Search Results

Eric Mattila | The Voice of Zion November 2024 - The Sabbath Word 4 Article -- Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. – Psalm 143:1–10 Our text has been designated as a text for Judgment Sunday. The theme for this Sunday in our church calendar is Christ, the Lord of the Universe.  This psalm is attributed to an Old-Testament brother in faith, David. David was pursued and threatened by those who wished him harm. In our text, he openly speaks about the weariness and fear that overcome him. He looks back on his life and remembers the blessings that have been granted unto him, and he turns to God in prayer. This can be a familiar experience to the children of God today. Any number of things can cause us fear and doubts. Perhaps someone has ill will towards us, perhaps the influences and sins of the world come close and entice us. Trials of health or finances or other things can cause us to worry and wonder if God has forgotten us. Or it can be our own smallness and lacking in faith that cause us to tremble. God Hears Our Prayers David prayed because he trusted and believed that God heard his prayers. He knew he needed help from outside himself that was greater than himself. When things were at their worst, he could only turn to where hope and trust were. Prayer is this kind of gift for us also. We can pour out our concerns and worries to our heavenly Father and trust that He hears. This is the heart of a child, one who believes that there is One who is greater, who can help and care for us.  As our theme notes, Christ is the Lord of the Universe, and He helps us even in difficult matters. The matters of the world around us are under the eye of our heavenly Father. He watches and knows all. He directs and guides these things yet today. His ways and wisdom are far above our understanding. It feels secure to leave our matters in His hands. Expecting an Immediate Answer David’s flesh was so close, like it is with us. He wanted an immediate answer. In fact, he wanted it by the next morning. Impatience and stipulations can creep into our prayers. In some ways it’s normal for us to think we would know best how our lives should go. It is easy to advise God what trials we would be content with and which ones we could do without. It is nonetheless important to remember to add this to our prayers: “Thy will be done.” We can trust that in trials and the affairs of the world that God knows so much better than us how to direct matters. We can believe that He has good thoughts toward us. He has shown this by giving His Son to die on our behalf. He has called us personally into this precious kingdom and given us the gift of faith. This is true love and care. Let us be content and accept the lot we have received. Through our trials, we can take joy in our faith and look forward to arriving on the shores of heaven.

Ben Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion November 2024 - Doctrine and Life Article -- This writing is based on a presentation kept at an October 1 meeting of Minnesota congregation boards and ministers. It has been a familiar theme in the life of believers since the Reformation that the Bible is the highest authority for faith and life. It is worthwhile to pause and consider this matter again. What does this mean in our modern world? How do we as individual believers read and interpret the Bible? How does it still provide an unfailing guide thousands of years since its writing and since the oldest texts were being passed down orally from generation to generation? All these questions are best answered with the Bible itself. Our understanding of and relationship to the Bible is based on what the Bible itself says. Peter writes: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For 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 Pet. 1:20) When Peter writes “Knowing this first…” we can see this is a foundational text in understanding what the scriptures are. We “know this first” that the Bible is inspired by God, it is His revelation to humankind. This can only be grasped by faith. One can have great respect for the wisdom and authority of the Bible, but without accepting that it is God’s message and revelation, it cannot profit it us unto salvation. Paul also writes to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Paul confirms and supports what Peter teaches and also adds that the Bible is our source of Christian doctrine (teaching). This confirms the reformation principle that all teaching is to be examined and evaluated in the light of the Bible. When we read any text or writing we may have different understandings based on our own experiences and knowledge. What is the place of reason in understanding the Bible and how do we resolve the differing perspectives and individual understandings that can arise between believers? At the time of the Reformation these questions were also considered. The confessional writings show that because understanding is given by God, humans can in some small way see and know the good works of God. As human reason was also corrupted by the fall, it is insufficient to know God fully. Still, reason and understanding are tools to understanding the Bible. The Holy Spirit “opens the understanding and heart to understand the Scriptures” (Formula of Concord). Reason must be subject to and serve faith, not the other way around.  Shortly before his death Jesus promised his own: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). From this we can trust that the Holy Spirit is the key that opens the Bible in the congregation. We do not rely on our own interpretation but instead find it good to study the Bible in the care of the congregation. From Peter’s and Paul’s teaching on scriptures divine “inspiration,” we trust that the Holy Spirit still works in the mouths of teachers and preachers, and in the hearts and minds of the hearers. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” When reading and studying the Bible it is good to keep principles of interpretation in mind. Lutheran principles of interpretation are based on the teachings of our forefather in faith, Martin Luther, and more importantly are in accordance with the scriptures themselves.  