21Jul/120
Tomorrow at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine, July 22nd, 2012 and Reflections on last Sunday, July 15th
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I arrived to Castle Rock, CO yesterday (my father-in-law lives here) just in time to get caught up about the horrific news coming out of Aurora, CO: 71 people shot in a movie theater, among whom 12 lost their lives. Such satanic violence marks a fallen world and epitomizes the truth of God’s Word that we are perpetually confronted by that which is designed to do far more than disrupt our peace, but also — if it were possible for those held by Christ — to rob us of our faith. This is why to know our LORD as Shepherd is so important and that His love is not theoretical, but real. Our LORD also provides under-shepherds who nourish us with the True Word of Christ which feeds our faith. It is a service that demonstrates the love of God in this world.
The Rev. Dr. Steven Mueller is one of the most gifted teachers of God’s Word in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod today. We are so blessed to have him in our faith community and blessed to have him proclaim God’s Word for us tomorrow at Saint Paul’s. Furthermore, I continue to thank God for our excellent musician in Karissa Lystrup whose dedicated service and excellent facilitation of our beautiful liturgical tradition envelopes us in the work of the Holy Spirit expressed through the sacred Word in liturgy and hymnody.
Let us gather tomorrow in the Name of the LORD to receive His gifts, especially the precious body and blood of Jesus our Savior. Through these means and gifts we will remain steadfast in the forgiveness of our sins and overflowing with His life in us which has no end. Please invite a friend to our divine service that begins at 9:30 am at Crean Lutheran High School, 12500 Sand Canyon Ave, Irvine, CA. We enjoy refreshments and fellowship at 10:45 am, followed by Adult Bible Study and Sunday School for the children at 11:00 am.
In Your Service and To Christ’s Glory,
Pastor Espinosa
Last Sunday, July 15th announcement:
Dear Christian Friends,
One of the most potentially confusing articles of the Christian faith is the teaching on election or predestination. Not only do some people present it in a confusing manner, but some present it in a terrifying manner. This is also a terrible shame. Why? Because the Scriptural teaching on this matter is meant to be of great COMFORT to you. Is it important to know God’s comfort? Are you kidding me? In this world today, this is EXACTLY what we need! And this is exactly what your Heavenly Father desires to give you through the revealed, beautiful relationship between the saving work of Christ, God’s gift of faith formed in you, and the artcile of election/predestination. Tomorrow I will teach on how to identify and avoid the false teaching on election; and then I will present the great comfort revealed in the biblical teaching of election/predestination.
As always after being fed by the Word proclaimed, we will receive the true body and blood of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and for our ongoing sanctification (God’s sustaining us as His holy people). What a blessing! What a gift! Invite a friend! Let us rejoice in the love and mercy of God in and through our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!
See you in church tomorrow.
Please remember that we are back at Crean Lutheran High School located at 12500 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA 92618. Worship begins at 9:30 am!
In Your Service and To Christ’s Glory,
Pastor Espinosa
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