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Carey Simonson | 2026 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Congregation Evening – Feb. 20 -- The kingdom of God is a very important topic. God’s kingdom is described throughout the Bible and in many articles and sermons. In fact, we could say that every sermon reveals something about God’s kingdom, and God’s kingdom is mentioned by name in most sermons. Furthermore, Jesus used many parables to illustrate the kingdom of God. He told His disciples: “The secret (or mystery) of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables” (Mark 4:11 NIV ) Therefore, many of you have heard much about God’s kingdom and you already know the mysteries of God’s kingdom. I hope this presentation will answer to your experience in God’s kingdom. To you on the outside of God’s kingdom, it is my prayer that God, through this presentation, would reveal God’s kingdom to you.   I have broken this presentation into several sections. Since Jesus spoke these words (“The kingdom of God is in your midst”) to the Pharisees, we will first review who the Pharisees were. We will then consider the meaning of the second petition of the Lord’s Prayer: Thy kingdom come. After this, we will consider: How can one see God’s kingdom? Where is God’s kingdom?, and finally, we will touch on the topics of False teachers, righteousness of life and the mission of the LLC as they relate to our topic.   Pharisees The title of this presentation comes from a conversation that Jesus had with the Pharisees and is recorded in the gospel of St. Luke, the 17 th chapter, verses 20 and 21.I will read from the New International Version (NIV). “Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”” (Luke 17:20-21 NIV )   As we begin, I thought it would be good to consider who the Pharisees were and why Jesus would have answered in this way, especially to them. The Pharisees were a group of religiously devout Jews who followed the written law of Moses and hundreds of other traditions that had been added over the centuries. They attempted to strictly follow these laws and traditions and believed in the righteousness of the law. (Phil. 3:6) Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because they didn’t practice what they preached. Compared to the Sadducees, which were mainly from the educated upper class, the Pharisees had widespread popular support among the common Jewish people. We may ask if there are religious teachers in our time that have widespread popular support among the common people. What would Jesus say to them? Jesus told the Pharisees: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.” (Matthew 23:15 NIV )   Thy kingdom come Jesus taught His followers to pray quietly and humbly to the Heavenly Father rather than in the loud and proud manner of the hypocrites. He taught them to pray: “Thy kingdom come” (Matt. 6:10 KJV ). Luther explains in his small Catechism that “the kingdom of God comes indeed of itself, without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come unto us also”. In his explanation of the 3 rd  article of the Creed, Luther writes in a similar way: “I believe that I cannot of my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me through the Gospel”. We see that we cannot approach God, but God approaches us. He comes to us. God’s kingdom does not come because of our prayer or efforts; it is a gift of God. It is good to pray that God’s kingdom would come close to us and support us personally in our moments of trial, sorrow, and joy. It makes our trials lighter and our joys more meaningful. Most importantly, it is from here within God’s kingdom that the Holy Spirit does His work of calling the seeking to a place of repentance and leading His own to live as children of God. Thereby making us Holy or sanctifying us unto God.   Luther further explains how God’s kingdom comes. It comes “when our Heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His Holy Word, and live a godly life here on earth, and in Heaven forever. ” This aligns with Jesus’ teaching. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the gospel!” (Mark 1:15 NIV,KJV ) There is only one door into God’s kingdom. It is the narrow door of repentance where a sinner receives new birth when they hear and believe their sins forgiven and enter God’s kingdom, exchanging sin for grace, darkness for light, and unrest for peace. They become citizens of God’s kingdom. (Philippians 3:20) There is only one saving faith and this saving faith is found in God’s kingdom. As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Eph. 4:4-6 NIV ).   Luther stated that those in God’s kingdom “live a godly life here on earth”. We will return to this topic of living a godly life later in the presentation. For now, we can agree that dwelling in God’s kingdom is more important than anything else. As Jesus taught, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV ) God’s kingdom is the everlasting kingdom that the former saints sang and wrote about. As the Psalm writer wrote: “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.” (Psalms 145:13 NIV ). Isn’t it a miracle that God’s kingdom has come to you personally and that you can personally travel in its care and protection. This you own simply by faith, by believing! “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Eph. 2:8 KJV ) SHZ 428 aptly states: “2. These arms are Your blest kingdom / in which You lift and bear, / this home that You provide them / where they receive Your care. 3. And there the Word of mercy / with love and truth abides; / the wisdom of the Spirit / is always as a guide.” May we be preserved in this kingdom of grace.   How can one see (recognize) God’s kingdom? Since God’s kingdom is such a special place, we might ask: how can we see or recognize God’s kingdom? How is God’s kingdom revealed? There are many ways in which God’s kingdom approaches people or is revealed in this dark world. In this section, we will touch on only a few. We will hear how God’s kingdom can be seen by eyes of faith, by birth, and through important characteristics like love and forgiveness. As you listen, you may recall personal experiences where God revealed His kingdom to you or to others. You can share these in your homes and your personal conversations as God allows. It is important to emphasize that seeing or experiencing God’s kingdom is a gift of God. Only God can reveal His kingdom. Only God can enlighten one to see the beauty of His kingdom. It is written in Ecclesiastes: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV )   By eyes of faith:  The Pharisees had asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. Jesus answered: “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed”. God’s kingdom cannot be seen with natural eyes. It can only be seen by eyes of faith. Jesus told His disciples: “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” (Matthew 13:16-17 NIV )   By birth:  Most, but not all, children born in the world automatically become citizens of some country, depending on their place of birth and their parents. However, all children born into this world are born as citizens of God’s kingdom, regardless of where they are born or who their parents are. Jesus says that God has “hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” (Matt. 11:25 NIV ). SHZ 394 beautifully relates: “Before my birth, Creator, before I was conceived, You knew my name and called me a child that You redeemed.” Many children are nurtured by believing parents who are also citizens of God’s kingdom and in the love and unity of God’s congregation. On the other hand, many children are raised by those who are not citizens of God’s kingdom. These children are citizens of God’s kingdom, even without a close physical connection with a local congregation. Unfortunately, many children leave their childhood faith and God’s kingdom as they grow and mature. Only God, who is king of His kingdom, knows when this takes place. A person may return to God’s kingdom through the gospel of forgiveness of sins preached from God’s kingdom. This is called new birth as Jesus explained to Nicodemus: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3 NIV ) “New birth means receiving faith and becoming a child of God. Only faith opens one’s understanding to see the kingdom of God in the midst of people here in time.” (The Treasure Hidden in a Field) also Psalm 87:5-16.   Love:  After the last supper, Jesus told His disciples: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV ). This love among citizens of God’s kingdom is like a sign that reveals God’s kingdom (SHZ 195). God can use this sign to reveal His kingdom to those who are seeking. The love within God’s kingdom shines as a light into this dark world.   One might ask, what is this love? John answers: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 NIV ). Here we see that the love that is within God’s kingdom is first love from God. Through faith, this love of God ignites love within us. God’s love creates within us both love for God and love for His creation, including other people, especially those in God’s kingdom (Gal. 6:10). John writes: “For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20 NIV ). Jesus taught that “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” (John 14:23 KJV ) Here again we see that God and His kingdom come to us. If we love Jesus, we will follow His teachings, including His command to love one another (John 13:34).   Here in God’s kingdom there is love and unity of the Holy Spirit. It is true love: “not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18 NIV ) As believers we can feel this love, sometimes weakly, sometimes intensely. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to explain this love to one outside of God’s kingdom. Fortunately, we don’t need to explain it to someone within God’s kingdom.   Forgiveness: Jesus told His disciples “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47 KJV ) We can say that another sign of God’s kingdom is the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. The believers in Accra, Ghana (also Lome, Togo) have these words on their church “Temple Of Forgiveness Of Sins”. Jesus told Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19 NIV ) The same gospel of the forgiveness of sins that opens the door to God’s kingdom to a penitent sinner is the same forgiveness that helps preserve living faith in the hearts of the citizens of God’s kingdom. