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We continue to monitor how the COVID-19 pandemic affects LLC activities. States and provinces have differing schedules and parameters as they reopen for various activities. Per membership request the primary focus has been on LLC Confirmation schools, which are now scheduled in July and August. Because the situation remains fluid and rescheduling youth camps requires adjusting the camps to smaller sizes, we have decided to cancel all planned Pre-Confirmation and Youth Camps at SLC and HLC. Camp boards will continue to monitor the regional situation regarding summer camps, and weekend camps in the fall.

Katie Simonson | The Shepherd’s Voice April/May 2023 - Home and Family Article -- I asked my daughter what she thinks peace is. She stated that it is when everything is quiet and calm. When people are reading or napping, the household is quiet. When I think of peace, I picture a dove. The dove is a symbol of peace. I remember the story of Noah’s ark. The world of that time became so evil that God sent a flood to destroy the world. A dove was sent from the ark to see if the flood waters had receded. When the dove came back with an olive branch, this was a symbol that the flood had receded. The world was restored with new life and new hope. When faith is in our heart, peace shines in us. It is much easier to do our school work and our jobs at home. Our family members and even our classmates can see that we are at peace. They see that we are obedient and happy, that we work hard and we don’t use bad words. Peace is a fruit of faith. Peace can be broken quite easily. When you become unhappy or bored, it can be easy to start bickering with your siblings or to ignore what your parents ask you to do. Peace can be restored when the gospel is preached, when sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. When believers meet and again when we part we greet with “God’s peace!” When we greet this way, we confess our mutual faith and acknowledge that peace exists between us. We are thankful for the peace that God gives us! Things to visit about: How do you know when you are at peace? What does peace feel like? How do we keep our home a place of peace? What things steal peace? What Bible stories come to mind when you think of peace? What does the Bible teach about peace?

Jon Bloomquist | 2003 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Congregation Evening - February 21 -- Introduction Hymn 310 The hymn that we just sang tells of a journey to an eternal city in a distant land. The journey winds through strange and foreign lands. It spans many years. The path is difficult and fraught with danger. It brings weariness, toil, and fear. The story this hymn tells is true, it is no fairy tale or fiction. It is at the same time an old story and a new story. It is the story of Abraham and Sarah (Hebrews 11:8-19) and it is our story. When we begin to follow the Lord Jesus, dear brothers and sisters, we begin a long and difficult journey to eternal life. It is a journey that, as one hymn sates, goes through a "great wilderness of sin and woe." We frequently encounter the term wilderness journey in hymns and sermons. It is certainly and apt metaphor for the life of a child of God. Nowadays technology insulates us from the hardships characteristic of life and travel in the wilderness. Thus we probably need to make a conscious effort and use some imagination to appreciate all that this metaphor conveys. We will now try to do that. Most of us make numerous trips to the grocery story, the library, the mall, or church. We don't usually give the trip itself much thought. And with good reason, the trip is short, the route familiar, and help is near if it is needed. When we go on a longer journey, we usually take more care. If we drive, we see to it that our gas tank is full, the tires are good, the spare has air in it, and so on. We make sure that we know the way or have directions or a map. We take note of travel conditions and, if we're wise, we make provisions for emergencies: in the north for the snow and cold of winter (shovel, blankets, candles, good, water, etc.), and in the south for the heat of summer (water, shade, sunscreen, etc.). We do this because we wish to make it safely to our destination. A wilderness journey requires even more care. There are no motorized vehicles, no stores, no restaurants, no motels. We can't go home for the night if we're scared, or don't feel well, or things just aren't going our way. Trails are usually narrow, uneven, rough and unmarked. In the wilderness we are at the mercy of the elements. If we get lost, hurt, or ill we must rely on our travel companions or, if we are alone, ourselves. Our well-being depends on well-thought out plans, prudent caution, good provisions, and the right equipment. What would you think and how would you proceed, dear brothers and sisters, if tomorrow you were required to begin a trek across a great, unfamiliar expanse of wilderness? Your destination on the other side is nowhere in sight. You would probably wonder how you will cross it, how you would find your way, if you have a family, how you would get them cross it. You would probably be worried about what kinds of provisions and equipment you will need and what kinds of dangers. you will encounter. Dear brothers and sisters, before us lies a journey through a great wilderness. From here we cannot see heaven, our destination. How will we find our way? How can we reach our goal? Do we have the equipment and provisions that we need? We do. Our Heavenly Father has provided the necessary provisions and clear directions. Compass, Map, and Trail When we travel into an unfamiliar wilderness, we need both a compass and a map in order to find our way. If we have a compass but no map, we don't really know where we are or where to go. If we have a map but no compass, we don't know which way to hole the mpa or which way to go. When we pay attention to and follow our map and compass we will be able to find our way. God has given us a compass and map for our journey also. Our compass is our conscience. It points us in the right direction by reminding us that we are before God's face every moment and demanding that we do that which we know to be right and forbidding us to do that which we know to be wrong. Our map is God's Word. It reveals God's will, what before Him is right and wrong. It shows us the way to heaven. The psalmist says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Ps 119:105) We need to pay close attention to our map and compass. If we begin to follow our own notions, we will get lost. Solomon writes,"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov 16:25). We also want to make sure that we are using the right map. If we have the wrong map, we will become hopelessly lost and confused. September 11th provides an extreme and tragic example. Nineteen men, by all accounts acting according to their conscience, killed over 3000 people in an act of terror. They were using the wrong map. They did not follow God's Word. Besides a compass and a map, God has provided us a trail through the wilderness. It is narrow, but it is marked clearly with the footprints of the former saints. Sometimes there may be a temptation to conclude that earlier generations have taken a wrong turn and thus dismiss their understanding or teaching on various issues. Certainly, their teachings, like the teachings of all men, must be examined in the light of God's Word. But we should not, supposing ourselves to be wiser than them, lightly dismiss their teachings. Jeremiah writes, "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 for your souls" (Jer. 6:16). Avoid Slippery and Dangerous Places Wilderness trails often include dangerous and slippery places. In these places one must be very careful. It does not pay to be reckless or indifferent to the danger. We could easily fall and be injured or fall to a place from which we cannot escape. We encounter such places in our spiritual journey as well. We want to avoid injury. The author to the Letter to the Hebrews gives this advice: "Make straight paths for your feet" (Heb. 12:13). He means that we should avoid placed of temptation and remove from our life things that hinder our faith. The Bible includes some specific instructions about what we should avoid. It, for example, mentions where we go and what we do and with whom we spend our time. Solomon writes, "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away" (Prov. 4:14,15). Many kinds of temptations may produce slippery places for us. The psalmist, for example, admits that envy of the prosperity of the ungodly had become a dangerous, slippery place for him: "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped" (Ps. 73:2). The entertainment offerings of this world are an especially dangerous place in modern life. Technology makes it possible to bring them into our homes, cars, computers, offices, or, with portable devices, wherever we go. The content of these materials is often offensive and destructive, wounding the conscience and feeding the desires of our sin-corrupt flesh. Content may be offensive in a number of ways, for example, message, graphics, language, or music. Another danger lies in the position that entertainment may attain on the totem pole of our priorities. Even in cases where content is not offensive, the materials or activities may consume so much of our time and attention that we no longer have time for God's Word and Christian fellowship. They become our master instead of our servant. The Apostle Paul gives sobering advice: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap everlasting life" (Gal. 6:7,8). What we read, what we listen to, and what we see affect our thoughts and actions. If we choose to feed our sin-corrupt flesh and neglect the nourishment of our spirit, our flesh will overpower and consume us and we will be left in the wilderness. Provisions for the Journey We cannot trek through a wilderness without water and food. The demands of wilderness travel require that we eat and drink more than we do in normal circumstances. If we do not drink sufficient water and eat the right kinds of food, we cannot sustain ourselves. We become weak and weary. It is then that we are most prone to injury and confusion. We need to make a conscious effort to drink and eat. Often by the time we recognize the symptoms, for example of heat exhaustion, we are already in great danger. Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. God provides the food and drink necessary for our souls by His Word and Sacraments. He also refreshed us through fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters. If we neglect these, we will become spiritually weak and exhausted. David, unable to be at the services of God's children, cried of his great thirst: "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God" (Ps 42:1). When we live in a time of abundant services, we may, supposing we have eaten and drunk enough, get lazy about nurturing our inner man. It pays to consider what the angel said to Elijah just before he made a long wilderness journey. Having eaten and drunk, Elijah rested and then the angel of the Lord woke him and said, "Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for thee" (1 Kings 19:7). The enemy of souls deceived the children of Israel during their wilderness journey. He caused them to despise the food God provided. They began to loath the manna. They complained that the bread of heaven, which had formerly tasted like honey, now tasted like oil. They longed for more appealing food. The enemy of souls attempts to accomplish the same deceit in our midst. God's children have found fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters to be such a precious gift that they have sometimes called it the "sacrament of fellowship." Paul said, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Col. 3:16). In these times, if ever, we need opportunities to share our psalms, to speak of the way and journey, and to encourage one another. Yet it sees that these days life's busyness threatens to squeeze this important element out of our lives. God will surely bless us, as He did the believers of Malachi's time, if we reserve time to gather and discuss the matters of salvation. Malachi writes, "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him" (Mal. 3:16,17). In this day and age our inner man seems to be engaged in a fierce competition for our time and attention. We are often preoccupied with the cares of this life and may easily forget to eat and drink spiritual food and drink. Wonderful Escorts It is safer to travel in the wilderness with companions. They are able to help us when we encounter difficulties. In choosing companions for a difficult trip, we don't look for individuals who might actually endanger us by reckless behavior or indifference. On the contrary, we look for those who understand the dangers and are able to help us deal with them. The same applies to our spiritual journey. The Preacher writes about this in Ecclesiastes: "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevails against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Eccl. 4:9-12). Jesus said that He will be wherever two or three are gathered in His name. Thus where there are two children of God there is a rope of three strands, for our strength, the Lord Jesus, is with us. God also provides us companions, escorts for our journey. When we seek friends, we want to choose individuals who are sincerely believing, who will help us to overcome dangers and remain on the way of life, friends who will provoke us to good works not evil. It is an unfortunate fact, that among God's children, there are those who recklessly disregard God's Word and the instruction of His congregation. They do not make good escorts. The Apostle Paul teaches how we ought to relate to such disobedient brethren: "And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, they he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother" (2 Thes. 3:14, 15). Dear brothers and sisters, when we have companions who are reckless, who disregard the Word of God and the instruction of His congregation, we want to admonish them with love. We want our speech to be gracious but seasoned with salt. The Armor of God God has given us the equipment we need to overcome the dangers in this wilderness of sin and woe. As he wrote his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul observed the Roman soldier who guarded him and compared his weapons and armor to the equipment that God provides for our use in our struggle against sin and temptation. He said, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:10,11). He then identifies the components of this armor: truth, righteousness, faith, hope, and the Word of God, and the gospel of peace. It would be foolish and dangerous for a solider to go into battle without all his armour and weapons. Likewise it would be foolish of us to try to cross a vast expanse of wilderness without the proper gear. It would be foolish of us to leave these weapons behind and unused in our spiritual battle. Let us briefly consider these weapons and how we can use them. Truth: It is difficult to move and it is difficult to defend ourselves against the enemy's attacks if we are entangled in a web of lies. That's why Paul tells us to gird our loins with the truth. I want to especially mention is one essential, fundamental truth that we ought to keep in mind. It requires honesty, above all, with ourselves and that truth is: I am chief among sinners. When we can acknowledge this truth, many temptations, pride for example, are diminished. The Bible says that the truth shall make you free. The breastplate of righteousness: Because our salvation is not in our own works, but the merits of Christ, the enemy is unable to slay us with accusations of our unworthiness. When the righteousness of life follows the righteousness of faith, we leave him less ammunition for his accusations. The shield of faith: Faith is belief in things not seen. Faith in God and His Word, help us to deflect the arrows of doubt which the world and enemy of souls fire at us. The world challenges us with many positions that are contrary to the teachings of God's Word. When we believe God we don't demand that we must know and understand every issue. We believe and trust God and His Word and, like children, accept that which we cannot see and understand. The helmet of salvation: The helmet of salvation is hope (1 Thess. 5:8). Faith and hope are similar; they both pertain to things unseen. Faith pertains to things present, hope to the future. Our hope is the resurrection. Paul says if there be no resurrection of the dead, we have believed in vain. Our brother Niilo Rauhala writes in one of his poems: So little we speak of heaven, even though the sunset is, like the arm of day still outstretched toward us. Niin vähän me puhumme taivaasta, vaikka illan kajo on kuin päivän käsivarsi yhä ojentunut meitä kohti We live the evening of time. The sky has begun to glow as the sun sets, but there is still a little daylight left. Yet, brothers and sisters, it seems that we speak so little of heaven. The hope of heaven gives us strength. We need to speak of our hope or it will die in our hearts and we with it. God's Word: Not only is it food for our souls, it is a weapon with which we can overcome the attacks of the enemy of souls. When we are able to rely on God's Word, we do not need to rely on our own wisdom. The gospel of peace: Our feet are shod with the gospel of peace. We need it because our feet become soiled with the dust of sin on this journey. At the end of each day's journey, we can wash that dust away. On this journey we often stumble and suffer injury or the enemy is able to wound us. The gospel is a medicine that heals all our wounds. When a brother or sister wants to have his or her feet washed or needs the medicine of the gospel, we remember and heed Christ's example and humbly serve our brothers and sisters by preaching the gospel of forgiveness to them. Conclusion God has given us many helps for our wilderness journey: compass, map, a path, good instructions, food and water, escorts, and the best equipment. Have we used them to our advantage or have we neglected to use them? I'm sure that many of you will admit, as I do, that often we have not used the gifts our Heavenly Father has provided. We find that we are poor travelers. We have often been short-sighted. We have often forgotten these helps or perhaps been too foolish to recognize their beneift. I'd like to close with encouraging words from the Prophet Isaiah, "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (Isa. 35:8-10).

Jim Jurmu | 2003 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Youth Discussion - February 22 -- “A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure. Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable. A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him.” Apocrypha Ecclesiasticus 6:14-16 There may be someone here that feels that they do not have even one good friend. The spirit of God, a God of love, reaches out even to you. Approach God in prayer and He will provide for you a true friend. The Gospel of Mark records the words of Jesus,“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” Mark 11:24. A Friend God has created each of us according to His own image. He has given each of us our personalities and our natures. He knows each of us by name. Each one of us needs at least one good friend, a friend to confide in, a friend to share sorrows and concerns, a friend to support and encourage us, a friend who brings joy and happiness into our lives. A friend is trustworthy, honest, loving and encouraging. A true friend accepts us for who and what we are; a true friend helps us in our walk of faith. Walking side by side, at times even leaning upon each other. “A Faithful Friend Is a Strong Defense” We may have friends both in faith and out of faith. We may find unbelieving friends in our neighborhoods, school, or even at work. We want our best friends however to be those who are in faith. Not only are they able to be our friends but also strengthening and uplifting us in our lives of faith. Believing friends are trusted brothers and sisters with whom we can share our most personal and private matters. They offer us advice and correct us when we stray. We are able to speak to them of our temptations and weaknesses. We are able to speak of those matters that trouble our conscience. Most importantly we are able to hear from their lips the forgiveness of all sins. They are sealed vessels, never sharing our transgressions with others. “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” Ecclesiastes 4:9,10. “He That Hath Found Such an One Hath Found a Treasure” Seek friends from God’s Kingdom and of all ages and stations in life. Do not overlook your brothers and sisters, your parents or the even the elderly. We find friends in doing the work of the kingdom, camp-work and youth-work, congregation projects, kitchen-work and cleaning. Some have even met their spouse-to-be at camp. If we have found even one good friend we have been blessed. Do we look at our friendships as treasures, something of great value to be prized and cherished? We do not need to look far however, our own family provides friendships. Friendships within the family are to be cared for and cherished. When we care for our family relationships and consider them special, we develop friendships with our siblings and parents. It is a gift to be treasured when we are able to speak of our most private and personal matters with our parents. They have many years and experiences of life that they are able to relate and understand our own struggles and difficulties. It is especially great to be able to share our joys, plans and anticipations with them. Elders also have many experiences to share that have happened throughout their lives. By visiting with them we find how they are able to encourage us and assist us through different stages of lives. While visiting them, we are able to assist them, even encourage them and bring joy into their lives. “Nothing Doth Countervail a Faithful Friend, His Excellency Is Invaluable” Countervail means compensates or makes up for. We could rewrite the verse to read, there is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and there is no way to measure their value or importance. We see an example of a true friendship in the lives of David and Jonathan. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, was a loyal friend of David’s. King Saul in his unbelief envied David and even attempted to kill David a number of times. Jonathan helped David escape the wrath of King Saul, his father. He sided with David in matters of what was right and wrong and matters of God’s will. “And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” 1 Samuel 18:1. Jonathan’s friendship for David was immeasurable. During one of the times that King Saul planned to kill David, Jonathan told David of the plans and offered to assist David. “Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.” 1 Samuel 20:4. The most precious matter between Jonathan and David is that they were able to support each other in their lives of faith. While Jonathan’s father King Saul pursued David, David avoided him by fleeing into the wilderness. Jonathan went to meet David in secret and first wished to encourage him. “And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.” 