The first principle is that the Bible should be interpreted according to its central message, salvation in Jesus Christ. This helps to define what is central to our faith. The second principle is that the Bible is explained with the Bible. Individual verses and portions are placed in context using other teachings in the Bible. With the foundational understanding that it is God’s Word and revelation, we interpret portions that can seem contradictory in this light. An example of this is Paul’s instruction on righteousness of faith (Rom. 3:21–31) and James’ teaching on works effected by faith (James 2:14–26). They should not be seen as battling each other, but instead standing back-to-back, battling against different errors defending the truth of God’s Word.  The third principle is that the Bible is a spiritual book, and correct understanding of it requires faith. Only by faith can we accept the that the Bible is God’s Word. With acceptance of this, we then desire to be obedient to God’s Word in everyday life. The fourth principle is that the Bible belongs to all Christians. No one person has been given the wisdom and authority to wholly understand and interpret the Bible. The truth of God’s Word is opened when we read, hear and study together. From this principle we also see that God’s Word and His congregation belong together. God’s congregation is where the Holy Spirit opens God’s Word, and where His children willingly and obediently hear it. The final principle is the separation of the law and the gospel. God’s revelation in the Bible contains God’s will (the law) and the message of God’s saving works (the gospel). The law shows people their sinfulness and need of grace, and the gospel delivers the sinner to Christ and frees them from sin. When studying the Bible it is important to keep Paul’s instruction to Timothy in mind: “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith” (1 Tim. 6:20,21). The gift of faith and the correct understanding of the Bible is a treasure placed in our care or that has been “committed to thy trust.” We endeavor to be obedient to God’s Word and not twist it to suit our preferences. The writer to the Hebrews also exhorts us to remember the “cloud of witnesses” that surrounds us. This is understood to be those former saints who were victorious through faith (Heb. 11–12). It is good to ask: is my faith in accord with the former saints? Will they “witness” on my behalf?  Paul also warns to “Avoid the irrelevant babble and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge, for by professing it some have swerved from the faith” (1 Tim. 6:20,21, ESV). In our time, the authority of the Bible is diminished by many. This may be due to what are seen as inconsistencies or inaccuracies based on modern understanding from human knowledge and discovery. We can also err by trying to make the Bible into something it is not, i.e., a textbook of history or science and defending it on these grounds. These are the types of discussions and debates that we can be drawn into and “swerve from the faith.” It is good to remember our foundational understanding of what the Bible is: God’s revelation to us and everything He has seen necessary to include for our salvation. It is not a book of facts, but a book of truth. That the Bible contains perspectives and worldviews that reflect the understanding of the natural world at the time of its human writers does not diminish its authority or the greatness of the treasure God has given us. The Bible is a book that we cannot ever master. Though we would spend a lifetime devoted to study, it opens to us according to the measure given by God. It yet provides us comfort and encouragement to those who still wish to hear. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things…and the God of Peace shall be with you” (Phil. 4:8,9).  Discussion questions: What may get in the way of our reading and studying the Bible? How do we approach portions of Scripture that we don’t understand? Share of an experience in reading or hearing God’s Word when you felt the Word especially opened to you? What Bible texts are especially dear to you? Sources: Holy Bible, King James Version.  (n.d.). Holy Bible, English Standard Version.  (2001). Crossway. Holy Bible, New International Version.  (2011). Zondervan. Kolb, Robert, and Timothy J. Wengert, eds. The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000. Palola, Ari-Pekka, ed. Christ is the Same, Yesterday, Today and Forever.  LLC, 2022.

Sara Aho  |   The Shepherd’s Voice  October/November 2024 - Home and Family Article –   Have you ever caught lightning bugs on a late summer evening and put them in a jar? Lightning bugs cast a warm and cozy glow and can even light your pathway on a dark evening. Through God’s grace, and our desire to live as believers, we carry and reflect the light of Jesus. This light is a gift, one that we can share with others. Our light shines through what we say and how we act and like the lightning bug, it can draw those who wander in dark unbelief. By sharing the light of the gospel, we can uplift one another. During youth camp, several girls asked to meet with me, their Big Sister. They wanted to discuss a matter that was troubling them. This matter had caused love to be broken among the girls. We huddled in a dark furnace room where each one shared their story. The gospel was preached, and the love was restored. The dark furnace room was filled with light hearts! We can bring our light to others by being kind and showing love. My aunt Alice, who lived far from other believers and was alone in her home, often went many days without speaking with others by phone. Many months went by between visitors. She shared how much it lifted her loneliness to receive a phone call, a card or letter in the mail and to have visitors. These brought great joy to my aunt and brightened her day, but they also brought blessings to those who remembered her. We don’t see our own light shining, but it shines through us, how we live and act. By being a light, we can help, encourage others and even add light on the path to heaven.   Things to visit about: What does it mean to be a light to others? How can we be a light at school or at home? In what ways have others been a light to you?

