A M AG A Z I N E O F T H E F R E E L U T H E R A N B I B L E C O L L E G E & S E M I N A RY • W I N T E R 2 0 2 0

K I N S H I

CHRIST ALONE is the Sustainer of everything that is. This scriptural claim demands several answers. What existed before this world? Who is holding it all together? Or is it all just falling apart? What hope do we have for the future? In brief, what—or who—sustains the cosmos?

If the person and work of Christ isn’t your answer, you can’t just walk away. Nobody gets off the hook that easily. Man cannot live without a sustainer. You can see man’s attempts to find a sustainer

in the idols he builds. Every idol is born out of exchange. Men, claiming to be wise, become fools, and trade “the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles” (Romans 1:22–23).

Our idols are false gods—gods we have made to look a lot like us. But gods made after our own image don’t sustain us; their tongues are our own, and also their thoughts. The idol factories of our hearts turn us from God, our Creator, to created matter and energy. These, too, fail; every man-made creation lacks tongues and knowledge to answer life’s most important questions.

Next time you speak with someone who has rejected God or walked away from faith in Jesus Christ, ask them what they received in return for their rejection. Usually, the answer comes in the form of a bewildered look, as they received in return for their treason … nothing. We reject Christ not because someone offered us a better deal, but because we have believed the ancient lie: “God, if he exists at all, is not good, and certainly does not care about you. How much better to wander existence alone.”

Our hope rests on the truth. Christ is the image of the invisible God. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Christ, our Sustainer, dwelt among us, lived, died, and rose again, forgiving our sins. This is the

foundation for life that we teach at the Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary. Thank you for your part in this ministry, and enjoy this issue of Kinship.

Pastor Wade Mobley [Bible College and Seminary President]

2

O U R P R E S I D E N T[ ]

3

[ ]N E W S

EIGHT FLBC STUDENTS were given a unique opportunity for J-term, which was made possible through a partnership with Montana Bible College (MBC), a four-year Bible college in Bozeman, Mont. MBC accepts a significant portion of credits from FLBC.

These students spent January 6–10 attending a “Biblical Worldview and Cultural Engagement” class on MBC’s campus. The 15-hour course was held over three days, leaving one day for our students to explore the beauty of God’s creation near Bozeman including skiing, hiking, and exploring the unique downtown Bozeman area.

The response of FLBC students who traveled to Bozeman was unanimously positive.

“The trip to Montana to take a biblical worldview class was one of the most beneficial trips I have ever been on,” said Lydia Carr, a FLBC junior from Tioga, N.D. “I enjoyed … learning about other worldviews and how to approach those who believe in them. … [We] can be confident in what we know about our faith, and we don’t need to shrink away from the opportunity to share our faith. Knowing what others believe and the biblical critique to that belief was the biggest take away from me of that class.”

Another student, senior Nate Crellin, spoke to the gospel-centrality of the course. He said the class was “a unique and refreshing course that highlighted the most prominent but destructive worldviews that are thrown around in our culture today. It showed me how sad and hopeless these views are and how we can [approach those holding these views] with the excitement of the gospel in mind.”

While this opportunity may not be available to FLBC students every year, the connection was beneficial for both schools, and their partnership in the gospel was a benefit to service and ministry within God’s kingdom.

After hearing from ministry leaders about the need for further training related to biblical counseling and family ministry, the Free Lutheran Seminary brought in several experts to address these topics during the recent January term. Pastor Jerry Nelson led a session on “Soul Care in the Congregation,” offering biblical direction for speaking to those who may be struggling in their marriage or are in need of other guidance.

Each afternoon, a variety of instructors including Pastor Jason Holt, Daniel Keinanen, and Jordan Langness spoke in connection with AFLC Youth Ministries. They encouraged churches to consider how to incorporate biblical instruction within the context of the family.

Finally, Dr. Ron Hunter, CEO of Randall House Publishing and founder of D6 Family Ministry, spoke about trends leading to prodigal behavior in teens. Archived content can be found at flbc.edu/resources-videos/.