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet as a picture of forgiveness. He said: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. ” (John 13:14 KJV ). Jesus taught us to forgive each other. Forgiveness is so important that Jesus taught that God will not forgive us if we don’t forgive others. “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV )   The Pharisees once asked Jesus: “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:21 NIV ). Today, we may hear the same question when we explain that God’s children forgive sins though the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a mystery that can only be understood through faith. We sing in SHZ 409: “And flesh shall never understand / that God such power gave to man. / The lowly servant Christ has sent / is but His humble instrument.”   By the Triune God: Although God has given many signs of His kingdom and has set His Holy Congregation as a light in this world, God’s kingdom can only be revealed by the Triune God. Jesus taught: “no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” (John 6:65 NIV ) Luther writes in his explanation of the 3 rd  Article of the Creed in the Small Catechism: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel”. We don’t know unto whom  God will reveal His kingdom. We don’t know how God will reveal His kingdom or how  His kingdom will approach a lost one, such as a spouse, a parent, a child, a family member, a fellow student, a colleague at work, a neighbor across the street, or a stranger in a faraway country. Therefore, we desire to simply live as we believe in this world and pray that our weak light of faith would cause someone to ask about God’s kingdom. If we are asked, may we always be ready to give an answer with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). We also desire to preach God’s Word according to the Mission Command (Matthew 28:19-20) to our loved ones, neighbors and throughout the world as God allows. We don’t know who or how God will call, but we do know that God is still calling. It is still a day of work (John 9:4).   Where is God’s kingdom? We now return to the conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus told the Pharisees concerning the kingdom of God: “nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst’”. Jesus was telling the Pharisees that God’s kingdom is here, on earth. God spoke to Isaiah in the same way: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit” (Isaiah 57:15 KJV ). John wrote in Revelations: “I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3 NIV ) God’s kingdom is right here where His Holy Congregation is on earth. We might say that it is hidden in plain sight. Luther wrote: “The devil can cover it over with offenses and tumults, so that you have to take offense at it. God, too, can hide it with faults and shortcomings of all kinds, so that you become a fool and pass such judgment on it. It will not be known by sight, but by faith, and faith concerns the things we do not see.” (Luther’s Preface to Revelations)   The Holy Spirit has separated God’s children from this world, and the same Holy Spirit can reveal God’s kingdom. Even if someone doesn’t see God’s kingdom, there are many blessings when God’s kingdom is in their midst. These are blessings from God to all people of a nation. We cannot even imagine the difficulties we would experience if God removed His blessings and protection from us, from our community or from our nation. These temporal blessings help us live a good and comfortable life here on earth. These blessings are for this life as we will discuss later in the section on righteousness of life.   False teachers After His conversation with the Pharisees, Jesus taught His disciples about false teachers saying: “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them.” (Luke 17:22-23 NIV ). In another place, Jesus warned His listeners about false prophets in this way: “They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-16 NIV ). Fruits are so important that Jesus repeated this instruction a few verses later, saying: “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:20 NIV ). Meanwhile, Jesus taught in the sermon on the mount that “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5:3 NIV ). In addition, Jesus taught that citizens of God’s kingdom are meek, yearn for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted. This does not mean, for example, that all people that are persecuted are citizens of God’s kingdom. It means that those in God’s kingdom are persecuted by the world, just as Jesus was persecuted. (John 15:19-20) Here we understand that the citizens of God’s kingdom display fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), including love and forgiveness as we already discussed. These fruits contrast with the fruits of false teachers.   Later when the disciples asked Jesus about the signs of the last times, He warned them that “there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:23-26 KJV ) It is important to have a tender ear to hear what the Spirit speaks in God’s kingdom (Revelations 2:7) because Jesus himself said “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23 NIV ).   Let us take these warnings of Jesus to heart so we would not be deceived by those who appear to be teachers of God. Jesus is only found in God’s kingdom, and the true teaching only comes from God’s kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit. John taught to “not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1 NIV ). Paul also taught that we should not be surprised that false prophets disguise themselves as apostles of Christ because Satan also disguises himself as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).   Righteousness of Life Does this mean that we should reject all teaching about God and Christian values in our schools and public institutions if the teachers are not in God’s kingdom? To answer this question, we can return to Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees. Jesus clearly taught that the Pharisees were not in God’s kingdom, and warned His listeners about them. Yet, Jesus also saw good in their teaching. Jesus told the crowds and His disciples about the Pharisees “you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:2-3 NIV ) Another time, John told Jesus that “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” Luke records Jesus’ response in this way. “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:49-50 NIV ) We can say the same about those who teach others in our society to live a moral and Christian life based on the teaching of the Holy Bible. We do not wish to stop them. Rather, we pray that God would guide our countries, including our leaders and our neighbors, to seek God and live a correct or righteous life. The familiar proverb states: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” (Proverbs 14:34 NIV ) This righteousness is called righteousness of life. It is righteousness for this temporal life. We can also call this societal righteousness. Societal righteousness helps us live our temporal lives in peace and safety. It is not for eternity. It does not help us enter God’s kingdom.   There are many charismatic people who teach Christian values in our time. Some of these public evangelists or teachers correctly teach societal righteousness or righteousness of life even though they are not in God’s kingdom, just as the Pharisees did in Jesus’ time. We can say like Paul did about those who preach for the wrong reasons: “The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18 NIV ) We can be happy that there are those who teach people to live a righteous life, but we need to remember that their teaching is for this life. Jesus’ warning to “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.“ (Matthew 16:6 KJV )” confused the disciples until they understood that Jesus meant for them to be on their guard against the doctrine or teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. This warning is relevant today.   Social media and the internet have given evangelists, teachers or activists platforms and audiences for their teachings. In the past, if we wanted to listen to such a person, we would have needed to go to their church or to a public speaking event. God’s children have always been hesitant to attend such events and thus have been spared from many false teachings and pitfalls. Today, however, we can hear their teachings without leaving home. We can be in danger without even realizing. It is interesting to think that Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, warned Timothy of this nearly 2,000 years ago. “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations” (2 Timothy 4:3-5 NIV ). With the internet, it is easy for anyone to gather many teachers. We can even select teachers that suit our own desires and those that teach what we want to hear. In addition, our search engines learn our tendencies and offer the media they think we want to consume. Paul’s instruction to Timothy to “keep your head” is good instruction today. We should also avoid those places where we cannot “keep our head” or where brothers or sisters in faith have noticed that we cannot “keep our head” because of our own nature and tendencies.   When I think of religious teachers of our time. I think of what Jesus said of the Pharisees. “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20 NIV ). Righteousness of life does not bring one into God’s kingdom. We could say that righteousness of faith exceeds righteousness of life. Righteousness of life is found both within and outside of God’s kingdom, but righteousness of faith is found only in God’s kingdom. In God’s kingdom, we own righteousness of faith as a gift through Christ’s merit. This righteousness is for eternal life. It is the only righteousness that is acceptable to God for salvation.   One can receive temporal blessing when God’s kingdom is in their midst even if they are not in God’s kingdom. However, one must be within God’s kingdom, a citizen of God’s kingdom, to receive spiritual blessings including eternal life in heaven. Jesus once told a scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” (Mark 12:34 NIV ) In Noah’s time, it was not enough to be near the ark, when the floods came to destroy the first world. A person needed to be in the ark to be saved. In the same way, a person must be in God’s battling kingdom here on earth to be accepted in God’s kingdom of glory in heaven and saved from endless perdition in hell. I have heard tell that there was once a person who attended the services of God’s children frequently but was not a child of God, not a citizen of God’s kingdom. One day, a believer spoke to him about the need for repentance. Unfortunately, he did not repent, and a few days later he died in a car accident. It didn’t help that he was close to God’s kingdom. He died in unbelief outside of God’s kingdom.   