Erkki Joensuu | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - The Sabbath Word 4 Article -- I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee. – Psalms 119:162–168 The heart of the person singing the psalm is happy and rejoicing. Just before this, the singer has lamented, confessed his sinfulness, and asked for God’s mercy. “Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word…quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness” (Ps. 119:153,154,159).  The source for the singer’s joy is God’s living Word, the promise that God will send a Savior, His only Son for the atonement of his sins. God will send the One who will bruise the head of the serpent and win over the power of the devil (Gen. 3:15). The psalm singer believes in the promise and forgiveness of his afflictions. He had found his Savior Jesus, in the Word of God.  He compares his experience to the great kill of a hunter. The hunter had been shown the prey animal, he had been able to catch it, and he was able to partake in eating. This was a life-and-death matter for him. One’s death had become life for him. Now he had food to survive; he did not have to die. “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:24). Psalms were an integral part of ancient Israel’s worship service. Worshipers sang together with the help of musical instruments, tunes and musical leaders. Even during the Old Testament times, sorrow over sins, confession of sins, the proclamation of God’s mercy and absolution, and repentance – the change of heart and mind – were no strange concepts for believers. Already then, they believed in the salvation of mercy according to the priesthood of Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18; Ps. 110), and not according to the law.  Today also, during the New Testament time, these essential elements are part of God’s children’s worship service. The reading of Communion rites includes the confession of our sinfulness and proclamation of absolution, and sermons acknowledge our sinfulness and include the absolution of sins as well. The same is true when Christians take care of offences which have broken the love between them, or whenever Christians forgive each other sins that have attached during the journey in the name and blood of Jesus. Forgiving one another is according to the example of Jesus: “If I 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” (John 13: 14,15). The subject of the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost is forgiveness, Christ’s exhortation to “Forgive one another.” Mutual Christian love opens from forgiveness. Christian life is based on the forgiveness received because of Christ’s death on the cross. His suffering, death, and resurrection as a winner of evil compel us to face our neighbors with kindness, gentleness and forgiveness. Such an attitude makes it possible for God’s manifold gifts to be effective in all their richness. Our psalm text shows how God’s forgiving love impacted the people’s singing. God’s Word found a place in their hearts and the Holy Spirit opened their eyes to see that God’s Law was not condemning and upsetting them anymore, but it become their truth and a pillar. In their hearts they loved the will of God, and they hated and abhorred lying and falsehoods the enemy of the souls had planted in their flesh. They saw God’s power as greater than evil powers. They were no longer able to contain their happiness, but their hearts exalted in praise to God for His goodness and for the peace they experience all through the day.

Scott Landa | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - What Does the Bible Say Article -- Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matt 5:10 What is persecution? In the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (2003), “persecution” is defined as harassment and suffering that people and institutions inflict upon others for being different in their faith, worldview, culture or race. Persecution seeks to intimidate, silence, punish or even kill people. Believers have suffered some form of persecution since the beginning of time simply for desiring to follow the will of God. As I pondered this I wondered how I, as a child of God, respond to persecution from those in the world. I remembered the precious example of Stephen. Who was Stephen? Stephen was one of seven deacons appointed over the congregation of Jerusalem after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Stephen was full of faith and the Holy Ghost. He was given much understanding and wisdom in Christ. Those who questioned and debated with him were not able to refute the wisdom given him by the Spirit. Instead, they brought him before the council in the synagogue with false accusations of blasphemy.  Stephen rebuked his accusers with the truth of God’s Word, and he was cast out and stoned and died a martyr’s death. Yet he desired that God would make his persecutors able to see God’s glory so that they might be able to own the hope of heaven as Stephen did. “He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60). It is recorded that there was a young man there, named Saul, who witnessed and maybe even participated in the call to stone Stephen. Could it be that the loving and forgiving heart of Stephen was able to prick Saul’s conscience?  Saul was later able to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd on the road to Damascus and received Jesus into his heart when Ananias blessed him. As an apostle of Christ, he did much work in the early church in Jesus’ name. What other examples of persecution are there in Scripture? Abel suffered death at the hand of his brother Cain because Abel offered, by faith, to God a more excellent sacrifice (Heb. 1:4). Noah suffered the taunts and jeers from the people of the world for years as he worked on the ark God instructed him to build. The children of Israel suffered slavery and oppression. The prophets were despised and even considered as traitors to their fellow citizens for warning of God’s punishment if they continued in their worldly ways. Many were imprisoned and some put to death for believing in Christ.  