Search Results

John Stewart | 2004 LLC Outlook Summer Services - Youth Discussion - July 3 -- The introduction for this year’s Summer Services youth discussion is entitled, Righteousness of Faith and the Righteousness of Life. The LLC board asks for God’s guidance in selecting presentation topics, and I’m sure that this theme was chosen because of the primary importance that righteousness of faith has to salvation, and that we would have an opportunity to revisit this important doctrinal principle in our time, and with our younger generation. The terms righteousness of faith and righteousness of life may be familiar, perhaps especially to some of the older ones here. On this slide, the two aspects of righteousness are in specific order for a reason. Why would one be listed first? Hint: ROF is not listed first simply to put them in alphabetical order. It is because, according to the Bible, salvation is possible only when correct faith first exists in the heart. And when faith is correct (in other words, faith that is founded on God’s word, by grace), then righteousness of life follows as a result of that faith. Let us look at some brief definitions: Righteousness of Faith A living faith that is… “…not an idle thought, but frees us from death, brings forth a new life in our hearts, and is a work of the Holy Spirit. “…brings forth good fruits”(1) The Bible establishes that correct faith in God comes only as a grace gift. Paul wrote this way: “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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:8-10). Correct faith clings to the righteousness of Christ as it’s only salvation. Wrong or false faith clings to something else; deeds, a combination of deeds and Christ, a false prophet or a false Christ, etc. Righteousness of Life Righteousness of life can be defined basically as: Doing deeds or actions in life that are good and correct according to God’s word, and according to wholesome and traditional values. Examples: Trying to keep a good conscience before God and men, avoiding foul language, avoiding worldly music, alcohol, drugs, cheating people, etc. Unbelievers can do these outward deeds also – in other words, they can live a good outward life, but it is not the righteousness of life that justifies, but only correct faith and therefore, condition of heart. True righteousness of life as God would see it, comes only as a fruit of correct faith. In his book The Treasure Hidden in a Field, Juhani Uljas explained: “Good deeds are not a prerequisite of justification, but are a result of it. A person must be righteous in order to do good deeds.” Uljas p.34. “That they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance” (Acts 26:20). There is a second concept related to righteousness of life, but more accurately termed “righteousness of works”, that is important to consider. Righteousness of works is the opposite of the righteousness of faith, and stems from a heart of self-righteousness and unbelief. It can be described as: Performing or attempting to perform actions, or outward deeds, but even including thoughts, that are considered good based on traditional, wholesome values – and believing that performing the right outward deeds or actions can be basis for salvation. The heart possessed by this type of understanding feels that man must first do something to merit grace. God, however, does not justify by man’s own works. The prophet Ezekiel wrote: "The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression" and ..."if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it" (Ezek 33:12,13). These concepts and definitions of righteousness of faith and life and righteousness of works lead to a question or a discussion of human nature. Behold, It Was Very Good The Bible relates that when God performed His creation work, He “saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Gen 1:31). This description included man, whom God had created on the sixth day. But then something happened: Man fell into sin. He became corrupt, and began to fear, and to design his own righteousness – his own basis for justification. In reality, man needed a redeemer. And God promised that redeemer. Often sin-fallen man, as part of his human nature, still strives on his own to please God, and to thereby become justified. Cain, presented a sacrifice that would have seemed, in human terms, to be good and acceptable. God nonetheless rejected Cain’s sacrifice because his heart was not right. He did not have correct faith first. Abel’s sacrifice, a little lamb, was made through correct faith and correct condition of heart – it was therefore acceptable to God. In our world, there are many people who endeavor in an outward sense to do good (a specific current example is Mother Theresa), and that of itself is not a bad thing; in fact, it is a good thing for society. But it is not a basis for salvation. It is not a basis for justification. Isaiah wrote:“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Is. 64:6). Cain and Abel were mentioned earlier. The writer of Hebrews clarified: “By faith Abel offered unto God a sacrifice more excellent than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous” (Heb. 11:4). Prior to his conversion, Apostle Paul had this false perception of righteousness. He wrote about his life in this way: “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung” (Phil 3:4-8). But like Paul when he was in unbelief, there still are many people in our time who know the Bible, study the Bible, and try to follow the Bible. We could say millions of people. In fact, looking at the multitude of cultures and people that exist in creation, scholars have noted a peculiar thing about humans – they possess an innate desire to worship. Humans’ Innate Desire to Worship The author of a recent book documenting world faiths describes the irresistible urge of humans to worship and how this irresistible urge “has created, and still creates, endless forms of religious behavior”. He continues, “Indeed so powerful is this force within human beings that it has produced a mosaic of beliefs, attitudes, and practices”.(2) Clearly, in our time, rapid changes in society have not curbed man’s innate desire to worship, and new forms of religion continue to arise – New Age religions, outward forms of so-called “Christianity” that are completely outside of scripture, even neo-paganism. Africa represents a graphic example of this phenomenon, where “’new religious movements’ [are] the product of synthesis drawn from Christianity, Islam, and African religions.”(3) The same author writes: “The most dynamic modern phenomenon has been the emergence of a wide range of new religious movements that draw on local African traditions and one or both of the introduced faiths. These new movements represent the creative attempts of African peoples to adapt religion to African conditions and needs by synthesizing in varying degrees all available religious and cultural resources.”(4) Are there many of these new religions, that man has created? In the example of Africa alone, there probably are “about ten thousand [new religions] spread over eastern, southern, western, and central Africa.”(5) The point is simply this: Even though man with his own mind desires to worship God and become justified through a newly created religion or even by following a set of rituals prescribed by God (e.g., Old Testament self-righteous Jews) man’s endeavors are not acceptable when his condition of heart is not correct… when he has not found God’s kingdom. What does God say of false worship? He says in Isaiah: “Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear” (Isa. 1:13,15). This staggering number of “new religions” etches a vivid image of man’s desire to worship and to create a “righteousness”. But even in the midst of this religious turmoil and change we have marveled how God has accomplished His salvation work. He’s been able to awaken and call and find His own few – those who have felt the burden of sin pressing them to the earth. The prophet Isaiah said: "Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth" (Isa. 43:5-6). 2 Nigosian, S. A. World Faiths. New York: St. Martin’ Press, 1994. p. 483. 3 Nigosian, S. A. World Faiths. New York: St. Martin’ Press, 1994. p. 27. 4 Nigosian, S. A. World Faiths. New York: St. Martin’ Press, 1994. p. 34. 5 Nigosian, S. A. World Faiths. New York: St. Martin’ Press, 1994. p. 51. Within this multitude of created religions, man most often concludes that his or her own works and actions serve as justification before God – i.e., doing good to others, trying to avoid wrongdoing, etc. Paul acknowledged that the Jews had "a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge" (Ro. 10:2). Jesus also reminded about this kind of outward righteousness when He said: “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). Jesus and Paul were referring to a different kind of righteousness – the righteousness of faith. When righteousness of life and of works is seen as basis for salvation, there exists a great contradiction with God’s word. In a work-righteousness, the most able-bodied, the ones with the best outward deeds are first. They are better than the others. There is no room for the poor. There’s no room for grace-beggars. Such is contrary to God’s Word. The Bible says the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. No man can approach God on his own – not with good works or in any other way. Jesus said: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44). Prayer and Fasting (or Work Righteousness) Luther points out that human reason will never believe, but always seeks to earn or merit salvation. He wrote in his House Postil (p. 336) that reason cannot comprehend that we are saved by grace, and not by works. Reason argues thus: "If God is to be appeased, something more is needed than this; good works and penances must do it." I recently had the opportunity to teach at an English Language camp in Russia with four other believing friends. My brother Tomm had already, a few years earlier, visited this certain university, in a town about an 8½-hour train ride from Moscow. On his previous trip Tomm became familiar with some of the Russian culture and he knew that it was important to let our Russian hosts know ahead of time that we didn’t use alcohol or vodka or anything like that. During part of our time in that university town, we had a chance to visit some historic sites, some old churches, and so on. Our host was a young English professor at the university and I recall vividly one morning as we walked down the stone steps of an ancient Russian Orthodox Church, he turned to me and asked, “Are you the same religion as Tomm?” I was perhaps a little surprised, but I answered, “Yes, all five of us guys believe the same way.” He asked, “In what way… how do you believe? What’s different?” I proceeded to explain that our belief concerning the nature of God’s kingdom on earth is different – that there is one small holy flock on earth, as the Bible teaches, of course as Christ taught, and as Luther echoed later.” Then I said, “We also believe that we are justified only by faith”. He said, “Yes… faith and prayer and fasting.” I said, “Well, we believe that justification is only by faith and nothing else”. It was clear that his basis for salvation included prayer and fasting, i.e., works. Our discussion was quite friendly. This young man later had some related questions for Tomm. Here’s the point: It is natural, it is common for man to think that he can please God through good works, through prayer and fasting, for doing good to people and thereby become heaven-acceptable. This makes sense to the human mind. The Psalm writer makes clear however, that no sinful flesh and blood is saved by works or deeds: “Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Ps 53:3). With their own strength, power or wisdom, humans are not capable of good, meritorious work. Jesus clarified that even the work of drawing one to the grace kingdom is completely God’s when He said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, that ye go and bring forth fruit” (John 15:16). Luther summarized man’s condition when he paraphrased the first few verses of Leviticus 6 into a simple, clear statement about human nature: “Humans make it a habit of sinning”6. 6 Luther, Martin. Luther’s Works Vol. 27, p. 109. The doctrine of righteousness by faith (where it is comprehended that one is saved only by faith) is founded on scripture – God’s Holy word, which is our highest authority. An inseparable aspect this doctrine, is that those who are believing correctly, finding themselves poor and weak, nonetheless battle against sin, endeavoring to keep faith and a good conscience. John wrote: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9). John does not mean that we as believers never sin, but rather the child of God doesn’t want to live in sin or carry sin on the conscience. That’s why the grace privilege of confession is so precious to God’s child. We’ve been able to speak of our matters… we’ve been able to hear the gospel, and believe the gospel. And that burden that so easily beset us and slowed the journey has been removed. With a good conscience the footsteps on the way to heaven have been light and happy. In living faith, doctrine (what we believe, according to God’s word) cannot be separated from how we live. Therefore we live according to the teaching of the master, our Lord Jesus. He said: “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance" (Matt 3:8). It wasn’t the fruits that came first; it was the repentance, then the fruits follow as a result of faith. Sadly, Apostle Paul noted in his time that there were some who associated with God’s kingdom, but were not believing – for example in his letters to the Corinthians, the Galatians, and others. Unfortunately we’ve seen the same sorrowful situation in our time – that some people, even individuals from believing families, socialize with God’s people but they do not have the fruits of living faith. Maybe it’s with such temptations and sins as worldly music or movies or unacceptable videos… alcohol, drugs. It can be easy for corrupt flesh and blood to begin rationalizing with human intellect and reason. The mind says, “It’s no big deal” or “Other people do it.” Jesus warned, “Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt 7:21). Jesus also taught, “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt 7:20). The Formula of Concord says, “that those who intend to remain in their sins and continue committing them do not have true saving faith.”7 If there are those, even among you listeners here this evening who find that their life has not been such that righteousness of faith is first, but it has been pushed into the background and a lifestyle has followed that’s either self-righteous, or more likely, permissive of sin. Our service motto again echoes the beckoning call of a Father who is love. A father that wants all to come unto repentance, saying: "To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Heb 3:15). Jesus, who took upon Himself your entire sin-burden, and my entire sin-burden called: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt 11:29-30). I think also among us this evening, is a great number of young who are preciously believing, but find themselves to be poor and weak travelers: so often tempted, so often stumbling. Listen dear young! It is to the poor that the gospel is preached. (Close remembering the gospel – it is our source of strength). Paul reminded, "…I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom 1:16). 7 Uljas, Juhani. Treasure Hidden in the Field. p. 30.

