not have faith any more or believing does not help them anymore. Confession of Love Confession of love is confessing and asking forgiveness when we offend a brother or sister, regardless how we feel about it. God’s Word requires us to care for offenses against a brother or sister. This preserves and strengthens mutual love and makes our journey with our brothers and sisters easier. When we know that we have offended a brother or sister in faith, the love has been broken between two individuals. We are obligated to put matters away with the brother or sister. We want to approach the person to correct the offenses we have caused. The carnal mind battles against this. When the gospel is preached, the love between brother and sister is restored and there is peace in their hearts. Sometimes we do not know that we have offended another brother and that is why God has given us the Church Law of Christ. Jesus instructs the offended person to approach the one that as offended. “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” Most times, this is enough to take care of matters, but sometimes the person does not understand and we use the other parts of the Church Law of Christ. “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he neglects to hear them, tell it unto the church:” and so on. (Matt 18:15-17) When the gospel has been preached in these cases, we receive their forgiveness and God’s forgiveness. At times, we receive God’s forgiveness but the person has not been able to forgive. Later the person has asked for forgiveness for their inability to forgive. It is sometimes difficult to forgive. But remember Jesus’ words “if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”(Mark 11:26) We may also want to put a limitation on how often we will forgive a brother. Peter asked Jesus: “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? ‘Til seven times?” before. Jesus answers: “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but Until seventytimes seven.” (Matt 18:22-23) We have reason to pray to our Heavenly Father that we would have a forgiving, and merciful heart. Public Confession At times, a sin may be of such a nature that it should be confessed before the congregation. The believers then preach forgiveness of absolution with the gospel openly. People sometimes wrongly think that public confession is better and more complete. This is not so. We only need to confess our sins as far as they have offended. Conclusion Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1) Our salvation is in believing the absolution of the forgiveness of our sins. All sins are washed away with the bloody gospel message. They are forgiven and we are heaven acceptable before God. We can thank Jesus that He has taken my sins away and all the sins of the world. We can praise God that he has given us his only Son and that we can be a child of God. “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou has put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto the for ever.” (Psalm 30:11-12) By the gospel, we receive the comforting assurance that these sins are forgiven. “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Matt; 9: 2. Our sins are drowned in the sea of grace. We can put them behind us. Sometimes our natural mind has a better memory than God does. Satan wants us to remember our faults and sins, but God forgives and does not remember them. We also do not want to remember our sins and wish to be a free child of God without sin. We are as holy as any angel in heaven when we can believe the Gospel message that all sins are forgiven in the name and the blood of Jesus. Then there is peace in our hearts and we are no longer troubled by the burden of sin. This is the mystery of the Gospel. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103: 12) References: Näin on kirjoitettu, Erkki Reinikainen What Luther Says By Faith Introduction “Confession,”Matti Kontkanen 9/2002 Phoenix Introduction “Keeping Faith and a Good Conscience,” Jon Bloomquist 1998 Winter Services Article “Confession,” Voice of Zion 11/1998, Siionin Lähetyslehti no. 10 1997, Juhani Uljas Manual of Sacred Acts Small Catechism, Martin Luther He has Entrusted Us with the Word of Reconciliation The Grace of the Caller, Heikki Jussila

Duane Pirness | 2003 LLC Marquette Summer Services - Ministers and Board Members Meeting -- “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.” (Psalm 84:1-5) God, through His Word, calls sinners into His Kingdom. This Kingdom is upon this earth, and its inhabitants are joined together by the bond of love which is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We marvel and thank God that He continues to call penitent ones into His Kingdom from various parts of the world. We sometimes ponder how God will reveal His Word to parts of the world where no believers now dwell and no services of God’s children are held, and then we are amazed to see that when God’s time is filled, people in parts of the world where God’s Word was never heard before begin to seek God’s Kingdom and repentances occur. We are thankful and rejoice with the newly converted, “the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young.” (Psalm 84:3) As we rejoice over how God is increasing His kingdom, we also are sorrowful that some fall away from faith through sin and disobedience. We notice the restlessness of this world and the increase of secularization. These societal trends in our homelands are not without their effects on the inhabitants of God’s Kingdom. Pastors in God’s Kingdom are encouraged to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” (2 Tim. 4:2) Sin is preached as sin and grace as grace. We, God’s children, continue to attempt to make known the love of Christ to the world around us. We endeavor to preach God’s Word without respect of persons. We mustn’t “water