Wherever the believers are, the enemy of souls is also present, working in others to treat believers with ridicule, bitterness, even hatred. How is it in our day? We in North America have for many years been allowed religious freedom: we can gather around the hearing of God’s Word without fear of persecution. We can see God’s guiding hand in this and pray that He continues to allow it to be so. We do, however, encounter those who cause us harm with words or actions; perhaps they ridicule our beliefs, ignore us or exclude us from their circle. Though forms of persecution today are physically not as harsh as they were in years past, disrespectful words are still difficult to endure, and they try our faith. Remember, dear brother and sister in faith, that we have accepted this cross in hope of one day being able to inherit the glory of heaven (Mark 10:21). How are we encouraged in our journey of faith? Jesus instructs us to not place our trust in the things of this world. He wants us to lay aside the pride of this life so that we will have treasure in heaven. We are encouraged to remember that if we are made uncomfortable by those in this world, this is so only because the flickering candle of faith still is a light unto the world. One who lives in darkness is not able to abide the light of Christ which shines in each of His own (John 15:18). Christ instructs us, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44). It is important that we remember to have a forgiving heart towards those who mistreat us. As Stephen followed in the way of Christ, so also we say, “Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).   Discussion Questions: How do we in our day stand up for our faith? What resistance might we face? How can we support one another when we face persecution for our beliefs? How do we as Christians want to treat those who persecute us? What does Jesus teach us? What does Jesus mean when He says those who are persecuted are blessed? What gives us hope during moments when we face ridicule and persecution?

Arvin Pirness  | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - News & Notes Article -- Fall is a busy time at the LLC office with staff, the LLC Board, and committees meeting to finalize plans for 2025 and prepare plans for 2026. These meetings and planning sessions remind me how important it is that God’s children remember to serve one another with their time. Thousands of volunteer hours are provided every year to serve brothers and sisters in faith. Christian love obligates us to escort one another in grace and truth to the end of our journey. Update on LLC Activities Camps The camp season is nearly over. As information from the camp season is reviewed, the respective camp boards begin preparing for the 2025 season and planning for 2026. This year a Woman’s Camp and Health Trials Camp were added. Both events were reviewed positively by those that attended.  As of the middle of September, 3,545 participants have attended camps. 280 attended Confirmation School. Camps have been arranged by six North American Camp Boards: Hasscib Lake, West Coast, Prairie Shores, Stony Lake, Kamp Kipa and Silver Springs.  Facilities There has been a lot of maintenance and improvements at LLC Camp Centers this year. Four cabin interiors at Kamp Kipa were improved; walls and ceilings were furred out, walls were covered with drywall and new flooring was installed. These cabins are now very nice. Replacement of deteriorated siding and painting of the entire lodge was completed in late spring. Volunteers at Stony Lake completed an overhaul of the main lodge decks. All this work is completed due to the large number of volunteers investing in camp work.  Education  Additional teaching materials have been created for third-grade Sunday school material and have been distributed to congregations this last year. For the 2024–25 Sunday school year additional teaching material is being piloted for 4th and 8th grade. Over the next few years, the goal is to continue to update teaching materials for all Sunday school grades.  Mission Work The Williston congregation has called Adam Lampi as a minister to serve their congregation. We wish Adam, his wife Carly and their family God’s blessings in these duties. Communication has been sent out from the office for all who are scheduled to serve in 2025 at LLC services, mission trips, camps, as well as for events coordinated by the camp boards and area mission committees. These 380 events are in addition to the regular service schedule in our local congregations.  Communications As has been communicated previously, we will discontinue printing lists of individual Christmas greetings in the December issue of The Voice of Zion . We will include greetings from LLC staff and Board and also from SRK and SFC. Member congregations can place Christmas greetings in the form of an ad if they wish. More information on this will be sent to congregation boards. The tradition of Christmas greetings in Christianity’s newspapers is a long one, and as times and habits of sending others Christmas greetings change, so do our practices. The 2024 Content Creators Workshop at Stony Lake Camp was well attended. Participants learned about and practiced writing skills, illustration, composing and arranging music and planned services broadcast content for 2025. In addition to individual sessions, there were also mutual sessions in which workshop participants discussed various aspects of creating content for LLC publications. Questions discussed included: – How does publications content support the spiritual, emotional, and congregational life of our audience? – Do our publications make space for those outside our faith while also deepening a connection with and between believers? – How can we make theological concepts and our core beliefs understandable for all readers? How do we tailor messages for different age ranges without watering down the core message? – How can we address contemporary issues through the lens of faith without becoming political or divisive? – What balance of print, audio, video, and visual content should we aim for? A recent topic of discussion in our area of work focuses on the fact that everything we produce is published on one or more digital platform, whether Hearken,  our website or external music streaming services. Some things we produce are also published in print or as physical products such as CDs. Previously it has felt that the main focus is print and physical products, with digital efforts being a side effort. Has this balance now shifted? We will continue to discuss this question and its implications to our work and planning our publications in future years.