The captives in Babylon were encouraged by Jeremiah to work hard and to enjoy the temporal blessing in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:4-7). Yet, they prayed that God would take away these temporal blessings if they neglected God’s kingdom “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.” (Psalms 137:5-6 NIV ).   Misson of the LLC, our church Our church has a three part mission: (1) to preach the gospel of repentance and remission of sins to all people, (2) to nurture and strengthen the faith of the believing and root our children in Christian faith in God's kingdom, and (3) to awaken and inspire Christian values and ethics, soberness of mind, love of homeland, and responsible citizenship among the people of our nations. In the final section of this presentation, we will touch on items (1) and (3) as they relate to our current topic.   Jesus said that “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14 KJV ) It is yet a time of work in God’s kingdom. This is especially evident when we hear that the Kingdom of Peace website has had over 1 billion views with over 1 million followers on Facebook. As God’s Word is preached around the globe via the internet, we acknowledge that we may never know who has heard and believed the gospel. Those who believe enter God’s kingdom. They “are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NIV ). Maybe someone has heard and believed the gospel shortly before passing from this life. Maybe someone has heard the call into God’s kingdom and believed the gospel and yet has no possibility to be nurtured and refreshed in faith other than through the sermons on the Kingdom of Peace website. We just don’t know. Only God knows. However, we believe that God will not leave any of His own alone. We also acknowledge that those who have believed the gospel and have the means and possibility to connect to other believers will eventually find God’s children. God will help them connect via the internet or find a physical congregation. They will not remain orphans. Also, their acquaintances will notice the change in their lives. The fruits of their faith will be evident. Jesus says: “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” (John 10:16 KJV )   As we do the work of God’s kingdom, it is good to remember that we can never join with other churches in the work of God’s kingdom. There will be a continuous battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of evil until the end of time. As Daniel records: “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” (Daniel 2:44 NIV ). Even in our mission to “awaken and inspire Christian values and ethics” God’s kingdom stands alone. “Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders.” (John 18:36 NIV ) We do not work with other churches even to promote righteousness of life. Although we may appreciate the work that others do to inspire Christian values and ethics, we cannot join or work with them because we know that we don’t believe the same. Jesus taught that we can never join in spiritual work with other churches. He said, “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined” and “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Luke 11:17,23 NIV )   As believers, we fulfill or mission to awaken and inspire Christian values and ethics by our simple confession of faith, including how we live our life, rather than through large social media followings or public events. Even as we pray that God would increase Christian values and ethics among people in our families, communities and countries, we have a more earnest prayer that God would yet call these people into His kingdom and that they could own Christ’s righteousness through faith. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17 KJV ) Above all, we pray that we could personally remain in His precious kingdom.   Conclusion In conclusion, it is comforting to repeat Jesus’ teaching “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:20-21 NIV )   It seems appropriate to recall Jesus’ warnings that “many false prophets will appear and deceive many people” and “because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold”, while taking comfort in His promise “but the one who stands firm (or endures) to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:11-13 NIV )   Although we may doubt and have weak faith, it is enough that we are still on the journey to heaven in the kingdom of grace here on earth. As Paul wrote: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 KJV ) We can be content that “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16 NIV )   Jesus said “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32 KJV ) and “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18 KJV ) We can firmly trust that if we endure to the end of our lives in the safety of God’s kingdom, which is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV ), we will reach our goal of eternal life in heaven. One day this battling kingdom will be lifted to heaven as a kingdom of glory. There, with new tongues, we can praise God forever for the gift of His kingdom. Discussion Questions: How can one see (or recognize) God’s kingdom? How does God reveal His kingdom? Where is God’s kingdom? Do you have any personal experiences that you could share where God has revealed His kingdom to you or to others? Explain what happened and how it made you feel. When Jesus was on earth, he engaged in many conversations with and about the Pharisees, including the statement “The kingdom of God is in your midst.” What does this statement and other conversations Jesus had with the Pharisees teach us today? Do you have any experiences with false teachers that you could share? Where have you heard them teach? In what ways have you interacted with them? How did you realize that they were false teachers? Why are false teachers dangerous? Why do you think that Luther connects the request in the Lord’s Prayer “Thy kingdom come” to living a godly life here on earth, and in Heaven forever? What does righteousness of life or societal righteousness mean to you? Over your lifetime, do you feel that societal righteousness has increased or decreased? What specific examples could you share to show why you feel this way? Jesus says “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4  NIV ). What does the statement “it is yet a time of work in God’s kingdom” mean to you? How might a believer awaken and inspire Christian values and ethics among the people of our nations?

Swen Sorvala  |  The Voice of Zion February 2026 - Home and Family Articles -- Through His allegory of the true vine, Jesus teaches us that we are to remain in His kingdom throughout our lives. The overarching message is clear: each branch must stay attached to the main trunk in order to live. Connected to the life-giving trunk is the source of all nourishment and future hope. Jesus tells us why He gave this example – so that His “joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11). Small buds grow from the main trunk – tender, fragile, and full of potential. These buds develop into shoots, which grow and produce leaves of their own. In the summer, flowers emerge. When these flowers are pollinated, fruit is born. Each stage – the bud, shoot, flower, and fruit – depends on the nourishment that comes from the main trunk. Jesus gives us this clear picture of how our faith life is to be lived. Throughout our lives, we are to acknowledge that our strength comes from Jesus’ merit work. The gospel of Christ is the “…power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16, NIV). This is true in every stage of life: youth, single or married life, escort or parental duties, and into our elder or twilight years. It is not sufficient to remain attached for only certain phases of life and then detach during others. There is no life-giving sustenance apart from the main branch. Branches that are not connected wither; “Such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned” (John 15:6, NIV). The hope of this series, God’s Perfect Plan for Our Lives with a Goal of Heaven,  is to help dear believers see that God’s kingdom is a source of comfort in every stage of life. Therein is hope: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 15:13). Our life is fleeting, and our body is but dust. May His righteousness keep our families and friendships firmly attached to His salvation message. “As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children” (Ps. 103:15–17).  Φ Not Alone on the Journey Shelley Ylioja As with any demographic, a single believer’s experience within the congregation can look quite different from one individual to another. A variety of factors shape that experience, including age, gender, personality, living situation, family of origin, physical and mental health, career, and interests. For instance, a young versus middle-aged single, one with several believing siblings versus none, one who lives alone versus with roommates, or one who is more introverted versus extroverted may differ significantly in how much they rely on congregation members and events for social opportunities and emotional support. Nevertheless, every believer needs the care of the congregation and the support of fellow believers to help reach our heavenly goal. The enemy of souls keeps the single believer in his target just as he does every member of God’s kingdom, even though the specific trials and temptations may differ. A single believer’s closest escort along the journey may not be the same as that of a married believer, whose spouse typically fills that role, but it is still necessary that each of us has such an escort. Over the course of adult life, this escort may change as friends marry and the group of singles becomes smaller. Singles may need to put more effort into forming new friendships with younger single believers and maintaining friendships with peers who have since married. It is a blessing to have escorts who are fellow singles in a similar walk of life. At the same time, friendships with believers in other life situations are also mutually beneficial. These relationships allow us to gain alternate perspectives and to recognize that both trials and joys are present in all circumstances of life. There can be many blessings in the life of a single believer. Singles often have greater autonomy over their