1 Samuel 23:16. “A Faithful Friend Is the Medicine of Life” There are those who do not have many friends or even one good friend. Many of us have experienced times in our lives when it feels that we also do not have even one good friend. Things have gone poorly with our peer group. We have quarreled and rumors have been spread. Christian freedom has been broken. Although there are times when we know the reason for our feelings of loneliness, other times we are uncertain why we feel the way we do. . During times of these kinds of feelings we want to remember that Jesus is a friend of all, even to the lonely. We can put all of our worries and cares on Him. We can care for our faults and offenses that we have knowledge of and restore our friendships by preaching the gospel to one another. It is also important that we reach out to those who do not have many friends. We want to include them in our activities and even encourage them many times to participate. Jesus taught all of us the Golden Rule, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31. Often in our lives we need a true friend. Perhaps you have memories of a time or times that a friend has gone out of their way to ask, “how are you?” or “how are things going for you,” you remember how much it meant to you. We can share these experiences during our discussion. I remember a time at haps when one older friend invited us younger guys to come into the home and to join in the singing. He could have criticized or rebuked us in a harsh way; rather he lovingly invited us in. I remember another time when I was under heavy and difficult temptations and did not feel I could continue in faith when a friend came to me and asked how my matters were. I was able to speak openly to him and be freed from those matters that were troubling my conscience. Both of these times along with others stand out in my mind. It is our desire to also serve others as well. We do not know when we will make a difference in someone else’s life. We want to unselfishly serve each other, saying a kind word, encouraging one to be part of the group, and asking, “how are matters”? “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” Galatians 6:10. “They That Fear the Lord Shall Find Him” Our best friends are those that are in faith. Being united by the same spirit enables us to experience true and meaningful friendship. God will provide for each of us a believing friend. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35 Much of our time is spent trying to better our lives temporally, going to school and to work. Much of our free time is spent doing those things that interest us. Having a true friend also takes time. Time to listen to their plans and problems. Time to consider their interests and ambitions. Time to seek them out when they may be wavering or withdrawing, perhaps life’s struggles have begun to take their toll. Having a true friend is priceless, a friend to share your school and work life, a friend to share your dreams and adventures, a friend who seeks you out during times of need. To have a friend you must also be a friend. Caring for This Priceless Treasure The enemy of souls would desire to break true Christian friendship. How is this done? He plants small seeds of discontent or causes us to dwell on our friend's weaknesses or faults. In doing this, the love between us is tried. When we begin to focus on our friend’s weaker points or be easily offended by their words, we become bitter and envious, we elevate ourselves and begin to see them differently and drift apart. Although we might hear that “A true friend overlooks their friends faults,” a true friend cannot and will not overlook a friend’s faults to the point of excusing sin or wrongdoing. We want to offer correction to our friends. We do not want to talk behind our friends back. We do not want to hurt them with our words. We want to put the best construction on all that they do. We could lose a friend by leading them into temptation. Enticing them to listen to worldly music, to attend sporting events or the theater, are only a few examples. Neither do we want to encourage them to be disobedient to authorities or parents. Rather, we want to encourage them to be obedient. When disobediences come, or we have disagreements that result in quarrels and angry words are spoken, we want to put them away in the name and blood of Jesus. Through the power of the gospel the friendship is preserved. Thankfulness for Friends Without friends, our lives would be lonely and lacking. Without friends, our lives could seem meaningless. Without friends, we may find ourselves in destructive behavior. For these and many other reasons we want to cherish and care for our friendships. We want to reach out to them and protect them, we want to love them and care for them. A believing friend is truly a gift from God. Being united by the same spirit believing friends are able to share their true joys and sorrows, and most importantly preach the gospel of the forgiveness of sins to each other. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” 1 John 1:7. Let us always remember to thank God for our friends.

Brian Johnson | 2002 LLC Wadena Summer Services - Youth Discussion -- When we are believing, the love of God has been shed into our hearts and we desire to remain close to Him. The life of a believer is in a constant state of warfare with the three-fold enemy. We continuously see and hear about the rampant life of sin in the world around us. Previously held morals and values are eroding. We often feel as righteous Lot, “vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds)” (2 Peter 2:7,8). As children of God we realize that we are not immune to temptations of sin. Our earthly portion is sin-corrupt. As the world around us becomes more accepting of all manner of sin, we, too, face the danger of becoming “accustomed” to and conforming to the worldly ways of this world. How can one find the strength to battle and fight against temptation and sin? By taking heed of the Word of God. Judas, not Iscariot, an apostle of Christ asked Jesus how would he reveal himself unto his own and not unto the world. Jesus responded “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). If a Man Love Me, He Will Keep My Words Luther wrote: No one is a Christian unless he keeps Christ’s word. And no one can keep it, unless he has the love of God in the heart. Thus a Christian’s life is to love God. And we love him, because he first loved us. (John 4:19) His love is so great that he gave his only begotten son to suffer and die on behalf of the sins of the entire world (John 3:16, 1 John 4:10). When love awakens us, we then learn who Christ is. Peter writes in his 2nd epistle 3:18, “but grow in the knowledge of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ.” Also John writes “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God” (I John 4:7). The only thing that will keep God’s commandment and word in us is the desire to love and serve God. Thus, in the kingdom of God, His word in love and truth is for instruction, rebuke, guidance, consolation, encouragement of faith, and forgiveness. As the world around us continues to open the floodgates of sin, we need to remain sober, watchful and ever more fervently turn to God’s Word for support, for answers, for comfort. It is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path! The Apostle Paul instructs young Timothy to cling to the Word of God in the midst of the enemy’s attack: “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:13-15). When we love God, we desire to study His Word. We want to read it and study it as often as we are able for learning, comfort, and support of our faith. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). A child of God has hunger for the Word. He wants to be there where the spoken word is able to warm his cold heart through the gospel, the glad tidings of Christ. This is not a small matter, for “faith cometh by hearing.” Worldliness Can Remove the Love of God From Us With love and truth let’s examine ways that worldliness can creep into the life of a believer and remove the love of God from us. Worldly ways may seem like “no big deal,” but they are a consuming force which are sin. Following are a few examples: Dress or apparel: What we wear on the outside also reveals what is in the heart. By conforming with worldly clothing styles we do not separate ourselves from ways of the world. Offensive apparel often arouses the lusts of the flesh. Peter instructs preciously of the appearance of a child of God: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (I Pet. 3:3-4). Our speech and our actions send a strong message. Cursing and worldly speech is prevalent in this world but should not come from the mouths of believers. Also loud and boisterous behavior, especially at public events, does not set the kind of example of which Timothy speaks: “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Courtship is for those who are ready to get to know another believer from the heart with the prayer to God that it would lead to marriage. The dating model of this world does not belong to a believer. Hugging, kissing, caressing, etc. arouse the flesh and lust, which the Bible instructs to flee: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (II Tim. 2:22). Worldly music can little by little creep into the life of a believer. Its beat, rhythms, words and lyrics show the erosion of morals and values in today’s society. One may start by listening to seemingly innocent worldly music, but little by little stray further and further. Movies and inappropriate video and internet material corrupt our inner being. This material is easily within our reach. It is so seductive and powerful to draw us in and once there, it’s hard to get out. The Apostle instructs: “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Rom. 13:14). We must view these dangers in the light of God’s Word. Love of the world can separate one from God’s kingdom. The cares, glory, and pleasures of the world quickly choke the Word and it becomes unfruitful as described in the parable of the sower: “And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful (Mark 4:18,19).” The Apostle of Love, John, wrote that man cannot live with a divided heart: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17). Worldliness is sin! Dear young, do not idolize the life of the ungodly. Do not accept their worldly speech, dress and lifestyle. Let us remain humble and childlike not desiring to do anything that would transgress the will of the Heavenly Father and that could eventually lead us into unbelief and unto perdition, eternal damnation and hell. Care for Each Other with the Word of Grace The proclamation of the Word has effect when it contains grace and truth. In this proclamation the calling voice of the Good Shepherd is heard. The Good Shepherd yet calls the straying and lost sheep. God’s grace belongs to the penitent and contrite of heart. The gospel is preached to the poor and needy. Dear young brothers and sisters, help one another on the journey. Love each other’s undying souls even if it means that your flesh suffers. When you see in your midst that which is contrary to God’s Word, do not remain silent. Speak individually to those over whom there is concern. Hasten to help and restore the straying or fallen one “in the spirit of meekness” (Gal. 6:1). If there are those who are not concerned about their wrongdoing after you have spoken to them, seek help from some older trusted brothers and sisters in faith. And We Will Come Unto Him, and Make Our Abode with Him The enticements of the enemy of the soul are great. Our journey leads through this world, “the valley of the shadow of death.” Yet we need not fear when we follow the Lord Jesus. He will abide with us through His spirit. He restores our souls and leads us in the paths of righteousness, paths which are illuminated by God’s Word, paths which lead to eternal life. If we continue to follow Him, we will experience that which the psalmist has written, not only in this life, but also in the life to come: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” (Ps. 23). Dear brother and sister in Christ Jesus, take comfort in John’s writing “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that are in him” (I John 2:5). We who keep His Word and walk in the light will inherit heaven’s glory. Be encouraged and believe all sins forgiven in Jesus name and blood.