In December, the Bible College and Seminary continued its longstanding tradition of hosting its annual Christmas Concerts. A majority of the student body participated in either a choir or the Symphonic Wind Ensemble during two performances, which captured the joy of the Christmas season. The theme featured Mary’s Magnificat from Luke 1:46–47, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Bible College Dean Adam Osier delivered a meaningful meditation each night. Those who were not able to take in this event in person are encouraged to view the archived footage at flbc.edu/choirs/concert-videos/.

Pictured are (back, from left) Zach Westlake, Miciah Renn, Nick Mathsen, Women’s Resident Head Emily Kregel, Jack Jordan, Hallie Dutton, Dean Pastor Adam Osier, Nathan Crellin, (front, from left) Lydia Carr and Joanna Erickson. (Submitted photo)

FLBC connects with MBC

4

IN COLOSSIANS 1:16–17, we read a clear and succinct description of Jesus, by whom all things were created, and—more significantly—“in Him all things hold together” (NAS). God is described as sustainer of all things (and His people) in the New Testament. Because God is amazingly consistent, we find Him similarly portrayed in the Old Testament.

In Genesis 1 and 2 we read that God made the heavens, earth, and creatures, “very good.” After the fall, though God pronounced the curse upon the man, the woman, the serpent, and all of creation, this was not the end. The woman would bring forth her children in pain and/or sorrow; nevertheless, she would still bring forth children. The man would

bring forth food from the earth in similar pain and/or sorrow—nevertheless, they would still eat. More significantly, One was promised to come who would someday crush the serpent’s head—an ancient prophecy of God’s promised Messiah, our Savior.

Most significant, however, is how God showed Himself to His people. Most of us know that He revealed His Name as “I AM.” The next verse adds something

less often remembered: that the LORD (I AM) is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; this is His Name forever, and how it is to be remembered by all generations (Exodus 3:14-15). He didn’t just give a name, but a name that was illustrated by His relationship with these men. To know the LORD and who He is and what He is about, take a look at how He handled those men.

We often celebrate these men and their faith—and we should. We don’t often remember how much they wavered in their faith, how much that faith really was the result of God looking after them—sustaining them—in this life. Abraham was too faithless and chicken to risk his own life

defending Sarah; God had to rescue and return her to him—twice. Isaac followed in his father’s footsteps, along with having his own issues. God carried both of them through their faults and misadventures, and they learned that they could trust Him.

Jacob didn’t start out any better. When he fled from his home (without much more than a walking stick to his name), God promised to be with him. The best Jacob could respond with was, “If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear, and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the LORD will be my God” (Genesis 28:20-21). If, he says, God sustains me, then He will be my God. The LORD delivered on that. He blessed, protected, and provided for Jacob lavishly. By the end of his life, Jacob described the LORD as “the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day” (Genesis 48:15).

Jacob knew shepherding well: he was one. To call God shepherd means that He is not simply some distant maker, or eventual judge. He isn’t the creator of life principles for people to follow in order to get the best life. A shepherd is a continual protector, provider, comforter, rescuer … the list goes on. It is a fundamentally relational role, on a day-to-day level. This daily, sustaining shepherd has made us, and will judge everyone—but He is our good shepherd, watching over us, and carrying us through this life, while teaching us faith: the truth that we can trust Him. This is God, revealed to be at work from the Old Testament through the New, to today.

Pastor Phill Hooper [FLBC part-time faculty] serves St. John’s Free Lutheran, Duluth, Minn.

[ ]FAC U LT Y

AN OLD TESTAMENT PICTURE OF TRUST

5

AS YOU KNOW, Bible College is famous for the many opportunities it gives students. This may also be the reason why its students are known for rarely getting enough sleep. Many of us participate in basketball, choir, gospel teams, symphonic wind ensemble, and part-time jobs. I am grateful for all these opportunities, but often I look at the activities I participate in and wonder why I do all of them. I often dread them, even though they are all good activities.

