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Quentin Ruonavaara | 2000 LLC Minneapolis Summer Services - Speakers and Elders Meeting - July 1 -- 1. Call to Serve These are the words of the Prophet Isaiah. They consist of two separate parts. The first is, "here am I," and the second is, "send me." He said these words in response to the enquiry of God, " Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Isaiah had just received the grace of repentance. As a young man he had lived, as many of his contemporaries, in a life of sin. He attended the services in the temple of the Lord, and there his conscience became awakened. "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips, for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts," he said. He, like all who have tasted how gracious God is, experienced that love for sinners which is comprehended through the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. It is written in II Cor. 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Isaiah became a new man. The direct fruit of this experience was a willingness to share it with his friends and neighbors. 2. Here Am I Isaiah's apparent willingness to enter into God's service contrasts with that of both Moses and Jeremiah. God called Moses from a within a burning bush. Moses, like Isaiah, responded, "Here am I." The circumstance, however, was different. Moses was raised as a prince while he lived his childhood in Egypt. Of him it is written, "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward" (Heb. 11: 24 - 26). A mission was already prepared for him, namely, to lead God's people out of slavery. It appears, however, that Moses was not as eager to go as Isaiah. He used many excuses to fight against this mission. We, like him, are very reluctant to approach those who are still in the bondage of sin. We would want someone else to do it. But God responded to Moses' objection of being a slow speaker with the answer, " Who hath made man's mouth? Now therefore go, and I will be thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say " (Exod. 4:10–12). Similarly, Jeremiah hesitated to obey the call to service. He agonized over his insufficiency to comply with the requirements of the service as he saw it. This is a common trait of those whom the congregation places into any position of service. But whatever the office, the scriptural words in II Cor. 3: 5 and 6, apply, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." We believers are more often like Moses and Jeremiah, if and when approached by the congregation to enter into God's work. Three examples of former saints have been presented. What lesson is to be found in these examples? We are encouraged to believe as we find ourselves. Likewise we are encouraged to serve with the gifts and measure of faith given to us. Whether willing or reluctant, these men were obedient and faithful until the end of their lives. They had faithfully served with the gift allotted them by God. Another example is the Apostle Peter, who while in a Roman prison awaiting execution, demonstrated his faithfulness to his calling, writing, "Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me" (II Pet. 1:13,14). In one sense, Isaiah's calling was different than ours. He received a direct call, as I believe Luther calls it, to be God's prophet. He had a sincere desire to share this joy with his past friends, and his fellow countrymen. While he had participated with them in the pleasures of the flesh, he now hoped that they, like he, would see the error of their ways. Isaiah's desire was a good fruit of living faith. 3. Be Ready Always to Give an Answer These words are found in I Peter 3: 15: "But sanctify the lord God in your hearts: and be always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." The confession of faith is centermost to revealing this hope which is in us to outsiders. This confession occurs in two ways: by our manner of life and with our mouths. Our manner of life, our demeanor, our speech patterns, and our dress, works powerfully to attract the attention of those who are seeking. It is fitting to repeat what is written in Col. 3:1, - 3, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ. " We read from II Cor. 3:2, "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men." This was the situation with young Joseph, when he was transplanted into Egypt. He provides an excellent role model to all. He was read and known of all men in his new environment. We read in Genesis 39:3, "And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand." Because of this, Joseph was placed into a position of trust. Joseph was ready to give an answer when he was confronted with temptation by Potipher's wife and confessed his faith in word and deed. Enticed by her to commit adultery, he answered, " How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). It is important that we confess our faith with our mouth as well. God’s Word teaches and encourages us to do so. In Romans 10:10 is written, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Another quotation from II Tim. 4:2 is applicable to the mission field where all believers are engaged in their place of watching. This reads, "Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." The intent of all these scriptural admonitions is to encourage us to fulfill the mission command of Jesus, which is, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19, 20). 4. Opportunities in Daily Life Two recent incidents illustrate the way that the message of the gospel is spread through the confession of individual believers. In the first, a young man who had been seeking for salvation for five years, had made his acquaintance with two believing girls. As I have heard it, this man had a lingering question: "Where can I find Jesus? Where is He?" Servants of God, as these girls were, can never know the circumstance in which he or she may be called upon to help a seeking soul find Jesus. They had, during their normal conversion with him, mentioned their intention of traveling to the winter services in Florida. They invited him. He came there. There he found a good and gracious God. He received the grace of repentance. Those who witnessed this scene have described the joy of the finder which was evident in the young man. Most of us have heard of the second example, which has resulted in the birth of a small flock of believers in Ecuador. This, too, began from an incident which involved a few believing girls who were able to, by their fruits of faith, reveal to a young man the living hope within them. The net result was that this young man was converted, later become engaged to and married a believer, and through his efforts introduced the servants of Jesus to many of his family and neighbors in his native land. Many there received the gospel in the same manner as the Thessalonians, of whom Paul writes: "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe"(I Thess. 2:13). 5. Not With Excellency of Speech Continuing this thought of communicating such noble and holy matters to unbelievers, it is uplifting and instructive to consider Moses' self-evaluation, when he was called. In Exodus 4:10–16 is written, " And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or death, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach what thou shalt say. And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him, whom thou wilt send. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he saith, is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee, and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do." Likewise Jeremiah received an answer from God when he resisted the calling. We read of this from Jeremiah 1: 6–9: "Then said I, Ah, Lord God' behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth." These admissions of lacking in speech are in accord with the words of Paul, who wrote these words; " And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God " (I Cor. 2:1–5). An encouraging example for us who often feel too inadequate to confess our faith is found in John chapter 9. There we hear how Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth. The Pharisees, seeking to discredit Jesus because He had healed on the sabbath, questioned this man as to the manner of his healing. This man had not yet comprehended the doctrine of living faith, as his answer reveals, but it contains his simple and powerful confession of what Jesus had done for him. He said, “Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25). 6. The Gospel of God's Kingdom It is of vital importance to understand that salvation can only come about by the PROCLAMATION of God's children, who have been sent to preach this gospel. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Then Paul asks, " How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent?" Paul answers this question, by quoting Isaiah, his representative and teacher in this matter. In Isaiah 52:7 is written, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" To all this, the Apostle concludes, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). The feet of those who preach the gospel are highlighted in these references of Paul to the Romans, in paraphrasing Isaiah. This order of grace has been preserved from Isaiah's time to ours. 7. Conclusion "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" (Isa. 35:8). So clearly spake the Prophet Isaiah concerning this way. Yet, so few there are who find it. Preachers of every age have known disappointment. Isaiah had to lament, following some years of tenure in this work, "Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1). The Apostle Paul concluded, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (II Cor. 4; 3,4). We hope that those on the outside of God’s kingdom would receive the gospel with faith. It is our prayer that we would all have the heart of Isaiah to accomplish the will of God. Jesus acknowledged how great is the work before us. He said, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37–38).