down” our sermons for the fear of offending unbelieving service guests. We preach of God’s Kingdom, encourage those yet on the outside unto repentance and believing the gospel, and preach the gospel of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name and blood to all hearers. This gospel is comfort and strength unto the believers and encourages those on the outside to repent and believe. Each child of God lives through the gospel and that is why we want to use it freely in our sermons, and also in our discussions with brothers and sisters in faith. God’s Kingdom is made up of people from different nations. The outward circumstances under which believers live in their homelands may differ much from each other. There are various types of government, cultural differences, language differences, differences in the standard of living. Outwardly, we can be so different from each other, yet we are united; we are one because of the love which unites God’s children together. God’s Kingdom is the place “where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” (Col. 3:11) As a result of this diversity in God’s Kingdom, there may be many views on temporal issues. These varied views can result from the environment we live in, the kind of government we have, our cultural and home experiences, our education, and even the influence of the media in our homelands. We must remain watchful that these different views on temporal issues and on events which happen in the world do not break the love between believers. We are united by a common faith and a common goal. It is good for us to consider this when we discuss current events and politics with believers from other nations, or even with believers from our own nation or congregation, so that we don’t debate these matters in a way that causes offense. Rather we should listen to each other and try to understand each other and perhaps even refrain from such discussions when we know we have very strong differences of opinion about them and they could cause unnecessary controversy. We remember how we are encouraged in Col. 3:14 “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” We feel this love which unites us when we visit with believers in our own congregation and in the area where we live. When we travel to other areas or even other lands, we marvel that we can visit believers who live there and immediately feel the bond of love which unites us. This is a gift that God gives us, and even those outside of God’s Kingdom often marvel at this. Paul writes of this incomprehensible love: “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Eph:3:19) No outward differences can come between this love. This unity is especially precious in our time as we see how the world continues to rage around us. The Apostle Paul warned Timothy of these times in 2 Tim. 3:1-6. The people of this world are becoming increasingly less concerned about God’s teachings — that it is sin which separates man from God. Many faiths in this world no longer teach in a wholesome way concerning sin and its effects, as they are afraid of offending their members who are living in sin and want to continue living in this way. The media in our society portrays this sinful life as normal and acceptable and many people begin to take it for granted without pondering what will happen to them after this life ends. Pornography, common law marriages, use of drugs and many other examples of sinful life are rampant in our time and are becoming more and more acceptable with disastrous consequences. God’s children continue to preach God’s Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sin is preached as sin and the love of God toward the penitent sinner is revealed. Those who seek peace are reminded how this peace can be found. When sins are preached forgiven by a child of God and they are believed forgiven, an unbeliever is released from a life of sin or self- righteousness into the light of God’s Kingdom. In place of sorrow comes joy, hope replaces hopelessness, and the desire comes to live a life that is acceptable to God. We live in an uncertain world. People fear war, terrorist attacks, diseases and even natural catastrophes. Many people hope for peace and security and despair of ever living in a world where life would truly be safe. What a gift we own through faith! God has given us His Kingdom where we can live in peace and security in these troubled times. As inhabitants of God’s Kingdom we are assured of being cared for in this life and of receiving eternal life after death. The Psalmist says in Psalms 46:1-5 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” Our comfort comes from God’s grace toward pardoned sinners. God’s word reminds us of this care of the Heavenly Father: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psalm 103:2-5) We are thankful that God’s grace shelters and comforts us and that we have nothing to fear. Jesus has promised to be with us every day of our lives. God continues to call His chosen ones into his Kingdom from various parts of this world. He also gives many of us many opportunities to gather together around His word and be in the fellowship of believers as we now experience at these services. God encourages us to gather together as the end of time approaches. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb. 10:25). When we gather together at services and visit other children of God, our journey is easier and we can comfort one another with God’s Word as we are encouraged by Scripture to do. When we consider all that God has given us when we can be His children, we have much reason for joy. We are protected in God’s kingdom from this raging world which surrounds us. May God give us strength to remain as children — free and happy children. One day we, too, will receive the reward of eternal life, as so many have before us.