George Koivukangas | 2004 LLC Outlook Summer Services - Ministers and Board Members Meeting - July 2 -- Our Heavenly Father has at all times and in all phases of history made known what His word and will is. In the Old Testament times, God spoke to His chosen vessels, the prophets, who then related to the people what He had spoken. In his second letter, Peter writes: “For the prophecy came not in the old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Pet. 1:21) The writer to the Hebrews compares God’s Word to a two-edged sword (Heb. 4:15). We understand that one edge portrays the law and the other the gospel. As he later relates, the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai was accompanied by fire, darkness, and storm, the sound of trumpets and a frightening voice. It inspired terrible fear in those that heard it. Surely it frightens all those that still sit in the condemning shadow of the law. God’s children, however, are not camped at the foot of Mt. Sinai but, as the author of Hebrews says, have come to “mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God…And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel” (Heb. 12:22-24). Here in Zion, God teaches with His grace gospel. One very telling incident, which often comes to mind, is when the Prophet Elijah was on Mount Horeb. God showed His power to him in the mighty happenings in nature. To Elijah the battle against ungodliness had seemed hopeless. He had become depressed and weary. He felt he was alone in the battle and was tired in his duty. He had fallen to the right hand side of the way and journey. He had grown in himself. The Apostle James tells us that, “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are” (James 5:17). The Bible tells us what happened on that mountain: “The Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord." It had to have been a mighty force of nature, as these winds broke into pieces the solid stone of the mountain. “But the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: After the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still, small voice.” (I Kings 19:11-12) Elijah, who had done some miraculous deeds during his lifetime, was shown that the faith of a child of God is not strengthened through experiences that are shocking and cause emotions to surge. Rather he received it, just as you and I do today, from the sweet preaching of the gospel, from the quiet murmur of the wind, the still, small voice of God. The loving voice of God encouraged Elijah, “Go return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus...” I Kings 19:15. When he returned, the Bible testifies, Elisha then ministered unto him. Some two thousand years ago, at the beginning of the New Testament era, God, who had formerly spoken through His prophets, now spoke to mankind through His Son, our Lord Jesus. The writer to the Hebrews began his letter thus: “God who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.” (Heb. 1:1-2) In the words of Jesus we also hear the same loving exhortation, the still, small voice of God. The gracious words of Jesus encouraged and comforted the former saints. The sweet, loving voice of God encouraged and exhorted believer and unbeliever alike. Many heard the call to repentance and the grace of repentance was granted to all who heard and believed. How then was and is living faith preserved in those who have received it? Jesus promised that He and the Heavenly Father would not leave us orphans in this world: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever…. the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:16, 25.) The Father has sent us the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, to continue to uplift and comfort, instruct and proclaim His forgiveness to us. Jesus calls the Holy Ghost the spirit of truth and says, “Howbeit when He, the spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth...” (John 16:13). It is because the Holy Spirit operates in the congregation of God that the Apostle Paul is emboldened to call the congregation of God “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). Jesus reminds us, dear brothers and sisters, to hear what God says to us through His Spirit: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:7). The Battle Against Reason We as people, tend to rationalize various issues. So did the disciples on the way to Emmaus. As they walked they debated the events of Jesus’ suffering and death. Jesus approached them as they walked and asked them what it was they were talking about. “Their eyes were holden that they should not know him” and it becomes clear why. Although Jesus had long prepared them for His suffering, death, and resurrection, their reply to His question shows that reason had overwhelmed faith and doubts destroyed their hope: “But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel” (Luke 24:13-21). Certainly we, dear brothers and sisters, ourselves so often slow to believe, understand their doubts. Jesus gently rebuked them and then with God’s undying word comforted and instructed His doubting and rationalizing disciples: “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:25-27). God also instructs us wavering ones. Solomon, in the Book of Proverbs, tells us how we are taught, how we are given understanding, knowledge and wisdom: “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom and apply thine heart to understanding. Yea if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Prov. 2:1–6). The voice of the Holy Spirit is unerring; it is the voice of our Heavenly Father. Jesus has said, “Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37). It is important for us to humbly hear what the Spirit says. There is a reason why Jesus took a child into His lap and said, “Verily I say unto you, except he be converted, and became as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3-4). The son of Sirach also preciously reminds us to humbly seek godly wisdom: “If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise” (Eccles. 6:23). And the Apostle Peter reminds us to be, “As newborn babies, desiring the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Pet. 2:2-3). Jesus warned His disciples, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The Spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). We have also experienced how the Spirit is ready but our flesh is weak. There is a daily battle between the Spirit of God within us and our sin-corrupt flesh. We also must deal with the influences of the world, which is in continuous turmoil around us. Satan is so close to us. He knows he does not have much time and is “seeking whom he may devour.” It is for that reason again that the Word of God encourages us, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walked about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan desires to devour the believer. That is his work. He tries to sow confusion in our midst around various matters. How easily we begin to needlessly rationalize and reason around these issues. If we look back several generations, we see the work that Satan has done. In seeing it, we comprehend the importance of hearing God's Word, believing it, and doing it. Our Heavenly Father encourages and warns us, “Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come they they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things” (2 Timothy 4:2-5). This is what has happened when heresies have left. Watchfulness has ceased. Sound doctrine has not been endured. Hearing the pure, true Word has become difficult to the itching ears of many. Satan confused many in the kingdom of God and confusion overcame them because the place of a child had been lost. The heart of a child had ceased to exist. Many times we may become confused over some issue. No man has all understanding and all knowledge, but when we remain in the place of a child, ‘desiring the sincere milk of the word,’ God will preserve us in His congregation. He grants us understanding according to His will, through His word, in His time. Confession is a precious grace privilege, of which Luther said, “I would not give it up for all the treasures in the world.” Yet Satan does his best to confuse us on this issue and in this way deprive us of it. How quickly he would have us mired down in the deceiving bogs of imagined righteousness. There on the right hand side of the way and journey this grace gift is turned into a work and demand, where one is dried and demanding. Satan doesn't give up quickly. If he can't cause our thoughts to go to the right, then he begins to pull to the left side of the way. There we begin to rationalize in permissiveness and leniency. The flesh quickly deems no need for confession and gladly throws it out altogether. Satan uses many other issues to continually trouble us as well, for example, birth control and marriage issues, movies, music, and other entertainment, and so on. He is continually hurling his fiery darts at us, tempting us with the pressure of popular opinions and the enticing teachings of this world. God’s Word assures us: “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him” (Prov. 30:5). Satan sows confusion, yet God’s word is so clear and precious. We also need to remember: “the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wisdom and understanding of God is in our midst, even in the most difficult situations. How comforting it is for us, God has promised He will never forsake us. He has promised, I will lift and I will carry. No matter what Satan places before us, we are safe and secure here in God's kingdom when we remain in that place of a child. Dear brothers and sisters, hear the reassuring words recorded in Ecclesiasticus: “Ye that fear the Lord, believe Him; and your reward shall not fail…Look at the generations of old, and see: Did ever any trust in the Lord, and was confounded? Or did any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? Or who did he ever despise, that called upon him? For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of affliction" (Eccles. 2:8, 10, 11). “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:7). So we desire to hear, and to endure, and to believe.

Russell Roiko | 2005 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Congregation and Youth Discussion - February 25 -- The Congregation, Its Foundation Matthew records for us a discussion between Jesus and his disciples: He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matt. 16:15-19 Jesus Christ promises that he is building his congregation or church on this testimony of Peter, that Christ is the Son of the living God. The congregation is not built on a weak or poor foundation. But the chief corner stone is laid by the best of builders. That corner stone is Christ Jesus. It will not fail. It cannot be shaken by even the strongest of earth quakes. The winds and storms of this world will not cause it to fall because it is founded on a rock that is sure. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. I Pet. 2:4-8 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: Eph 2:18-21 Jesus promises that the very gates of hell will not overcome His congregation. It is His body. It is His kingdom. The head of the body is in glory. The members of the body are still here on the earth as a battling congregation. He is the king in his kingdom. He rules through his own. This is not a democracy that we are participating in as believers but rather we have been gifted citizenship in the kingdom of God. One of the battles on the last heresy was the doctrine of the local congregation. Many who fell into a false spirit believed only in the local congregation as their Mother. They did not have any concept of the entire congregation of God as being the Mother of us all. Since they were only dependent on the local congregation for help, support and understanding, they could not see beyond the faults and errors of the local brethren. Therefore, in their understanding, the mutual congregation could not be perfect or errorless nor could it be trusted. However, when we look at the congregation of God as being the holy, spiritual city, Jerusalem, then we see something else. It is lowered down from heaven by God to be the dwelling place of all his children. The prophet beheld this wonderful city and marveled, “And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.” Isa. 33:24. Paul also marveled at the freedom of a child of God, dwelling in Jerusalem: “But Jerusalem which is [from] above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Gal. 4:26 John was also able to behold the beauty of this holy city. He wrote in Revelations 21:2-3, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Is it not good to be an inhabitant of a city and kingdom with such wonderful caretaking and promises? God promises to keep us as his people. Jesus promises that the gates of hell will not be able to over throw this city. The journey is certain and the destination is assured when we endeavor in faith to the end. The Congregation and the Word of God We confess in the third article of the creed: I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Luther explains this briefly in the small catechism: 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, enlightened me by his gifts and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith; even as he calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the true faith: in which Christian church he daily and richly forgives me and all believers all our sins and at the last will raise up me and all the dead and grant me and all believers in Christ everlasting life. This is most certainly true. The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Godhead. It is all powerful, just as the Father and Son are. People who doubt the oneness, sanctity and perfection of the congregation basically doubt the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Jesus promised, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:13-15 The Holy Spirit leads and guides the congregation of God into all truth. That is why the children of God have said, as the apostles said in Jerusalem, in describing their decision to the gentile believers in Asia minor: “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, …” Acts 15:28 God reveals his will in his congregation through the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit there is no life and no salvation. The Spirit affects through the Word the power to be born again. For anyone outside of faith, the depth of the Word of God is hidden. It enlightens such a heart to understand that he is far from God and without eternal life. It causes a person to seek for a merciful God. However, life is only found when an unbelieving person can hear the Word of God preached from the congregation of God. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by and through the Word of God.” (Rom. 10:17) Only from the congregation of God is the gospel preached with its life-giving power. Each and every child of God has been empowered to preach this “ministry of reconciliation,” to preach the forgiveness of sins. However, in matters pertaining to doctrine and issues in the congregation, we all have our own but differing gift. We are all members of the body of Christ and all members are needed in the body where we all edify one another. None of us is perfect but the mutual congregation is perfect. “For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” I Cor. 3:9-17 Individual believers can err. Servants of the Word can err. Even local congregations can err but the mutual congregation is perfect and errorless. For the same reason, that is why it is so important that each of us is preserved in sound doctrine within the congregation and that we hear what the spirit reveals on timely topics. If we have a different understanding then it is important that we humble ourselves for love’s sake to be at one with the congregation. Believers in the Congregation The inhabitants of the spiritual city of Jerusalem have the wonderful portion of having continual access to the fountains of grace. No one has to lament that they are poor and weak because we have the forgiveness of sins, even though we do lament continuously and daily because of our sin corruption. So porous is our vessel that it seems that it does not contain the gracious water of life for even a moment. We are always hungering and thirsting for more. Paul instructed: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. I Tim 3:15 In Paul’s epistles he often gave clear instructions on Christian life. So, also in our day the Holy Spirit gives us instructions on matters that come before the congregation of God. These are such things that pertain to the righteousness of life and the preservation of faith. Following the exhortations regarding the endeavor and the many other instructions will save no one. Rather they exist for the purpose that no one would lose living faith. Each child of God is responsible for his actions at his own place of watching. We are all building this house of God. Of course we want to remain in the mutual love and understanding of the congregation. When we review such decisions as television, sports, Halloween and entertainment videos, it is easy to rationalize some specific aspect on each of them. Naturally, asking and seeking for understanding is not wrong. When we ask in a spirit of childlikeness then God can bless. If God does not give understanding, we must be content with what he gives. It is important to remember that the carnal mind is enmity against God. Rationalizing leaves no room for faith and is dangerous. Those that do so endanger their own life of faith and perhaps the faith of their children as well. It is better for the sake of mutual love that we humble ourselves to the will of God as the Spirit reveals it in the congregation. We should ask ourselves, who am I to resist the understanding of the Spirit in the congregation of God. If we do not understand something, in humble obedience we can ask God to reveal it onto us. It is important to understand that the work of the Holy Spirit in the congregation of God is to give birth to faith and to preserve faith. The gospel nourishes and refreshes faith. It keeps us on the narrow way of life. It keeps us in the righteousness of faith so that we will one day attain eternal life in heaven. When we err, we have an altar of grace to come to where we can wash away the defilement and errors of sin. The Security of a Child of God The child of God has a wonderful place of refuge in this evil world. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. 14:17 The children of God battle a three-fold enemy. The work of building must continue while we are in battle. That is why it is often so exhausting. The weapons of warfare are in one hand and the tools of building in the other. But, even under such tiring conditions, it is good to be in battle on the side of the Lord. It is good to build the house of the Lord. Even if we tire in battle or err in our building, the congregational mother takes care of us. As the prophet experienced, we find the error to be in us, not in the congregation. It is pure gold. And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Zech. 4:1-7 The work of the kingdom will go forth and succeed. Your own salvation is assured. It is not because of personal might or understanding, nor because of any earthly power but because the Spirit of God dwells in your heart by faith and is in the kingdom of God as a live and guiding spirit.