John Lehtola | 1999 LLC Detroit Summer Services - Youth Discussion - July 3 -- Introduction Today we live in a society that emphasizes individualism: man is all-mighty, all-knowing and in control ozone’s own fate. The statement is often heard: My God is like this. I think of God in this way. The Bible says of the last times that the end will not come before a falling away takes place and the man of sin is revealed. Man opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. He wishes to sit in the temple of God as if he is God (2 Thes. 2:3-4). The New Age movement creates a god according to their own liking. Individuals can establish their own measuring stick of truth. They also say that truth is a subjective matter. The Bible, however, defines truth. Jesus said of himself: “I am the way, the truth, and life.” Hidden God God cannot be comprehended by reason or knowledge. What do we know about God? The Scriptures declare that God in incomprehensible (see Job 11:7; 21:14; 36:26; Ps. 77:19; Rm. 11:33). Complete knowledge of God is not attainable by man upon earth. Whatever man knows of God, he knows through God's own revelation of Himself either in the realm of nature or in His holy word. Had God not revealed Himself, man never would have known him, since God is a spirit, who dwells “in the light which no man can approach unto” (1 Tim. 6:16). No man has ever seen God and lived (Ex. 33:20; Job. 1:18). God reveals himself through nature, through phases of history, and in fates of life and sicknesses. These are known as general revelation. Atheism is a school of thought which denies the existence of God. The Bible says, however: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’ ” (Ps. 14:1). During the end of the last century atheism became a common phenomenon in Europe, especially among the highly educated people. A certain scholar went to Lapland to study nature. He unknowingly got a believing young Lapp boy as his guide. Together they slept by a fire in a Lappish teepee. The researcher noticed something different about this boy. Even though it was cold in winter Lapland, the boy never drank alcohol to warm his body. In spite of the many obstacles on the journey, the guide never cursed or swore. And every evening the boy prayed before going to bed at night. The researcher began to tease the boy: “Why do you pray to God," he asked. “Have you seen God or perhaps touched Him?" “No,” the boy replied. The scientist laughed and said: “There is no such thing that cannot be seen or touched.” Early the next morning the scientist woke up to go outside. It was still dark and the northern lights were dancing across the sky. He quickly returned to the tent and woke his guide. “A wolf circled our tent last night,” the scientist said. “How do you know?” the guide replied. “Did you see it or touch it?” he added. “No,” said the scientist, “but I surely know wolf tracks when I see them.” “There couldn't have been anything if you didn't see it or touch it,” the guide continued. Together they stepped outside and examined the tracks. Wolf tracks they were. “Do you know what these tracks tell us,” the guide stated? “Of course,” said the scientist, “a wolf circled the tent last night.” The guide then added: “And we can be sure of that on the basis of these tracks.” “Look at the beautiful northern lights dancing across the sky,” said the guide. “And examine the silhouette of the fells against the dark sky. See how harmonious the Lappish winter nature is. These are all the fingerprints and handiwork of my God. I know my God by his fingerprints. And the longing in my heart testifies that my God has made all of this. God exists. God is near me. Even here in the middle of the Lappish fells I can approach my God and speak to Him in prayer,” said the guide to the scientist. The Psalmist writes in Ps. 19: The heavens declare the glory of God; The skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. The Bible states in the Old Testament that God is as high as heaven is above the earth, and as far as the east is from the west (Ps. 103:11,12). So much higher are God's thoughts from ours. St. Augustine illustrated this idea when someone asked him what God is like. At that time he was standing on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Augustine stooped down and dug a small hole in the sand. “If you are able to put all of the water of the ocean into that hole,” Augustine explained, “I will be able to tell you what God is like.” Augustine scooped some water and put it into the small hole in the sand. Together they noticed that the level of the ocean didn't move. So small are the abilities of man (another application: To understand the triune God is as difficult as the little boy trying to drain the sea into the hole), Triune God God is a triune God. God the Father and Creator; God the Son and Redeemer, and God the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier. This is difficult to comprehend, for in mathematics we learn that one plus one plus one is three. Yet, in this case, even though there are three godheads, there is only one God. Paul writes to the Corinthians: “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth (as there be gods many, and lords many.) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him” (1 Cor. 8: 5-6). God creates and maintains the world. The first article of the creed states: “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.” Luther writes an explanation for this in the small catechism: “I believe that God has made me and all other creatures; that He has given and still preserves to me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses; and that He daily provides me with food and clothing, home and house . . . and all that I need for this body and life. . .” When God performed His creation work, he concluded each day by saying: It is good! God allows handicaps and disabilities, and they serve a purpose, which is many times unknown to us (cf. Job. 9:1-4). A group of people were on a field trip to an institution for the handicapped. One individual said to a believer that she does not believe that God exists. “How can there be a God, called a God of love, when there is so much sickness and suffering in the world? This entire world and its fates are in man's hands.” The group entered that part of the institution where the most severely handicapped were located. A believing nurse happened to work in this ward. There was one child without eyes. Other children were without hands. They only had wing-like structures which flapped in the place of arms. Some children were only a lump of flesh that were fed with tubes and cared for. The group of people listened as the nurse explained. All these children are God’s creation. They accomplish a unique task here on earth. Every one of these children understands a certain matter — that they are loved, and they respond to love in their own personal way. The atheist teacher who just earlier said there is no God, began to cry and say: “I retract all that I said. Look! I have two eyes. I have two ears. I can move and walk. But I am continually dissatisfied and bitter. Now I do believe that God exists." God hates sin, but loves the sinner. God gave his son to die for the sins of the world. God sent his son to redeem mankind. The second article of the creed states: “I believe in Jesus Christ His only Son, Our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; the third day rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.” Luther explains this in the explanation to the second article of the creed: “I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord; who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy and precious blood, and with His innocent sufferings and death.” Why? “In order that I might be his own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. . .” The work of God continues as the work of the Holy Spirit in His congregation. The keys of the kingdom have been left in God’s congregation, with the believers. Whose sins are forgiven here on earth are forgiven also in heaven. Forgiveness is possible only through the power of the Holy Ghost The Holy Ghost sanctifies, gives new birth, and forgives sins, using the mouth of believers. The Holy Ghost gives everlasting life to the soul of man, who believes. The Holy Ghost joins all believers together through bonds of love. Nature or Characteristics Of God Two names of God in the Hebrew Scriptures are Elohim and Jehovah. The latter means “He who is,” as we recall from the reply to Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3). These terms together with other names emphasize certain attributes of the Godhead, such variations being rendered in our English version, “God Almighty,” “The Living God,” “The Most High,” “The Lord,” or “The God of Hosts.” The English word is identical with the Anglo-Saxon word for “good,” and therefore it is believed that the name God refers to the divine goodness. Luther writes: “It is God alone from whom we receive all good and by whom we are delivered from all evil. Ancient Germans utilized the name ‘God,’ derived from the word ‘good,’ because he is an eternal fountain which gushes forth nothing but the good, and from which flows all that is good and is so called.” There are many metaphors for God in the Bible: shield, rock, fortress, protection, refuge and strength (see Ps. 46 and hymn 201). God is also known as king, shepherd and Father, especially our heavenly Father (see Mt. 6: 26-32). God is a spirit, who is eternal. He is the first and last. He is all-knowing, all-seeing, and everywhere. God is all-mighty, righteous, holy, and not to be ridiculed. What happens when the fear of God is lost? “I am the Lord thy God, thou shall have no other gods before me,” we recite in the catechism. Luther explains: “We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.” In the Large Catechism Luther writes: “See to it that you let me alone be your God, and never seek another.” We can see clearly what has happened in our society when the fear of God and sin is lost. In the 60's such things as divorce, abortion, cohabitation we considered very shameful and evil vices by the society in general. Today such acts are done openly and without shame. If a person loses the fear of God and the fear of sin, morals will degrade and erode. This is a danger for a believer as well. Joseph had the correct fear or reverence for God when tempted by the Potiphar's wife. He said: how could I do such an evil thing against my God.” The Bible states: “The wages of sin is death" (Rm. 6:23). “If you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live” (Rm. 8:13). A God Of Providence God is not only the creator of the world and mankind, but he also maintains and cares for it. We can also see how God cared for the people of Israel during the wilderness journey and Joseph in Egypt ( see also: Ps. 8:5; 23:1; Mt. 6:25). Is it only God’s blessing when one is successful? One may think that as a believer everything should always go well. The Psalmist struggled with this question in Ps. 73. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. . . They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily . . . And they say. How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. The disciples perhaps thought they would be spared from difficult times because they were followers of Christ. But Jesus explained differently to them as he was sending them out on mission journeys (Mt 10:16-30). Even though God allows trials, such as the examples in Job’s life, his children are yet not forgotten (Rm. 8: 28). God wishes to reveal the preciousness of faith through them (1 Peter 1: 6,7; 1 Peter 4: 12, 13). To Job God said of Satan: he will come so far and no further. And here shall your proud waves be halted (Job 38:11). The nation of Finland suffered greatly during World War II against great odds in the battle against the Soviet Union. Though they suffered many losses. God spared the country for the sake of the elect. God is omniscient (all-knowing). Not one hair will fall from our head without his knowledge. He protects and keeps us on the palm of His hand, and will not allow us to be swept off. The Psalmist was comforted when he was asked to go into the temple, and heard: “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shall guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: but thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works" (Ps. 73: 23-28). Conclusion Our joy is to be near God. Our strength is in the gospel (Rm. 1: 16). God’s ways are not our ways (Rm. 11:33-34). God is great, but we are small. No one can comprehend His majesty. For now we partially understand and see as if through a foggy window. But soon we will be able to see Him in fullness (1 Cor. 13: 12). Discussion Questions 1. What happens when the fear of God and sin disappears? 2. Trials in life — A person experiencing difficult trials may question — Why? Has God forgotten me? Am I even a believer? 3. What do handicap children teach us? What does God wish to communicate through them? 4. The dangers of reason and the struggles of reason with our faith life. What are the dangers and blessing of education? 5. Psalms 73: Inequalities of life – ungodly proper / tribulations of the believers.

