Eero Kinnunen
Chief buyer
In the listeners of Jesus there were people, who believed humbly in the gospel of forgiveness. There were also such, who doubted and blasphemed against God. Luke tells of a journey maker, who was with the group of Jesus and who desired to follow Jesus where ever He will go (Luke 9: 57-62). Jesus spoke about the seriousness of following of him: It is not all about a spur of a moment, but a real change of mind. Temporal matters are secondary: a desire arises to believe the sins forgiven. The following of Jesus includes " the carrying of the cross", in other words the trials and doubts in one's life.
Furthermore it includes the denying of oneself: a believer does not want to join in the sinful life of this world.
This time of the world is bad. The permissibility of sin is near a believer, too. The enemy of souls tries with all possible means to get a believer to tire and give up his or her faith. When it seems that there is no longer any sense in believing, the forgiveness of sins gives hope and belief that the protection and blessing of God are following from day to day. It gives hope for the future, it strengthens and refreshes. "The faith gives peace to the soul and a feeling of security, a joy in meeting other believers"
It is easy to believe here at the Summer Services. When one is alone in the midst of the world, the temptations are near. One is longing for the proximity of other believers.
The promise of the following of Jesus is that He will protect us from evil. He will bless our life. By the word of God our faith strengthens and freshens up. The word of God encourages to put sin away. "God takes care of us and carries and brings us to the destination."
Translated into English by Kari Lamminmäki
Service reporter Marjukka Mällinen