In short, I get exhausted. I become defeated. I feel like I am doing everything in vain. It is so important to remember that God is the One who sustains me in all these things. To start, I looked up the definition of “sustaining.” Webster’s Dictionary says, “to keep from falling; to bear; to uphold; to support as a foundation.”

Throughout Scripture, humans fail constantly. The psalmist writes, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (73:26). Yet, God promises that He will sustain His people and fight their battles for them, like in the Book of Exodus and in Joshua 1:9. God called His people to be strong and courageous or to be still, because God Himself promised that He would be with them. I believe that Scripture is absolutely true; therefore, the promises that are made by God in Scripture can

be applied to my life as well, by the grace of God.God acted on His promises ultimately on the

cross. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, including my sins. The lyrics of a gospel song say, “He paid a debt He did not owe; and I owed a debt I could not pay” (“He Paid A Debt,” anonymous). Jesus was the perfect substitution for my sins.

He paid my debt in full. I am completely free of my debt before God. By the grace of God, I have faith in my Savior alone. I add nothing. I rest in the true hope that someday I will be with Him, “my portion forever.”

I love the lyrics to Steve Pettit’s song “This Is My Word,” which says, “O Lord, when I am weary, when I feel the days I am living are in vain, my God, help me be faithful to the Word You have given to proclaim.” Without the Great Sustainer, my days would be lived out in vain. All of the things I am a part of would be for nothing. But, because of what Jesus has done for me, I can endure in the troubles of life. Why? Because I know my salvation has been won. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no

longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” God is the Great Sustainer.

Grace Dryburgh [FLBC senior] is from Hillsboro, N.D.

Resting in our Lord’s sustaining promises

[ ]B I B L E C O L L E G E

6

[ ]F E AT U R E

JACKIE BINGHAM [FLBC junior] Sioux Falls, S.D. ETHAN HICKLE [FLBC junior] Elk River, Minn.

SUSTAINERThe Lord is the

of my soul

7

LANCE MORRISON [FLS senior] Kindred, N.D.

ZACH WESTLAKE [FLBC senior] Rogers, Minn. JULIA ALBRIGHT [FLBC senior] Fosston, Minn.

MONICA ŠIKULOVÁ [FLBC junior] Czech Republic

GOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY SUSTAINER, even when I didn’t realize it. I had a strong relationship with God when I was young. I went to church every Sunday at Hope Lutheran in Minneapolis and absolutely loved learning about historical events and how God worked through the Bible. My friendships with my peers meant the world to me. On top of all this, I was in musicals and show choirs in middle school up through my freshman year of high school.

In June 2017, my family moved to Roseau, Minn., for my dad’s seminary internship. I was sad to leave my friends and my church. But God was calling our family.

My parents wanted me to try out for football that fall. I was not fond of the idea. Nevertheless, my parents made me play. That’s when I realized that sometimes when people give you compliments in the locker room, they actually mean the opposite. I was bullied and hurt, and as the new kid, I hated everything. Additionally, my relationship with my sister, with whom I was so close, changed. It tore me down even more. Through all of our fights and arguments, I blamed her as if everything that was going on in my life was her fault, when it wasn’t.

It was about that time when my voice started to change. Music had always been a huge part of my life, and singing was especially where I found my comfort. When my voice changed, so did my entire outlook on life. I was lost, broken, bullied, and felt helpless. I couldn’t see past the pain.

I stopped doing my devotions, and my

relationship with God started to fade. Going to church turned into a weekly Sunday activity rather than a growing relationship with Christ. I felt completely lost and alone, and I slowly slipped away into sin. It became a regular thing that I was blinded by. I found joy and peace through indulging in my selfish desires, and I forgot all about my life with God.

Through all of this, God didn’t let go. One day, I decided to come to a morning prayer put on by my Christian friends at school. Going to that session opened my eyes, and I began to realize that I wanted God back in my life. I prayed daily that God would help me out of this situation. I was in so deep with my temptations to the point that I couldn’t get out of them alone. The best part was that God knew that all along. About a month later, my dad found images on my phone. My parents were completely shocked. I told them everything. God worked through my family to help me. I started going to a therapist with my dad so that he could help me break my temptation to sin.

