The Voice of Zion August 2024 - LLC Summer Services
At the 3:00 p.m. service on July 4, Jukka Kolmonen of Oulu, Finland, spoke from Hebrews 12:1–3. Hannu Janhunen of Lethbridge, Alta., interpreted. Shari Byman wrote the following synopsis.
I especially want to bring greetings from suviseurat in Finland, services which drew altogether over 80,000 people. An incident at the services happened during a storm that came before the communion service. There was an accident that affected everyone. There at the services, the journey of a believing mother ended and later that day, after the communion service, the communion guests sang her favorite song. It was touching when the large group of believers quieted before the hymn, then rose together to sing the hymn. What is a better place of departure than from summer services to join the heavenly communion?
The world has become so restless, and the Word of God has been rejected in many places. This can cause a person to become fearful. But our heavenly Father knows all, and we can be secure. “Let us lay aside every weight which so easily besets us.” Our salvation does not depend on how accomplished we are in this life. Let us not throw away our faith. We have such a good God. During baptism, a little child is dressed in a white gown. The white dress represents Jesus, who reconciled the sins of all people. There is no defilement. A reconciled person is ready for the wedding in heaven.
Sometimes an anchor is used as a symbol of our faith. Believers have that living hope, the anchor of hope. With the arm of faith, we can grab unto the anchor. There is a rope to the anchor, attached to the shore of glory. For this reason, we gather together at services. Jesus was victorious over death and received life. It is worthwhile to endeavor. What will the end of the world be like? The Son of man will come and judge the quick and the dead, like the shepherd divides the sheep. On one side, he says, “Come ye blessed of my Father.” On the other hand, “Go away, ye cursed, to eternal damnation.” People are divided into two groups, no others. We ourselves have no authority to judge, but the judgment comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.
When Jesus sent His disciplines into the world, He said if they receive you, stay. If not, depart, wipe the dust from your feet and say, “Truly, the kingdom of God has approached you.” The kingdom of God has come nigh unto you. Believe in the gospel.