Jim Frantti | 2005 LLC Seattle Summer Services - Youth Discussion -- What is a sacrament? Juhani Uljas, in the book Treasure Hid in a Field, answers the question in this way: “The word, ‘sacrament,’ is not found in the English or the Finnish Bible, yet the sacraments are deeply founded in Scripture. In the Latin Bible, the word ‘sacramentum’ corresponds (ex. Eph. 5:31) to the word’mysterion,’ mystery, in the Greek Bible. The mystery of faith, which we cannot fully understand is connected to sacrament. For that reason, we regard it with the timidity and humility of a child, for we remember that God has ordained it.” “God has given the sacraments to those who have been helped unto faith to support them in their endeavor.” “According to our Christian Doctrine, the sacraments are holy acts of the congregation, that Jesus Christ himself has instituted. Christ himself is present in them and distributes His grace to us through visible elements (CD 56). In the sacrament God’s Word is joined to the visible, even to the elements touchable to the hand, so that we are assured again and again how real is God’s grace toward us.” How many Holy Sacraments are there? Again, quoting from Uljas: “The Apology to the Augsburg Confession states the matter as follows: ‘The genuine sacraments, therefore, are Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and absolution (which is the sacrament of penitence)’ (XIII:4). Absolution was removed from among the sacraments, because the promise of God was not connected to visible elements but to the Holy Spirit. The resurrected Christ said to His disciples, ‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost, whosoever sins ye remit...’ (John 20:22,23). The sacraments have not been instituted by men or the church, but God has instituted them.” In the Old Testament, circumcision corresponded to baptism and the Passover lamb to communion. “In both the Old and New Testaments the Sacrament is associated with the covenant made by God and His people and the promise given in that connection. God has instituted the sacrament as a sign to remind of His promise. Faith takes hold of the promise of God; the sacrament supports and strengthens faith.” (Uljas) What Is the Purpose of the Sacraments? Faith is not received through the sacraments. Faith comes first, and then the sacraments serve to confirm and strengthen faith. Luther wrote: “Sacraments are not satisfied by the performing of them, but by believing in them. It cannot be true that the power to justify should reside in sacraments.....The dogmatists of the sacraments have not understood these at all, since they have attached no attention to faith nor in the promise of the sacraments. They become entangled with the mere sign and its use and thrust us from faith to works and from the word to a sign. But by so doing, they have not only harmed the sacrament, but have entirely destroyed its content. Let us therefore open our eyes and learn to pay more attention to the word than the sign, more upon faith than the use of the sign. Do we not know that the divine promise always demands faith and that both, the promise and faith, are indispensable to each other, but are separately ineffectual. For without the promise, believing is impossible, neither does the promise come true without faith. But when both are reciprocally effective, they guarantee the true and surest effectiveness of the sacraments. It is therefore a vain struggle and a passage to perdition to seek the power of the sacrament avoiding faith and the promise. Does not Christ say: ‘He that believeth and is baptized is saved, but he that believeth not is condemned!’ Thus he indicates faith to be so indispensable in the sacraments, that it can save without the sacraments, and therefore He did not want to add: ‘who does not believe nor is baptized.’” The Augsburg Confession states: “Concerning the usage of sacraments, we teach that they are not instituted for signs only, by which Christians can be recognized, but are the marks and testimony of God’s will towards us so that our faith might be stirred and strengthened by them. Therefore, they require faith, and they are then properly used when received by faith and faith is fortified.” Philip Melancthon wrote concerning the sacraments: “For signs are to be used for this purpose, to establish the conscience. Neither John’s nor Christ’s baptism justified (and I speak of the signs as such) but only certified.....In both, faith justified.” Melancthon further wrote: “Participation in the Lord’s Table, that is the chewing of Christ’s body and the drinking of His blood, is a sure sign of grace.....Participation in the Lord’s Table does not abolish sin, but faith does. Of a truth, faith is confirmed by this sign. Just as the mere sight of Christ did not justify the dying Stephen, but only confirmed his faith by which he was justified and vivified, so in like manner mere participation in the table of the Lord does not justify but only confirms faith.” In Acts 2:38, 41,42, we read: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.....Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Thus we see the correct order: preaching – faith – baptism – doctrine & fellowship (Communion). Baptism Christ said in His baptismal command, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matt. 28:19-20 A person is not saved by baptism but by faith. Faith does not come through baptism but precedes it. As Christ said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16 This was true also of circumcision. Apostle Paul writes of the circumcision of Abraham: “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness .... And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.” Rom. 4:3,11 Baptism, as circumcision, is a sign of the righteousness of faith. Apostle Peter writes that baptism is “not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God.” 1 Peter 3:21 The correct order of preaching – faith – baptism is illustrated by the scripture narratives about Philip and the eunuch of Ethiopia and Peter in the house of Cornelius. Of Philip and the eunuch, we read in Acts 8:35-38: “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” In Acts 10:44-48, we read of the event in the house of Cornelius: “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.....Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” Thus, faith is not received through baptism but precedes it. We believe therefore that every child is born with a living soul and as a child of God and is in a saved condition even before being baptized. Although we believe that neither faith nor forgiveness is received through baptism, the believers keep baptism as a holy covenant. Augustine has written: "Not by the lacking of a sacrament, but by the despising of a sacrament one is damned.” Neglect of a sacrament is illustrated by the account of Moses, when God had called him to lead His people from the bondage of Egypt. Moses had failed to have his son circumcised, according to God’s command. We read in Exodus 4:24-26: “And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him [Moses], and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.” Moses had neglected to keep the sacrament of circumcision, and the condemnation was not directed to the child but to the father. What then does baptism signify? Uljas writes, “In baptism, God joins a child into the fellowship of His congregation to be cared for. The endeavor as a child of God begins there. When a child grows older, the battle against sin begins. Baptism obligates us to it. Paul writes to the Romans, ‘So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life.” (Rom. 6:3, 4) “According to the teachings of the Small Catechism, baptism signifies that the old Adam in us should be pressed down by daily sorrow and repentance. It must be mortified, with all its sins and evil lusts. In its place, the new man should daily come forth and rise, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.” To the commandment of baptism also belongs the commandment of instruction, which obligates the parents to bring up their children according to the word of God, so that they would grow up in grace and life. In baptism, through the visible sign, God takes the believing child into His covenant for life to establish him in salvation. Finally, we note that judgment is not directed to one who does not have the opportunity to be baptized before death comes. Luther explains this when writing about Jesus’ commandment of baptism (Mark 16:16, Matt. 28:19): “Therefore must this text be understood so, that baptism is here commanded and reinforced and it must not be despised but used as has been said and nevertheless not straining this text so taut that someone therefore would have been condemned if he were unable to be baptized .....There has always been one-mindedness in this, that if someone believes and nevertheless dies unbaptized, he is not for this cause condemned to damnation, for it may be so, that someone believes and even though he desired baptism, death came first.” Holy Communion (Sacrament of the Altar) We can find the scriptural basis for the sacrament of holy communion in the accounts of the Last Supper found in the three synoptic gospels. Matthew 26:26-28 “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Mark 14:22-24 “And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed and brake it, and gave it to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.” Luke 22:19-20 “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” Apostle Paul writes of this in his first epistle to the Corinthians: “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” 1 Cor. 11:23-26 As said previously, one does not receive forgiveness or justification through partaking of Holy Communion. This is a feast of the believers, a precious meal of remembrance. It is received by faith, for the words “shed for you” require a believing heart. In this meal, we partake of the body and blood of Christ, at which time our faith becomes strengthened and refreshed. The children of God partake of Communion because it is the commandment of Christ and His gracious promise, and because we need strengthening and refreshment in our endeavor of faith. This was also true of the eating of the Passover lamb in the Old Testament. The Passover lamb was eaten with “the doorposts of the hearts daubed with blood” for the strengthening of the faith and journey. The Passover meal was also a meal of remembrance. In partaking of it, the children of Israel remembered how they were delivered from bondage. There are two elements present in Communion – the bread and the wine. Scriptural accounts of the Passover meal indicate that the bread was an unleavened bread. The Scripture is not clear as to the nature of the wine. The scripture texts dealing with the establishment of Communion simply refer the “the cup” and to “the fruit of the vine.” As to whether the content of the cup was fermented or unfermented is unclear. Grape juice, wine and non-alcoholic wine have all been used in Communion. As believers, we understand that the body and blood of Christ are present in communion. In the Augsburg Confession, it is written: “It is taught among us that the true body and blood of Christ are truly present in the supper of our Lord under the form of bread and wine, and are there distributed and received.” Luther taught that childlike faith is required here. With our natural eyes, we see the elements, but in faith we believe that Christ’s body and blood are present. Finally, two quotes from the Swebilius Catechism regarding Communion: “Without faith or the spiritual eating and drinking, sacramental eating and drinking which happens in Communion does not help at all: but it comes to the partaker more for judgment than for salvation.” “What benefit do we have from the Lord’s Communion? (1) Our faith becomes strengthened and assured of the forgiveness of sins; (2) We become joined with Christ, so that He is in us, and we in Him; (3) Our faith becomes assured of resurrection unto everlasting life.” Conclusion The Augsburg Confession teaches: “The sacraments are effective, even though the priests which give it are not righteous, as Christ himself testifies: On the seat of Moses sit the Pharisees.” This is the way it has been taught in Christianity. On the other hand, the office of the gospel is an office of the Holy Spirit. The proclaimer must be a partaker of the Holy Spirit through faith. As believers, we keep the sacraments as holy and as commandments and covenants with Christ. The most important matter is that we are believing. In this way, we are acceptable participants in Christ’s sacraments. Yet we also wish to show respect to these solemn and sacred occasions, even in an outward form, by our conduct, dress, etc. We have been present at the solemn occasion of baptism. The small child is dressed in white garments. The minister performing the baptism, the parents, the godparents and the other guests also have dressed for this occasion to gather around the baptismal basin. Also at the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, we show proper respect to the occasion. In the Swebelius Catechism, the question is asked: “How should we conduct ourselves as we proceed to the Lord’s table?” The answer is: “When we have received absolution by the office of preaching, we should - (1) Step forth in true repentance, putting away all foreign and wordly thoughts; (2) While partaking of the sacrament, conduct ourselves in godly, sober and meek manner, remembering that we are not communicating with man but with God; (3) When we leave, we should rejoice in spirit over God’s renewed grace, and praise Him from our heart for this, retaining good intention and will to walk in the new life.” References Augsburg Confession Apology to the Augsburg Confession Small Catechism Large Catechism On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church The Loci Communes of Philip Melancthon Treasure Hid in a Field