Lawrence Byman | 1997 LLC Cokato Summer Services - Youth Discussion - July 5 -- "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life..." 1 Tim. 6:12 These words are especially fitting for tonight's discussion, as they were written by Paul to a young believing person named Timothy. Paul also writes to Timothy about the last days saying, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." 2 Tim. 3:1. He goes on to describe conditions which paint a familiar picture when we consider the time in which we live. "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Tim 3:2-7 This is a sobering and somewhat frightening picture. Questions which can come to mind are: "How can I stand against such evil?" "Will I have strength to fight the good fight when tempted?" "Does God remember me in temptation?" and so on. These are not unnatural questions. We all feel the weakness of our flesh and the lusts which arise from within. However, there is no better place to be, when faced with such evil and temptations, than in the household of the living God as His child. Here we find comfort, support and encouragement in fighting "the good fight of faith." Our ability to battle against the evils of the world, Satan and our own flesh comes not of ourselves, but through faith. In the letter to the Hebrews, chapter 11, the writer relates of many former saints who overcame severe adversity and trials by faith. They believed the promises of God, denied themselves, took up the cross and followed Christ in life, suffering and doctrine. Simply put, they fought the good fight of faith, desiring "a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city." Heb. 11: 16 In other words, they wanted to "lay hold on eternal life." So also do we. In this battle God does not forget us. He has provided us with unique armour. This armour can not be seen with the natural eyes and yet it protects us from the evil which surrounds us! Paul writes of it in this way: "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. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities. Against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" Eph. 6:10-17 Let's examine these pieces of armour and what they mean to the child of God. We will borrow thoughts from an article written by Einari Lepisto in I Write to You volume 1. First, "having your loins girt about with truth." The loins of the mind are to be girded with truth. Because of this, the child of God can not be hypocritical, leaning towards the opinions of this world. Rather, we stand straight and truthful in faith, endeavoring to keep a good conscience. There is no room to be deceitful. Next, "having on the breastplate of righteousness." We are righteous through faith. Therefore, this breastplate is also pictured in "the shield of faith." With this shield we can deflect the fiery darts of the wicked. We can not lay down the armour of war for even a moment, but through faith battle at all times against sin and temptations. King David is an example of what happens when the weapons of warfare are set aside. When he did not go to war with his soldiers he fell first into adultery and then into murder. Even though we are clothed in battle armour, we still go forward with a message of peace, having our "feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." This message of the gospel is heard even today from the kingdom of God. It resounds at these services. Here we have precious escorts, travel companions as they are so often called, from whom we can hear the words of life and forgiveness - the central message of the gospel. The gospel of which Paul writes, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Rom. 1: 16 It is the power of God unto salvation for you beloved believing young people as well! Do not hesitate to use the gospel which is so freely offered to you. Dip from the open fountains which flow against sin in Zion. The "helmet of salvation" represents the correct understanding of how one becomes saved. The helmet is special. When God's Holy Spirit opens Christ's doctrine and the matters of salvation, it is the protection for the soldier' head. The enemy knows that the head is a tender part of the body. Wounds to this part easily kill the soldier. If the understanding of faith falls apart, then one begins to see the work of God in places where it is not. We children of God wear this protective helmet, of the correct understanding of salvation, on our heads. Finally, "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Jesus did battle with the enemy of souls during his temptation in the wilderness with the word of God. There is no other weapon as powerful as the word of God. For this reason we are encouraged by Christ himself to "hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Hear the word of God, learn it and believe it. Paul writes to Timothy of "the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:15 Be encouraged, young friends, to believe even now the gospel, in the name and blood of Jesus all is forgiven! Your faith life can be refreshed and the weaponry of the Spirit sharpened on the cornerstone of Zion. "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. Why sayest thou, 0 Jacob, and speakest, 0 Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Is. 40:26-29 There is safety and security in the midst of the flock of God. We are uniquely cared for and watched over in the kingdom. Jesus says, "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? Be even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:6-7 You young person, who may be doubting and struggling in faith, are also of great value to your heavenly Father. He has paid a great price for you through the suffering and death of His Son, Jesus Christ the righteous. As a young believer in God's Kingdom you own righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Do not be discouraged! Through the power of God, clothed in His armour, in the fellowship of the believers, you can "fight the good fight of faith" and "lay hold on eternal life!"

Don Lahti | 1997 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Congregation Evening - February 21 -- Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:1, 2) 1. Introduction The above text from Paul’s Letter to the Galatians teaches us to help and care for one another on our journey of faith. The first part of the text teaches us to help a person who has fallen in sin and also in what manner we ought to help them. The second part of the text teaches us to share one another's burdens. 2. If a Man Be Overtaken in a Fault As children of God we wish to follow the Lord Jesus and preserve faith and a pure conscience. Nonetheless, we have experienced that while endeavoring to follow Jesus we often fall into sin. The devil has not left us unscathed. With his seemingly unlimited tricks, he has often wounded us and with the help of our corrupt flesh caused us to sin. And sin, because it is deceitful, may harden our heart and conscience (Heb. 3:13) and we may be “overtaken,” that is, caught or entangled in sin. The hardening of heart and conscience can begin with something that to one who has fallen may seem relatively small and innocent, for example, a little lie, the occasional use of make up, watching a ball game on television, listening to worldly music, watching unsuitable videos, or visiting offensive sites on the internet. Our conscience, if it is properly functioning, urges us to put sin away. But if we ignore these promptings, our conscience begins to harden. Little by little, we begin to permit sin in our lives and we become blinded to its dangers. If we continue to neglect the care of our conscience and let it become a harbor for sin, we will eventually suffer spiritual shipwreck. James says, “Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James l:15). 3. Restore Such an One Paul instructs us to “restore” one entangled in sin. This process of restoring often involves two parts: rebuke and forgiveness. Rebuke is a necessary part of the gospel, but words of rebuke and instruction cannot in themselves remove sin or “restore” anyone. That occurs only through faith in Jesus Christ and His redemption work. As Paul writes to the Romans, “the just shall live by faith.” Generally, we find rebuking another person to be an unpleasant task and are often reluctant and timid to do so. A healthy timidity rises from the knowledge and understanding of our own poorness. But we must also acknowledge that there are other factors that may cause us to be timid and sometimes even negligent. For example, we may fear that we will start an argument, be rejected, lose a friend, or even make an enemy. Sometimes we may simply be lazy and indifferent. Such fears rise from our flesh and our darkened reason. God's Word, however, teaches us that when we ignore a brother’s sin we both hate him and share in his guilt (Lev. 19:17). Proverbs teach that “open rebuke is better than secret love” and that he that rebukes another will afterward be more favored than someone who has merely flattered him (Prov. 27:5; 28:23). In the so-called “church law of Christ” (Matt. 18:15-17), Jesus teaches that when our brother sins against us, we should discuss the matter with him alone, one on one. If our brother does not hear us, Jesus says to take “one or two more,” and if he still will not hear, Jesus says “tell it unto the church.” If the offending brother refuses to hear the church, then he is no longer to be regarded a brother in faith. Then the keys of binding are used (Matt. 16: l9; John 20:23). There are, of course, sins and faults that do not necessarily involve offense against another individual. If an individual, or even several individuals, become aware of such a matter, we understand that they should deal with the matter in as small a circle as possible. Some sins are open and public from the beginning, however. Such sins may be openly rebuked, as Paul wrote to Timothy: "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear" (l Tim 5:20). 