Welcome to Good Friday, the Day the Lord Jesus Christ won the forgiveness of all of our sins and opened heaven to us! Today is not a memorial of a funeral, but the celebration of Christ the Lord overcoming the assault of temptation, torture, and the darkness of hell. It was where our Lord gave the final sacrificial payment for all sin, for all time through His precious blood. Good Friday already celebrates the victory that is veiled in darkness that will be invaded by the light of that same victory this Sunday.

Tonight we will mediate upon and learn more about the seven last words that Jesus spoke while on the cross and before He died. They are stunning words that teach of His mission and ministry for us. The first two words emphasize the most important reason for His coming to begin with. The third word teaches us that He has perfectly provided for His Church on earth. The fourth word proves that He entered into our darkness and condemnation so that all who believe in Him have had their condemnation pass away. The fifth word is — ironically — refreshing to us as I will explain this evening. The sixth word is for great comfort and assurance that His sacrifice is for all time. The seventh and last word teaches us that as a result of what Christ did, we now know how to live, how to die, and how to anticipate our life beyond the grave. These words are astounding and I think that you’ll sense a powerful way of memorizing them, perhaps for the first time in your life.

Service begins at 7 pm at my residence, 21986 Mae Circle in the city of Lake Forest. To reach us take the 405 to Bake, and head east on Bake for about one mile. Turn right onto Jeronimo and then take the second right onto Heide. Heide veers right and becomes Kathy, then take an immediate right onto Mae Circle. My house is at the end of the cul-de-sac on the right. Please invite a friend. In addition to the seven words, there will be guest musicians like violinists and a cellist, in addition to the wonderful play of our organist/pianist Karissa Lystrup who will also direct our choir this evening. The Good Friday bulletin will contain this complete sacred service that you might want to hold onto for some time.

This service will focus on the Word that is all about Good Friday. It is the perfect way to prepare for the glorious celebration this Sunday.

In Your Service and To Christ’s Glory,

Dr. Espinosa, Pastor, Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine, CA