time and flexibility to explore hobbies and travel. Especially for single females, there may be more opportunity than for married peers to pursue a career, which can bring fulfillment in temporal life. Compared to married siblings, singles may also be able to spend more time with aging parents and develop close relationships with nieces and nephews. The relationships of a single believer can be varied and rich, encompassing a wide range of ages and life situations. While it is not a spouse or one’s own child who fulfills the single person’s need for human love and connection, it may instead be a friend, sibling, niece, uncle, or parent at any given time. There is much joy and connection to be found with fellow believers from all walks of life in the congregation, if one chooses to look for it. God’s kingdom rightly emphasizes the blessing of being gifted a spouse, and congregation life naturally focuses on families and children. At times, single believers may question whether they are somehow less worthy for not having received this gift, or whether they are of lesser importance within God’s kingdom. There may also be temptation to look outside of God’s kingdom for a life’s partner. Singles can pray that they would not entertain such doubts and that they would truly believe every individual is equally important to God, each having a place within His congregation. When a single believer can trust that God has purposefully created each one of us and chosen our specific life’s path, this trust brings greater contentment in daily temporal life and helps us continue traveling as members of God’s kingdom.   God Provides What I Need Kamiryn Klassen  What Brings You Comfort and Fulfillment in God’s Kingdom? As a single person in God’s Kingdom, life brings doubts and trials as well as joy and fulfillment. Growing up, many young girls dream of becoming a wife and a mom, and even as I have gotten older, that dream still feels as far away as it did when I was a child. In my adulthood, like many others, I have found joy and freedom in being single by going to haps, strengthening friendships, and helping friends and family in need. Being a helping hand in the congregation has brought moments of joy to my heart. These opportunities have allowed me to connect with both young and old, hearing pieces of their lives through shared smiles, laughter, and conversation. As I have grown, I have realized that God works in mysterious ways and that I can live a fulfilling life through His creation and through the lives of the people I am able to touch. I was once told, “Sometimes you meet people who are meant to be in your life for a short time, and they bring the thoughts and comfort you need in that moment.” This has stayed with me as I continue to strengthen my faith and serve my community in whatever ways I can. As Galatians 6:2 (NIV) reminds us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” We are not meant to travel this journey alone. As a young single person in the congregation, it brings comfort to my heart to know that I am never truly alone, and that peace can be found in the simple, beautiful interactions of daily life. What Kind of Support Do You Long For?  How Do You Find This Support? Growing up in God’s Kingdom, we often pray and hope that we would remain believing as we travel on our journey. I have found myself wondering how such a weak person can continue to believe, especially when I feel alone – even when surrounded by friends and family. During these moments, I look forward to haps and spending time with the youth in my church, strengthening lifelong friendships. Because of my job, I am not always able to attend services every week, so I go whenever I can and listen online when I am away. While much support comes from brothers and sisters in faith, music has also been a source of comfort – listening to and playing the songs and hymns of Zion along this narrow way. I have often wished and prayed for someone believing to share this journey with, especially on difficult workdays. As a first responder, I recently experienced something that felt impossible to explain. For several days afterward, I struggled to find the good in the world where it once seemed so bright. During that time, I turned to God and found comfort in Psalm 34:18 (NIV): “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” As I drove the two hours home after my final shift, that verse stayed with me. Though I felt broken, God was healing me through His Word. Even exhausted, I chose to go to haps. I didn’t say much, but the hugs, small smiles, and shared songs helped more than my friends could ever know. These moments remind me that though I may still long for a life partner, God provides what I need. Is There Pressure from the World? “We are part of the world, not of the world.” At work, it is often pointed out that I am different – that I don’t swear, watch certain TV shows, or live according to values they consider strange. Some have even told me that I live in a cult and need to escape. I’ve come to understand that many of these comments come from confusion rather than malice, and from unanswered questions. Long conversations, where I answered as best I could, seemed to help them better understand my life and my goal of reaching heaven. These discussions can be difficult, especially when I feel alone without believing support nearby. Satan can feel close in daily life, whispering doubts and telling me I am not enough. Still, I have also seen small moments of understanding. While my coworkers may not fully understand why I believe, many have come to respect it as part of who I am. Though there is pressure from the world to leave, I have never felt the need to hide that I am happy to belong to such a loving congregation and community.  In the Care of the Congregation Trevor Simonson Being single in God’s kingdom comes with its own trials and doubts, but also distinct joys and blessings. At times, it can seem that our life as believers centers around the family unit, and a single person may feel less noticed or valued than those with families of their own. Yet being single also carries unique benefits. As singles, we have freedom to explore different paths in life and opportunities to serve those around us. We can live joyful and fulfilling lives as single believers in God’s kingdom, where we are in the care of the congregation. The Apostle Paul writes, “For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I” (1 Cor. 7:7,8). It is our hope and prayer as believers that we would remain in God’s kingdom. Singles can come to rely heavily on the congregation for support on the narrow pathway that leads to heaven. This support comes in many forms and from many places. The greatest support the congregation offers is that it is the place where we can hear God’s Word. It has been a great blessing for me to set aside the matters of temporal life and listen to God’s Word, which guides and sustains us. In addition to spiritual nourishment, singles also have other needs that the congregation can help fulfill. Humans are created with a need to belong. The congregation can help ensure that singles feel accepted and valued as members of the body. This can happen through friendships, opportunities to socialize, and even through having duties to perform, which help one feel part of the life and work of the congregation. Those in the world share this same need to belong and seek it through countless groups and activities – teams, clubs, concerts, shows, and sporting events. Belonging to a community can add meaning to one’s life, and singles may be especially tempted in this area. Connections formed outside the congregation can sometimes begin to feel more meaningful than the sense of belonging that comes from our shared faith. It is important for singles to be reminded that the best place we can be is in the kingdom of God, among believers. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19). Being single also brings many questions. Singles may wonder whether they will be blessed with a believing spouse, and there can be pressure and temptation from the world in this area. In today’s world of social media and dating apps, people can connect anytime and anywhere. There may be temptation to look outside God’s kingdom for a life’s partner, and Satan can be close in these matters, sowing doubt about the teachings of God’s Word. Living without a spouse or family of one’s own can lead to feelings of loneliness. From that lonely place, the world and its attractions can seem especially inviting. It may feel as though we are missing out on life, particularly as we watch peers take part in what the world offers. Life’s questions may not be answered in the way we expect, or they may seem unanswered altogether. In times of trial and doubt, it is important to return to what matters most – our faith. Singles can lean on the congregation as a guiding light that points us toward what is eternal.   How Can I Be an Escort in Faith? Speak openly about life and faith, walking alongside one another as a brother or sister in Christ. Forgive one another’s sins. Ask how others are doing – and truly listen, offering support in times of trial as well as in moments of joy. Recognize that singleness includes both joys and blessings, and understand that not all singles are seeking a spouse. Extend invitations into your home, especially during holidays or special occasions, and particularly to those who do not have nearby family. Offer simple gestures of welcome, such as greeting one another at church and making space for connection. Share stories openly, without measuring one life against another, trusting that hearing others’ joys and struggles can help us see the blessings in our own. Discussion questions What does it look like, in everyday life, to walk alongside someone as an escort in faith? What small actions or words have helped you feel supported? Where do you see the congregation already caring well for single believers – and where could that care grow or deepen? What joys or freedoms has your current stage of life given you, and how can those be received with gratitude rather than comparison? How can we create spaces where singles feel valued and included, even when much of congregational life centers on families? How can we share our joys and struggles openly while avoiding unnecessary comparison, trusting that hearing others’ experiences can help us recognize the good in our own lives? When pressure from the world challenges faith or belonging, what helps you remain rooted in God’s kingdom and connected to fellow believers?