Matti Kontkanen | 2002 LLC Phoenix Winter Service - Congregation Evening - February 22 -- A Christian and Christianity in the World A Believer and the Church in Society I Introduction 1.1. The Love of a Child of God Toward Someone in the World Our beloved speaker brother, the late Ville Suutari, related the following incident from one of his mission trips, which will lead us into the essence of our topic. When, a long time ago, he was in a rural Finnish village on one of his speaking trips, he met a certain speaker brother. This brother was very troubled because his unbelieving neighbor continuously made fun of and harassed him with his scornful ridicule. Once when winter was changing to spring, they ended up on the same log floating crew on a river. Our brother was entrusted with the task of paying the workers their wages. When this neighbor came to get his pay from him, he pointed out how wet and ragged his boots were. “Go ahead and take these good boots of mine, since I don’t have to work in the water,” the brother said, and traded boots with him. That’s when he noticed his neighbor’s torn, filthy and wet socks inside the boots. “Go ahead and take these new socks which my wife sent me,” he said, and gave his new socks to his neighbor. During the same summer, once they had returned home from the log floating job to their home village, the neighbor came to knock on our brother’s window one night, and he wanted to come inside. He repented and said that he felt the love that our brother had shown toward him could not but be heavenly love. This story leads us to note a few things: 1.Individual believers in that locality had loved the undying souls of their neighbors by speaking to them with the word of God. 2.Because of love toward his employer, our speaker brother had done his work conscientiously and had been given the responsible job of paymaster. 3.While performing his duties as paymaster, he demonstrated what values had been inspired by Christian forgiveness and love of his neighbor, which, by faith, guided his heart. The foregoing leads us to conclude that we, as Christians, have a dual mission in the world: 1) To love human beings with the word of God 2) To love human beings with our deeds How could we show love without being involved with people? How could even God have shown His love without becoming flesh and dwelling amongst us? 1.2. The Exhortations to Love Found in God’s Word: We are guided to so do by the word of God: Matt. 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5:41 – “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” Matt. 5:44 – “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” 2 Cor. 3:2 – “Ye are the epistle of Christ.” 1.3. We Have Been Called to Love in Word and Deeds. We will next broaden our perspective from the confined surroundings of a rural home village,” and a workplace that is a river where logs are floated to the surroundings that we all share and from the “neighbor man” and “our speaker brother” to all neighbors and all Christians. 1) First in regard to the surroundings: a) As inhabitants of a rural village and as neighbors, the men lived in singular surroundings, where they had contact when they visited in homes or happened to meet when going about their business in the village. Their fellowship was based on free, bidirectional, situational interaction. This can be active or passive, friendly or hostile. In this instance, the speaker brother had apparently been active in speaking about matters of faith, and this had aroused an active and hostile resistance in the neighbor. b) As “river pigs” or log drivers they were part of an established social environment, wherein people have contact and conduct themselves according to previously agreed upon principles, while, however, adapting to it in their own style that reflects their personal attitudes and values. In these, people may conduct themselves honestly or dishonestly, irresponsibly or responsibly, with indifference or with love. In this instance the speaker brother conducted himself with love, the neighbor was at first indifferent, but, in the end, responded to love with love. 2) Secondly in regard to people: a) The “neighbor man” represented a person who is under the dominion of the world or unbelief. The people of the world may have, as was the case in the story, a scornful attitude toward faith and believers, or they may be curious, or they may withdraw, or show understanding, even feeling sorry for us, or be indifferent, or respectful. b) The “neighbor man” also represented a person as a member of the community, of society – a fellow villager, one of our own kind. As members of the community we all share an objective: trying to gain better living conditions in every regard. Some strive for this objective dishonestly, others honestly, some selfishly, others unselfishly some are active, others passive. In this instance, both men were apparently honest and worked. c) As a neighbor and working man the “speaker brother” represented an individual Christian, but as a “preacher” he represented the congregation of Christians. As individual Christians we can withdraw or be active, we can be fearful or bold. So also as a congregation we can either withdraw or be active. In this instance the “speaker brother” was active when he spoke about matters of faith with the word of God and, later, in his duties as paymaster, he did not remember the wrongs he had experienced, nor did he shrink from showing active love toward the other. The Christian congregation, in this instance, was active in organizing mission services at the request of individual Christians. It would be consistent with the customs of those times, and very probable, that services had been organized and held even in the home of that neighbor man. II Questions Now we can pose some questions: 1) What is the mission of an individual Christian in society? 2) What is the mission of the church in society? 3) What kind of participation in the affairs of society is meant by the expression “we are in the world”? 4) According to what laws and instructions do individual Christians get involved in the affairs of society? 5) According to what instructions does the church nowadays get involved in the affairs of society? 6) What dangers are there in getting involved in the affairs of society? III Answers 3.1 Dangers One obstacle to the conveying of the love of God into the world is caused by Christians withdrawing themselves from the people of the world. The word of God has warnings about the dangers of the love of the world (= living in worldly ways, that is, in the freedom of sin or in self-righteousness). “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (Ps. 1:1) “And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Cor 6:15) “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (I John 2:15­16). In many instances, because we feel the weakness of our flesh, there is reason to separate ourselves from unbelieving friends whenever their way of life is not in accordance with our conscience. The speaker brother in our example certainly did not participate in the sinful ways of the neighbor man when he went drinking with others, or when he made fun of the speaker brother. But this can lead us astray in the sense that we would not dare, nor want to have any doings, even constructive doings with our unbelieving friends either. Note how the speaker brother in our example did not withdraw from his neighbor when he was issuing his pay, but boldly and openly reacted to the very apparent need that his neighbor had. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18). Although we are not of the world, we are in the world. We will today go deeper into what it means to be in the world. 3.2. Congregational Setting Another reason for the caution that Christians have toward the people of the world is the effect the congregation and the congregation’s activities have on us. We all have an inclination to follow examples that we see during our lives. One good and commendable source of such examples is the congregation and congregational activities. In many things it provides good examples, as, for instance: how to rear children in Christianity and to put the word of God into practice by singing and studying the Bible. Sometimes, however, there is room for criticism too. For the most part, we see how the congregation approaches unbelievers only with the word of God. We really have not become accustomed to the idea that the congregation would direct its activity toward the unbelievers in any other manner, for example: by taking collections for unbelievers, for founding hospitals or schools for them, or by taking stands on political issues. But individual Christians need not look at this restraint by the congregation as a whole as an example for their personal involvement. Even so, it may be that this example is duplicated to some degree in our individual lives as well. 3.3. Societal Setting A third difficulty might be found in the way of thinking that confuses the roles of the church and the government. They each have their own duty and characteristics. The congregation is sacred, because the word of God, which is given life by the Holy Ghost by means of the children of God, works there. A government, on the other hand, is not guided by the word of God even if it is led by, or it has participation in its administration by children of God, who are able to exercise wisdom inspired by the Holy Spirit. A government is not under the administration of an evil spirit, or the spirit of the world, and it is not in opposition to the church. The children of God live here as members both of the church and the society of their country. Within the congregation they are involved according to the word of God and in society according to their conscience and the laws of the land. Neither are the congregation and the government in competition, so that the child of God would have to struggle to gain control of the government. Luther summed up the relationship between the government and the church in his doctrine of the two regimes: 1. Church - purpose: make people righteous - means: the gospel 2. Government - purpose: guarantee outward peace and keep evil conduct under constraint - means: the law and ruling by compulsion Luther sums up these two regimes thus: “These two regimes must be separated and kept separate from each other, and both must be maintained – the one to make people righteous, and the other to provide external peace and to keep evil conduct under constraint. In this world neither is sufficient without the other.” Luther was not in favor of believers withdrawing from society into monasteries. Neither was he in favor of enacting the word of God in society by the rule of compulsion involving law and the courts of law. IV Our Mission Statement In its third part the mission statement of the LLC and its member congregations says: “Our task is to awaken and inspire Christian values and ethics, soberness of mind, love of homeland, and responsible citizenship among the people of our nations.” V How Can These Be Promoted in the Congregations and in the Lives of Individual Christians? A) As a Congregation 1. Our Basic Principle It would appear that when it comes to getting involved in the affairs of the world around us, Christianity has been following a logical format. Individual believers have been at the forefront when it has been necessary to have dealings with the lives of the people around us, and the church has followed to give its support when the strength and resources of individuals have not sufficed. This has happened, for example, in our foreign mission work: The seed of the word was sown by individual believers, and when this has led to growth, and help has been needed, Christianity has sent missionaries to the grain field of the Lord. So also in providing aid, individual Christians have initiated the efforts to aid brothers and sisters in faith, and the congregations have supported this as needed. Is this the guiding principle of Christianity in these matters? Comment from a representative of the LLC. 2. The Teaching of the Church on the Topic of a Christian in Society One of the duties of the church is to rear the children and youth to become responsible members of society. Why have such topics been adopted into the curriculum for Sunday school, Bible class and Confirmation school? Comment from some teacher. 