A while after this, my dad accepted a call to become the pastor in Milford, Ill. It took time for me to heal from the effects of my sins, which made

8

[ ]B I B L E C O L L E G E

it harder to go into a new school again with new people. But God knew that I would need help. He gave me my best friend, Hannah Boyer. God used Hannah to help me look to Him for strength. I had left Him, but He had never left my side.

God was the one who restored my relationship with my sister, He is the one who led me to FLBC, and He was the one who made me realize that when you put your faith in things of this world like friends and singing, your world will fall. Put your faith in God, and He won’t fail you. Without God in my life, I don’t know where I would be right now, but what I do know is that with God I can have true joy. I know that He has delivered me from even the darkest place. Amen.

Quincy Jensen [FLBC junior] is from Milford, Ill.

Through every trial

AS I THINK ABOUT GOD as my Sustainer, I think of these verses (and the classic campfire song, “Cry Out,” from my time at Park River Bible Camp). In my time at seminary, God has sustained me in a couple of ways, and they’ve both been through relationships.

Besides being a seminary student, I’m also a dorm assistant for the Bible College. In my now two and a half years of serving in both vocations, I’ve been shown my own weakness more times than I can count. The most stressful days of my life have been during seminary finals. Big tests, big papers, and lots of reading assignments come due by then, and even when you’re on track, you quickly feel like you’re behind when finals are looming. When discussing real life scenarios in counseling or apologetics classes, I feel vastly unqualified to serve a congregation. I also often feel like I’m neglecting the Bible College students when I have to sacrifice time with them to do homework. Thankfully, they are forgiving just like our God. In His grace, He sustains me t,hrough their patience, and through the friendships I’ve made here amongst my classmates. God has especially blessed me through the friendship of Joe Larson. He has been a brother I’ve confessed to, ministered to, and worked with in the dorm. Through those times, we’ve had many

great chats about a whole host of theological, political, practical, and nerdy topics.

The other relationship through which God has sustained me is with my fiancé, Taylor Ensrude. We met during our time as campers at Park River Bible Camp and began dating in June 2014 when we both worked there. We also both attended college in Fargo, N.D., so we have always been close to each other. After graduation, she was admitted into the Creighton School of Dentistry in Omaha, Neb., and I came to seminary here in Plymouth. The prospect of a long-distance relationship was intimidating and scary, but God has sustained us both as we’ve been apart. Our relationship has only grown stronger, and we’re excited to finally be engaged and look forward to life together in marriage. There have been tough days of longing to be together for sure, and there have been many a lesson for us in patience and humility along the way. We’re also excited to see what God has in store for us together wherever He calls us to serve. Taylor’s favorite verses, Romans 8:38-39, are what we both cling to as we count down to our marriage: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Though my time at seminary has knocked me to the ground and shown me how sinful and weak I really am, God has brought people into my life in order to encourage me and help bear my burdens. I am amazed at His love and faithfulness, and I can’t wait to see where He will send me next and how He will bless me there.

Michael Onstad [FLS senior] serves as a men’s dorm assistant on campus.

[ ]S E M I N A RY

9

SUSTAINED THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS

[ ]

10

N E W S

The permit process for the construction of the new Student Life Center may have taken seven months to negotiate, but it didn’t take more than two weeks to change the landscape of the FLBCS campus once final approval was received.

Bulldozers, excavators, dump trucks, and other construction equipment arrived on campus in mid-December, and a large hole was soon developing inside the campus “peanut,” named for the shape of the road encompassing the site. A total of 13,000 cubic yards of soil was removed, necessitating a constant parade of dump trucks entering and exiting campus. It was a raucous few weeks to endure.

Now the site sits still, covered by a layer of

snow and ice, as winter temperatures mean that construction has paused for the season. But come spring, construction will restart in earnest with concrete work slated to begin in April.