Keith Waaraniemi | 2006 LLC Monticello Summer Services - Youth Discussion - July 2 -- Note: This transcription is taken from the audio recording. It is best used as reference for the PowerPoint presentation as opposed to reading verbatim as a presentation in local congregation gatherings. In the beginning, let us unite in thanksgiving and prayer. Our dear Heavenly Father, this evening as we have gathered together for this visit about matters pertaining to our life of faith, and especially those pertaining to youth, dear Father we desire to uplift our hearts to praise and thank You because You have given us freedom and peace and unity, wherein we can together visit about the way and the journey and uplift each other and instruct each other on the journey. Dear Father, we thank Thee for the word that we have heard at the services and that we have been able to go to the Lord’s Holy Supper for the strengthening of our faith. And now again, dear Father, as we pause around the matters of our lives of faith, and especially around courtship and marriage, we ask that You would bless our gathering with the same joyous spirit of unity and peace that we have experienced together to this point. So we ask that You would bless our gathering in the name of Thy dear son. Amen. Dear young brothers and sisters and older ones as well, it’s a joy that we can gather together to visit about the topic “He made them male and female.” We haven’t had a summer service gathering where we have visited about courtship and marriage for perhaps ten years. The board and work committee were considering these matters and felt it very important to revisit this topic. We know it has been visited about on the local level, but also at our national services we wanted to take time to visit about it. I would suggest that those of you coming in the back would come in and fill in on the bleachers here. It’s a long way back, and I have a hard time seeing you all back there – need binoculars – and you would be able to see the screen better. It might help, so feel free to move up. There are some empty chairs scattered about, and there is room in the bleachers. So when we talk about this topic of “He made them male and female,” we know that God has made man first and then He made woman, and he made them different. Each has their own physical characteristics that God has given and their role in this life that God has ordained. We have emotional differences between men and women, but we find how we need each other. God has made men and women for each other. And aren’t we glad that He did. It would be a pretty boring world if there were only men around. So as we visit about this topic, our purpose is to talk about in particular courtship and marriage and sexuality. In that sense, we’re talking about the topic, “He made them male and female.” Everyone take a moment to think about the marriage that is closest to you, whether it be your own marriage, the single people that are here can think about the marriage that was most familiar to you in your childhood home, or some other marriage. Sometimes positive things and probably most often positive things will come to mind, sometimes also negative things. But think about what kinds of things stand out as important. When I think about my own childhood home, I remember a home where we didn’t have a lot of temporal abundance, but we had a happy home. I was not able to follow the marriage of my parents and see them live together as husband and wife very long because my own mother was called to her heavenly home when I was seven years old, and she left behind twelve children, ages three to sixteen. And when I pause to think about my mother, even though I didn’t get to know her very well, I think above all about what she has done as a believing mother, endeavoring to do what God had given her to do, to be a mother of children, to bear and rear children into this world. And I can only with thankfulness remember her and, as I have my own family, I much more can see the sacrifice she made, the service of love she gave before she died at the age of 42. My father died five years ago and, as we escorted him to the bosom of the earth, we rejoiced in this that he had gained his victory but yet at the same time, there was a longing left in our hearts for our father. This is the kind of memory that I hope that I can leave in my family, that my children remember with love and forgiveness the weaknesses of their parents and that, above all, that most important remains this that even though there were faults in the home, as there were in my childhood home and in my own home – faults in parents, faults in children – but yet the gospel was the power of God. That’s the memory above all else that we want to leave with our spouse and our children. So the important kinds of things, I’m sure, that came to your mind are love, security, warmth, forgiveness, the word of God. Then let’s pause to look at, before we talk about courtship, to talk about what marriage is. Marriage or family creates the basic unit of society. God gave two main purposes for marriage. One, God said in second chapter of Genesis, the 18th verse, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet.” When we think of a help meet, or a helpmate, much help is needed for temporal life and support. Marriage is for temporal life only, but most important as believing spouses is this, that we would help each other for the life to come, help each other preserve faith and good conscience so that we get to heaven one day to the eternal marriage. The second purpose that God has given, and these aren’t necessarily in order, but the second purpose is for procreation, that God’s created people would be able to continue and multiply. As it says here, “God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” So the continuation of God’s people is another purpose of marriage. Children are a very precious part of the home. God gives as He sees fit. God gives to some few, to some many, and to some marriages not at all. This is in the hand of the Heavenly Father, and we want to trust in Him in this, that we would accept all children that God gives us as a gift. Children are a gift of the Lord. They are God’s own possession, God’s own heritage, and the fulfillment and happiness that children bring to a marriage is a striking matter that you can only really fully understand when you experience it yourself. So as the psalmist says, “Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.” Then the relationship between husband and wife. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Paul, who is a single man, wrote very profoundly about marriage. So we see that God gave Paul the wisdom to write. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is head of the church, and He is the savior of the body. Therefore, as the church is subject to Christ, so let wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it.” Some people would want to say that these words are outdated; they no longer fit the modern times. But God’s word never changes; it never becomes outdated. It’s the highest authority for life and for our faith. Wives are instructed here to be subject unto their husbands, or submit themselves unto their husbands unto the Lord. But then husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the church. When you stop to think about that which Paul has written here and used Christ as an example, isn’t it so that us husbands have been given even a greater task than the wives because we are instructed to love our wives as Christ loved the church. Who could love so much as Christ has loved? We can never attain such high love. But these are the goals that God’s word puts before us, and they are instructions that never grow old. So the relationship between husband and wife is one of mutual responsibility for the marriage and for the family if God so blesses. And that’s very important, that it’s mutual responsibility that husbands don’t leave all the cares of the home to the wives or that wives would leave all to the husbands, but that together, hand in hand, we carry the burdens, the joys of the home. And this Bible text that I just read, as one brother has explained, being head of the house doesn’t mean being dictator. But it means this, just like a plow going through the ground, the share of the plow or the point of the plow takes the brunt of the stones and the burdens that are encountered in the plowing. And so also, the husband is to bear the brunt, be a leader, be a supporter of the family. This is what being head of the family means and above all to take spiritual leadership in reading God’s word and sowing the seed of the word in our home. Problems can arise if husbands and wives begin to debate who is doing more or whose job this is; we share all together. Marriage is a life of serving and sacrifice. Very important that we’re willing to submit to each other and to serve. In the Finnish Bible, there’s a phrase in Paul’s letter to the Romans to compete in honoring one another. [This is not quite as clear in the English translation.] That’s the kind of competition that we need in marriage – compete in honoring and serving one another. Some of you remember our brother, Peter Nordstrom. I think in most every wedding sermon I've heard that he kept, he said that marriage is not a bed of roses. And so it is; marriage is not a bed of roses. There is much that needs to be done to care for the bond of love between each other. First of all, we need to learn to adapt to each other’s ways. We think in courtship that we know each other through and through, but we don’t yet fully know each other. It’s a journey that never ends. We continue to get to know each other throughout our life, but it’s not always easy. And if we think that we’re going to change our spouse, we’re mistaken, for we are pretty much what we are. We need to try to shave off some of the rough edges in marriage, but we can’t change in a basic way who we are. It’s a lot of work to keep the marriage bond healthy, and it’s a lot of work to raise a family. But once we have taken that vow before God and His congregation, we accept that work, and we go forth in patience and longsuffering with one another. It’s not always easy; sometimes as parents we become tired. As married couples, we become tired if we are struggling to understand one another, and we need to submit to one another and discuss matters in freedom and out of concern for one another and for the marriage. The realities of financial matters sometimes stress the marriage. Sometimes there are differences between husbands and wives. They have had different backgrounds and are used to doing things a certain way at home, the childhood home that they came from, but the home together maybe is different, and we need to learn to adapt to the new home. And if there are financial difficulties, to bear this burden together and carry it together. Today we have possibility for getting so many things. It’s very easy to obtain many temporal things. We have a high standard of living and to the point that, I think, many of us feel how often we get things that we probably can’t really afford, and our wants become greater than our needs. And wants and needs become confused. This can also be a burden in the marriage if we’re not understanding wants and needs in the same way as husbands and wives and get ourselves into difficulty and debt and other such things. So, marriage doesn’t run on just romantic feelings and feelings of love, but it’s above all something that we do. Love is something that we do; we serve each other and we honor each other and submit to each other. Sin is a destructive force in marriage, as our manual of sacred acts in the marriage rites relates. When one gets married, you are no longer living single life. You are no longer only living for yourself but for your spouse; you live for one another. And selfishness is part of our human condition, part of our fallen condition. It’s easy to look after our own ways only in marriage. For example, fathers may be pretty used to hunting and doing their own thing and haven’t had to consider the family, or have some special toys that they like, big boys’ toys. And then when they get married, we need to learn to adapt to this new situation, and we need to learn to take into account the needs of our spouse and our family. Not that there’s anything wrong with the activities that I just described, but that we above all think what’s best for our marriage first of all, and our family, and secondly for ourselves. Family planning and birth control are two destructive forces in marriage. They are sin. There are some Bible verses here noted. I won’t go into reading them all, but this portion from Samuel says, “The Lord killeth and maketh alive.” God gives life, God gives birth, and God appoints our day to die. This we believe and own by faith, and it’s a very important principle in marriage. When Ruth married Boaz in the Old Testament, it’s related in the book of Ruth that God gave her conception. It’s God that gives conception. It’s not for man to decide when the right time is because it never would be the right time, because of our selfish natures, our selfish condition. But when we leave it to God to decide, there’s blessing in it. And we find that, even though sometimes we become tired, there’s joy and blessing and inward peace and security when we trust in God in this matter also. Then, divorce. When we make a vow to one another and before God and His congregation, promise to take our spouse in good times and in bad times, in prosperity and adversity alike, it’s not something that we change as the world often does. It is not changeable other than by death – “Until death do you part. What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” As God’s children, even if one experiences difficulties in marriage, divorce is not an option, according to God’s word. But above all, we need to, with the help of God’s children if problems come, work them out, speak about them, submit to each other, forgive one another, be open with each other, seek the help of God’s kingdom. If sin gains a foothold in our marriage, it will destroy the marriage. Even if it’s not something like birth control or family planning – other sin. If our personal faith goes awry, it will destroy our marriage. Very important, dear brothers and sisters, to keep faith and good conscience in all phases of life. I want to say, especially to you young people, younger ones of the young people, who are living at home yet. Take time now to value your childhood home. It’s a very special time that you have right now. Life isn’t only about running and pursuing a mate. Take time to enjoy your parents. Spend time at home and value your home. Learn about home life. Work for the good of your home. Support one another at home. You won’t regret it. They will be precious memories that stay with you throughout your life. It’s a very special matter for parents to be able to visit with their children as they become adults, very special to get to know them as adults and talk about things that adults talk about – life and the questions, joys and burdens of life. Do it while you still have opportunity. If finding a mate becomes our only focus, we lose the richness of life. And even for those of you who are not living at home anymore, we can trust in God in this matter of finding a mate. We need not be overly concerned about it. Of course there’s a natural desire in most all of us to find a mate. But live your life, enjoy life, and enjoy the work of God’s kingdom and the fellowship of God’s kingdom. And this matter of finding a mate will find you at the right time, at the time that God has appointed. It may just sneak up on you, sooner than you expect. I especially want to mention how, in the work of God’s kingdom, what better place is there to get to know a potential spouse than to work together in the work of God’s kingdom. My wife and I got to know each other at camp. Also, we knew each other before that, but camp work was one very special part of our time of getting to know one another. But we never broke the rule of courting at camp; we didn’t do that, but we got to know each other at camp. And some of you, I know, don’t have a believing home. But you’re part of this family of God and have many mothers and fathers who might not be your blood mothers and fathers, but they are in the spirit. I especially want to say to you older single brothers and sisters who are here, as we heard preciously in the services tonight. You are dear to all of us, and I have often admired your lives and your joy that you have, even though I know this question can be a painful one at times. I was 32 by the time God granted me a spouse, and so I have some knowledge, some vision of what single life is like. But yet, I admire you when you are able to focus on other things in life and enjoy life, enjoy the richness of life. You are dear friends to us, precious to all of us. And it’s important in God’s kingdom that you are here, you are with us, you are supporting us. God has ordained this position in life for you at this time. We don’t know what the future brings, but we trust in Him in all of these things. God gives a spouse if he sees fit. I believe that, and it’s scriptural. I’ve often thought about the mind of Abraham when, in that time, Abraham was concerned about his son Isaac finding a wife. He was mainly concerned about this, that he would find a believing wife. But at that time, they had arranged marriages, and so Abraham was sending his chief servant to go fetch a wife for Isaac. And so Abraham sent his servant and told him to go to the land of his kindred, his relations, and get a wife for Isaac. But the servant wondered, “Well, what would happen if this woman wouldn’t want to come with me?” Abraham said, “The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house and from the land of my kindred, which spake unto me and swear unto me saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land. He shall send His angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. He shall send the angel before thee.” Abraham believed God would be with his servant, and Abraham was right. God gave Isaac Rebecca, a believing wife. And Rebecca was a joy to Isaac, especially when he lost his own mother, Sarah. Then, when you think about this matter of finding a spouse, it’s a matter of prayer. It’s not a matter of our own works. Of course we have to do something to get to know someone, but it’s a matter of prayer. Luther is supposed