3. Editorial Opinion From time to time there are editorials or other articles in the periodicals of Christianity that take a stand on some contemporary issues in our world. Comment from Paul Waaraniemi. 4. Foreign Aid Projects In recent times there has been exposure to financial aid for brothers and sisters in the field of foreign mission work. There were collections to provide aid already in apostolic times, and so also in our time. Is this an instance of supporting the activities of a congregation or of improving the financial status of individuals? Comment from Jon Bloomquist. 5. Other Forms of Temporal Aid The service agenda for this weekend includes a presentation and discussion on tobacco and drugs. There have been discussions at many camps on issues linked to marriage, mental health, or physical health. Some congregations have offered their facilities for use as polling places in elections. Some individual Christians want to aid people in distress, both in the homeland and abroad, through various charitable organizations. For example, the Red Cross helped the victims of last fall’s terrorist attacks. But our congregations have not, nevertheless, collected money for these charitable organizations, nor have they established comparable aid programs on their own. Or have we? Comment on this. B) As Individual Christians 1. Home The home is the basic unit cell and scale model of society. It is also a scale model of the kingdom of God. The same basic elements are found in the home as in society: authority, rules, education, work, and the same structural components as in the kingdom of God: the gospel and faith. There are two regimes in the home: earthly and spiritual. The parents do double duty as law enforcers and soul caretakers. How are these roles blended together in everyday life in the home? Should the home be like the society that surrounds us? Comment from some parent. 2. School The school teaches knowledge and skills. One of these skills is cooperation and getting along with others. It teaches us believers how we can work and live with unbelievers. How could these skills be taught if a student is schooled at home or if believers had their own school? Comment from someone who has home-schooled their children. Sometimes parents have to have discussions with the teachers on the content of education at school and the methods that are used, when these exceed what is acceptable to a good conscience. What would be a good way to take care of these things? Should we go to school alone, as individual parents, or as a group of parents, or as representatives of the congregation? Do we speak of the matters from our own consciences, or as teachings of the congregation? Will the school listen to us? Comment from a parent. 3. Neighborhood Anne Eskelinen, a believing mother in Laukaa, was bothered when the parents in the neighborhood did not say anything even though they saw that the children in that village were engaging in impermissible conduct. She called the parents together, and they made a joint decision to start rearing all of the children in the neighborhood as though they were their own. The project was given the name “Together into Life.” Soon the idea spread throughout Finland. The project is now a recipient of funds from the EU and Anne Eskelinen has gone to talk about the project in many localities. What does this teach us? Our simple values, which are in accordance with Christian love, may have a demand and be valuable in this world. 4. Our Speech and Our Conduct We can speak and be involved passively, that is, the minimum that is required by laws and codes, or actively a great deal more voluntarily. What would this mean in school and student life? Comment from someone who is active in school affairs. 5. Work Environment Heeding supervisors, diligence and honesty are part of our work ethic. We are also tempted in these aspects. The opistos in Finland have sometimes provided weekend courses where, for example, businessmen have been able to discuss ethics for entrepreneurs. Comment from a believing businessman. 6. Politics Encouragement for us: there are many brothers and sisters in Finland who have faithfully served in politics, some at the national, others at the local level. One of these is a very well-known late brother of ours, Väinö Havas, who was elected to a municipal council at the age of 32 and to parliament at the age of 39. He rendered his most precious service to society, however, as a volunteer soldier in the war against Russia, where he fell in battle at the age of 43. Experiences from some brother or sister who has been involved in politics. 7. Patriotism, and Military Service Comment from a young person who has been in the Armed Forces, or from a war veteran.

Daniel Wuollet | 2001 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Youth Discussion - February 24 -- The word ‘respect’ in the sense that we want to discuss here means "to feel or show deferential regard for: esteem." Another word we could use is reverence. I want to talk about respect in two areas - respect for God, His Word and His congregation, which is where we might use the word reverence, and respect for our fellow man where we might substitute the word esteem. Respect or Reverence For God and His Word When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, God presented himself to Moses in the form of a burning bush as recorded in the book of Exodus, "And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed." That is, the bush was not burned up. Moses went towards the bush to see what was happening. God then "called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground" (Ex 3:2-5). God told Moses to remove his shoes because Moses was standing on holy ground. God's presence made the ground holy. Moses acknowledged this holy place by doing something out of the ordinary, removing his shoes. In this way, Moses showed respect for God and His Word. We don't literally remove our shoes when we come to the services of God's children, but we do nevertheless want to acknowledge that the church and the services are occasions where God speaks to the believers just as He did to Moses. And just as Moses acknowledged God's presence and showed respect for God by removing his shoes, so we today want to show proper respect towards God. How do we do this? Two ways we show our respect are with our dress and our behavior. Each of us knows what proper dress is, and we all have our "Sunday best" clothes. In recent years, there has been a trend towards accepting casual dress where more formal dress was previously required. Schools have relaxed dress codes for example. Casual Fridays have become common in workplaces and in many places not just on Friday. Similarly there has been greater acceptance of casual clothes at church services. However, the question arises, Does the casual dress also reflect a loss of proper respect for the services and other church-oriented events? This question has been especially raised for things such as communion services where "too casual" dress may be interpreted as diminished respect for this holy sacrament. We know that being dressed up is not what makes the sacrament holy just as Moses removing his shoes did not make the ground holy. God's presence made the ground holy to Moses, and God's presence makes our sacraments and services holy today. Let us consider this question of proper respect when we select the clothes we wear to services. Let us also consider our behavior at services. Surely we understand that we ought to quietly listen when sitting at services, firstly, so that we can be nourished by the spoken word, and secondly so that our behavior does not bother others who come to hear. This is a matter of simple courtesy. But what about those who come so late that they seem to only come to find out where haps are? What about those who sit outside and visit while the sermon is preached seemingly not able to find their way inside? Does this behavior show not only a lack of respect for God's Word but perhaps even demonstrate a disrespectful attitude towards God and His Word? Does it also demonstrate a lack of hunger for God's Word? In recent times in many of our congregations we have been blessed with an abundance of services and other congregational events. Is it possible that we have come to take these events for granted and therefore are not giving them proper respect? Respect or Reverence For Congregational Possessions We have in recent times enjoyed abundant spiritual blessings from God but also have received significant material blessings. We have many new church buildings in member congregations. We have been blessed with church buildings that serve as meeting places for services and also with grounds that have provided space for recreational activities. The grounds here at the Phoenix church, for example, have a concrete basketball court that I am sure has provided innumerable hours of good, healthy fun for the believing young in this congregation. We have also been blessed with wonderful camp facilities that we own as well as having had the opportunity to rent very good facilities for our camp events. A willingness to serve has been present also with the young. Young believers have volunteered to help build, remodel and maintain these physical facilities. This heart of service is a source of much joy for all believers for it demonstrates an understanding of proper respect for the blessings granted by our Heavenly Father. Unfortunately, we have also seen some incidents that seem to demonstrate a lack of such respect. The director at a youth event reported several incidents of deliberate "nuisance damage." Some youth who were asked to help clean up at the end of the event visited while others cleaned, and still some others who were asked to help simply left without pitching in. Here again the question arises, what is the understanding of those who behave in such a way as to willfully cause nuisance damage or worse? Where is the heart of those who skip out when asked to serve? Does this behavior reflect proper respect or reverence for these blessings we have received? Respect or Reverence For Authority Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans in the 13th chapter (verses 1,3,and 5) "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ... For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: ... Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." God has therefore placed the offices of authority necessary for this temporal life. And He instructs us to obey this authority not only out of fear, but more importantly, as a matter of conscience. Are we only obedient when parents, teachers or other authority is present to watch our behavior? As Apostle Paul might say, "God forbid." Why is this? Because as the Apostle writes, obedience is "for conscience sake." Each of us knows right from wrong. We rarely do wrong out of ignorance, although certainly that can happen. But far more commonly we are aware when we are tempted to do sin and the weakness of the flesh wants to yield to this temptation. We spend our entire lifetime battling against this temptation to do sin. We battle against sin in order to preserve good conscience. We are obedient to God's word to preserve good conscience. It may be meaningful to examine an incident, again at a youth event. Some young people, presumably all old enough to smoke legally, were smoking in a non-smoking area. When the event director happened by, he asked these young people to put out the cigarettes and they did so. But only moments later, when the director was gone, the cigarettes came out again. It raises the question, what is the guiding influence in these young people? Do they understand that a believer's behavior is guided by conscience and not fear of authority? Apostle Paul also wrote to the Colossians instructing obedience to masters or those in authority "not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" (Col 3:22-23). Clearly we do not need our parents, camp directors, elders or other authority present in order to do right. To momentarily restrain from wrong behavior in the presence of authority is not showing proper respect for authority; rather it is being hypocritical. Respect or Esteem For Other People Jesus' teaching about how to treat others is so simple that we all learn it at a very young age. We call it the golden rule. Treat others as you want to be treated. (King James English makes this simple rule more difficult in our current language -Luke 6:31 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.") I wonder if teaching comes any simpler than this. We have heard this rule from our earliest days of learning. I am sure that we all had some basic understanding of it by the time we started school. We all relate to hurt feelings caused by willful or thoughtless words and deeds of other people. We therefore ought to be aware of our ability to similarly inflict this kind of pain on other people, although I am sure that we are all far more sensitive to our own pain than that of others. It is important to note that Jesus does not say wait to see how others treat you and then decide if you will treat them well. The respect granted to another person is unconditional and unqualified. Some may say that respect must be earned. This thought implies that if the other person does not meet our expectations then we have the right to deny them respect. Jesus, however, does not say to withhold respect. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you" (Matt 5:44). Respect for other people can also be defined using the word esteem. Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:2-5). I am sure that we all agree and say 'amen' to this teaching. But let's look at two rather common circumstances where we can see that actual practice may not measure up with this teaching. Our society is sports crazed. Highly skilled athletes are adored, perhaps even worshipped today. The ability to hit a baseball, catch a football or shoot a hockey puck is prized far beyond any semblance of reason. Clearly this kind of hero worship that exists in the world has no place in the life of a believer. Beyond this concern of near idol worship, however, is a more subtle concern. Believers, especially young believers, need to be careful that we do not regard athletic skills so highly that we begin to choose our friends and the people that we choose to associate with on the basis of their athletic ability. It is natural that people with common interests, such as sports, tend to attract each other and there is nothing inherently wrong with this. The danger is in exclusivity. If the primary qualification for being a friend or accepting a friend is that he or she be a good basketball player, then there is reason for concern. We need to be careful that we do not build barriers to freedom between believers on the basis of athletic prowess. One other area of potential concern in the area of respect for people came to light from some of our youth camps. Some children, maybe ten to twelve year olds, have come home from camp telling their parents that they do not wish to go to camp anymore because of the way they were treated. Teasing, perhaps hazing, being excluded from certain "in" groups, belittled for saying they did not want to be part of inappropriate behavior and so forth, led to a generally unhappy camp experience. It certainly is possible that in some cases, the offended child was "too sensitive," but the reports were frequent enough and wide-spread enough that it raised the level of concern by camp directors and others in position of responsibility for the camps. Why bring this up to this group at this time`? This audience is well beyond the elementary or middle school grades. I bring it up simply for this reason that many of us come from large families and many of us have younger siblings at home. Even if we don't, it remains true that younger children look up to teenagers and young adults, perhaps even more than they look up to their parents. Younger ones imitate the behavior of the older ones. The way you treat your peers, the degree to which you show proper respect or inappropriate behavior, is often the way younger ones think is "cool." Your behavior becomes the model for the younger ones in the congregation. Jesus taught that we treat others as we want to be treated, not as they treat us. We do not have the right to see how well another treats us before we decide how well we will treat them. The respect, the esteem with which we regard our fellow man is unconditional, unqualified. We do not have the right to withhold respect because someone treats us poorly. Conclusion We can ask, why is it important to be respectful to God, His word, His church and to our fellow created beings? A young lawyer once approached Jesus and asked "which is the great commandment?" Jesus responded "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind ... And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Then he went on to add, "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matt 22:36-40). That is to say, on these commandments hang all of God's word. Love God above all things and love thy neighbor as thyself. The respect we show for God and for our fellow man follows directly from the love with which we carry them.

Tomm Stewart | 2000 LLC Minneapolis Summer Services - Youth Discussion - July 1 -- “Love not the world nor the things that are in the world, if any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15 The Contrast of the Kingdom of God and the World The Bible makes a very clear distinction between a person whose life is worldly and one whose is godly. The fruits of faith are very different from the fruits of unbelief. A person's life is either one that follows the way of unbelief; the flesh, the world, or false righteousness, or it follows the way of faith; the Holy Spirit, the kingdom of God, and righteousness in Christ Jesus. The Bible makes another very clear distinction between these two ways “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matt. 7:13,14. The Bible also makes yet another very clear distinction one contrasting those who hear God's word and do it and those who hear it and do it not. In the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of the wise and foolish builders, one built on a rock, the other on sand, and the stability of their respective houses is well known. The time in which we live amplifies the great contrasts presented in God's word. There are today, the same clear distinctions between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world that the Bible so vividly portrays. We live in a time of intense worldliness, trials, and temptations, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of time, no, nor shall ever be. And except those days should be shortened, there should be no flesh saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.” Matt. 24:21,22. Life for every one of us includes temptation, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.” 1 Pet. 4:12. Giving in to temptation is sin, “then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:15. Faithful Christian living, in other words, living according to the word of God, promises everlasting life but living in sin brings destruction and death. “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:22,23. Believers don't live in sin but attempt to live their lives holding faith and a good conscience. God's word gives clear instruction and advice on how we should live and behave, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11,12. We are in the world but not of the world. This has two parts; as Christians, we need to interact with others, including unbelievers. We should extend friendship, participate in society, and do our part as citizens and neighbors. We are the light of the world, how can we be a light if we seclude ourselves? We have an obligation and a responsibility to contribute positively to our society. But, we do not join in the sin and evil or false spiritualities of the world. What I have mentioned so far, in consideration of the current conditions in which we live and because of the love of the Holy Spirit for undying souls, prompts us to speak very openly and frankly about the dangers of our time, particularly the love of the world. Sing SZ 121 v. 5,6 Love of the World Reveals Itself in Many Ways. Love of the world is born of a lack of sobriety in personal faith and a permissiveness or leniency toward sin. In this condition, one loses the fear of sin and may actually seek it out. The soberness of faith and its significance and importance are lost and one becomes not only numb to sin but accustomed to it. The priority of life, either secretly or openly, is no longer to put sin away and follow the bloody footsteps of the Lord Jesus but rather, to follow the flesh and to find ways to satisfy its insatiable lusts and desires. Perhaps instead of listening to the comforting, peaceful words and music of the songs of Zion, or maybe relaxing to some respectable and ennobling classical music, the heart and ear may strain to the booming beat of rock or pop, or to the melancholy moans of country. The wayward soul, no longer content in the light and love of Jesus, may even sink to the depths of dark, violent, and sinister music of doom, sex, drugs, homicide, suicide, and even Satan! The sin of worldly music has drawn more than one former believer into the world, driving away the Holy Spirit and the hope of eternal life, in the process. Our present culture has bred a hedonistic or pleasure-seeking society. The standard of living is high, disposable income is high, and the imagination of man has a huge playground. Sensuality and ways of exciting and pleasing the flesh have sunk to almost unbelievable depths of filth and corruption. In our society there exists an unbridled fascination with sex and sexuality. Age honored attitudes in which marriage was understood to be the correct and appropriate institution for a sexual relationship have yielded to utter immorality in the guise