The Voice of Zion October 2024 - Editorial -- As the golden hues of autumn settle across our fields, we find ourselves in a season that invites reflection and gratitude. The harvest, a time when the fruits of human labor are gathered, reminds us of the blessings God has provided throughout the year. It’s a time to reflect on the many freedoms we enjoy, including the freedom to vote, believe, and worship as our conscience guides us. As we approach Thanksgiving and also Election Day, uncertainties that loom on the horizon—whether personal, communal, or national—can stir up doubts and fears. But the Bible offers us profound guidance on how to navigate. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are reminded to “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” This call to gratitude helps us recognize God’s presence in all aspects of life, both in moments of celebration and challenge. As we reflect on Election Day, we can give thanks for the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of our communities. In Daniel 2:21, we are reminded that God “changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.” While elections are important, we can trust that God is ultimately in control of the course of history. Our hope is not in the hands of human leaders but in the eternal reign of Christ, our King. The prophet Habakkuk offers a beautiful example of trust in God, even when the future is unknown. He declares, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines…Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:17,18). Habakkuk’s response is one of faith, recognizing that God’s goodness and provision are reasons for joy and thankfulness, even when life’s outcomes are uncertain. As we gather around our Thanksgiving tables, it’s natural to be thankful for the blessings of family, food, and shelter – and living faith. But let us also strive to give thanks for the ways God sustains us through every season of life. In James 1:2–4 (NIV), we are encouraged to “consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Challenges are opportunities for growth, deepening our reliance on God and witnessing His faithfulness in our lives. A bountiful harvest reminds us of the spiritual harvest that God is cultivating within us and around us. Even when the fields of our lives seem barren, God is at work, ever planting seeds of faith, hope, and love. Lamentations 3:22,23 assures us that “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” This Thanksgiving, let us pray for strength to be a people of hope and gratitude, not just for the blessings we see but also for the unseen work God is doing in our lives and in our nation. We are blessed to live in countries where we can freely worship and vote, contributing to the common good. We approach the election season with the confidence that, regardless of the outcome, God’s purposes will prevail. Let us remember the words of Psalm 46:1–3: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.” We ask God to fill our hearts with thankfulness this season—not just for the harvest that fills our barns, but for the enduring hope that fills our souls, knowing that our God is sovereign, faithful, and good. We can be confident that He holds our future in His hands.

Pam Redman | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - Home & Family Article -- Fellowship with our escorts in faith is a great blessing. We are fortunate to have services, camps and other gatherings where we can receive nourishment for our souls and create bonds of love with other believers. Involvement in activities of God’s kingdom is beneficial to believers. It is secure to stay in the middle of the congregation where we can discuss matters of our hearts with those who are of the same spirit. We are advised, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). God has given us the gift of faith and gifts to serve. The book of James reminds us, “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (1:22). We are often encouraged to put our gifts on the exchange table for use in the kingdom. Each gathering and event requires people to work in various roles. This can be a great opportunity to meet and get to know others while working on the project, whether it is building a church, preparing for summer services or cleaning up after coffee lunch. We may not recognize our own abilities, even thinking, “Why me?” If one is not able to serve, he or she can pray for other workers. “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work” (Neh. 4:6). God blesses willing hearts and hands. Another important aspect of believers’ gatherings is singing! “I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me” (Ps. 13:6). We are the most fortunate people!   Joy in God’s Congregation Steve Kallinen What do I remember after I leave services? It is not the details, but it is joy like a child would have after washing a basket in the rain, as refreshment and preparing for a new day. There at the gatherings, friends have made me smile or laugh, the sermon has touched my heart and soul, and the singing has brightened the day. As a natural plant grows, it needs more water and fertilizer, not less. People are like the plant that continues to need nourishment for the heart and soul, feeding the tender plants of God’s Word, so they would grow and flourish to produce grain for the harvest to heaven. How good to be under this refreshing moisture. On a trip to Kenya last December, a young man waited from early morning at the service site, as he wished to “not miss the services when we would finally arrive for church to be held.” I figure he waited five or six hours for the services to begin. The time of awakening in Africa creates a hunger for God’s Word. We heard several times, “We wish these services would last three to four days at a time in our area.” Likewise in Sierra Leone in May they sat and listened, they stayed throughout the day’s events and yet hungered for more. How we can also learn from them? “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:22). Remember the children of Israel as they crossed the Red Sea, and the Lord destroyed those who attempted to capture them, so then Miriam led the children of God in unity and rejoiced singing, “Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea” (Exod. 15:19–21). Children hear His calling voice; they rejoice together that God had helped and we also must say, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12). I could also mention how camps have been a great oasis in the desert for me. They are precious opportunities for fellowship, for devotions, and for learning about faith. Yet, how often am I there?  