4. Forgive One Another As I noted, rebuke is but one part of “restoring” a fallen sinner. True restoration occurs when the gospel of absolution is preached and believed. God’s children form His royal priesthood; it is the office of the Holy Spirit. Peter writes, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people” (1 Pet. 2:9). Christ has given His disciples, His priests, the authority to forgive sins. When Jesus appeared to His disciples following His resurrection, He said: “Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whososever sins ye retain, they are retained” (John 20:21-23). While, as God's children, we have the power to retain or bind, we do so reluctantly and with sorrow. At the same time, we understand that this too is founded upon love for the sin-fallen. On the other hand, we are eager to preach the gospel and remit sins, for it is precisely through the forgiveness of sins that fallen and wounded sinners are healed and restored. Jeremiah says, “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shrill be saved” (Jer. 17:14). In this too there are temptations and the Apostle Paul warns us of the temptations involved in soul care with good reason. Our sin-corrupt flesh often hinders us in this task. Weariness and impatience, a sin-burdened conscience, pride, or self-righteousness, for example, may cause us to be harsh and unforgiving much like the wicked servant in Jesus’ parable of the ten thousand talents (Man. 18). It is important that we are ready to forgive. Jesus said, “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matt. l0:8). And He warned His disciples: “If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:14, l5). When we remember and believe that our Heavenly Father has graciously forgiven our debt of ten thousand talents, we also wish to graciously forgive our brethren and approach them in meekness and humility as Paul here teaches. We must remember that understanding and spiritual gifts, like all other gifts, are not the result of our own virtue and skill, but are gifts of God. Paul warns the Corinthians, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10: l2). Jesus, the Great Caretaker of Souls, gave us the best example of the humility needed in caring for souls while washing His disciples feet. John writes, “So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me master and Lord: and he say well; for so I am. If then your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:12-17). 5. Bear Ye One Another's Burdens Soul care does not always involve dealing with sin and matters of conscience. Life often brings burdens and trials, for example, depression, illness, the death of loved ones, or perhaps financial difficulties to mention but a few. In this text Paul instructs us to carry one another's burdens and “so fulfill the law of Christ.” The author of the Letter to the Hebrews also writes, “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body” (Heb 13:3). The prayers of God's children, comfort and instruction in His Word, singing songs and hymns, and the sharing of personal psalms all offer relief and encouragement for those that are faced with adversity. Likewise help and support with the practical matters of daily life may lighten someone's burden. 6. Conclusion Finally, it is also worth mentioning that we need to recognize that man is also an intellectual and physical being. Due to the nature of psychological and emotional problems, as well as our inexperience in dealing with them, we may in some cases confuse them with spiritual problems. We need to exercise caution in dealing with such cases and when necessary recommend professional help. We may lean upon current knowledge when dealing with both psychological and physical health. It is written in Ecclesiasticus, “Honor a physician with the honor due unto him for the uses which ye may have of him: for the Lord hath created him. . .The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them. . . And he hath given men skill, that he might be honored in his marvelous works. With such doth he heal [men,] and take away their pains” (Ecclus. 38:1,4,6,7). We also understand that it is easier to face both psychological and physical difficulties with a heart and conscience that have been cared for and obtained peace in the gospel.

Tomm Stewart | 1996 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Congregation Evening Christian Courtship Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord'. Pro 8:22 1 . The Purpose of Courtship is to Lead to Marriage These words from Proverbs show that the purpose of courtship is to find a spouse, and the sole intent of courtship is to that end. God ordained marriage saying, 'It is not good for man to be alone...' Gen. 2:18. With God's blessing a courtship leads, in the correct way, to marriage. God has given the gift of natural love, which belongs in marriage. Without love, marriage should not occur. A spouse is God's gift and we want to remember this as we consider courtship. Congregation sing: Song 124 2. Seek A Believing Mate Abraham wanted a christian wife for his son Isaac and helped him. God, our Father, helps and provides for us, too. A sin of the first world was marriage with unbelievers, Gen. 6:12. This is still a sin and will always be a sin, 'Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers' 2 Cor. 6:14. Sometimes it has been asked, "how do you know that this believer is not going to lead that unbeliever into the kingdom, when they are going together?" One is not lead by the light of the Holy Spirit through sin. One may repent, but that is a different matter. Consider the following true story. A certain young believing man became engaged to an unbelieving girl. They decided to go to summer services together and to travel by train on which many believers were also riding. During the trip this unbelieving girl became involved in a conversation with several believers about matters of faith. After some discussion, this girl received the grace of repentance. As a finder of the treasure of faith and having become a child of God, she began to wonder if her fiancé was believing correctly himself in having become engaged to her, let alone' 'having started a relationship with her. She walked up the train aisle to where he was sitting and told him of her repentance and spoke of breaking the engagement. She explained to him that she was concerned about his understanding of faith because he had become engaged to her as an unbeliever and that he couldn't have done that if his faith matters were correct. She felt that now as a believer it was best that she not remain engaged to him and intended to return the ring. More discussion ensued and the boy then comprehended his condition and repented. The brothers encouraged that the couple, correctly understanding the matter, now remain engaged to be married. We understand from God's Kingdom that light hath no fellowship with darkness', 2 Cor. 2:14. When the marriage vows an engaged couple hears at their wedding are received with believing hearts, the couple certainly comprehends and rejoices in the of the unity of spirit through mutual faith. Congregation sing: Song 125 If one has been recently converted, it has been understood in living christianity that they be allowed to grow in the grace and knowledge of God's Kingdom for a time, without courtship. Let it be for a while and if a relationship is to grow, God will show that in His time. If it is to happen, we don't need to force or hasten it on our own. The Apostle Peter refers to the care of new converts in this way 'As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word. that ye may' grow thereby'. 1 Pet. 2:2 3 . Practical Considerations 'But if any provide not for his own...' 1 Tim. 5:8. Marriage brings with it many responsibilities, and one needs to be able to provide. The emotional and financial demands are very real and can at times be exceptionally heavy. It is important to be prepared for this. This includes among other things maturity, responsibility, some type of livelihood, and perhaps training and education. God certainly gives all things to us; but it is possible, through our own neglect, to bring on some of our own burdens. It is prudent and wise to plan with some degree of preparation. 4 . Conduct During Courtship God's word teaches us that 'Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world', Titus 2:12. Two christians with interest in one another should get to know each other in the fellowship and shelter of the believers. Let's hear a short passage from the book The Patrician's Daughter (p. 70) as it describes a certain christian courtship. This is not a substitute for scripture but simply used to convey the christian viewpoint in a somewhat practical setting. (Reading) This describes how two young people got to know each other while visiting within a group of believers. Going off alone has it's obvious dangers, Pro 6:27 asks 'Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?'. Fornication, which is sexual relations before marriage, is sin; it is also very common in the world today. Statistics show greater and greater percentages of teens are becoming 'sexually active'. Alarmingly, the ages at which teens begin to be sexually active is dropping. Agencies, sometimes including schools, distribute information and devices so that teens can practice 'safe sex' and also avoid pregnancies. These disturbing facts and other similar phenomena clearly indicate the prevailing state of immorality in this present world. We see fulfillment of biblical prophecies concerning the wickedness of the last times. The Bible reminds us that these times shall be as in the days of Noah, Matt. 24:37, when exceedingly great immorality was openly witnessed. Believers cannot in any way accept such changing attitudes and permissiveness of sin and filth of the flesh, nor it's underlying corruption of the mind and heart. The Apostle Paul instructs, 'make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof', Rom. 13:12. The next song speaks of temptation, and in faith, battling against it. Congregation sing: Song 121 v. 5-8 Only in marriage should an intimate physical relationship. expressly intended for man and wife, begin. Sexual activities of any kind not just intercourse, outside of marriage are sin; and such sin that the Bible clearly states that fornicators and adulterers will not inherit the kingdom of heaven, 1 Cor. 6:9., but rather will fall into perdition, where there shall be 'weeping and gnashing of teeth'. Adultery and fornication are what we refer to as 'sins unto death'. We do not equivocate or leave unclear our position on these kinds of matters, but simply state the understanding in christianity. Paul wrote to 'abstain from fornication', 1 Thes. 4:3. Of course, there is grace of forgiveness for these sins as there was for King David but sad to say, also as it was with David, sorrowful consequences may result. One is subject to all sorts of STD's, not to mention a multitude of other possible sorrows and afflictions. However, the greatest reason to abstain from any sin is out of obedience to God's word and the desire to keep faith and a good conscience. Again we can see from the Patricians' Daughter (p. 79) the simple, clear way of faith in this matter. (Reading) Courting couples should avoid seclusion, as the temptations of the flesh are great and 'if you play with fire you're going to get burned'. Maintain the christian understanding and practice of 'hands off'. It is this way and we don't, for a moment, want to deceive ourselves or others: sexual activities prior to marriage are sin. God's kingdom is the 'pillar and ground of truth' 1 Tim. 3:5, and teaches this way through the Holy Spirit. We want to be obedient and rejoice in the wisdom, care, and instruction of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes to young Timothy about fleeing youthful lusts, and of keeping faith and a good conscience. This is very good and healthy instruction. If sin has wounded, God's grace washes sins away in the name and blood of Jesus. Song 114 reminds us of Jesus' great care for us. Congregation sing: song 114, v. 3-7. Courtship is a serious matter, and yet a joyful one. Enter prayerfully not playfully. Share the gospel and God's word as a courting couple, pray for one another and for the blessing of God and of His congregation. 'Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth' Eccl. 12:1.