Tomm Stewart | 2004 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Congregation and Youth Discussion -- The Young and the Old: Saved by faith Dear listener, whether you are young or old, whether you are from the generation that has already seen their own grandchildren, or if you are from the current generation of children - you can believe all your sins forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus. This is the same gospel that has been preached from generation to generation. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us unto the kingdom of his dear Son; In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1: 11-14) And from the old testament, “Both young men, and maidens; old men and children: let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent: his glory is above the earth and heaven.” (Ps. 148: 12,13) Dear young ones, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12) And to you, dear older ones, “ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4) Remember, young and old; "ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:28). Believers of all ages are citizens of God's Kingdom. We are all joined in the same spirit and love. "There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Eph. 4:4-6) Also, "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." (Rom. 12:5) God's Holy Word teaches us that the hope of salvation is through faith, “for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.” (Rom. 1:17) The work of God's kingdom is the preaching of the forgiveness of sins in the name and blood of Jesus; this work is done by his children. "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 20:21-23). Gospel work is done by all believers in the unity of faith, whether young or old. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, here seems to be speaking specifically about the calling of the Gentiles, but his words also seem to embody the unity of believers which knows no boundaries based on ethnicity, geography or politics, gender, or age; "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom 10:12-17). Consistent with the spirit of this message we also say that there no difference in God's kingdom between the young and old, "for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him" (v 12). The Lord Jesus himself promised not to leave His people without comfort and correct teaching, and said; "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). Therefore, living faith and Christian doctrine, as well as the decisions made and positions taken by God's kingdom, are based upon Holy Scripture, the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and the endeavor of the child of God to keep faith and a good conscience. The joy of faith, whether young or old, is in the forgiveness of sins in the name and blood of Jesus. It is precious and important to put sin away. The old Finnish speaker brother, Iisakki Poromaa, who lived from 1816 to 1904, said, “not even by the mantle of justice, behind reproach or before offense, permit sin to govern you, for it is the seed of heresy and causes divisions in the flock.” The Young and Old: Christian Understandings With the passing of each generation there are often associated societal changes impacting the young and old and their relationships. Times change: as we are apt to say. Some ideas and beliefs are held onto because of their timeless value or due to some tradition. Other ideas and beliefs may be cast away as old fashioned. I clearly remember a discussion about 20 years ago with a former sister who expressed the opinion to me that living Christianity was due for a ‘second reformation.’ She believed that she, and others, were unnecessarily bound by what were really time-honored Christian understandings which related to matters that sincere believers attempt to avoid as a matter of conscience. She was seeking support to live in the sins of this world, those especially relating to vanity and entertainment; movies, make-up, music, and the like. Sorrowfully, it was not long before she denied her faith. Luther, God's tool in the historic Reformation, reminded those in attendance at a certain church convention that they were not there to develop new understandings, but to reaffirm the 'old' scriptural truths of Christianity revealed through the Holy Spirit. In God's kingdom our beliefs and faith don't change with the times, as the writer of the Hebrews noted, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Heb 13:8). The old testament writer, the Prophet Jeremiah, clearly explains this matter, too. He has written, “Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Jer. 6:16) The Psalmist also write of that same path; “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Ps. 119:105) It is inherent in man's nature to question God's will and authority. We find that this characteristic of human nature touches each of us. The enemy of souls tempted Eve to question the Creator's will regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which was in the midst of the garden. The 3rd chapter of Genesis clearly relates this: "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die" (Gen 3:1-4). From the Fall in the Garden all people inherited original sin. The Finnish pastor and poet Niilo Rauhala has recently written, "This (questioning of God's word) is nothing new, of course, but human wisdom always tends to rise above (so it wrongly reasons) the word of the Bible with different emphasis at different times. Recently, for example, there have been strong opinions to the effect that some of the biblical instructions concerning chastity are bound to time and culture and hence cannot be taken to show the line between right and wrong ways of life. Homosexuality is one of these issues. People prefer to speak (in error) about loving one's neighbor, rather than the biblical principals of ethical life." The Young and the Old: Christian Relationships The Bible includes many examples of relationships. There are a great number of Christian relationships which show to us the mutual joy and understanding experienced between and among God's children who, by faith, share the love of Christ through the Holy Spirit, and through the forgiveness of sins in the name and blood of Jesus. The Holy Spirit and the gospel unite the children of God. Paul instructs, "endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph. 4:3). The Bible also relates of some relationships which are not so good, sin being the root of malignity or ill will. King Saul, in wrath and great anger, flung his spear at David in an attempt to kill him. However, we will concentrate on the good and blessed relationships which are gifts from God. The apostle James has written, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) God has blessed his kingdom with believers of all ages. The prophet Zechariah wrote, “Thus saith the Lord of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age. and the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.” (Zech. 8:4,5) Most fundamental to Christian relationships is the love of Christ, for in this love is found the gospel of life, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John. 13:34-35). Also, "Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph. 6:23). This love unites the young and the old. Paul, the apostle and an older preacher, developed a very close and precious relationship with his younger co-worker Timothy, whom he encouraged in personal faith and in the work of God kingdom, this charge I commit unto the, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; holding faith and a good conscience (1 Tim. 1: 18,19). Often, a father or mother or another older brother serve the younger ones as a trusted confessor, a sealed vessel, to whom the struggling youth may confide in to hear the gospel for freedom from accusing name sins and troublesome matters. Naomi and Ruth, her daughter-in-law, also had a dear and close relationship, And Ruth said, entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest , I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me (Ruth 1: 16) The Roman officer Cornelius welcomed Peter into his home to speak of the kingdom of God. Cornelius was so concerned about his personal salvation and the salvation of his family and friends, that he: "called together his kinsmen and near friends." (Acts 10:24). The marvelous result was that, "while Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell upon all them which heard the word." (Acts 10:44). Joshua took a firm stand on the foundation of his faith, and of those in his home, when he proclaimed, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Josh. 24:15). Clearly, these examples that we have considered show that the relationships were not at all adversarial or destructive, but quite the opposite. Relationships between all believers, and certainly between young and old, are based upon the work and love of Jesus. Paul reminded the Ephesian congregation, "now therefore ye are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone: in whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto an holy temple in the Lord, in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit." (Eph. 2:19-22).