The gathering of the community of saints is comforting to one who needs to feel the hand of God’s angels for support in faith. Lambs find comfort in a flock, not when they are alone in the pasture. In the flock the Shepherd is watching and protecting them—and us—from onslaughts of the enemy.   Faith Cometh by Hearing Don Lahti Children sometimes ask why we go to church. There could be multiple answers from the Bible to this question. In Romans, Apostle Paul said, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (10:17). He also said, “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (v. 14). Living faith is not of us ourselves. God first calls us into faith, as is recorded in the first letter to Corinthians: “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1:9). A child might next ask, how can one come into living faith? Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matt. 7:7,8 NIV). In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). We understand, according to God’s Word, that living faith is of God and He gives it to the humble and penitent sinner who seeks to receive the absolution of their sins from another believer, one who has the authority from the Holy Spirit to forgive sins, as is recorded in 1 Peter 2:9. “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.” Jesus gave this authority to His own disciples before He died on the cross, according to Luke 24:49, “Behold, I sent to promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” John 20 also contains this: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (John 20:22,23, NIV). As we examine how the Bible instructs us about faith, we understand how important it is to gather around God’s Word. We desire to attend church, Sunday school, Bible class and other gatherings of God’s children. We need the constant reminders that are given us in the Bible and through the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew how necessary it was, as He instructed His disciples in His farewell sermon regarding how important it was for Him to go away. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).  The writer to the Hebrews reminds us of the importance of fellowship with believers, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). If we keep a distance from other believers, on the edges of God’s kingdom, there are dangers. The enemy of souls can begin to tempt with lies, which can corrupt the human mind, causing us to doubt. Doubts could eventually lead one away from God’s kingdom. Instead, we wish to heed admonition to travel in the “middle of the flock.” By doing so we are protected in faith.   Living Away from a Congregation Gladys Lahti When I was growing up, we did not have a church nearby to go to. My dad was in heresy. My mom repented from the heresy when I was just a small girl. After Mom received the grace of repentance, she came home on the train from the cities. Dad had asked the minister from his church to pick her up from the train station and bring her straight to the church and he would get the cows milked before going to church. When Mom got off the train, she was able to confess her faith to the minister. She told him she would not be going to church with him because she had found God’s kingdom.  So the minister brought her home. He only brought her as far as the end of the driveway that led to the house. Yet to this day, I can picture Mom walking up the driveway, seeing Dad standing in front of the barn watching. I’m sure he was wondering why she came home instead of going to church. I remember how much it meant to my mom and to us kids when the believers would stop by to visit. We would always sing songs of Zion together and Mom would discuss faith with our company. It was so special when Dad would bring us to the believing services. It meant so much to be able to get to church.  We don’t want to take it for granted when we are able to get to services, especially remembering that this didn’t happen often in the past. God has preserved me in faith to this day, and I pray that He would continue to protect me and guide me in faith until the end of my journey.   Attending Church Services Hannah Keranen Why would a believer not want to go to Church Services? When we are believing, it seems natural that we get hungry to hear God’s Word spoken.  We desire to be in the middle of the flock of believers. Where are we likely to find them? We find them at church services and other service events and occasions, or at the homes of believers. As a child we always attended Sunday school and then the church service that followed. During church we sat quietly while the minister delivered a Finnish sermon, followed by an English sermon. All was well and we felt refreshed. Nowadays, people appreciate the fact that services can be listened to online at home, in a vehicle while traveling, any time of day or night. This is very acceptable but it feels important, if possible, to incorporate fellowship also. This helps us to remain on the straight and narrow pathway to heaven. If we endeavor, young and old, with a clean conscience, having sins forgiven, we can be joyful and live in God’s peace.   