John Lehtola | 1995 LLC Marquette Summer Services - Speakers and Elders Meeting - July 1 -- Section I Matters That Reason Does Not Comprehend (paradox) First of all I will consider in section one the following matters that reason does not comprehend: a) The existence of God; b) the Triune God; c) the nature of the Scriptures; d) the nature of faith; e) the two natures of Jesus -- Divine and human. a) The Existence of God The existence of God cannot be proven by scientific means or methods. God is a hidden God, an invisible spirit (Joh. 4:24;2 Cor.3:17: ls. 45:15; 1 Tim. 6:16). God said to Moses than no man has seen God and lived (Ex.33:20). We cannot see Him with our eyes or fathom him with our thoughts. To know, understand, and approach God is entirely a matter of faith. Whatever man knows of God he knows through God's own revelation of Himself, either through God's work of creation and providence, or through the His holy Book, the Bible. Had God not revealed Himself, man would have never known Him, since God is the absolute, perfect Personality, who dwells "in the light which no man can approach unto" (1 Tim.6:16). The holy Scripture are the revelation of God, His holy and unperishing word. b) Triune God According to the Holy Scriptures, God is one in essence, but in this one essence there are three distinct Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. God the heavenly Father is the Creator. The writer to the Hebrews clearly states that by faith we understand that God created the world, the visible and invisible, with His word (Heb. 1 1 :3; Col 1:16). ln the creation story the Bible relates that when God commanded something to be created, it came to pass: "And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so." Not even a believer can understand on the basis of his mind the existence of the triune God or that everything -- visible and invisible -- was created by Him. Faith is not a product of the mind, but according to the words of Paul, faith is foolishness to the mind. God's existence cannot be proven scientifically or demonstrated by the mind, but it is completely a matter of faith. c) The Bible -- God's Revelation ls the Bible a geology, biology or a history book? lt is none of these, but rather it is a book containing God's revelation for the salvation of souls. ln contrast to all other books in the world, Holy Scripture is the Word of God. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, which the prophets wrote by divine inspiration, are throughout, from beginning to end, the words of God Himself. Luther writes on this point: "You must deal with Scripture in such a way that you accept it just as if God Himself is speaking." Holy Scripture does not merely attest to the fact that it is God's word; it also explains the peculiar manner in which God gave His word to men. lt clearly teaches that the Word of God was inspired, and enlivened unto certain holy men, whom God called to be the official writers of His holy book, so that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Tim.3:16). Scripture emphatically declares: "The prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:21). Since the holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, they wrote not their own words, but those which God Himself put into their minds. Apostle Paul writes of this to the Corinthians: "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Cor. 2:13). The Bible, therefore, is the holy word of God, for it has originated and come from God. But on the other hand, we must say that the Bible is also a human word, for it has been transmitted to us via man. After the fall in Paradise, God proclaimed to fallen mankind salvation through faith in the seed of the woman, who would crush the head of the serpent. This method of orally proclaiming His word was retained by God until the time when He called lsrael out of Egypt and made them His chosen people. Up to this time the Scripture existed as oral traditions, only in the minds and mouths of men. At a later stage these oral narratives were written down and edited over a period of one thousand years (1500 - 400 B.C.).These narratives were written down by human hands. But in spite of the human factor, the Bible is completely the word of God, as Paul writes to Timothy: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Tim.3:16). d) Nature of Faith ln one old Finnish children's religion textbook there is an example illustrating the nature of faith. A father is in a dark root cellar under the kitchen. Father tells his little son to jump into the dark hole, and he will catch him. The boy cannot see the father, but, hearing the father's voice and trusting him, jumps into his waiting hands. The writer to the Hebrews defines faith: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). [Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seenl. Also, "But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is ..." (Heb. 11:6). e) Two Natures of Jesus -- Divine and Human The second article of the creed deals with matters that are completely contrary and beyond the understanding of carnal reason. Jesus was, on the one hand human, experiencing hunger, thirst, weariness, and he even cried twice. But Jesus was at the same time divine. The Nicene creed states of Jesus: ". begotten of the Father before all ages, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father ..." Jesus was conceived of the Holy Ghost, not of the will of any man, and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus walked perfect footsteps, never falling into sin. He was tempted in every point like you and l, says the writer to the Hebrews, but was completely sinless. These are things the carnal mind wars against. After Jesus was crucified and buried, he rose victorious from the grave on the third day for our redemption. This is a historical fact. Luther writes in the explanation to the 2nd article of the creed: "who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sin, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold and silver, but with His holy and precious blood, in order that I might be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness, even as He has risen from the dead and lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true." Apostle Paul wrote about the resurrection to the Corinthians, who disputed it. "Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain ... and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished" (1 Cor. 15: 12,13,14,17,18). Section ll 1. Battle of Faith and Reason. ln Christianity we have learned that faith is not a matter of the mind or of reason. The mind of man brings about many difficult situations for us in our daily lives. Where is reason especially manifest? How many of us have ever been in a situation where we have asked some of the basic questions of our faith? Can it be so that only we will be saved? ls there truly a God? The mind may rebell against God's procreation in marriage. ls it reasonable to accept all the children into our family that God gives, even though we are tired, our hands full tending to the other children, and the world seems to be over populated anyway? Does it make sense to deny ourselves the sometimes seemingly innocent worldly pleasures? Students may encounter conflicting theories of creation in school. The philosophical ideas and meditations of this time put their stamp on today's life. Many new religions have spread into our country. Christian faith is the only faith that believes in salvation of souls without the aid of the mind. New phenomena are the New Age Movement and Satanic worship. The first mentioned is a confusing mix of Christian faith and satanism. The muslim faith is also rapidly spreading throughout our country. These reasonings of the mind can be associated with the question that the serpent asked of the first human pair in paradise: "Did God truly say so?" God has revealed His will to us through His word, which word doesn't always agree with our own desires and thoughts. When we experience an inner conflict, we say that our mind is warring against faith. There are many doctrinal questions that are closely related to this topic: the miracles of the Bible, the doctrine of Jesus, that he is both God and man, and the doctrine of sin, which are often difficult to understand. When Jesus for the first time revealed the events he was to soon encounter in Jerusalem, Peter took Him aside to warn and rebuke him. Jesus reprimanded Peter: "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men" (Matt. 16:23). We encounter situations in our everyday life where faith and reason battle against each other. Social drinking at business functions, tax evasion or other deceptions. The importance of watching is to be emphasized in the life of a believer. Did the former saints battle with their reason around the same or similar doubts? The people of lsrael complained about the senselessness of the wilderness journey during those forty years. Although life in Egypt was difficult, the basics of life were nevertheless provided for. During the wilderness journey the human side overcame them many times, for the goal of the journey was lost and carnal thoughts caused the people to rise up against Moses and Aaron. The reason for the inner conflict was because the thought-world, which is based upon what we see with our eyes or hear with our ears, is different from what God reveals in His word. A graphic example can be seen in the life of Abraham. Surely Abraham experienced an inner battle as he went to sacrifice lsaac. I'm sure Noah's feelings weren't very pleasant as he built the ark on dry land and listened to the unbelievers laugh at and ridicule him. 2. Why One Cannot Believe and Understand with the Mind? As a result of the fall in Paradise, man became completely corrupt -­from the crown of his head to the heal of the foot, says the prophet (ls. 1:6). The mind or reason of man was also darkened. After the fall man did not lose his rational ability to understand, regulate, and to some degree shape the world. God did not remove the rule of reason. Fallen man, however, misuses reason and its accomplishments. He is so cognizant of his reason and of the great things that it can do that he forgets God who has given him all the gifts he possesses. Man takes pride in his own achievements, saying, "This I have made," instead of humbly and thankfully confessing, "This I have received." ... Reason was not destroyed by the fall but it was made to serve the sinful ego and self-glorification of fallen man. Reason of fallen man is "fleshly." lt is blind to sin and unable to see God, his true nature and state. Luther writes: "... in divine things, that is, in those which pertain to God ... as to be acceptable to Him and obtain salvation for us, our nature is so stark- and stone-blind, so utterly blind, as to be unable to recognize these matters at all." ln the area of man's