to have written – I haven’t found the exact quote – but that you can start praying for a spouse already at seven years old. So if you haven’t started yet, you’ve lost a lot of years of prayer in between here. All kidding aside, it is really a very important matter that we pray to God that He would grant us a spouse, a believing spouse, that could help us. Sometimes we have characteristics in mind that we think should be in our spouse. They should be beautiful, good looking, have lots of money, have a career – these are the things that sometimes come to mind. They should be nice, friendly, fun. But those aren’t the most important matters. The characteristics that we have in our minds often change when we trust in God and God gives us a spouse. Our own characteristics, our own thoughts, many times are not fulfilled as we had thought they should be. But we see when we have received a spouse that God has known our needs better, and He has blessed us with much greater blessings in the spouse that He has given. So pray, dear brothers and sisters, pray that God would lead you in this. It’s an important prayer. But the most important matter is that the one that we would be seeking as a spouse, is a believer. That’s the first and most essential. And that’s not because we have said it, but it’s because God has said it. It’s according to God’s word. Temporal preparation is important. There are realities in marriage that we talked about a few moments ago. It’s important that we prepare ourselves for supporting a family if God so blesses us, that we’re mature enough to accept the responsibilities of marriage, that we look to obtaining a career, work that will sustain us. These are all very important matters. They aren’t the most important matter, but they are nonetheless things that we should not disregard either. There is no unnecessary haste needed in finding a spouse. Believe, brothers and sisters, that God will give you a spouse if He sees fit. The one that God has intended for you, He won’t give to somebody else. Believe this, accept this in faith, trust in God. Don’t feel burdened by this, but trust in God and relax and enjoy life. Keep faith and good conscience, and God will bless, if He so sees fit, with a spouse. Then, courtship. Courtship is a time to get to know one another better. It’s not marriage, it’s not engagement, but it’s a time to get to know one another better and to pray that God would show you, “Is this one that I seem to be interested in the one that You have intended, God, for me as my spouse?” We could ask these kinds of questions: What does courtship mean to you? What would you do while courting? What about physical contact? First of all, with regard to physical contact. God’s word instructs us to flee from lusts, flee from the attacks of the enemy of the soul. When two people are interested in each other, there is also a physical attraction that we need to keep in check with the power of the Spirit. Paul has written to the Colossians, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication (which is sex outside of marriage), uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” I won’t go into talking about all of these different areas, in the interest of time, but let it suffice that the matter of fornication is sexual relations outside of marriage, and evil concupiscence is sexual desire. So God instructs us to mortify, or press down, these powers in our flesh in courtship and in all phases of life. Then, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Very important instructions. Then how do we get to know one another in courtship? It’s by talking. Get to know one another from the heart by visiting and by observing. Sometimes it’s good to observe a little while before showing your interest in someone. Observe, see what the testimony of the other believers is and, if you still seem interested after observing for a while, then maybe it’s time to start courting and talking. This is very important, brothers and sisters, that we ask trusted believers about the one that we are interested in. Seek the blessing of believers. That is very critical. If God’s children warn us and instruct us, even contrary to what seems so powerful in our own minds and flesh, it’s important to heed those warnings and listen to those warnings. One thing that made us, as a courting couple, myself and Kathy, very happy is that the believers were happy about our courtship. That’s a good sign if God’s children are happy about the courtship. If they’re not, maybe there’s reason for us to pause and consider the matter further. Relationships are not built on physical contact but on talking to each other from the heart. That’s very important, dear brothers and sisters. Today we see a breakdown of the barrier between men and women, boys and girls. There is much more contact, physical contact, than there was even in the time I was growing up and yet much more than from the previous generation. We see it amongst our young people – more hugging, more contact. In today’s thinking in the world today, we get to know one another by physical contact, sexual relations, but this is not according to God’s word. Sometimes what is defined as sexual relations in the world is very confusing. Sometimes it’s said, for example, making out or oral sex is not sex because it’s not intercourse, but that’s not true. That’s not according to God’s word. We want to reject the teachings, these kinds of teachings of our time. Kissing and making out is foreplay to sexual intercourse, and it’s not for a Christian courtship. So then what is appropriate in courtship? Sometimes in past times when we discussed this topic, from Finland came discussion that the courting couple should always be able to fit a Paivamies – that is their Christian paper – between them, or a Voice of Zion, we could say. But then they would joke that do we mean fitting between this way or this way? [on edge or flat] But these are good instructions, brothers and sisters. And obviously these are somewhat playful instructions or light instructions, but they’re good instructions nonetheless, to take it in the spirit in which they are said. I remember one discussion that I’ve quoted. An old brother, Elmer Alajoki, when we were discussing this matter in a discussion meeting at the old Minneapolis church, said, when they were asking about what’s appropriate, “Oh, you can hold hands.” And I’ve thought about that over the years, that beyond holding hands and an occasional hug, there’s not a lot of physical contact that is appropriate for a Christian courtship. It’s a great blessing to be able to be able to enter into marriage without the scars of premarital sex, and that’s why God’s children speak about these things, so that the enemy of the soul can’t deceive one into falling in this area and causing scars that one carries even though matters are forgiven. It’s a sensitive matter to talk about sexuality in such a big group, but we have found the need to speak openly about this because you as young people know and hear these things in school and in the world around you. And it’s very important that we support our young people with instructions about these things that are according to God’s word. Sexuality has been given by God; it’s the result of His creation work, as we recalled a moment ago, and it’s a gift to man, a gift to marriage, and it’s a way for God’s created people to multiply. But it’s only for marriage, and there is a blessing in this, a great blessing in this. It is only in marriage that sexual life is realized with a sense of responsibility, as the book Victory to Victory states. These are very, very important matters to talk about and to discuss, even amongst yourselves, to discuss the importance of understanding this matter in the way that God’s word teaches, and that’s contrary to what we hear so much in the world today. Then I want to talk about a yet more sensitive area, because I know in the world there is teaching that is contrary to the teachings of God’s word, and yet further to talk about this matter of sexuality and the subject of masturbation, first of all. And by masturbation, I mean, for the purpose of definition in this presentation, touching oneself in a way to cause sexual arousal. It’s sin. This portion from scripture speaks about a man by the name of Onan, who spilled his seed on the ground, and God was not pleased with it. Even though the world teaches that masturbation is acceptable and even to be encouraged, it’s sin according to God’s word. There are other areas that tie very closely, and it’s sometimes difficult for parents to speak about these things. But it’s necessary that we do so, so that our young people and our children have the right understanding; it’s our responsibility. But tying very closely to this area of masturbation is fantasy, fantasizing about sexual matters. That is also sin. Pornography is a real danger today with the internet, a real close matter to all of us when we use the internet. Pornographic pictures just pop up sometimes, and there’s a real temptation there. But it’s a very dangerous area, dear brothers and sisters. We have to battle against this attack of the enemy of soul. These temptations are familiar; all of these are familiar to God’s children. We are not immune from them. But the gospel is the power of God. You can talk about these things to a trusted believer. Take care of wounds of conscience that come in these and be freed of those burdens. There is nothing new under the sun, dear brothers and sisters, in these matters. There are sealed vessels in God’s kingdom to whom you can speak about these very things and take care of your life of faith. We are not looked down on, but we rejoice when God gives strength to battle against these and we can take care of them with the power of the gospel. But I want to also make one mention of dress in this connection. God’s word instructs us to flee youthful lusts. That’s very important. But if our dress is such that it’s provocative or it’s revealing or it’s encouraging sexual thoughts, it’s not good, it’s worldly. It makes it hard for our brothers and sisters in faith. So I would say, especially to you young people and to all of us, consider these matters of dress very carefully. Dress in a modest way, like God’s word teaches. And then, your inward beauty shows. The outward beauty is not so important. Inward beauty is what is important. But if we dress contrary to the way we believe, it gives a bad picture. It doesn’t give a true picture of the treasure that’s in our heart. Take these things to heart. Last year when we had this kind of meeting, a youth discussion, our brother Jim Jurmu, if I remember correctly, quoted from one dress code, dress policy of a school, that had things in it like spaghetti straps being inappropriate for school, bare midriffs, shirt and top that reveal one’s midriff, halter tops, etc. And these were not acceptable for school. But shouldn’t our “dress code” even be beyond what the school’s dress code is. Take these things to heart; they’re important matters. But then I want to talk about one more sensitive area, and that’s alternative lifestyles. We hear much about it in the world around us, and we need to talk about it in God’s kingdom also. It’s plain and simply sin to live a gay-lesbian lifestyle or to have homosexual relations. It’s not according to God’s word; it’s sin. These Bible portions reveal that, and I’ll quote from this Romans portion here, where it says, “Women did change the natural use into that which is against nature, and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men, working that which is unseemly.” And it says that God was not pleased with this. It’s sin, in spite of what is taught in the world around us. We talked about this last night at our ministers’ and board members’ meeting, and there is a position statement that the LLC is developing on various topics. One of them is homosexuality. Sometimes people make the argument that genetics plays a part; I don’t know the answer to that, and I won’t get into discussing that tonight. [NOTE: Inadvertently the following point was omitted i

Jim Frantti | 2007 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - February 23 -- Of That Day and That Hour Knoweth No Man The text from the gospel of Mark that is the theme for this presentation contains the words of Jesus. Jesus was speaking about the end times. Although he gave many signs of the end times, he also concluded that no person knows the day and the hour of the end of the world and the second coming of Jesus. For that reason, Jesus instructed, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch” (Mark, 13:33-37). Nobody knows when the end of the world will come Likewise nobody knows the day and the hour of their own death. For that reason, it is of utmost importance to be watchful. Watchfulness To be watchful means to be ready. It means that we expect that what we are awaiting could happen at any moment. Prophet Ezekiel described the watchman’s role: “But if the watchman see the sword, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand” (Ezek. 33:6). God has placed those in His kingdom who are responsible for the spiritual care of His children. They watch on the walls of Zion and warn of dangers. As a young man, I enjoyed being in the woods and hunting for deer. I was once given advice by an experienced hunter. He said that you should always hunt as if there is a deer very near. That way you are always careful and alert and watchful. It is good if we can in the same way remain alert for the enemy of souls. He is always going about “seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). And he is always near, even in our own flesh. As prophet Ezekiel instructed, we want to watch for dangers to our brothers and sisters in faith. We indeed are one another’s keepers and help each other to preserve faith and a good conscience. For that reason, if we see that the enemy is tempting a brother or sister in some matter, we want to warn them in love for their undying soul. Personal Watching Watching in faith is also a personal matter. We know that there are many dangers and temptations in the midst of this world. The dangers are to the right and left of our path. There are dangers of self-righteousness, and there are dangers of leniency and permissiveness. We often say that we have a threefold enemy. That includes the devil, the world, and our own flesh. Luther has said that of the three he fears his own flesh the most. We also remember how Apostle Paul wrote of himself, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. . . O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Rom. 7:18-20, 24). Don’t we often feel the same way? Today, the world is a cold and dark place in many ways. The ungodly life in the world surrounds us. At times, the world can feel so close to us. The enemy of souls is so clever and deceitful. The believers have often said that the enemy is the master of a thousand tricks. Already centuries ago, Apostle James wrote, “. . .whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God . . . submit yourselves therefore unto God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:4,7). Also, life today is so busy. In our age of communication, transportation, and entertainment, we can get caught up in the busy pace of life. Then we can become unwatchful or sleepy in our faith. Jesus took the disciples James, John, and Peter with him when he went to the garden. He left them to watch while he went a little farther to pray. When he returned, he found the disciples asleep. Jesus said, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:40-41). Like the disciples, we can become sleepy. It is not always easy to be watchful in faith. Though we have the desire to preserve faith and a good conscience and our spirit is willing, our flesh is weak. How then can we remain watchful faith? Remaining Watchful Believers experience temptations and trails in their lives. Apostle James writes, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience. … Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:2,3,12). Thus we see that we are not exempt from temptation. Jesus said to His own, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Nevertheless, the