Susan Kiviahde In pondering the importance of attending church, the first thought that came to my mind was the Bible portion, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). It is very important to remain in the love and fellowship of the believers. It is a wonderful option to be able to listen online when we cannot make it to church, but we should not make that an excuse to not attend services at the church. It is important to attend the meetings of the believers. This is especially true in times of conflict and turmoil in God’s kingdom. During the heresy of 1973 and also in the recent heresy, it became very evident in meetings that there were two voices in the congregation. By attending meetings with an open mind, we can see for ourselves the fruits that are revealed in different speeches. “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt. 7:20). Leading up to the 1973 heresy, I listened to both sides until it was revealed to me which side was the true kingdom of God. To remain as a child of God, it was most important to remain in this true kingdom, regardless of the fact that most of my family and many dear friends were going the other way. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all things will be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). Although I then lost many dear ones, I have experienced Jesus’ words to be true: “Everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life” (Matt. 19:29). This is what we all hope for when our days on this earth come to an end.   It Is Important to Gather John and Esther Martin We enjoy singing together Sunday evenings at the manor. We enjoy when we get visiting families with children to church on Sundays. The children brighten our day. It is important to gather with believers. It is good to teach children by example the importance of attending services and having fellowship with believing friends.  We often feel our own poorness in many ways. We can enjoy evening devotions. We live day by day and putting sin away as it attaches.   Discussion Questions How does it help you in your faith to attend services? How do camps help you along the narrow way? Why is fellowship important? How does talking with others help us believe? How can serving in God’s kingdom keep us close to the center of the flock? What words can encourage and support ones who seldom attend services? Discuss where and how we might extend an invitation to services to those who have not yet found God’s kingdom.

Arvin Pirness  | The Voice of Zion September 2024 - News & Notes Article -- My summer concluded with the first Pre-confirmation camp at Prairie Shores in Saskatchewan and the return of the Peace Garden Youth Days. This fellowship and time spent in the study and hearing of God’s word reenforced to me one key matter of the joy of believing. The peace of God that surpasses all human understanding is so calming for God’s children whose endeavor to heaven is in this world but not of it. The future of God’s kingdom is bright, not because of any inherent glow on our part, but because the faith of even the youngest, inexperienced, tempted and tried child of God radiates a powerful contrast to the darkness of this world. To the child of God, no greater matter, no greater joy can be known than to experience peace of conscience and hope of heaven. To you young, who traditionally return to school this time of year, be ready and willing to share of that hope of heaven you experience through faith. May God bless you as you progress along your path of education. Update on LLC Activities Education Volunteers are an integral part of Christian education, whether by teaching at camps or in local congregations. Volunteers also support Education in development and improvement of educational curriculum. As an example, the LLC is managing a project to provide Sunday School teachers with additional teaching aids. Volunteer committees in local congregations continue to work on making these updates.  All camp centers have enjoyed a very active camp season. Of special interest, perhaps, this year is the first year that Youth Camps were hosted at Silver Springs, in Monticello, Minn. A total of 110 youth participated in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Youth Camps.  Staff and participant camp evaluations are an important part of camp work. The information gathered from these evaluations assist in developing additional programs, addressing needs in food service and lodging and determining what benefits participants and staff realize from their camp experience.  285 Confirmation students attended eight Confirmation Schools this summer. As the numbers of participants grow, we continue to explore additional ways to serve our youth. In 2025 there are plans to hold four Confirmation Schools at Stony Lake, one each in the Pacific Northwest, Prairie Shores and Hasscib and two at Kamp Kipa.  Preconfirmation school curriculum focuses on Luther’s Small Catechism. Staff evaluations from these camps prompt us to find ways to limit the size of these camps to less than 40 students with 30 seeming to be an ideal number.  A camp board workshop is scheduled for October 4–5, 2024. All North American Camp Board members are invited to attend.  Mission Work After the summer hiatus, mission trips resume in the fall. Trips to Sierra Leone, Ghana and Togo have recently happened, and a confirmation school was held in Kenya. The introduction “Be Sober, Be Vigilant” which was presented at the Minister and Board Members meeting during 2024 Summer Services was the discussion topic for LLC Ministers Webinar 3 on August 29. The 2024 LLC Ministers and Wives Camp will be held in Longview, Wash., September 20–22. The theme for the event is “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house” from Psalm 84:4. Communications The LLC Opisto Scholarship Committee recently met to select opisto scholarship recipients for the 2025–26 opisto year. These scholarships are awarded to applicants based on selection criteria reviewed and approved by the LLC Board. Those awarded scholarships are asked to confirm whether they will accept the scholarship and commit to a year at opisto. Once all recipients have confirmed their