relationship to God, reason has received some knowledge, known as general revelation. Luther always emphasized that human reason possesses the natural law. No proclamation of God's will or of the law given to Moses would mean anything to men if the law were not written in their hearts (Rom. 1). Although man's reason or natural intellect still has a dim spark of knowledge that there is a God, as well as of the teaching of the law (Rom. 1:19-21, 28,32), nevertheless, it is so ignorant, blind, and perverse that when even the most gifted and most educated people on earth read or hear the gospel of the Son of God and the promise of eternal salvation, they cannot by their own powers perceive this, comprehend or understand it, or believe and accept it as the truth. On the contrary, the more zealously and diligently they want to comprehend spiritual things with their reason, the less they understand or believe, and until the Holy Ghost enlightens and teaches them they consider it all mere foolishness and fables. As St. Paul says in I Cor. 2:14. "But the natural man receiveth not (does not perceive) the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 3. Reason Is a Gift of Creation Are the children of God simple, because the mind cannot comprehend faith? They are not more simple than others. Believers have received the gift of faith, which cannot be acquired by the mind after Adam and Eve fell into sin. The mind is often the ally of the enemy of souls. God, the creator of all, has bestowed upon man both faith and reason (intellect). Correctly used, the reason is an aid to the spirit, an ally or confederate. Humans were created as rational beings. We are able to think and exchange thoughts with others with the help of language, for example. Reason is a gift of God, a dowry from the Creator to mankind. ln his explanation to the first article of the creed, Luther says: God has given and still preserves to me my "reason and all my senses, ... All of which He does without any merit or worthiness in ffie, but out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy. For all of which I am duty bound to thank, praise, serve and obey Him." Luther says that reason is the essential and main earthly blessing for man, and therefore man stands far above all other living beings. Through it man excercises that stewardship over the earth which was given to him in Gen. 1:28. Reason provides the light by which man can see and administer the affairs of this world. Reason is the source and bearer of all culture. It has discovered all arts and sciences, all medicine and law, and it administers them. None of this is to be despised; rather all is to be regarded and praised as the noble gift of God. All great inventions, which simplify man's everyday life, are products of the mind of man. ln them we can see God's infinite greatness. Thus Luther greeted the new flowering of the sciences in his time. He was very happy about the new art of printing books [invention of the Guttenburg press, which revolutionized the worldl and praised it as the highest and final gift of God before the end of the world. We can observe the advances in the areas of technology and medical science that have taken place in the past decades. There has never been a revolution in technology during the history of civilization to equal that which we have experienced in this century. New cures have been found for diseases that were incurable only a few years ago. Advances in technology have been mind-boggling. During there lifetime, many have seen technological progress ranging from the flight of the first airplane in 1909, to the moonlanding in 1969, to the recent launching of the Hubble Space Telescope that is searching for the outer limits of the universe. Today computer chips have been reduced to pinhead dimensions, allowing computers to shrink from room-size to suitcase-size and smaller. Many systems have a storage capability that enables users to work efficiently with millions of characters of information. The speeds of today's fastest computers are expressed in terms of billionths of a second (nanoseconds). God the Creator has given men the power to do all these things by originally implanting and creating the abilities within him. This is part of man's creation in the image of God, that is, so that he may rule over the earth. The reason of man and the functioning of his brain are of utmost importance in this life it is one great gift from God. A severe stroke, resulting from the interruption of the flow of blood to the brain, may destroy so much of the brain that death or total incapacitation results. A less severe stroke may damage tissue in the brain, temporarily or permanently destroying functions dependent on that tissue. A person may lose his speech or the movement and control of his limbs, for example, depending upon the area of the brain destroyed. Education Education is important for a believer. During these times of high technology and science, it is very difficult to get a decent job without any education and professional training. lt pays to study, and study as long and progress as far as one has stamina for. ln this changing and progressive society, in which the work field is becoming more technological, the significance of studying and education is emphasized and of utmost importance. There are no shortcuts to acquiring new skills; one must go to school and study long and hard. The need for education is also apparent for the older generation, as well. Many adults have had to return to school to gain new skills as technology advances in their work field. It pays to have trust and faith in the future. We need to have the mind of Luther, who said, that even if he knew that the world would end tomorrow, he would plant an apple tree today. We must remember that the use of the mind or knowledge does not cause one to fall from faith, but it is sin that separates man from God. The opposite of faith is not reason or understanding, or knowledge, but unbelief. The Reason as an Aid to the Spirit. Faith is the light of the reason, it is the eye ointment, a word which has been used when alluding to the Holy Spirit. Faith does not snuff out or darken the mind and its ability to reason and think, but it opens up a whole new world. We often have to use reason and thought processes in this life. Spiritual understanding is born from the cooperation of faith and the mind -- something of the kind was said in the Bible: it was acceptable to the Holy Spirit and us (Acts 15). One should never belittle understanding or wisdom. ln many instances the Bible exhorts us to strive for it. Of course, one must remember that wisdom in spiritual matters is not one's own wisdom nor is it based on one's own intellect. A believer who understands much -- if there is such a one -- is no better than someone who understands little, but in these areas the gifts are manifold but the Spirit is one. We must also remember that little children and mentally handicapped individuals, who are not able to think at all, or to a very limited extent, are believers -- for such is the kingdom of heaven, said Jesus. 4. Dangers of Reasoning and Meditating. Many points of the doctrine of Christ are very difficult, if not impossible, for the mind to comprehend -- they go above and beyond the mind of man. One great stumbling block for unbelievers is the doctrine of the kingdom. This was even a troubling question for the disciples of Jesus: Are these all that will be saved? (Lk. 13:23). Jesus did not directly answer this question, but replied as follows: "Strive to enter in at the straight gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." The origin of the universe is a question that many ponder. How old is the universe, how was it formed, what is the origin of man? For many single men and women in the kingdom, a difficult question is will I ever receive a spouse? The ratio of men to women seems so lopsided that some may wonder will there be someone for me? Everyone can enjoy their lot in life to the fullest for it has been given by God. Whether single or married, individuals have their own calling in life. Seeking for a spouse can become the most important matter in a person's life. lt may even go before faith. God will give a spouse -- even without seeking --if He so sees fit. lt is often forgotten that a spouse has not been intended for everyone. One does not need to get envious or bitter. "Human value" is not measured by whether one is married or not. Each human is valued, being created by God and redeemed by Christ. ls doesn't pay to extinguish the voice of reason in matters of courtship. lt pays to be realistic and not superspiritual. One shouldn't think, for example, that two individuals who are mentally immature without a career or job will be "taken care of" by God when they get married. This is a question of tempting God, similar to that with which Jesus was tempted (Matt. 4). But on the other hand, fears about future financial needs do not need to become insurmountable so that one doesn't dare to get married. 5. ln Conclusion Scriptures teach us that the man who is "in sin" (in unbelief) is not only weak and sick, but that he is truly lifeless and "dead" (Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13\. Just as little as a person who is physically dead can by his own powers prepare or accommodate himself to regain temporal life, likewise can no man who is spiritually dead, in sin, prepare or address himself by his own power to obtain spiritual and heavenly righteousness and life, unless the Son of God liberates him from the death of sin and makes him alive through the gospel. The sense or soundness of living faith is seen in this, that we have a doctrine that is not conflict with itself. One part of a sermon does not conflict with another part. Speakers with different gifts do not teach in conflict with one another. lf one would ask of any believer in any part of the world how one finds the gracious God, the questioner will receive the same answer. By faith God opens the understanding of every believer. We do not comprehend in this life what we will once in heaven, but now only in part as in a mirror, or through a dim glass. God will protect us, His own children, and help us to differentiate the narrow pathway from the broad one, and the voice of the Good Shepherd from the voice of the hireling. 1 Cor. 1:17-31

