Jim Johnson
The Daily Mining Gazette 30.10.2001.

Unfair accusations
To the editor:
There have been several articles bringing accusations against the Apostolic Lutherans, often identified at Laestadians, after the name of the reformer God used to bring His spiritual visitation to the Scandinavian countries in the 1800s. These accusations have been written by those from outside of the movement — the uninformed and unenlightened — regarding the truth.
There have been divisions from the beginning, in the outward church, as is common in all denominations, but not in the living Body of Christ. That kingdom which God established by His spirit is not divided, for it is not a kingdom that is outward in flesh, but consists of those born of the Spirit.
Yes, Jesus the “Prince of Peace” gives His peace to His own, but divides the righteous from the unrighteous. “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter — etc. (Luke 12:51-53)
This division is not normally in the physical way, but in the Spiritual. The differences that result from the Spirit of God which disallows unity in untruth. We pray for unity, a work of the Holy Spirit, which comes about when man submits himself to the working of God’s Spirit. The Spirit that comes through the hearing and believing in the truth of God’s Word. Apostle Paul warned, “For I know this, that after my departure shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them.” (Acts 20:29-30) The Lord said, “And if any man hear my words and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (Jo 12:47-48) Our commission, given by the Lord is, “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47) God grant that we will be faithful in this.

JIM JOHNSON
Houghton