child of God often feels weak in the face of temptation sand doubts of his or her own salvation. We know that the enemy wishes, through temptations, to draw us into sin and to lead us away form God’s kingdom. James writes of this. “Let no many say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:13-15). What then can help us to resist temptation and sin? We know that the source of strength for the endeavor of faith is the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the gospel that frees us from sin and gives us power to believe. Yet, God also helps us in other ways to resist temptation. Listen to God’s Word. God’s word is the bread and water of life for a child of God. It is our source of strength and comfort. It is the light that enlightens our pathway. Through His word, God instructs us and guides us. Today, God blessed us with many opportunities to be in the hearing of His word. We want to treasure those opportunities. Discuss our temptations with other believers. God’s word teaches us, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2). Our brothers and sisters in faith are our escorts that help us in our endeavor of faith. When we are burdened or tempted, we can seek out a trusted brothers or sister with whom we can speak about our temptations. Such trusted friends will listen and understand. They will keep our confidences, and they will give us counsel. Apostle James encourages us, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16). Care for the conscience. Apostle Paul encourages his younger brother Timothy to hold faith and a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:19). The conscience of a believer is an inner voice that warns us about sin. The conscience can become dimmed by sin. When sin accumulates on the conscience, the conscience becomes less sensitive to sin. For that reason, the child of God wants to care for the conscience. How does one care for the conscience? It is by putting away sin and believing sins forgiven in the names and blood of Jesus. God’s word encourages us, “Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the rate that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). When we feel the weight of our sinfulness, we can ask to hear the gospel. In the hearing of the gospel, we can believe that our sins are forgiven. Sometimes, we carry such a sin upon the conscience that is especially troubling to us. Then, we have the grace privilege of confession. We can go to a trusted brother or sister to whom we can speak of those particular sins that trouble us, and we can hear the forgiving message of the gospel for even that particular sin. Apostle John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Choose a believing, and soundly believing, group of companions. In Ecclesiastes it is written: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, for he hath not another to help him up” (Eccl. 4:9-10). The “cloud of witnesses” that surrounds us that is mentioned in the letter to the Hebrews consists of our fellow believers. They can lift us up with the gospel when we fall into sin. they can also warn us of the dangers of sin and help us to avoid temptation and sin. That is why it is so important that our close companions are themselves sincerely believing. Then we can freely speak of faith and of our trials. They will not encourage us to do sin but will help us to resist the temptations of the devil. Such friends are great treasures. When Apostle Paul wrote to his believing brothers and sisters in Philippi, he addresses them, “My brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown” (Phil 4:1). Haven’t you also felt that way about your believing friends? When we have had difficult times in our lives, then we have especially known the value of sincerely believing friends. Choose only good reading and listening materials. Apostle John warns “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15). He especially warns about the “lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). We have experienced how the enemy can try to approach our flesh through reading, listening and viewing material that arouses our flesh. For that reason, the believers have felt that there is a special place of watching in these matters. On the other hand, wholesome reading and listening material can serve to uplift us and to also teach us about life. Often such material can help us pass our free time and to uplift and comfort us in times of need. For that reason, we consider the availability of good reading and listening material as a gift of God. It is important to choose wisely and in keeping with our goal of holding faith and a good conscience. Choose good and developmental hobbies. Luther taught that idle time provides the devil opportunity to do his work. A significant part of our lives is spent in recreational, or free time, activity. The “hang-outs” of the people of the world are not good places for believers to spend their time. Rather, it is beneficial to have good and developmental hobbies that we can enjoy in our free time. Such hobbies might include playing musical instruments, a variety of health recreational activities, handwork, art, and wood work, among many other choices. God gives different talents to each of us. Such free time activities allow us to use and develop the talents He has given. They also allow us to pass our free time in ways that we can enjoy and help us to avoid temptations. Believing for Today The believers often say that faith is one day old. Yesterday’s faith is past and cannot save us. We cannot believe for tomorrow. It is therefore important that we are believing today. When Jesus spoke of His second coming, He said “Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when he think not” (Luke 12:37-40). If you knew today that this was your last day on this earth, wouldn’t it be your main concern today that you are believing. Everything else would become unimportant in comparison. You would want to have the assurance of the gospel that all of your sins are forgiven and you are a child of God and acceptable to Heaven. For that reason, we say that it is important to remain personally watchful in faith and to help each other. Remember the destination and the reward. I remember learning to cross country ski and how difficult it was to go uphill. The skis always seemed to slide back. One experienced skier told me that you need to keep your eyes on the top of the hill and not look down at your skis. That keeps you properly balanced and helps to prevent slipping back. I have thought that it is likewise important on our journey of faith that we look toward the destination. Our destination is Heaven. Our treasure is there; our hearts are there. There we want to be one day. It pays to believe. Remember dear brothers and sisters, that the power to believe is found in the gospel. We cannot boast that we have been such watchful travelers. Many times, the enemy is successful in causing sin to beset and slow our journey. But God’s grace is abundant. By grace, through faith, by the power of the gospel, the weak traveler can continue the journey. Faults and sins are forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus. The home in Heaven awaits.

Lawrence Byman | 2007 LLC Toronto Summer Services Youth Discussion --

Walt Lampi | 2007 LLC Toronto Summer Services - Ministers and Board Members Meeting - July 6 -- “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”(1 John 1:7). Here the Apostle John reveals the central reason for the unity that is a unique trait of the children of God. With these words he has linked the personal endeavor of faith (“we walk in the light”) to both the Word, that is Jesus Christ (“as he is in the light”), and to life and unity with the congregation (“fellowship one with another”) wherein “the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin.” The endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace has long been a major emphasis of God’s kingdom. Unity is always a reason for joy and we are often reminded of the psalmist’s exclamation: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1). This spiritual unity is inspired by love for God’s Word, of which Jesus said: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). It is a unity realized when individuals discard personal understandings and opinions that are not supported by the Word. There can be no true unity or love in the congregation of God without the light of the Word. God’s Word is the hope and foundation of our salvation. Faith of the heart and a conscience bound to the Word of God give us the hope of eternal life. The Tabernacle of God Is With Men A good beginning point for any discussion about unity of faith and understanding in God’s kingdom is a personal one. “What is my relationship to God and His kingdom?” The state of human relationships and questions of unity within the household of Christ can be traced back to the way that this question is answered. One must believe that the kingdom of God is here on earth with men. This truth was declared unto the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God” (Rev. 21:3). One must also believe, as Paul wrote to the Ephesians, that it is united in body, Spirit, the hope of salvation, and faith (Eph. 4: 4, 5). As our brother Olavi Voittonen has written, Christ’s exhortation to first seek the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33) gives a child of God that basic direction on which he can daily make his important decisions. (ATW II, p. 85) It teaches us to think about the kingdom in its entirety instead of merely ourselves. Thus when we apply these words in our life, we have a compass that always points us heavenward even when we are surrounded by issues that may cause doubt and confusion. The “standard of truth ” to which we must compare all doctrine and thought is the Word of God, for it is unchanging. Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). The Word is eternal truth and as such does not change with the times or norms of society. When the light of grace and truth shine into man’s heart, he joyously unites with God’s children around the Word. When our affection is set on things above, and not on things on the earth (Col. 3:2) many vain questions disappear and unity is strengthened. The Work of the Holy Spirit In the Third Article of the Apostle’s Creed we confess our belief that the work of the Holy Spirit is to call, unite, enlighten, and sanctify the Christian Church on earth and preserve it in union with Jesus Christ in the true faith (M. Luther, Small Catechism). Therefore unity of faith and understanding is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work within both the congregation and the hearts of it’s individual members. It is not the result of an outward, forced compliance to a catalog of activities, some prohibited and some permitted. Even when our understanding is weak, God’s Word teaches us to obey in faith: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:29). The Experience of the Early Church The apostles understood well the blessing of unity and were keenly aware of the dangers of division, and thus often exhorted Christians to “be ye all of one mind” (1 Pet. 3:8). This has not changed and we must still work to maintain the unity of faith and understanding. It is an endeavor that is undertaken with love, patience and the exhortation of the Word. When there is unity of Spirit and faith the energy and resources of God’s kingdom can be used to bring the message of the gospel to those yet in darkness or to strengthen the faith of the believing rather than be consumed by warfare within the congregation. History shows that our “adversary the devil” (1 Pet. 5:8) works diligently to destroy our unity and peace by causing division. If discontent over the understandings or decisions of God’s kingdom continue long enough heresy may result. By the middle of the eighth-century the Early Christian Church had cataloged 103 heresies. The causes of dispute ranged from arguments for a more permissive lifestyle, to disagreements over either the divinity or humanity of Christ, to legalistic dryness that arose from despair over openly sinful life and the wish for a congregation in which there were no great sinners, to heresies that formed as the result of over reactions to other heresies. (1) Over the last one hundred years, the Zion of North America has experienced heresies centered on either the Law or the love of this world. 1 The Fathers of the Church Fathers, An Introduction to the First Christian Teachers, Aquilina, M. pg. 38 The Desire for Change and Choice So how then is the unity of faith and understanding lost? In a recent article, Juhani Alaranta raised a series of questions that asked whether time has changed the understanding of believers on various previously discussed and decided issues (Siionin Lähetylehti, No. 10, 2006, 20, 21). He used as examples the matters of TV, birth control issues, cosmetics, and divorce. He asked: “Does time change us? Does the mind of the listener change? Do our interpretations of right and wrong change?” The questions arose because a believing mother had been asked whether she was a liberal or a strict Laestadian with regard to childbearing issues. Such a question points to a disunity of faith and understanding within the kingdom. We live in a time that emphasizes individuality and personal freedoms. One result of this emphasis is the nowadays commonly held and accepted notion that each individual has the right to define his/her own concept of right and wrong and that others have no right to interfere with it. This view is characterized by phrases like “to each his own.” This line of thought, so prevalent in our day, poses a threat to God’s children for it separates the discussion of conscience and the definition of right and wrong from God’s Word. Our freedom was purchased by Jesus Christ and is freedom from sin, not a freedom to sin. A common cause for disunity, and eventually heresy, is the desire for change, that is, a desire to choose a different direction. At such times individuals depart from God’s kingdom because they want to pick and choose from the doctrine of salvation those teachings that are compatible with their own understanding and lifestyle and to leave behind those that are incompatible. The English word ‘heresy’ is based on the Greek word ‘hairesis’ which together with its derivatives mean to be able to choose or the act of choosing. Are we again living a time when some individuals believe that it is right to choose or reject the teachings of God’s Word and kingdom as it suits their own desires and notions? Danger of Carnal Mindedness What happens in the life of an individual believer that he/she chooses to turn away from the Word of God? The Apostle James answers: “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:13, 14). For an example of this we don’t need to go any further than the Fall, the occasion upon which Eve and Adam first fell into sin. Satan started with a question that both he and Eve already knew the answer to: “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” By posing this question, he successfully placed the seed of doubt in Eve’s mind and the warfare between the mind and faith began. This warfare has continued throughout history. The enemy then proceeded to paint a picture of reduced punishment for disobedience by stating: “Ye shall not surely die.” He thus tried to make sin appear harmless or at the very least minimize its consequences. Eve felt assured of the serpent’s claim because the tree and its fruit were pleasant to the eyes. She perhaps wondered what harm could come of such a beautiful and useful thing. Finally, Satan promised a level of knowledge and understanding the equal of God’s. Eve and then Adam ate of the tree and they fell into unbelief. Throughout time the enemy has worked in the same way and with the same results. Carnal mindedness is the application of human reason to spiritual issues with no regard to the Word of God or teachings of the Holy Spirit within the congregation. With Carnal Mindedness Comes the Breakdown of Unity What happens when carnal mindedness prevails in a congregation? In order to answer this we can look at the Scriptures and examples it gives from Corinth