Tommi Kinnunen  |  The Voice of Zion February 2026 - Doctrine and Life Article -- The just shall live by faith. – Romans 1:17  Every person who has ever lived on this earth has been a recipient of God’s goodness and gifts. These blessings are too many to count, and we cannot even begin to know them all, but some include our homes, good health, the beauty of nature, our senses and relationships. We often take many of these blessings for granted, even perceiving them as something we deserve or have a right to, but this is far from the truth. They are unmerited gifts of grace that God showers upon His creation.  In the life of a believer, we are also recipients of these gifts. Even more importantly, we are partakers of something far greater: the gift of faith and the forgiveness of sins in our daily lives. Even as children of God, we can begin to take these precious and unearned gifts for granted. These are blessings that only God can give, and it is good and necessary for us to be reminded of that.  The gift of faith is the most precious gift anyone can own. It is by faith in Jesus Christ that we are acceptable before God and given the promise of heaven when our journey of faith in this life has ended. What a wonderful matter it is that this does not depend on our wisdom, merit, works, abilities, or personal goodness. The Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8,9).  Many times, when we attend services, we hear the Word of God explained through biblical history and God’s promises. These promises – for example that you are promised everlasting life in heaven and even the events of history – can only be believed and trusted by faith. Our human reason is incapable of accepting them as truth. The core message of the gospel is preached in faith, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and it is received and believed by faith – not by carnal understanding.  Living by faith, even when we are not actively thinking about it, belongs to the daily life of a child of God from morning to night. The gift of having Jesus – the miracle of Christmas – dwelling in our hearts teaches and guides us in all that we do and say. Faith is a guiding light that illuminates the path we walk.  Righteousness of life is closely connected to the topic of “living by faith.” One cannot live by faith according to Scripture while living in a way that contradicts its teaching. A child of God navigates this many times each day in temporal life. Often without realizing it, we are confronted with choices between light and darkness, good and evil, sin and obedience. Without Christ dwelling in our hearts, we would be left to weigh these opposites according to human reason, relying on our own wisdom and strength. God reminds us through Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isa. 55:8).  If we would be left to our own devices to journey through life, we would go astray quickly.  A child of God endeavors to live a righteous life wherever he or she may be – at home, in school, at work, in military service, or on vacation traveling far from other believers. Faith is not practiced only in certain places but at all times and in all circumstances. This is especially important to remind our youth when they gather outside the familiar settings of home and church functions. Jesus teaches us: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).  Living a righteous life is our endeavor, and what God desires of us. Yet we also know that along the journey we fall into sin time and again. Sin clings to us, and God, through His grace, allows it to trouble our conscience so that we would put it away by hearing and believing the gospel. To live in sin while attending services and gatherings of believers is a futile endeavor. In doing so, we deceive no one but ourselves. Solomon writes: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3). In our daily lives – at work or at school – we may face temptations that go against God’s Word because it would be easier and less costly than choosing the path that preserves a tender conscience. In these times, pray that God would give strength to preserve faith and a tender conscience in the choices we make. God sees all things, and His will is that we live our lives according to the teaching of the Bible, confess our sins when we have fallen, and believe the forgiveness that is proclaimed, and make new promises to endeavor as children of God on this journey of faith.  God is always willing to forgive the beggar of grace. Yet we must also remember that His readiness to forgive does not give us liberty to sin. Apostle Paul writes: “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid” (Rom. 6:1,2).  Luther reminds us in the Small Catechism that each day the old Adam is drowned through repentance, and a new man arises to live before God in righteousness and purity. Most of us are blessed with fellow believers around us – angels in our midst – who are always willing to forgive a penitent sinner. When we attend services, we can also there believe the proclaimed message of the Gospel that is offered.  Faith does not remain strong on its own, nor can we preserve it by our own effort. God has not intended us to journey by faith alone, but together, in the fellowship of believers and in the hearing of His Word. God has given us His Word and the sacraments to strengthen and keep faith alive. When we hear God’s Word, faith is renewed and encouraged. In the baptismal covenant, God through His Word promises that He will always be near a child of God. Although we baptize only once, its promise is returned to daily as we repent, believe the forgiveness of sins, and begin again. Because faith is alive, it also shows itself in daily life. Good works do not make us children of God, but they follow naturally from faith, just as fruit grows from a living tree. In this way, God’s grace not only forgives, but also teaches and guides us to live as His children. To be in the hearing of God’s Word is always a blessing. Especially in times of trial and temptation, God offers grace through His promises to all who desire to fight against sin and their carnal portion. No matter where life takes us, God is present, seeing all things, and His grace surrounds us. In every blessing and every trial, we can journey trusting that His light guides our path, His forgiveness renews our hearts, and His presence never leaves us. May we live each day as faithful children of God, reflecting His light in all we do.  Key Thoughts God’s grace is present in both temporal blessings and, most importantly, in the gift of faith and forgiveness of sins. Living by faith shapes daily life, guiding our choices, preserving a tender conscience, and calling us to righteousness in every setting. Though believers fall into sin, God continually calls us to repentance and offers forgiveness through His Word and the fellowship of believers. Faith is sustained not by our own effort, but through God’s Word, the Sacraments, and His ongoing grace that teaches and guides us. Reflection Questions What helps us recognize God’s gifts and blessings in our daily lives? Where do we turn for guidance when we face difficult or tempting choices? What has helped you when facing temptations that wound the conscience? What daily practices help remind us of the gift of faith and forgiveness?

Gary Hoikka  |  The Voice of Zion February 2026 - The Sabbath Word 4 -- Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. – Genesis 3:1–7 Temptation has plagued humankind since the very first human pair that God created on earth. The account of the serpent, Satan, and the temptation he placed before Eve and Adam in the garden of Eden was passed down from generation to generation among the early believers. Moses then recorded this account in the book of Genesis – meaning “in the beginning” – as God directed, so that all people would understand the subtle and evil nature of Satan. God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the garden of Eden, a paradise where they knew no sin or evil. God gave the first human pair simple instructions: to care for the garden, to be fruitful and multiply, and not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Life was peaceful in the garden. Then Satan came, as Eve was near the forbidden tree, and asked a seemingly innocent question: “Did God say, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” On the First Sunday in Lent, God’s children turn our attention to temptation – not only as it entered the world through Adam and Eve, but also as it was met and overcome by Jesus Christ. There are important lessons to be learned from this example of temptation that God has recorded for us. One lesson is to avoid places and situations of temptation, as the Bible instructs in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: “Neither give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27). We do not want to give Satan an opportunity to tempt our flesh, for we often find ourselves just as Paul described in his letter to the Romans: “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” (Rom. 7:19). Another lesson is that we do not debate questions of right and wrong with Satan, the world, or even our own flesh using the wisdom of our carnal mind. Rather, we follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was victorious over temptation. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He answered Satan with the Word of God. God’s Word clearly instructs us to trust in Him and avoid temptation, as written in Proverbs: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil” (Prov. 3:5–7). We can examine the account in Genesis even further and note that Satan approached Eve, and Eve began to discuss God’s instruction with Satan rather than with Adam. When we face questions of right and wrong, we are encouraged to seek counsel within God’s kingdom – from a fellow believer – so that we may be guided by the Holy Spirit.  When we try to face temptation alone, we often find ourselves unable to resist in our own strength. We are more susceptible to temptation when we are isolated. Scripture reminds us of this in Ecclesiastes: “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Eccl. 4:12). This is a reminder that in the battle against the threefold enemy – the devil, the world, and our flesh – gathering with God’s children is a powerful help against temptation. As the apostle Paul writes, we do not do what we should, but often do what we should not, because our flesh is weak. God, who created us and knows all things, understands our struggle with Satan and with our own flesh. God also knew Satan and removed him from heaven, paradise. Yet even as God spoke judgment upon the serpent, He also spoke a promise to the first human pair: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15). This promise belongs to us still today through belief in the gospel message – that sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. Jesus was tempted just as we are, yet without sin, and He was victorious over temptation. Where Adam fell, Christ stood firm. Jesus used God’s Word to defend against Satan’s temptations, and we too may turn to God and His Word for strength, even in moments when we feel alone. Dear friend, you may find yourself, like the first human pair, unable to resist temptation. Do not despair. Trust securely in the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior. Jesus was victorious over temptation and victorious over death on our behalf. He fulfilled God’s promise spoken in the garden, and that promise belongs to you today. Continue to endeavor to keep a good conscience, trusting not in your own strength, but in the faith God has graciously given you. The Bible, God’s holy Word, promises us in the book of Revelation that those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb will stand in the glorious throng, praising God in heaven. The gospel is victory even when we have been unable to resist temptation, because through the gospel we hear and believe that our sins are forgiven. This brings peace to our conscience and leads us safely toward our heavenly home.