Dan Rintamaki | 1996 LLC Outlook Summer Services - Youth Discussion - June 25 -- Christian courtship has often been discussed in God's Kingdom. Most recently, this was the topic for a youth discussion at the Winter Services in Phoenix. It is such an important matter that the Holy Spirit has seen it good to address it again here at the Summer Services. By faith we trust and believe that our Heavenly Father will guide us, teach us, and establish us even further on His imperishable Word. Is not this our prayer, dear brothers and sisters? In the book of Genesis, chapter 2, verse 18, God said: "It is not good that man should be alone." God in His love for His created man saw this need and provided Adam with a help mate. Moses writes, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Gen. 2:24). Thus God has established marriage. It is God's will that what he created would continue and so he commanded Adam and Eve: "Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth" (Gen. 1:28). Thus God has linked procreation to marriage. Christian courtship should begin with the prayer that God would grant His blessing. It should begin only with the purpose and hope of a lasting marriage. Christian courtship is such a serious matter that we should avoid foolish matchmaking, and excessive teasing. It is good to be thoughtful and considerate as to not interfere in the lives of fellow travelers in faith. In the world courtship or dating is commonly viewed as entertainment or for getting to know many different ones. One is then able to choose wisely that best one. Experimenting with sexual relations and even living together outside of marriage are also widely accepted in our society. According to God's Word this is adultery and adulterers shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21). In Christian courtship, sexual relations are not permissible. The sin of adultery results in the loss of faith. After the fall of Adam and Eve, the enemy of souls continued his evil work. In Genesis 6:2 it is written: "That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair, and they took wives of all which they chose." Jesus referred to this time saying, "They were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage" (Matt 24:38) before God destroyed the world with water. It is truly a serious matter when believers look to the world for a spouse. When a believer begins to court an unbeliever and considers an unbeliever for a spouse, it indicates an inward fall. The Word of God teaches in 11 Cor. 6:14: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." It is sin. Disobedience will eventually result in shipwreck of faith. Courtship with unbelievers is not a form of mission work. Anyone who receives the grace of repentance understands through faith that it is entirely the grace work of God. Also, if repentance is made for any other purpose than soul's salvation, it is a false repentance and wrong. Only God is able to draw one into His Kingdom. Luther explains that God calls sinners by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel. If there is interest between a new convert and another believer, God's congregation has advised them to wait until the seed of God's Word has had time to take root and the fruits or the repentance are visible. Jesus says in Matthew 13:23 "But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it: which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. In this way a new brother or sister in faith is nurtured in the love and fellowship of the believers. As Apostle Peter has written in his second epistle, chapter 3:18: "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Dear young friends in faith, when you feel you want a life's companion, pray to the Heavenly Father. Ask Him to help you and guide you. Ask Him for patience to wait for the appropriate time. Pray after the example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus: "not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matt 26:39). Pray for strength and understanding to accept God's will if He does not provide a mate. In I (Cor 7:7-8. Apostle Paul teaches that it is good to abide even as he that is, unmarried. Those who do not have the responsibilities of family life are able to devote more of their attention to the work of God's Kingdom. It is not a disgrace to remain single. The unmarried are not any less precious before God. Among believers, the single, widows and widowers are carried in the same mutual and forgiving love of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is good to be content with our lot in life, knowing we have a far better hope in things to come. Jesus teaches in Luke 10:20 "Rejoice, because your names are written in Heaven." When considering courtship it is advisable to think of the practical aspects. A good question to begin with is: Am I really ready to get married, establish and support a home and family? This is especially true for young people who are in school or college studying and preparing for their future. There are very serious responsibilities involved. Sober thinking and caution are certainly in order. When courtship does begin, the best and most precious advice is found in God's Kingdom "which is the pillar and ground of truth" (I Tim 3:15). Getting to know one another in the company of believers is advisable to resist temptation. Avoid long moments alone. In mutual honesty, acknowledge that flesh and blood is indeed flesh and blood. Luther says that when hay and flame come together, there is a disaster. Apostle Paul advises in I Thes. 5:22 "to abstain from all appearance of evil." Dear young brother and sister, careless courtship and disobedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit will certainly result in deadly wounds of the conscience. It is truly worthwhile to be mindful of these matters and to begin marriage on a pure and wholesome foundation. Mutual faith and love are the indescribable gifts of God unto man and woman. They are preserved at the throne of grace, to which sinners are invited. It is here in the midst of God's Kingdom where the voice of the blood of our Lord and Saviour yet speaks. Believe even now the forgiveness of all journey faults and sins in Jesus' Holy Name and Precious Blood.

Various | 2017 September Voice of Zion -- The LLC’s Home and Family committees were established in 2012. In September of that year, committee representatives from many congregations gathered at Stony Lake Camp to discuss and organize this work. In recent years, congregations have requested workshops in their areas to continue discussing the work and how to best support others. God’s love causes His children to desire to help all neighbors in need. This year, such workshops were held in Menahga, Minn. and Dunblane, Sask. Preventative Gospel Work Home and Family, Diaconal Workshop Held in Menahga, Minn. The Work Continues. Earlier this year, Keith Waaraniemi, of the Minneapolis congregation, and Jouko Haapsaari, of the Rockford congregation, journeyed to Menahga, Minn. to visit with the northern Minnesota congregations’ Home and Family committees about this important work. Waaraniemi brought out that this is not new work, as Jesus taught in the Second Commandment, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matt. 22:39). Home and family and diaconal work are about personally believing and then preaching this gospel of the forgiveness of sins to others. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Rom. 1:16,17). The gospel is for the support of both families, and individuals. We need to encourage those with heavy trials and help them to remember the joy of believing and the joy of our families. We learned much about supporting homes and families. We were reminded how God’s Word is our foundation, and we can turn to it for instruction. God’s grace and truth is revealed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our faith helps to protect against harmful influences. Connections to believers is a source of strength. Marital relations can be nurtured in God’s kingdom. The Work is Not Done Alone In visiting about the work, the committees were reminded of their duty to guide, while engaging the help of other congregation members. Apostle Paul reminds how there are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit (1 Cor. 12:4). We desire to support the small home congregation, where the teaching is the most important. By using the gifts in the congregation, the hands of a tired and weary traveler can be lifted by a circle of friends who are willing to help. This circle includes those closest to the person or people in need of help, and can be guided by the Home and Family committee. This is all God’s work, and all honor and glory goes to Him. Preserving the Family Unit “Preserving the Family Unit,” presented by Haapsaari, was timely and based on God’s Word. He shared examples of his life when touching on many issues. Forgiveness is needed to preserve the family unit. God’s Word instructs husbands and wives how to treat each other, using Christ as the example. God’s kingdom is a level-headed flock, and the family is a small congregation where children can be taught about God’s kingdom. The home should be a good and safe place to dwell, where above all things, love prevails. Forgiveness is not only from our lips, but from our heart. Love is like the mortar between bricks that holds everything together. It is good if we can join into the hopes and prayer of Joshua, who said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15). Isaac Ylitalo, of Menahga, came to the workshop. “It was nice to listen to the committee’s ideas and to hear the supportive comments from others in our area,” he said. “It seemed that everyone was wanting to learn more ideas, rather than only trying to teach.” Scott Hillstrom and Rod Nikula Let Us Love One Another Home and Family, Diaconal Workshop in Dunblane, Sask. Members of the Home and Family and diaconal committees in Saskatchewan and Alberta gathered in May at the Dunblane church for a workshop led by Keith Waaraniemi and Adrian Pirness. As one participant put it at the end of the day, “It was a wonderful day.” God’s Love Guides the Work The workshop began with opening devotion by Waaraniemi, during which we were reassured that despite feelings of emptiness, we can “pour oil” from one vessel to another, or work together and move forward. We were reminded of the love that Jesus had for Mary and Martha at the time of their brother Lazarus’s death. God’s love among the believers, also today, constrains us to do this important work. Pirness’ presentation that followed focused on the history of Home and Family work and the nature of preventative gospel work. It has been done through the ages. God’s Word directs us to believe in God and love one another. If our focus is on support and encouragement of our families and each other, we can prevent problems from occurring. But when trials do come, we are instructed to “bear one another’s burdens,” through our connections with other believers. As committee members, we can ask ourselves—what can we do to help to strengthen connections, and to help foster love among the members of our congregations? Focusing the Work During the discussion, we talked about where we should be focusing our efforts in our congregations. Each of the committees reported on activities that have been organized in their areas, and Waaraniemi gave examples from other congregations. It was interesting to note how