and Rome and also to our own experience during the heresy of the 1970s. In Corinth: Corinth was a congregation faced with a number of divisive issues. They included the evaluation of servants and their gifts, the eating of meat sacrificed to idols, moral laxity, confusion concerning the resurrection of the dead, and abuses during celebration of the Lord’s Holy Supper. Paul taught that there was a difference between earthly and spiritual wisdom and that spiritual matters could not be resolved with a carnal reason. He wrote, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritual discerned” (1 Cor. 2:14). On the issue of following preachers, Paul pointedly writes, “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul and another, I am of Apollos: are ye not carnal?” (1 Cor. 3: 3, 4). In Rome: In Rome dissension arose between the Jewish and Gentile believers over the eating of meat. Paul warned the believers about the danger and consequence of carnal mindedness, and also contrasted those dangers with the blessings of being spiritually minded: “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither can be” (Rom. 8:5–7). In trying to turn the focus of the Roman believers to that which is most beneficial for congregational life and away from the polarization caused by the dietary laws of Moses, he proclaimed: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:17). In the Zion of North America: Many of us remember the last heresy on this continent. At that time the enemy of the soul was found to have breached the walls of Zion and waged war against the children of God from within. Where carnal reasoning prevailed there was a falling away from the truth of God’s Word and His kingdom was viewed carnally instead of spiritually. It was no longer seen to be the “pillar and ground of truth.” Direction and action was based on the opinions of individuals and the local congregation was regarded as the spiritual mother instead of the kingdom of God in its entirety. The work of the Holy Spirit was seen as the actions of certain men. Understanding of the need to care for one’s own conscience and to care for the souls of others had dimmed and was rare in practice. Where sin abounded and governed the heart true love disappeared (Matt. 24:12). Carnal love replaced spiritual love. Sins were overlooked or considered only a weakness. Carnal reasoning made sin seem relative to the individual and some tried to justify their inappropriate actions by stating “it is not sin for me.” Others excused the violation of their own conscience with the rationale that “everybody else is doing it.” It was discovered that at some point many had left their place of watching on the wall of Zion and as a result had been taken captive by the enemy of the soul. They had forgotten, or perhaps never clearly understood, that the first place of watching for a believer is to put away sin as sin attaches and believe the gospel. In God’s kingdom, the exhortation to hold faith and a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:19) is a fundamental teaching. Without living faith and a conscience bound to the “measuring stick” of God’s Word many were overtaken by the sin of “worldliness” as they loved the things of this world more than they loved God. Worldliness demonstrated itself in specific issues which included TV in the home, birth control, believers courting unbelievers, movies, sports, fornication, and generally seeing how far one could go and still be considered “in faith.” While many fell away into the sins of the flesh, the enemy caused others to fall into equally destructive self-righteousness or law-mindedness. This demonstrated itself in the form of false watching, faultfinding, evil surmising, dryness, legalistic demands and other such errors. The end result was that the unity of faith and understanding given of the Holy Spirit was gradually displaced by the disunity and tension created by carnal mindedness and unbelief. Congregational Decisions and Carnal Mindedness The God of grace has always enlightened His Holy Congregation to dangers peculiar to the present time. When the Holy Spirit reveals to God’s congregation that partaking of some activity will cause the heart to fall away from God, it preached as sin because one cannot partake of it and maintain faith and a good conscience for “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). TV was and is one such matter. Other matters may not themselves be sin but entail danger. They may, for example, easily lead to unwatchfulness and then eventually sin. In such instances the Holy Spirit works through the individual conscience and God’s children to warn that there is a place of watching in the matter, or that there is a point beyond which one cannot go without wounding the conscience. The children of God don’t have a rulebook, but rather face the issues of their time guided by God’s Word and a sincere desire to keep faith and a good conscience. During the time of the last heresy, carnal mindedness prevailed in some individuals who then placed their own understanding and conscience above the understanding of God’s congregation as a result fell from God’s kingdom. It is no small matter when an individual or group, either secretly or openly, begins to believe that the house of God is not necessarily “the pillar and ground of truth” in all matters of soul and conscience or that there is more than one saving faith. Paul warned the Thessalonians the carnal mindedness and self-exaltation that will precede the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition: Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thess.2: 3, 4). Paul then stated that the reason for this falling away and condemnation was that “they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thess. 2:10–12). Paul advised Timothy as to how one should live in the congregation of God saying: “That you mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). Paul wanted to put things in perspective for Timothy and for us. In God’s congregation we have been encouraged to listen to what the Spirit says in the congregation to consider how our position affects other believers. After all, it is the house of God, the church of the living God that is the pillar and ground of truth, and not our individual conscience, the norms of society or our own opinions. Let Each Remain in Their Place of Watching The walk of each individual believer directly influences the unity or lack of unity within the family of God. Knowing this helps us understand both how disunity originates and also what might be done to encourage unity. Unity of faith and understanding will not result if one receives the Word of God and teachings of the Spirit with a carnal mind. Unbelief is always a danger. Many of the children of Israel began the journey to the Promised Land but never arrived, having died spiritually on the way. What was the cause? Of this it was written: “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into this rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Heb. 4:1, 2). To encourage unity of faith and understanding we need to continue to exhort each child of God to remain at his or her place of watching on the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah describes the manner in which God’s children in ancient times, using both tools and weapons, built the wall of God’s city: “They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, everyone with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me” (Neh. 4:17, 18). Those of us old enough to remember the last heresy know that the walls of our North American Zion were breached and broken down. Since then years of peace and work have allowed the walls to be rebuilt and fortified. Let each child of God make new promises to be faithful to Him who has called us and to remain in our own place of watching, a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other, working to maintain the walls. “Finally, my brethren be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:10, 11). 38

David Anderson | 2007 LLC Longview Summer Services - Youth Discussion - July 7 -- What Is the Kingdom of God? "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. " (Romans 14:17) The Kingdom of God is a refuge from the temptations and evil that are in the world, a sheepfold where the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep. It is a spiritual home where travel friends share that which is most precious in life, and a place where believers can together trust in the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ. We have Jesus' own words that speak to us of this kingdom: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in afield; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." (Matthew 13: 44-46) These words from the Gospel of Matthew show us two examples of something found after being diligently sought after. In both cases all other possessions were given up so that great treasure could be owned. In these parables Jesus compares personal faith to a great treasure. You and I own this great treasure. It is a treasure, which, once owned, should be guarded with special care and watchfulness so that we would not loose it. Can this treasure of living faith, once found, be lost? How is this possible? Can one who has been born into a believing home, or perhaps has come into this marvelous light from the outer darkness loose that great treasure, or gift, that God has given? Unfortunately yes, it can happen. There have been cases where the threefold enemy has overcome those who have not been diligent and watchful travelers. "The Christian Doctrine of our church teaches about the condition of sorrowlessness, the call of God, the time of visitation and the rejection of God's call. If the Holy Spirit cannot care for one after being baptized as a child in the unity of Christ, the spirit of the world overcomes the heart of that person. He but faintly longs for God and eternity. He may feel the emptiness of his life, and at times sin may bother him, but he does not sense that the most important matter to him should be salvation of his soul. Such a condition is called sorrowlessness. Sometimes the Holy Spirit can awaken a sorrowless sinner through experiences of life, suffering, and the example of others, but especially with the Word of God. There are times in the life of man when God especially draws a person to him. Such a time is called a time of visitation. But this time of visitation does not apply only to unbelieving people who God calls from darkness into light. This call can also be heard by the child of God who travels with a divided heart in the dusk between darkness and light. Will the call be accepted or rejected? The decision is in man's power. Many defenses may come to mind to avoid being placed in the light before the face of God. Thus one can sink ever deeper into sorrowlessness and the heart can become hardened. Hardening is a condition of soul where one has closed their heart to God's Word. Often this hardening can be permanent and final. Today, a time for making repentance is still given, but if the time of grace is not taken seriously the conscience can become darkened forever." God is not always to be found, as the prophet Isaiah says, "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. " (Isaiah 55:6) God's Kingdom Has Borders Why do we say that God's Kingdom has borders and why is this important? The example has been made of a sheepfold where the Good Shepherd watches over his sheep. If the sheep remain close to the shepherd they know they are safe. But if one strays to the outside of the flock, close to the edge, or the border of the sheepfold, there can be great danger because one strays far away from the Good Shepherd. To the one who strays too close to the outside the grass can look much greener and more tempting on the outside of the sheepfold. There are many things beyond the border of the sheepfold that could entice and tempt one who strays. The things of this world will entice and tempt the child of God. Our own corrupt flesh is too often ready to stray. The enemy of souls will whisper that a little fun and enjoyment with those tempting things will be OK. We would do well to remember that the enemy is a liar and those things that tempt a believer can be very dangerous. This is especially true in the time in which we live. How much better to remain close to the Good Shepherd and in the care of His Kingdom! What Does God's Word Tell Us About Associating With Those Outside of the Kingdom? "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? " (2 Cor. 6: 14) This portion of Scripture may cause us to wonder about relationships we may have with those on the outside. Does this mean that we must shun those who are not believers and associate only with brothers and sisters in faith? Not at all. But there is here a place of watching for all of us. We are reminded here that there are in this world two kingdoms: That of light and that of darkness. There is certainly nothing wrong with having friends outside of God's Kingdom. To be unequally yoked together, however, means that there is a danger of becoming too close to those on the outside and beginning to partake of things that would be a danger to one's life of faith. We could use as an example those who departed years ago when a great heresy swept God's Kingdom. Most of you perhaps were not even born when that heresy took place. You may know children of some of those who left the Kingdom. It's possible that they may live much as we do, they may say "God's Peace" to one another and live relatively decent lives. They may seem very similar to us, but yet we must remember that they are on the outside. There are not two kingdoms of God, only one. They are either with us, or they are not. There can be no other way, even if our flesh would wish it to be so. There is here a place of watching for a child of God when thinking of these former travelers: A young child of God may see those who belong to a heretic church who live much as we do, but who partake of things in this world that we do not. One may begin to wonder: If they can do these things, why can't I? If they do not have burdened conscience by partaking of the things in the world, why should I? Here is where we need to remember the words of the Apostle quoted previously. Too close association with unbelievers, whether they have once been in living faith, or are in a heresy or have always been in the world can result in believers being led into sin. We may, for instance, begin to question the position taken in Living Christianity in the past concerning such things as: bowling, hunting and fishing on Sunday and playing cards. We may also begin to follow the world too closely in the clothing we wear, our hairstyles, and so on. Issues that may cause questions in the minds of believers who associate too closely with unbelievers are: 1. Sexuality: God's children condemn premarital sex, common law relationships and extramarital sex as being in opposition to the teachings of the Bible. 2. Children: Are gifts from God. Birth control is a sin of this time in this world. 3. Television: Due to bad programming, this should not be in a believing home. 4. Alcohol and drugs: Defile the entire body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. 5. Sports: Competitive sports are not acceptable, but we should maintain fitness through various forms of exercise. 6. Videos: Always a concern in God's Kingdom that they would be appropriate. 