The Voice of Zion February 2026 - Editorial -- Much of life today happens quickly and online. We read in fragments – headlines, captions, short updates – often moving on before a thought has time to settle. Over time, this shapes how we read and how we listen. Deep, sustained reading becomes harder, and with it the quiet attentiveness that faith itself invites. This matters because Scripture is not meant to be skimmed. God’s Word is not simply information about God; it is the means through which God speaks, illuminates His salvation plan, comforts, and teaches. God does not need our reading in order for His Word to be powerful, yet He has chosen to work through it. He calls us to hear and read His Word, and He gives His Holy Spirit to open the Word to our understanding. We do not read Scripture to awaken God’s Word, but because God awakens faith and understanding through His Word by the Spirit. Scripture describes God’s Word as light on a dark path. The apostle Peter compares the prophetic writings to a lamp shining in a dark place, guiding believers safely onward. The psalmist echoes this image: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” God’s Word does not remove all darkness at once, but it gives enough light for the next step. Trusting that light, believers are guided safely toward their destination. Christian faith and reading have walked hand in hand through the centuries. Alongside the Bible, hymnbooks and other writings that explain and confess Scripture have shaped the life of the church. Through written words, faith has been taught, preserved, and defended. Reading leaves a mark. What we take in shapes how we think, what we value, and what we trust. The Reformers warned against neglecting Scripture or treating it as something to be quickly mastered, reminding believers that God’s Word is not mere text, but living words meant for faith and life. When we are able, reading Scripture with our eyes also has value. Seeing the words on the page – the shape of a verse, the flow of a chapter, the way passages relate to one another – invites attentiveness that supports meditation. Visual reading allows us to pause, return, and linger. It helps us notice repetition, structure, and connection. This does not replace the preached and heard Word, which remains central in the life of the congregation, but it can support faith by helping the Word become familiar and well known. Personal reading of Scripture is therefore not an isolated achievement. It is a way of being near the roots of faith. Knowing Scripture helps a believer recognize God’s promises, receive comfort, and find orientation in times of uncertainty. At the same time, reading the Bible requires patience and perseverance. Scripture contains poetry and narrative, promise and warning, repetition and mystery. Learning to read it takes time and stamina. Many believers find this challenging, and that is not a failure. We are all learners, endeavoring with God’s Word as we are each able. This becomes especially clear when we teach others – whether in Bible class, youth Bible class, or Sunday school – or when we study Scripture personally. Teaching and reading alike draw us back into the Word and remind us how dependent we are on God’s Spirit to give understanding. While Scripture should always be approached with humility and within the life of the congregation, God does not withhold His Word from His children. He invites them to hear, read, and ponder it, trusting not in their own understanding but in the Spirit who teaches through the Word. Reading – even Bible reading – does not save. Salvation rests entirely on the perfect atoning work of God’s Son. Forgiveness and faith are given through believing the gospel, proclaimed in the power of the Holy Spirit. Whether heard or read, God’s Word works by the same Spirit, giving faith where and when He wills. Reading serves faith, but Christ alone saves. We should not take this lightly. The future of faith and God’s kingdom among us does not rest on trends, technology, or our own cleverness. It rests on God’s Word and His promise to work through it. Staying close to Scripture – hearing it, reading it, and learning from it – is part of how God keeps His people on the right path, guided by the light of His Word and sustained by His Spirit.   Scripture References (KJV) Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” 2 Peter 1:19 – God’s Word as “a light that shineth in a dark place.”

Arvin Pirness  |  The Voice of Zion January 2026 - News & Notes -- As February begins, we enter the Easter period, a time when our thoughts turn toward Christ and His salvation work for us. The theme for the first Sunday, Unmerited Grace, calls us to reflect on the simplicity of faith. Faith is a precious treasure, and with it comes the quiet joy of believing. This joy does not come from our own efforts, but from God’s gift to us. Martin Luther taught that grace is truly unmerited – freely given, not earned by works or understanding. If grace depended on us, it would no longer be grace. As we approach this season, may this profound treasure, the message of unmerited grace comfort our hearts and lead us to rejoice in the simple joy of believing that our sins are forgiven through the atoning blood of the Lord Jesus. Updates on LLC Activities February holds a few events and activities as discussed in the following. Pastoral The LLC Winter Services in Phoenix, Ariz., are scheduled for February 19–22, 2026. As we finalize the preparations for these services, we wish to share a few details here. Services will be held at the Phoenix Church. The theme for these services is “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name,” from Luke 24:47. We will have a Congregation evening presentation on Friday and a Youth Evening on Saturday. For both presentations, the topic “The Kingdom of God Is in Your Midst” will be presented. We wish to warmly welcome each of you to these services. Juha Alanko will travel from Oulu, Finland, to serve at the LLC Winter Services. Following those services, he and his wife Kaija-Leena will travel to member congregations in Minnesota, Saskatchewan and Toronto. They return to Finland on March 11. SRK employee Juha Luokkala and SRK board member Leo Paaso will visit in North America February 26–March 9. The purpose of this trip is to visit about Christian education and congregation life in our respective Zions. We look forward to this opportunity to visit about mutual work. Publications A new music book, “Hymns Ascending” has been produced and is now available for sale. This is a collection of Songs and Hymns for classical guitar.  Sandra Pylvainen has served as Editor since 2020. She has now moved to a part-time position serving primarily as an editor for fiction manuscripts.  A Minnesota-wide choir will gather for four weekend rehearsals this winter and spring in Elk River, meeting in a day-camp setting as they prepare for a recording session planned for May. The selected songs center on themes of vigilance, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the almighty power of God. The choir will be accompanied by piano and organ, along with brass and wind ensembles. LLC staff is grateful to all the volunteers who contribute in many ways to the continuing work in North American Zion. The number of volunteer hours is innumerable, and we wish to thank all of you for your continued support.  As mentioned under the Pastoral section, LLC Winter Services will soon be here. During these services the broadcast studio will be set up and the services and additional programming will be available to those who are unable to attend in person.  Please remember all of the work in North American Zion in prayer to God, our Heavenly Father.

The Voice of Zion January 2026 - Home and Family Articles -- In every believing heart and home, life in faith is learned not only from sermons and Sunday School lessons, but through the quiet, ordinary rhythms of family life. Parents teach and guide; adolescents test boundaries while learning to step into adulthood; siblings – especially the older ones – shape one another through example. These three articles by writers from the Seattle, Wash., congregation explore how God works within these everyday relationships. From establishing a “church within the home,” to gently guiding teens, to recognizing the influence of older siblings, each writer points to the same experience: faith is nurtured in love, forgiveness, and the shared gospel that softens hearts and binds families together. Together, these writings form a portrait of faith shared across the family system: Parents, through marriage, prayer, Scripture, instruction, and forgiveness Teens, through guided independence and faith conversations Older siblings, through example, patience, and daily choices All contribute to a home where faith is lived, taught, and shared – imperfectly but sustained by the Spirit. Our Calling – and God’s Work As parents, siblings, and caregivers, we teach, guide, pray, and set boundaries because God has called us to this work. Yet Scripture reminds us that faith and growth are God’s gifts, not our achievements. St. Paul writes, “I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6,7). This frees us from believing that everything depends on our strength or skill. We carry out our duties in love, trusting the Holy Spirit to work when and how He wills. Luther comforts parents in the Catechism with the truth that “we cannot by our own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ… but the Holy Spirit has called us by the Gospel.” The same Spirit who calls us also calls our children. So we keep doing what we are called to do – imperfectly, yet in faith – trusting that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and also not dependent solely on us. This is a deep comfort to those of us who know our own weaknesses, limits, and failings so well. Our role: faithfully nurture. God’s role: create and sustain faith. This brings deep peace: we walk in our calling, and God Himself tends the heart. The Church within Our Home Sara Westerinen “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). This verse of the Bible came to mind when I heard the phrase “the church within our house.” Being blessed with my husband Bruce began our shared home congregation three years ago. It is something special indeed to be able to talk and share everything – the good and the hard. The joys and sorrows are both multiplied, but we carry the loads together, and the burdens that are hard to bear are eased. The gospel makes marriage so beautiful. God is always with us in our own little congregation, and His Spirit also teaches through us now as parents. Since becoming a mother, I have realized how easy it is to get caught up in the minutiae of motherhood and forget what is most important – where to draw strength, and also to remember thankfulness when things are good. I often find myself whispering prayers to God when my day is tough and I struggle with worries about health and prosperity. I think that contentment and thankfulness are a huge part of the church within our home. Song of Zion 374, verse 3 says, “Contentment, Lord, I find in Thee; my heart in blessed peace can be. In all the woe and pain I bear, Thou art my helper – Thou art there.” I would liken contentment to peacefulness, and as such, it brings great joy and a happy home. The gift of living faith is exactly that – a gift. We can teach our children to learn about and praise our Heavenly Father through His Word in the Bible as well as the hymns that we sing. We pray that our children would always remain in faith and be tenderhearted. Singing is truly the simplest form of worship, and it gives so much peace. We have been blessed with a wide variety of beautiful songs in our hymnal. God has also given us His guidance, instruction, comfort, and loving rebuke throughout the Bible. In Deuteronomy 6:7 it says, “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” We have a duty to our children to teach and guide them in God’s kingdom. God is a God of love, grace, mercy, truth, and forgiveness. Jesus suffered and died on the cross and arose victorious for us and our sins so that we never need to die in unbelief. His love for all humankind is unending, and God sent Him to save us. We plant seeds of living faith in our sweet babies by teaching them about our Creator, our Savior, and the preaching of the forgiveness of sins. We plant, and God gives the increase. We teach our children that we have freedom from our sins. We all fall into temptation, yet we can have freedom from our failings and be given the strength to continue on our way to Heaven. When troubles come, we are instructed to teach our loved ones about right and wrong. God’s grace allows hearts to change. May God instill a desire to follow His Word and hunger for the Gospel. Watching Mom and Dad exchange the message gives peace to the family and teaches our children through example. Ending the day with the gospel creates the softest pillow for us all to sleep on. May we always depend on God the way our babies depend on us.  