The Student Life Center will house a gymnasium with basketball courts, locker rooms, additional classrooms, fitness center, offices, and a commons area with concessions.

“This project is coming to life, and we are so thankful for your part in it,” said Pastor Wade Mobley, president of the schools. The Student Life Center is funded by gifts from donors, currently totaling $3.48 million of the $8.5 million needed.

Visit our webcam video at flbc.edu/slc-cam/ for updates as well as a time lapse.

Our campus family invites you to experience the community life and biblical instruction at FLBC for one weekend, April 17–19. High school students, parents, and whole youth groups can register to attend Campus Days for a weekend that will include engaging preaching, practical ministry workshops, overnight stays in our dormitories, recreational activities, great food, and much more. The theme is “Built on the Rock” from Matthew 7:24–27. All of this will take place next to an actual construction site as the new Student Life Center project is being built. Register now at flbc.edu/event/.

Members of the FLBC Proclaim and Concert Choirs will travel to AFLC churches during tours in February, March, and April. The Proclaim Choir will have two mini tours, traveling over long weekends Feb. 21–24, and April 24–27, giving concerts in congregations in Minnesota and North Dakota and potentially in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in April.

The Concert Choir will travel to the Southwest over spring break, March 26–April 11, visiting churches in Minnesota, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.

A group of 12 students enrolled in the Intro to Cross Cultural Ministry class at FLBC will travel to Atlacomulco, Mexico, over the two-week spring break March 28–April 11. Our students will partner with Mazahua Valley Ministries (MVM). Located 80 miles northwest of Mexico City, MVM facilitates connections between short-term teams with area churches and villages. Opportunities will include teaching vacation Bible school, as well as worship and evangelism. The class may also potentially partner with AFLC missionaries if time allows.

A time lapse image from December shows the groundwork crew digging the foundation for the new Student Center. Construction will resume when the weather allows. (Andrew Abel)

B I T S

L E S S O N I N S O L E C A R E

M O C H I M U N C H I E SC H I VA L RY I S N OT D E A D[

[

[ ]

[

]]

]

11

WATCHING THE CHEMO DRUGS drip into Wayne’s body, I felt a sense of helplessness. The new drugs were for a new cancer—aggressive lymphoma (MCL)—found in my husband last fall. In 2012, Wayne’s leukemia (CML) had been frightening news, but with advanced oral TK-cancer drugs, remission had been achieved. Retirement plans, travel ideas, and some selected projects had been in our thoughts.

Now these hopes were abandoned and ominous questions surfaced instead. Would Wayne be able to tolerate the chemo drugs? Would the drugs fight the cancer? What would the future hold? How much time would we have? Where would we live?

Scriptures surfaced in answer like advertisements interrupting a television show. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

More verses followed: “Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

After Wayne’s second chemo treatment, this Scripture came to mind: “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7). I chuckled slightly, wondering how many of Wayne’s hairs were left for God to count! We had been warned his thick hair would fall out with treatments, but it was hard to see this visible reality of cancer. “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:4).

“HELP Lord!” is what I find myself praying often now. Help for strength, help for Wayne, help for the future.

I recently gave Wayne an interesting book called, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,

by Charlie Mackesy. The book has a lot of short sayings for life, such as: ‘“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?’ asked the boy. ‘HELP.’ said the horse.”

It is hard to ask others for help, maybe because of our Scandinavian heritage or because it might convey weakness. But when I cry out to the Lord, He answers, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me (II Corinthians 12:9).

Wayne and I don’t know what the future holds, but we know and believe in the One Who promises to be with us and sustain us. “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me” (Psalm 54:4).

Karen Floan [FLBC, 1974] and her husband Wayne [FLBC, 1972] are members of Grace Free Lutheran, Maple Grove, Minn. Wayne serves as the

director of maintenance on the AFLC Schools campus.

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS[ ]A L U M N I

Free Lutheran Bible College & Seminary3134 E. Medicine Lake Blvd.Plymouth, MN 55441