of personal freedom and individual choice. As believers, we must be quite straightforward and frank in our discussions when we consider this matter. Fornication, which is sexual relations before marriage, and adultery, which is sexual relations outside of marriage, are sin! along with all the fleshly acts associated with them. It is important that we not be deceived into permissiveness and leniency, “make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” Rom. 13:14. Believing courtship should not take on the manner, behavior, or even communication of this world. Believing courtships are beautiful and godly, and should be considered and spoken of as such. For example, worldly references like sexy lady, hot body, and that sort of nonsense, are of the flesh, worldly, offensive, lacking in Christian sobriety, and should be avoided. I also want to touch on the dynamics of male/female relationships. We see in society a strong emergence of provocative feminine aggressiveness in relationships. When this manifests itself in God's kingdom, it causes unrest due to its conflict with God's established order for such relationships, “for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church.” Although misunderstood by the world, this is not oppressive or demeaning in the least, but rather relates how in admiration, love, mutual honor and respect, a man cares for and cherishes the woman of his life. We have sometimes, with alarm, seen distasteful, physically provocative, and unwholesome aggressiveness of Christian young women towards courtship and have seen the same from young men. Crass and vulgar attitudes and comments have no place in Christianity. It is good for young people to be sober, polite, and respectful towards one another, “to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men.” Acts 24:16. Hopefully, the natural and healthy timidity and shyness in approaching the opposite sex will prevail. Sing SZ 120 v. 5 Another worldly custom which we have seen with increasing alarm appear among God's children is the young age at which children, yes children, begin to show more than a shy and distant attraction to one another. It is quite common for worldly kids to begin dating, to use the common term, as young teenagers. For them, it is simply to have a boy or girlfriend and often to satisfy the lusts of the flesh; the intention is far from finding a marriage partner. Even if someone that age, believer or not, would indicate future marriage intentions as the motivation for starting such a relationship, we know they are far too young, far too immature, far too irresponsible to even consider marriage even remotely realistically. They do not have the practical tools or experience, the emotional maturity, or psychological development—in other words, they are totally unprepared to deal with such a commitment and relationship. “To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Eccl 3:1. Courtship is a serious thing, it's not just dating, like in the world, as the apostle writes, “and be not conformed to this world.” Rom 12:2. Do not put yourself in the way of temptation, nor grieve your parents and the elders. It remains well understood among us that alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs are poisons to the body but even greater poisons to the undying soul. The seriousness of these sins cannot be overstated. Alcoholic and drug induced intoxications remove faith, and if one should die in that condition, the testimony would be sorrowful as only everlasting destruction awaits. Today's technology is awesome, yet it can be both a blessing and a curse. The child of God must rely on the Holy Spirit guided conscience when making decisions regarding the use of the internet and related media. We have before us, at the click of a mouse, both good and evil. Today's and tomorrow's technology can be our servant for good or our slave-master for evil. God's word has guided believers through all phases and developments in civilizations since the dawn of humanity. We truly marvel at its timeless relevance and application. “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; … therefore choose life.” Deut. 30:15,19. Dear young believers, make your choices and decisions according to God's word and good conscience. It is easy to imagine that we operate 'on-line' complete anonymity. However, God is quite technologically literate. We have always said that God sees and knows all things, now we say that His vision completely spans cyberspace, as well. May our visits to internet sites and our electronic communication, that which we cast our eyes upon and lend an ear to, be in harmony with good conscience and Christian values. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers“ Eph. 4:29. As our introductory verse related, “the lust of the eyes...is not of the Father, but is of the world.” Sing SZ 114 v. 4,5 Being Our Brother's Keeper The enemy of souls can cause one to not only neglect the role of being his/her brother's keeper but can influence one to even lie and deceive in an effort to cover up the faults of another, thinking it to be a display of friendship. That is anything but friendly. It is akin to putting a filthy, smelly, bacteria-laced and maggot-ridden rag on a wound instead of a clean, sterile dressing and bandage. Improper cleansing and covering up does not help but harms. The result is pain and sickness. The attempt to cover up sin with sin results in spiritual sickness, sorrow, and pain, the which, if uncared for, could lead to death. Don’t cover up sins, yours or anyone else’s, lay aside every weight, and burden and the sin which doth so easily beset! Heb. 12:1 True cleansing happens through the blood of Christ. Our Source of Strength: the Gospel Love of the world in all its forms is sin, it is sickness which could lead to death. Let us battle against this and all sin through the power of the gospel, the forgiveness of sins in the name and blood of Jesus. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth. Rom. 1:16. Believe sins forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus! Sing SZ 119

Eric Jurmu | 2000 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Congregation Evening - February 25 -- Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. (Ps. 33:8) Fear the Lord Thy God Fear is defined as a human emotion caused by an expectation of evil or impending danger. This fear is realized at a very early age. A child for example, fears falling and learns ways to protect himself or herself from danger. Fright, also connected with fear, is defined, sudden and violent fear; terror. These emotions however are not the fear that the Bible speaks of. Biblical fear, or the fear of God, and the fear that is in human emotions are in direct contrast. The Fear of God is Not Fright Luther teaches; "Being afraid of God is different from fearing God. The fear of God is a fruit of love, but being afraid of Him is the seed of hatred. Therefore we should not be afraid of God but should fear Him so that we do not hate Him whom we should love. . . . Therefore the fear of God is more aptly called reverence. For example, we revere those whom we love, honor, esteem, and fear to offend." Also Luther, writing on the Fourth Commandment, says: "But honor is higher than mere love and includes a certain fear, which unites with love, and causes a man to fear offending them more than he fears the punishment. Just as there is fear in the honor we pay a sanctuary, and yet we do not flee from it as from a punishment, but draw near to it all the more. Such a fear mingled with love is the true honor; the other fear without any love is that which we have toward things which we despise or flee from, as we fear the hangman or punishment. There is no honor in that, for it is a fear without all love, nay, fear that has with it hatred and enmity. Of this we have a proverb of St. Jerome: What we fear, that we also hate. With such a fear God does not wish to be feared or honored, but with the first, which is mingled with love and confidence. Fear of the Lord is Wisdom "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:28 Many places in scripture man is placed in direct comparison with God. Here we recognize our earthly limitations and stand in awe of him. Apostle Paul reminds us that, "The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Cor 1:25) The Prophet Isaiah compares man and God in this way, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Is. 55:8-9 In spite of this, we can, as Luther teaches in his explanation of the Lord's Prayer, approach God as children approach their dear parents. Solomon wrote, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." Prov. 9:10 The Fruits of Holy Fear Through faith we comprehend the great measure of grace afforded us. We understand that God has given freely of his love. This constrains us to serve him. And this is also what God requires of us. It is written, "And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul." (Deut. 10:12) God wants us to serve him with an undivided heart, Jesus said that "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24) The desire to serve and obey God is born of love that is kindled by the comprehension of God's grace and love for us. Jesus said "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:23) The desire to serve God is made manifest in our lives. We serve Him in our words and deeds alike. God also teaches us to revere Him with outward signs of respect: "Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD." (Lev. 19:30) As a point of illustration, we might look at the life of Moses when he was called by God to lead the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt. God, remembering the oppression of the Children of Israel, manifested himself to Moses in the wilderness as a fire burning within a bush, yet not consuming it. Intrigued by this phenomenon, Moses edged closer and was startled to hear his name called out. But the speaker, God, warned him to take off his sandals, for the very ground on which he was standing was holy. It was an act of reverence, required by God, following an ancient custom practiced whenever one entered a holy place. (Exo. 3:5) Joshua also felt the presence of God as did Moses and Abraham. "And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the captain of the LORD's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so." (Jos. 5:13–15) Today, God's children also want to revere and serve the Lord as the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews relates, "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." (Heb 12:28). And as the Psalmist writes "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him." (Ps 89:70) How Do We Serve God? A child of God hungers for the word of God for it nourishes and strengthens. And the sole purpose of going to services is to be nourished and fed. In making preparations for services many things come into consideration. Here it would be good to remember the speakers in prayer, and that God's will would be revealed through them. God gives the office of the ministry a high order, Paul writes "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (1 Tim 5:17) We need comfort and guidance on our journey to heaven. It is also out of respect for God's word we would be seated and settled before the opening song. It can be very distracting to the other service guests, when long after the song starts people continue to stream into the church. Also, the opening song is often