Adolescents Need Parental Guidance Joy Huotari  What does “adolescent” mean? The Oxford Languages Dictionary states that an adolescent is “a young person in the process of developing from a child to an adult.” According to the National Institutes of Health, this spans from puberty to the mid-twenties. It is important for adolescents to be allowed a level of independence and given the opportunity to both succeed and fail in their efforts. However, this can be confusing and difficult to navigate alone. As parents, it is our Christian duty to give guidance through these years. The Sacrament of Baptism exhorts parents: “Rear your children in love and truth in God’s Kingdom; carry them in your prayers that they would be protected as children of God their entire lifetime. Remember also that the source of power for your own faith-life, as well as for the care and rearing of your children, is in that gospel.” The gospel comforts both parent and child. The Bible instructs, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4, NIV). This is a reminder to guide gently and lovingly. As believing parents, the best we can do is raise our children in faith – bringing them to church, Sunday School, and keeping our home Zion a haven of love, forgiveness, and clear instruction. We can prayerfully continue the work of planting the seeds of faith firmly within our children’s hearts while remembering that God gives the increase, even as they continue the road to adulthood. “O Shepherd, guide our children with gentle hands of love; and keep our loved ones near You, protect them from above” (Song of Zion 428, verse 4). As a mother of grown children as well as adolescents, I can say I have at times been faulty – harsh, watchful, controlling, and conversely, wearily lenient. I have been a weak parent who has needed to hear the gospel repeatedly. The forgiveness of sins is something we never outgrow, no matter what age! This forgiveness daily restores us and allows us to keep parenting in hope. The ABCs of faith do not end when our children are little. Adolescence opens a whole new chapter of life with complex questions and a testing of boundaries once easily accepted by our little ones. “When can I get my own cell phone? Why do I need to be home by 10 o’clock? What’s wrong with this skirt? It is not too short! Why do I need to go to haps when none of my friends are going?” And so on. It is humbling to recognize that as our children grow and their independence reaches new levels, we cannot prevent them from making bad choices and mistakes. But we can control how we respond to these moments. Do we create an environment that welcomes open conversation in our home? Do our children feel the consequences for “coming clean” are too severe? Are we approachable as parents who also sin and humbly need to have sins washed away? Are we quick to assume the worst of our teens? Or do we swing to the opposite extreme and feel, “OUR kids surely would never do something like that?” Perhaps you, along with me, have experienced times of much worry for your teens – wanting so badly to guide and instruct in the right ways, even suffering sleepless nights and tearful days. When our fears become bigger than our faith, it is a comfort to be reminded that “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Cor. 3:7). This promise frees us from believing everything solely depends on us.   A Visit with My Adult Son Having experienced and matured beyond the adolescent years, how did you feel about being parented as a teen? I definitely thought some of the rules and guidance were too much at times. I didn’t always understand why things had to be a certain way or why there was so much focus on doing the “right” thing. At the time, it felt like it limited my freedom. Did you feel the instruction and guidance at the time was too much, unappreciated, or overbearing? Honestly, all the above. It’s difficult as a teen to look forward when immediately surrounded by so much change and worldly influence. I saw it as overbearing at the time, but looking back, I realize it came from love and a desire to protect me and keep me grounded in faith. Now in retrospect, how have those feelings changed? They’ve changed completely. As I’ve grown older, I see that the structure and morals you instilled gave me direction when life got confusing. It’s that foundation that’s helped me make good choices and stay steady through challenges. Being a father yourself now, what do you feel is important guidance for your own children as they grow into adolescence? Now that I’m a dad, I see how important it is to give my kids the same kind of grounding – teaching them faith, morals, and respect for others. I want to guide them with love but also give them room to learn and grow. The goal isn’t to control them, but to help them build a strong enough foundation that they can go out and experience the world with confidence, carrying those values with them and knowing the difference between right and wrong.   The Role of an Older Sibling Claire Niemela, age 14 “Stop!” the high-pitched voice of my younger sister tears through the house, reaching my ears as she continues, “Claire doesn’t like it when you do that!” I sigh, closing my eyes. It sounds like someone didn’t get the exact shade of crayon they wanted. While it can be annoying, moments like this remind me what an impact I have on my siblings as the oldest. It’s both a compliment and a reminder that my actions and words mean a lot. Being the oldest of a family of nine (or any number!) can be hard. The responsibility placed upon a person in that position is generally large and can be demanding. And while it may not seem like my mom or dad sees all I am doing, it helps them out in ways I can’t always imagine. I may not be thanked for every little job I do, but there are times when my parents take the time to tell me how helpful it is to have me there. Many times in my life, when I’ve been told to do a job or watch the kids, I’ve grumbled and unenthusiastically gone off to do it while the younger ones watch. While I don’t realize it at the time, my actions shape what my younger siblings do in a similar situation. Watching a younger kid grumble about having to do a job – and feeling annoyed that they won’t just simply listen – is normal now, but a lot of times I have to stop and think about what I was doing at their age. And no, it isn’t okay to not listen to Mom or Dad, kids, but I do need to be more thoughtful about the ways to get the kids to listen and do their job in less than forty-eight hours. Just the other day, while I was speaking to my younger sister about getting her job done, she told me, “You were like this at my age.” And while I would like to deny this, I can’t…because she’s right. Most people at that age don’t like to listen, especially if they see an older sibling doing the same. Even now, while I try to do my jobs without complaint, sometimes I feel myself beginning to grumble when I’m called down to do dishes right in the middle of a book. Alongside this, when my parents see me or another child doing a job or task without complaint, this is noted, and eventually it can lead to them giving me more freedom. I know that when my mom is faced with a disobedient child, her first instinct is to discipline them and give them more jobs to complete. However, when she sees a kid repeatedly do jobs well and without complaint, she is more inclined to reward them with something like a small treat or thanks. And when I, as the oldest child, am rude or do not listen, my parents see me differently and are therefore stricter on me, which reduces my freedoms. Another impact I think about more often now as I get older is the respect my younger siblings have for me. Often, I find myself angry and yelling at whoever is doing something that annoys me, and the impacts of that anger are soon shown when whoever was the target of my yelling is less likely to listen because their respect for me has dwindled in the face of my anger. But when I keep my anger in and speak in a gentler way, explaining what needs to be done and how to do it, that kid is more likely to respond positively because they aren’t as defensive. And even further on in life, that child may be more likely to come to me when needing help because they can trust that I won’t just blow up at them. So, while it may not seem like that big of a deal to me when I do something that isn’t exactly nice or necessary, it really is. My actions make a significant impact on how my parents and siblings see me as a person, and those actions can influence how others act in similar situations. Being the oldest can be hard, but seeing the impact I can have on my siblings and parents is a reward that many don’t have the opportunity to see.  Discussion questions What does “the church within our home” mean to you, and how have you seen faith lived out in ordinary daily moments? How do parents, older siblings, and even young children influence the spiritual and emotional tone of a home through their example – both in strengths and in struggles? The Baptismal Covenant calls parents to rear their children in love and truth. How does this calling take shape in different seasons of childhood and adolescence, and what support does the gospel give for this work? Adolescence brings new freedoms and questions. What kinds of guidance seem most helpful during this stage, and how can parents offer it in a way that builds trust rather than tension? Many homes try to balance structure with independence. What approaches have helped maintain that balance in your family or experience, and what tends to disrupt it? The writers spoke about “planting seeds of faith.” When have you noticed moments – whether quickly or years later – when those seeds seemed to grow, and what does this suggest about God’s timing and the Spirit’s work? Forgiveness exchanged within the home – between parents, siblings, or across generations – can be powerful. How does witnessing this shape a child’s or teen’s understanding of God’s grace? Scripture reminds us that “God gives the increase.” How does this promise bring comfort when we feel our limits as parents, siblings, or caregivers trying to nurture faith?