acceptance of these scholarships, the list of recipients will be published. Each year there are some students who are interested in paying their own way to opisto. The availability of self-pay spots is dependent on the opistos, and this is not determined by LLC. When we hear from the opistos whether they will accept self-pay students, we will inform those applicants who have indicated their interest to us. We will hold our annual Content Creators Workshop September 13–15 at Stony Lake Camp in Minnesota. We are sometimes asked what a Content Creator is, or who is a content creator? To us in the Communications department, a content creator is anyone who contributes written material, art, digital media or music content. A content creator is anyone who contributes to any of our projects in any way. We need the contributions from many people in order to sustain our current level of product and periodical production. We extend a warm thank-you to all who write, take photographs, create art, edit digital media such as audio or video, and otherwise contribute to anything we produce. We invite you to the workshop to meet other contributors—content creators—and to hear interesting discussions on how this work can support believers in their walk of faith. At this year’s Content Creator Workshop, we are joined by two guests from SRK. Hanna Aho will discuss aspects of believer fiction, and Katri Isopahkala will discuss planning and producing content for believers’ periodicals.  In March, LLC announced a fiction writing contest. This is open to writers of all ages. We hope to receive manuscripts of novels aimed at teenagers and young adults. We further hope that the manuscripts submitted to the writing contest depict the lives of believing characters and are supportive of faith. The contest is open through the end of November, so you still have time to send in your submission! For more information, see the notice on our website.

Marty Wuollet | The Voice of Zion September 2024 - The Sabbath Word 5 Article -- The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul. – Psalms 103:19–22 The tone of this Psalm suggests it was written when King David was an older man. His proclamations and encouragement sound as if from one who has lived long and failed many times.  David’s history is familiar to all of us, from the time of his anointing to his death. There were times in his life where his will and God’s were aligned, and times when David had to resign his will, finding God’s ways unshakeable. Many of the psalms are written from the perspective of a child of God and speak personally from the writer’s heart. In this way it is comforting for us to know that God’s ways haven’t changed, and neither has our place, but as the saints of old we all have common experiences in this time of life on earth. Our psalm text assures that God is reigning and His kingdom rules over all. This is not so obvious to our mortal eyes, nor to the will and desire of our flesh. Often, we pray for prosperity, peace on earth, peace with our neighbors, good government, peace between our governments and many other things of this nature. These are good prayers, and we ought to pray for these things. We should thank God for these, even if we think a person in office may be lacking or have ill motivation.  In our own prayers, we can hear an aching for God to align His will with ours. But as Jesus prayed and taught us to pray, “thy will be done;” we resign our will to the will of God, trusting that God’s ways are best. There were times when the kingdom of Israel ruled over the land, and there were also times when they were enslaved.  This difference is only notable from this place of temporal life. God’s kingdom is eternal, heavenly, and reigns in the war of good versus evil. It also serves to the individual person as opposed to a given nation or culture. No eternal value comes from our position on earth, ruling or enslaved—what is important is believing. By faith, in personally believing the gospel, all of God’s children are freed from the bondage of sin. The victory over sin, death and the devil are given as a gift.  There is not any need for us to see a kingdom rise on this earth and win over lands and control existing powers. The gift and victory are in our heart already and no one can take it away. This gift has been given by God to each of His children, and we are brought into this kingdom of pardoned sinners, to be cared for and to care for others. God’s kingdom is hidden in plain sight on this earth and those who see it from the outside aren’t aware of its everlasting nature. Often, they see it as old-fashioned, traditional, strict, judgmental or even cult-like. Many who have left this kingdom seek a broader path but still want to be justified and they may also become critical in this way.  The marvel is that God has given this to the individual, for each of us to know and believe in our own heart. So personal is this for each of us that we can live through all phases of life in peace, freedom and joy, trusting securely that God’s hand will bless and guide accordingly in this world. Even when the world rises before us, which could make us tremble in the flesh, we have this trust that God will still care for us and give us the strength we need in that moment. Scripture tells us that God’s Word has been put into our hearts as Paul relates in the letter to the Romans, “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach” (10:8). This is the call then for each of us who have personally been given the grace to believe. To sing praises unto God for His goodness and love to us. To praise His ways above our understanding. To rejoice when our own flesh has been humbled for the sake of salvation. When we read the psalms of David, we can consider that though he was a king on earth, he sought the righteousness of God continuously, and he blessed God for keeping him as a believer. With this same faith, we children of God encourage each other and offer His grace to all humankind.