7. Internet: Has dangers to believers, but is a working tool for many of us. It is also appropriate to consider tobacco use in this connection. People outside of God's Kingdom notice that some underage members of God's Kingdom use tobacco products. Schoolteachers and principals, as well as others who work in close association with our youth especially notice this. This can shed a bad light on God's Kingdom, since they wonder why believing youth would indulge in behavior that the law of the land is trying to actively discourage. An Open Door We have now spoken of the Kingdom of God, of how the Kingdom has borders, and of not being unequally yoked with unbelievers. Now we must also speak of maintaining an open door to those on the outside. Does this seem contradictory? How can we remain safe from the many temptations in the world and yet maintain an open door? To begin with, we can trust that the Heavenly Father will care for us if we, through prayer, humbly ask for His protection. He has given us escorts to help us here on the way and the journey. If we keep faith and a good conscience God will keep our footsteps on the road of life and our priorities will remain in the correct order. Our Heavenly Father did not mean for His children to hide themselves away, but to spread that good message to all who may wish to hear. The Kingdom of God is not like some exclusive club that offers membership to some but not others. Associating with those on the outside in school, at work, and so on is acceptable. We can treat the people we see each day decently and with respect. We can all do our part in the mission work of the Kingdom. It is not easy to confess one's faith. It is no easier for us older ones than it is for you younger travel friends. But how important it is that we would do so. None of us know who may be seeking true peace. Who can say but that even one that would ridicule and make fun of a believer may be the one who has a restless conscience. There are many among us today, and I include myself in this group, who would never have known of God's Kingdom if it had not been revealed to them by believing friends. Not only through being spoken to, but also by seeing how believers live. Jesus gave good instruction concerning this: "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. " (Matt. 5: 15) Also, the Apostle wrote to the Corinthians "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak. " (2 Cor. 4:13) Think of all those from many areas of the world who have received the gift of living faith. Who could have ever imagined the things we have seen in this last short time? There is good reason to continue doing the work of the Kingdom while it is yet day and the grace doors remain open. Jesus said: "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. " (John 9:4) The above words of Jesus are such a good example for us. No one knows how much longer the grace doors will remain open. God yet calls, gathers and enlightens. Today He yet does His work through His children. Confessing our faith is so important. The Fellowship of the Saints God's Kingdom is made up of pardoned sinners. We share those things that are most important in life. We are united in that goal to reach Heaven's home. We care for one another as we travel this narrow road of life. Does it seem strange to think that a host of poor and unworthy sinners could be called the fellowship of the saints? Remember child of God that our Father in heaven sees us through His Son. When we have our sins forgiven God see us as holy and unblemished and completely acceptable unto Him. In this fellowship of saints we are encouraged to remain steadfast until we are called from this life to eternity that awaits all people. How can we do this? A brother in faith who has long ago received his reward put it so simply and preciously: "True standing fast is that we brothers and sisters await and are ready at every moment. This manner of waiting is possible only in the Lord. When we believe, momentarily, in child-like faith, that our weaknesses are forgiven in His blood; and also trust momentarily that the Lord has redeemed us on the cross – then we are fit for heaven. God sees us as holy and unblemished through His Son. We are then prepared for the wedding of the Lamb, may that call come at any wink of the eye, even at this moment! We stand, travel friends, departure ready in the Lord. We know not when the scythe of death severs our lifeline, also we cannot foretell when the eastern sky flashes with the lighting of the Son of Man, and the cry is heard: The Bridegroom cometh, go forth to meet him!" References: The Bible The Voice of Zion He entrusted us with the Word of Reconciliation - Waino Havas Christian Doctrine Bible Reference Material He Who Hath an Ear, Let Him Hear - Heikki Kankkonen Additional input received from Duane Pirness If possible, have certain individuals speak briefly on the following issues during the discussion period: Why do some members of God's Kingdom lose the gift of faith? God's Word encourages us unto watchfulness in these matters. Specific examples of how heresies are different from God's kingdom. Specific examples of sins believers can be led into by associating with heretics and unbelievers. (Participating in competitive sports and attending sporting events or watching them on T.V., evil music, video use, T.V., theater going, etc.) Things like bowling and fishing and hunting on Sundays and how some have begun to question previous positions in Christianity about these matters. Personal experiences / recollections of the cause of the last heresy would be good. One caution in this regard: Frame the experiences in such a way that they are not unintentionally glamorized. Sometimes youth can be impressed in a wrong way about the things their parents did. How can we help unbelievers to understand that God's call unto his Kingdom is for all? What might be some experiences that unbelievers might have had that would have given them a negative impression of believers? What can we do to ensure that negative impressions are not being consciously or unconsciously given? Unbelievers looking negatively at believers for the underage smoking that is taking place. Worldly dress and hairstyles.

Brian Johnson | 2008 LLC Phoenix Winter Services -- “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” Gal.3:28 Would they accept me? I wondered as I entered the hotel’s hot tub in which a few Orthodox Jews were already relaxing. Traveling around Israel, the Orthodox Jews seemed to avoid us non-Jewish American tourists. But soon my doubts about them as normal people disappeared as a heart to heart conversation began. Our common humanity came forth as we discussed our different lifestyles, cultures, and even religions. It struck me that the child of God cannot predetermine who might be open to hearing about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our own fears, prejudices, or negative attitudes can be obstacles to sharing the precious gift of living faith. All People Have Undying Souls Paul’s letter, from which our theme is taken, reminds us of God’s impartiality and love towards all humankind. God’s love is seen in His Son: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth upon him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God created us in his own image (Gen. 1:27) and gave each person the gift of an undying soul (Gen. 2:7). In God’s infinite wisdom, all people were created equal, yet they are different, each an individual. No two people are exactly alike. Each of us here has our own inward and outward characteristics. These consist of various ages, sizes and shapes, differing facial features, voices, color of hair, eyes, and skin. There is a wide range of physical and mental abilities as well as degrees of wellness and so on. This variety is the spice of life, which makes for a rich and interesting society and world. Racism Dwells in the Flesh To look down on God’s created man on the basis of the characteristics God designed for him is wrong. It belittles the work of our Maker, who does not err. “And God saw everything that He made and behold, it was very good” (Gen.1:31). God saw the goodness of His undefiled creation before Adam and Eve fell into sin. When the Fall happened everything changed: All went astray, there is not one that is good, no not one (Ps. 53:3; Rom. 3:10,12). As a result of the Fall, racist tendencies also exist in our flesh. But we have to stop to think, that we degrade and insult God’s creative work, and His Word—the power with which He made us all—when we think of, treat, or refer to those of other races or circumstances of birth as inferior. Racism is a corrupt tendency in us, just like greed, inordinate lust, jealousy, and the like. Thus, the behaviors that arise from racism are sin. This, too, we must fight against and put away. Racist behavior reflects on the person displaying such behavior. And if we as believers are overtaken by this sin, the resultant behavior, by association, reflects on the kingdom of God. Thus, this sin can become an obstacle to believing for those who might know that we are believers. Our attitudes and demeanor all help to define us and give others a perspective on us. We know that we are faulty, made of corruptible material, so we are susceptible to this sin. “But by the grace of God, I am what I am,” apostle Paul said. It is true; we are God’s children by His grace, not because any of us are of any superior design or creation. Scripture also teaches that God does not judge us on our outward appearance, but He looks at the heart: “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1Sam.16:7). In addition to racism, there other forms of prejudice not covered in depth in this presentation. Examples include our attitudes toward those of other nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures. If desired, these areas of prejudice could be covered in the discussion period. Respecting Differences Differences, more or less, are first experienced in our homes among the family. We learn to accept each other for who we are. If taught to treat others in a respectful way, then we will more likely have a healthy attitude of being open and accepting others. The “golden rule” still applies to all of us and is the “gold standard” in every human relationship. It teaches us to treat others how we ourselves want to be treated (Luke 6:31). Even with all of our differences we are alike. We all have the same basic essential needs: food, water, shelter, family, and friends. We also have the needs of being wanted and loved, of having a sense of belonging, self-esteem, and self-worth. Regardless of our race, nationality, ethnic background, strengths, or weaknesses, Jesus loves and cares for us. He also instructed us to do likewise. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). This applies also to the ultimate love, love for undying souls of all people. Our Melting Pot America, sometimes called the “melting pot,” is a country of immigrants. People from all over the world have wanted to come here to seek a better life. Our forefathers immigrated in times past, and the immigration process continues today. Our many ethnic groups, and nationalities have helped to shape this country into what it is today. Not only did they contribute their skills, talents, and energy for the good of society, many have made the ultimate sacrifice fighting to defend freedom and liberty for all. To have such a mixture of people, who wish to contribute to the good of our country, is a positive asset. The Latin motto E Pluribus Unum found on the Great Seal of the United States, means “out of many, one.” Originally suggesting that out of many colonies or states emerges a single nation. It has come to suggest in our times that out of many people, races, and ancestries has emerged a single people and nation, thus illustrating the concept of the “melting pot.” It seems unavoidable that with a mixture of people there is the phenomenon of class and division. People often tend to congregate with like people. This tendency, however, can result in exclusion of others, intentionally or unintentionally. Not only do groups often discriminate against others for the wrong reasons (race, appearance, economic status, etc.) individuals do as well, and none of us is immune to falling into such behavior. It’s true that we need to discriminate on the basis of right and wrong activities, between those who would have a bad influence on us that would endanger our faith or safety, but we still want to show love to all people. Scripture Exhorts Us The Bible gives many examples of negative behavior as James writes of how the poor experience discrimination and the rich are treated favorably: When a rich man enters wearing fine apparel he is invited to sit in a good place, but the poor man, in vile garments, is commanded to stand or sit under the footstool (James 2:2–6). He further says, “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well (James 2:8, Matt. 22:39). Who is our neighbor? Is it not everyone of our fellowmen? Scripture further instructs, “as we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). This image of doing “good” to all men is in stark contrast to what some people have endured, even in our own land. A memory from childhood brings this home to me. Sitting in the dim room I was fascinated by the old neighbor man’s stories and his experiences in the Deep South. Blacks were not allowed in many places and restricted from certain activities. “Tell some more, granddaddy!” exclaimed my friend. “I done told you enuff for now, you’ all best be gettin on outside and play some ball,” he replied. The struggles this old man endured due to the color of his skin were unfair and unjust. Why was it so? The reason: prejudices, greed, biases, and fears of others due to color, race, nationality, social status, etc. can run deep in a society. This kind of mentality undermines what is best about America; a society marked by generosity, liberty, and freedom. Racism can take guarded or less noticeable forms. Perhaps one may think that name-calling is not such a big deal—especially if they are not said in front of the person—but degrading terms such as; “nigger,” “spic,” “honky,” “chink,” etc. have no place in a child of God’s vocabulary. They don’t do anyone any good. On the contrary, they are hurtful and damaging. As God calls more people of different backgrounds into His kingdom, we see the blessings and joy it brings. These terms and attitudes cause offenses which we strive to avoid. The Battle Starts on a Personal Level This striving begins on a personal level. I also have needed to battle such attitudes arising from my own flesh. September 11th, 2001 was bewildering and surreal as the day’s events unfolded. Planes were hijacked and flown into buildings by terrorists who were Islamic extremists. It affected people’s perceptions—mine too. Upon entering the University of Minnesota’s computer lab, I became highly suspicious of a certain individual. He was of Middle-Eastern descent and wore traditional Muslim attire. I watched him carefully. From out of my flesh, came forth evil thoughts toward him and others. Nevertheless, we soon came to know and appreciate each other. Just like me, he was studying in hopes of getting a job in order to support his family. Just as we don’t judge all Muslims as terrorists, neither do we want to classify races, nationalities, and ethnicities—“Blacks are lazy,” “Jews are tightwads,” etc. Individual behavior, or that of some, should not label a whole race. I needed to see my Muslim classmate as an individual. The concept of God meant something different to each of us, and while I wanted to remember apostle Paul’s reminder to keep separate from those in darkness to avoid sin (2 Cor. 6:14–17), I still needed to recognize that we believers live in and are sent forth to participate in society. Scripture exhorts us away from prejudice; James writes, “My brethren have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons” (James 2:1). Christ Calls Through His Own We endeavor to keep peace with all people, even though we do not share the fellowship of spirit with them. Some who have repented and come into God’s kingdom have related how caring the believers were to them when they were yet outside of God’s kingdom. When believers show love and friendliness to unbelieving people and remember them with the mind of Christ, the goodness of God may draw them to His kingdom and the gospel of forgiveness. Friendliness is a fruit of faith, not a work. Scripture further exhorts us, “be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32.) The richness of God’s creation, in all its variety, is a gift from God. What we think and say and how we treat others require watchfulness on our part. We carry flesh and blood and are prone to err. The gospel is our means of forgiveness and is readily preached to the sinful. Dear brothers and sisters you have permission to believe all sins forgiven in Jesus name and precious blood.