Walt Lampi  |  The Voice of Zion January 2026 - The Sabbath Word 4 Article --  Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – Isaiah 30:18–21, NIV Isaiah was a prophet during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. His ministry began around 740 BC, the year Uzziah died, and lasted through the reigns of the others. Isaiah’s relationship with King Hezekiah was especially important, as he served as his top advisor. The text was written during a siege of Jerusalem, and its message of hope contrasts with the earlier part of the chapter, which declares woe unto those who have fallen away. Chapter 30 is part of the Woe Oracles (Chapters 28–33), declarations of divine judgment and lamentation that often begin with the word “woe” and warn individuals or nations for their wrongdoing and defiance of God’s commandments. It was a time of fear for the people of Jerusalem and Judah, marked by political unrest. The Assyrians, known as the first major world power, terrorized the ancient Near East through a brutal campaign of conquest. The Assyrian king Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah in 701 BC occurred because Hezekiah joined an anti-Assyrian coalition with Egypt. A Cry to God for Help During great distress, the future becomes uncertain, especially when war threatens from a powerful neighbor. Israel’s history is filled with warfare, and such uncertainty exposes human fragility and our lack of trust in God. Undoubtedly, all the inhabitants of Jerusalem lived in fear during the siege. Among them were believers who also doubted that God is always in control. Their weak faith needed Isaiah’s encouraging words. Throughout history, believers have faced similar desperate situations – war, famine, and pandemics. Feelings of fear, hopelessness, and helplessness have overwhelmed both hearts and minds. When no immediate solution is available, individuals and even entire nations cry out to God for help. A gracious God hears the prayers and cries of His people and responds in His time. He desires His children to bring Him all their cares and promises to hear them as a loving father hears his children. The passage calls blessed those who patiently wait in faith for God’s help. Even in national or global crises, God has often used distress to draw people to His kingdom, leading them to repentance and forgiveness. He has kindled living faith and hope for eternal life in their hearts. Bread of Adversity and the Water of Affliction Isaiah uses the metaphor “bread of adversity and water of affliction” to describe the severe situation in Jerusalem. The bread of adversity is sometimes compared to the rations given to a prisoner. Isaiah recognized that God permitted the siege and the suffering that all inhabitants – believers and unbelievers – experienced. Its purpose was to soften unbelieving hearts and to test the faith of His children. Death and destruction brought by warfare near one’s own home stretch the limits of faith. Doubts may arise about whether God exists or why He allows such calamities to fall on His own children. Our country has not experienced warfare on its soil since the Civil War, but threats of war still trouble Europe, the Middle East, and other regions where believers live. Times of warfare are allowed by God but are caused by Satan (Rev. 20:7,8). Jesus taught that wars and rumors of wars signal the last days, yet we are not to be alarmed (Matt. 24:6,7). This Is the Way, Walk in It Times of distress create doubt and uncertainty about what to do or where to turn. Isaiah reassured the people that in their moment of greatest need, teachers would suddenly appear and guide them, showing them the path. The Good Shepherd’s voice is sometimes a guiding voice leading from the front, and sometimes a tending voice from behind, ensuring that none stray to the left or right of the path. God reveals the way to heaven from His kingdom – through His Spirit and through His servants – who teach, “This is the way; walk in it.”

The Voice of Zion January 2026 - The Book of Books -- The Bible is unlike any other book. While libraries contain countless volumes written by human minds, the Bible is God’s own Word to His people. It is a collection of many writings from different times and places, yet it speaks with one voice. The apostle Paul reminded Timothy that all Scripture is God-breathed. This means it is not only human words but the living Word of God, inspired by His Spirit. It teaches, rebukes, corrects and trains us so that we may live as God’s children. From the very beginning, God intended that His Word would be our guide and comfort. For generations it has shaped the lives of believers, from children learning simple verses to elders drawing strength from familiar passages. The Bible does not merely tell us about God; the Bible is more than information. It is God’s Word that points us to Christ, strengthens faith, and guides us in life. It strengthens and affirms faith in our hearts and shows us His plan of salvation in Christ Jesus. In 2026, we will present various aspects of this book. This is where our journey begins: with the Word itself. The Bible is the foundation for all that follows in the Book of Books. As we move from promises to creation, law, prophecy, psalms, and wisdom, and finally to Christ and the hope of eternity, we will see how the entire story is bound together by this enduring Word.   What is the Bible? The Bible is one book made up of many.  It contains 66 writings: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.  Written over about 1,500 years by more than 40 human authors, it is inspired by God’s Spirit and tells one unified story: salvation through Christ.

Jim Jurmu  |  The Voice of Zion January 2026 - Editorial -- In a world where success is often measured by likes, titles, money and recognition, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Yet God’s Word calls us to a higher standard: faithfulness to Him. In Colossians 3, we are called to let every task we undertake become an act of love toward God. Apostle Paul reminds us that our purpose is not found in who notices our work, but in for whom we do it. Every task – every responsibility, every small act of obedience – becomes sacred when done for the Lord. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” The believer’s life is not divided between “sacred” and “secular.” Every action, every job, every moment can glorify God when done with sincerity and dedication. The labor of our hands is right when it springs from a heart devoted to Him. Even ordinary tasks – washing dishes, caring for children, helping a neighbor, or showing up faithfully at work or school – are significant when offered as service to the Lord. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” The world craves attention and praise, but God delights in quiet faithfulness. Jesus warned, “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them.” God values faithfulness more than fame. He sees the unseen efforts, the quiet sacrifices, and the steadfast hearts that labor in love. Paul encourages us, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Every good thing we have and every ability we use is a gift of God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” God distributes His gifts throughout His congregation, and with those gifts we serve one another. When we serve “as unto the Lord,” we use the gifts He has given us and shift our focus from pleasing ourselves or others to serving Christ Himself. Paul writes, “With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” This truth frees us from resentment and comparison. We serve with joy because we serve Christ. Whether the world applauds or overlooks us, we can serve with gladness, knowing our labor is for the Lord, whose reward is eternal. Our efforts may go unnoticed by others, but they are never unnoticed by God. Every act of obedience, every honest day’s work, every service done in love is seen by Him. “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Whatever your task – whether at home, in the classroom, among your neighbors, on the job, or in the church – do it heartily, as unto the Lord. “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” When we look honestly at our service, we also see how poor and incomplete it is. Yet even this drives us back to the Lord we serve. In the gospel we hear again that Christ has served us perfectly and forgives all our shortcomings. Resting in His grace, we can continue our work “as unto the Lord,” trusting that He blesses and increases what we offer in faith. Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as unto God.   Scripture References Colossians 3:23 – ”And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord” 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Do all to the glory of God. Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do…” Matthew 6:1 – Do not do good works to be seen of men. Galatians 6:9 – “Be not weary in well doing…” James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift comes from above. Ephesians 6:7 – Serve with good will, as unto the Lord. Colossians 3:24 – The Lord will reward those who serve Christ. Luke 17:10 – “We are unprofitable servants…we have done our duty.”