the needs in each congregation can differ depending on its size and demographics. Some activities that work well in one place may not be as fitting for another. The work also happens on its own, without formal organization from a committee. The afternoon discussion touched on how congregation members can become involved in the work. Fostering connections between the elders and the children and youth would be beneficial. Inter-generational friendships bring much joy and benefit to each side! There were discussions on providing congregational support for students going to opisto, or for one or two couples to attend couples camp. The topic of addictions also came up. This is an issue that is prevalent in our time, and where education and discussion are needed. Technology and the need for vigilance in this area was spoken about as well. Trust in God’s Help Duane Pirness gave the closing devotion, reading from Colossians 3: “Put on…bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness…put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness...do all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God.” The matters discussed during the day are all part of the time we live, and we want to trust in the Heavenly Father’s help. Even though the times, temptations, and phenomena change, God’s Word does not change. It is the foundation on which we can base our lives. The love that Christ instructs us to have for one another helps us to forebear and forgive each other. God has revealed to us that Home and Family work is important, and we do it according to His will and timeframe. Workshop attendee, Krista Simonson, of Saskatoon, Sask., says, “It was a chance to discuss timely matters and the most important matter, which remains the same over all time. We were reminded that God will continue to help and guide. We can trust in His good care.” Laura Pirness

Nathan Muhonen | 2018 April-May Shepherd's Voice -- Dear God, Can You See into My Heart? We often wonder, what is God like? Is He big or small? Does He look like us, or can He even be seen at all? Can He see me and everyone else at the same time? What does God think about me when I’m naughty? All kinds of questions like these can go through our mind. One way we can learn more about God is by reading His Word, the Holy Bible, and going to services and camps. The most important thing in our life is to be a child of God, keeping faith and a good conscience. The Bible teaches us that we can’t see God with our natural eyes, but we can see Him with our eyes of faith. In order to know God, we must have faith in Him, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. You might ask, “What is faith?” Faith is believing God and trusting in Him, even though we can’t see Him. God’s Son Jesus is our Savior who came into this world to save us from all of our sins. The Holy Spirit lives in each child of God. It teaches and comforts us, like a mother does with her child. How Do We Keep Our Conscience Clean? God also gave us a conscience. He asks us to keep our conscience clean. How do we do that? Let’s visit about how we do that in our everyday life. When you were a little baby, your parents had you baptized. The minister poured water on your head, and said, “I baptize thee, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” Baptism is an agreement with God to keep faith and a good conscience. One continues in this agreement by putting away sin as it attaches. We have been given the grace gift of confession in which we can speak of our sins, but most importantly, we can be comforted with the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name and blood. God promises to be with His own until the end of the world. God knows that we are sinful, and when we sin our conscience becomes wounded and we feel bad. We would like to forget about it, but we just can’t. God teaches you and me to humble ourselves and tell mom or dad or another believer what we did and ask to have our sins forgiven. They gladly preach the forgiveness of sins. When we believe this, our conscience becomes clean and we are once again happy and have the peace of God in our hearts. When I was a boy, we lived close to a candy store. I wasn’t old enough to have a steady income, so I had to earn money to buy candy. One time I ran out of money, but I still wanted candy. The devil told me that mom has lots of money in her purse and I only need a little. The voice in my conscience told me, “Don’t do it, that’s stealing! Stealing is sin!” I didn’t listen to my conscience and instead took 25 cents and ran to the store. God Hears Our Prayers After eating the candy, my conscience told me, “You have listened to the enemy of your soul, and now you feel the pain of sin.” Then I prayed to God to help me. I thought about what I had done against my mother. The enemy quickly told me, “Don’t worry, your mom doesn’t even know about it, and if she does, you might get in big trouble.” I prayed that I could humble my sinful heart. God heard my prayer and gave me strength to go to my mom and beg for forgiveness for what I had done. She forgave me the sin of stealing and all of my sins in Jesus’ name and blood. She promised me that God also forgave me from heaven. Right away God gave peace to my heart. Dear children, you know that God is in your heart when your sins are forgiven and you have peace of conscience. Nathan Muhonen Things to Visit About: 1. What does it mean to be humble? 2. Faith is a gift, from who? 3. How do we keep this gift of faith? 4. How could we lose our faith? 5. How do we know that God hears our prayers? 6. What is the best thing for us to do when sin is bothering us?

Juhani Uljas | 2000 The Treasure Hidden In a Field -- When Time Will Not Exist Busyness and the feeling that there isn't enough time is characteristic of our time, whereas in eternity, time will have ceased to exist entirely. Then, all the clocks will have stopped, and no one will be tearing pages from a calendar. No one will be in a hurry. Although time-schackled man has difficulty comprehending eternity, it has always fascinated him and occupied his mind. The understanding that when the shackles of time are broken, death loses its grip on him, has heightened man's interest. Scripture's Revelation About Eternal Life The Triune God is eternal. He has neither beginning nor end. “The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, the Holy Spirit is eternal” (The Athanasian Creed). Isaiah prophesies about Christ's birth,” For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). Only God has life in His control. When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and sent him to be the leader of His people, Moses asked God for His name. God answered, “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you” (Exod. 3:14). Only God can name himself in this manner, for only He has life and only He can give life. Unless God gives life, no one can say, “I am.” God created man in His own image. He gave man life and made of him an eternal being. The God-given life was eternal. Man lost this gift in the Fall into sin and came under the power of death. The Son also had life as the Father did, as He, himself, states, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself” (John 5:26). By His redemption work, Christ reopened the broken connection to life. “God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:11,12). The believing person lives eternal life already in time, but looks at it as if through a mirror. Only when he has reached the destination, will he actually comprehend how great a gift Christ has merited for him. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 5:10,11). Scripture speaks much about the reality of eternal life, but little about what eternal life is like. No one, who has reached the destination, has returned to relate to us about it. The rich man, having gone to torment, hoped that Lazarus would be sent to relate to his brothers about the importance of repentance, but this did not happen (Luke 16:19-31). Isaiah states instead that, God, himself, excepted, no one has heard or seen what happens to those who wait for the Lord (Isa. 64:4). Paul, nevertheless, wrote the words to the Corinthians that have been quoted often and applied to heavenly joy, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Cor. 2:9,10). In spite of the similarity of the words, Paul did not quote the previous quotation from Isaiah, but, according to the church father Origen, from the revelation of Elijah, which has been left out of the canon of the Old Testament. Paul apparently did not mean with his quotation the beauty of heaven, but the grace kingdom upon earth, which can be seen only through faith. On the other hand, the Spirit reveals to us that it will be good to be in heaven. Luther's Thoughts In his book, In the Battles of Life, Luther relates that, when he was gravely ill during 1537-1538, he pondered eternal life. He did not fear death, but left himself and his life in God's hands. He was sure that he already owned eternal life, for he believed in Christ. During his illness, he spoke many beautiful words about the life to come and its unspeakable joy, which the human mind, however, cannot comprehend. Neither did Luther know when God will create a new heaven and a new earth. He was of that opinion that we should not even ask for that knowledge, since we do not even comprehend the first creation, though we have seen nature and studied it. He pondered how one can get time to pass in eternity as there will not be change or work. Then he realized that there would be enough to study for all of eternity when God opens His secrets. To support his concept, he took Philip's plea, “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us” (John 14:8). Once Luther pondered with his family and friends whether they would know each other in heaven. He answered favorably to the pondering, since Adam knew Eve when he awoke from his sleep, although he had not met her before. Adam did not ask, “Where did you come from?” He realized, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” Luther supported his understanding, “Adam was full of the Holy Spirit, and he had the true recognition of God. We will be renewed into this sense and image of God in our coming life in Christ, so that we will know our father and mother and each other better, as Adam knew Eve.” Sin and Death Are Gone If this temporal world created by God is good, although sin has badly corrupted it, how good then will be the new heaven and new earth, where righteousness dwells. Sin and death shall be gone; pain, suffering, and distress will be gone. Joy, peace, and love will be present permanently. The sun and the moon, “the timekeepers,” will no longer be seen. They won't be needed, when Christ, himself will be as the sun. What more could we wish for! It pays to believe. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying” (Isa. 65:17-19).