a prayer that God would open his word, and bless the services. The congregation joins in this prayer. Another matter one might consider is where he/she sits at services. Am I in the hearing of God's word? It may be a habit for some to remain outside, or in areas that our friends may be. In such situations one becomes easily distracted. It can also become distracting to the other service guests. And lastly we will consider, appropriate dress and appearance for services. Too often our dress and styles of dress become our first concern. First of all, what is appropriate dress? And why does it require consideration? Is, for example, beach attire (like shorts and and tank tops) appropriate for services? I could comment on other specific styles of dress, and what might or might not be appropriate service attire, but perhaps it could be a point of discussion for the congregation. I believe our dress does in some way mirror/reflect the content of a person’s heart. It is according to God's word that our dress would be to the honor and glory of God. Another matter I might mention, and the elders would have even more experience than I, is how the levels of respect in society have changed over the years. To what degree, however, is open for discussion. As one example, however small, is the wearing of hats. As a young boy I remember many times being reminded to take off my hat as I entered a public building. Now it is common that hats are worn in buildings, and also in homes. This is not a great matter, however it illustrates how things have changed. Many of these kinds of customs have disappeared, and have been replaced by a set of standards that are much more relaxed. This has affected the society in which we live, and in turn touched the lives of the believers. Also studies have shown a direct link between dress and attitude. Many articles have been written recently addressing the decline in American dress codes, or standards, seemingly becoming too relaxed. This has led to a decline in many areas of concern. Studies have shown a direct link, for example, to gang activity and dress. A recent study in California revealed a big drop off in violent activity when the school adopted a dress code. For this reason many schools have adopted a dress code for students, and many others are watching closely to see the results. In these outward ways we show our respect to the Heavenly Father. With the changing times that we live, the child of God needs to remain watchful, Jesus in his time admonished "And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." (Mk. 13:37) This remains wholesome instruction yet today. "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) The Blessings Of Fearing God The blessings of God are innumerable to those that love Him. Think how fortunate we are when the mysteries of God's kingdom and the secret of salvation are revealed to those that fear Him. The Psalmist writes, "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant." (Ps. 25:14) Thus the child of God can serve God with a joyful heart, for God promises to honor those that honor Him. "Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." (1 Sam 2:30) And "The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy." (Ps 147:11) O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! (Deut 5:29)

Elmer Alajoki | 1995 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Congregation Evening - February 24 -- In the Holy Word of God there is much written of the obedience to God's Holy word, obedience in the life of faith. The Gospel Changes Man When man believes the gospel of the forgiveness of sins, a change of heart takes place in his life. It is evident in his life and speech. Living faith influences life which desires to serve the Lord in doctrine, life and suffering. To that person the kingdom of God becomes dear and precious, a fellowship of dear brothers and sisters. It is a "golden candlestick" in whose midst the Lord Jesus travels among His own children. Righteousness of Faith The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans "Therefore being justified by faith (made righteous), we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom. 5:1). Righteousness of faith, living faith and obedience are inseparable from one another. Living faith brings forth fruits of the righteousness of life. The Apostle Peter writes, "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in ignorance, but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." (1 Peter 1:14-15). Grace Teaches The grace of God teaches to forsake and shun all ungodly life. The Apostle Paul writes to Titus: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." (Titus 2:11-12). Holy Spirit Home Teacher The Holy Spirit teaches and instructs as a home teacher unto obedience to the will of God. It is very important in the life of faith that at home parents discuss with their children and young the questions and answers in regard to the foundation of faith. Study the teachings of the word of God in the light of the Spirit to know that is the good and acceptable will of the Lord. Gospel the Power of God From the gospel of the forgiveness of our sins we receive power to follow in faith the gracious teacher the Lord Jesus in His kingdom and to fight against the enemy of the souls, against our sin-corrupted flesh and the world. The Apostle Paul writes: "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Tim. 2:22). He also writes: "Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." (1 Tim. 3:9). A Light to the World Dear brothers and sisters, we are a little light and a candle in the midst of the world. The fire of the Holy Spirit has warmed our hearts to burn in the love of God. We have wanted to confess to the unbelievers that are around us what great grace and gift we have received from the Lord Jesus. We have wanted to call them to the services of God's children, show them the way into this kingdom of life and salvation. We show godly love to them with merciful and pardoning minds of Christ who has first loved us. Obedience to the Servants in the Church God has chosen in the church ministers, board members and teachers. The Apostle Paul writes: "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit dividing to every man severally as he will." (1 Cor. 12:27, 18, 28, 11). It is very important for all of us to show obedience, respect and honor to the servants that God has chosen to serve in the administration of the house and church of God. The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, "that thou mayest know how thou aughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Tim. 3:15). In the letter to the Hebrews is also written, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly." (Heb. 13:17-18). If someone in the living church of God rises against the teachings, instruction and decisions of the Holy Spirit that God has spoken in the church through the mouths of His children, then that person has fallen into disobedience in his life of faith to the word and spirit of God. The Lord Jesus said to the seven churches in Asia, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29). Disobedience to the living church of God causes one to eventually fall away from the love of Christ, and from His kingdom, from the fellowship and love of the children of God. Obedience in Faith Abraham by faith was obedient when he was tried, called of God to leave his father's house and kin. Abraham was also obedient when he offered up his Isaac. Jacob obeyed the voice of Rebecca his mother and received the father's blessing. Jacob also obeyed his parents in not taking for his wife the unbelieving daughters of Canaan. King David hearkened to Prophet Nathan when he rebuked David of his fall to sin. David humbled himself and repented of his sins and received forgiveness from the prophet. Obedience and Care of the Young Today in the kingdom we have many many young; it is a great blessing in the church to have you young boys and girls preciously believing. You are the joy of your parents and the older Christians in the congregation of God. Today in the midst of the unbelieving world you young experience how the enemy of the souls, "the devil, as roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8). It is an every day battle to keep faith and a good conscience before God and men. Many times in battle you are tired, wearied, and even fall into "sin which doth so easily beset you." In the church of God you need much loving care and guidance in your weak faith, "hands that hang down" need strengthening, you need to be encouraged to lift up your eyes of faith to Jesus. (Heb. 12:12). It is written: "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." And, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29). In Zion there are open fountains against all sin and defilement. Always be free to come with your sin-burdened conscience to a brother or sister. Open your mouth to speak of that which burdens you and hear for them the forgiveness of your sins in the name and blood of Jesus. God's kingdom is "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." Every day we need the grace of God to lead and teach us on the way of living faith. But we have a patient and loving teacher, the Lord Jesus. He is always revealing for us the victory of Golgotha, the price He has paid for redeeming us from our sins. His love for us is unmeasurable and unending. Concerns of Today Some areas of concern that are lurking around us today include videos played on TV screens, drugs in school, use of alcohol, going to theaters and participating in competitive sports after school. Our sincere prayer is that our dear Heavenly Father would protect all His children, young and old, from falling into the love of the world, from its many ways of sins. Dear Lord, give us sober and vigilant minds to resist the enemy of our souls. Keep us steadfast in faith, considering "one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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. 10:24-25). Discussion Topics Some of the topics discussed at the speakers meeting in Finland included: 1. Let the voice of the Good Shepherd be heard in our sermons, having forgiving hearts to those fallen into sin. 2. Living faith brings forth fruits to righteousness of life. 3. The grace of God teaches to shun all ungodly life. The Holy Spirit as a home teacher instructs to obedience in life. 4. In the world they express: Everyone with his own faith is saved; it does not matter how one believes and what he believes. 5. God prepared righteousness in Jesus; this is that joyous gospel. Christ sent his own to preach. 6. Keep faith in a good conscience - be obedient to instruction of the Holy Spirit. 7. Servants of the word are the mouths of the Holy Spirit. 8. The importance of home teaching to the young 9. The young need support and love. 10. Faith is a joyous matter 11. The greeting of God's Peace already strengthens faith. 12. It is good for the speakers to see the picture that today's world portrays. 13. The carnal mind desires to govern areas that pertain to faith and the Word of God. 13. The enemy of the soul desires to break the love among Christians even with temporal matters. The young can stray away in their lawfulness; parents can fall into being overly strict, unforgiving. 14. It is necessary for us to acknowledge what the word of Christ means to me personally. Christ is gracious and merciful so that of His grace I can once go to the joy of heaven.