Angels! For whatever reasons, people are very much challenged in relating to them. Some go TOO FAR and violate God's Word: don't worship them, don't pray to them, and do not give them what is only due the Lord! On the other hand, many don't go FAR ENOUGH, living as though they do not matter, but the Lord decided to include them in sacred revelation.

Tomorrow, we will put forth the balance. They serve and worship Christ and they do the Lord's bidding. The exciting part is to elaborate on that bidding which includes serving and helping YOU! This service is part and parcel an expression of God's grace to and for you...the angels amplify knowing God's love and mercy; the angels highlight how precious you -- the "little ones"/God's children -- are to the Lord.

Come and once again receive the Lord's service to you through Word and Sacrament (which will include the service of the holy angels at Christ's bidding for you)!

For the children's service, I will be sharing two fascinating pieces of art with the children, one, a beautiful icon, the other a powerful statue.

Here is an excerpt from tomorrow's sermon:

In our Gospel text this morning from Matthew 18, the main focus is on the “little ones.” And while the Lord brings forth an actual child (v 2), he is teaching us that the little ones are God’s children who emulate the way of a real child who is dependent on and who trusts in a superior; that is they live in humility (The Lutheran Study Bible, 1621). You are the little ones Christians. God is your Father and He loves you as His child. You humble yourselves as you trust in God and depend on Him through Christ! Now what does this have to do with angels?

 

Towards the end of this same Gospel today we hear these words: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven (v 10).” Complementary to this is Luke 15:7 on the great joy in heaven over the sinner who is constantly living in repentance. The angels are associated with the relationship between humble servants and being in the very presence of God, because to truly worship God and to know God is to know His grace for sinners. The angels witness the God of grace who receives you as His child! As a result, the angels are supreme examples of how to live: to seek God’s presence, to behold His salvation, and to live humbly as servants of the Lord.

 

Yes, even the mighty angels – just one of them being more powerful than a human army (2 Kings 19:35) – (these angels) humble themselves before the Almighty God from whom they derive all of their power and glory. They know that they too like you and me are totally dependent on the Lord and it is their delight and purpose to serve God. And in their surging power, they know and practice humility (it is the right way to live). In Isaiah 6:2 the mighty seraphim (whose titles mean “burning ones” or “fiery ones”), these great angels have six wings. In Isaiah 6, however, when they come before the Lord to cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory (6:3),” two of their wings are used to cover their feet, and two of their wings are used to cover their faces (v 2). The picture is stunning and magnificent. These powerful, powerful servants of God that would send any of one of us to the ground trembling with fear yet cover themselves in deepest reverence and humility before the Lord! Oh, to be like the angels!

 

 

Again, oh, to be like the angels! And yet in our sin – we who are lower (Psalm 8:5) in stature and power – are so proud. Instead of covering ourselves in humility, our sin leads us not to be considerate of standing before the Lord in proper covering. Our sin, however, leads us to be reckless and to use even the meager powers the Lord has permitted us not in service to the Lord and not in His worship (as the angels do), but to serve ourselves; not to reverence the Lord, but to seek honor for ourselves; not to cover ourselves in humility, but to clothe ourselves in pride. And while angels cover their feet and their faces, our feet rush to sin and our faces – in accord with our sinful flesh – are covered with shame. But thanks be to God, the angels bring glad tidings to us just as the poor shepherds received on Christmas Eve: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).”

 

The word “angel” – whether presented in the Hebrew mal’akh or the Greek angelos – means “messenger.” This word is about their office and tells us about they do (Lockyer, 3). And even in their vast and exciting ranks and hierarchy which includes the Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Principalities, Powers, Virtues, Archangels, and Angels, what they “message” more than anything is Jesus.

Divine Service begins at 9:30 am. Let us gather, we are the body of Christ!

In Jesus' Love,

Pastor Espinosa

Tomorrow we present what is often purported to be the most difficult parable in the Bible: the parable of the dishonest manager. He is -- to an extent -- praised by Jesus. But there is a very specific reason for this commendation and the focus is not upon the manager himself, but upon the MERCY of the master. All the while, the Lord is teaching about how disciples view and treat money and possessions.

The sermon is immensely practical in teaching about something we handle practically everyday: money, but it will present the Lord's liberating teaching that leads us to the riches of Christ, instead of the riches which fade. Still, even the "unrighteous" riches are important, and we must know how to use them. You won't want to miss this proclamation and teaching from God's Word.

Also, we will receive once again the true riches of the body and blood of Christ which assures us that we are blessed with the Kingdom of God and the riches which do not fade nor are approached by robbers. The Holy Sacrament keeps you rich in Christ and the forgiveness of sins!

Here is an excerpt from tomorrow's sermon:

“Trusting in Christ, Not Money”

(Luke 16:1-15)

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 22^nd, 2013

Pastor Espinosa

            Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Last Sunday we heard about the parables of what was lost: lost sheep which picture us sinners who wander from the Lord (thank God the Lord seeks us and finds us); and the lost coin picturing the faithful woman (the church/the bride of Christ) seeking those who wander and become lost and which coins/Christians are entrusted into the care of the faithful church.

 

But why do we get lost to begin with? The answer is through our own sin, the evil influences of the world, and on account of the adversary, the devil. But in the context of our Gospel this morning in Luke 16 (and in other sections of Luke), we disciples (like the original disciples being addressed in this section) are given a major head’s up on a key reason/threat that leads to getting lost and for that matter giving reason as to why the church would not concern herself (a terrible sin) for the lost. The reason is money. And our Lord Jesus is teaching a very basic – and yet profound and critical lesson – that we must learn: you can’t have two masters:

 

1)      You will either love money and possessions and be attached to them.

OR

2)      You will love God and His mercy in Christ and be attached to Him.

 

But the Lord teaches us in many ways that people get lost from God and stray from how life should be really lived  (i.e. following the Lord) because of money and possessions. Early on in Luke’s Gospel we read this:

 

Luke 8:14: “And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.”

 

Even one who hears and apparently receives the Gospel of Christ, can become distracted by “the cares and riches and pleasures of life,” and they can get lost, and many do. How often dear Christians are we consumed by these things: either on the one hand, so afraid and worried because we do not have enough money; or so consumed by all that we can get when there is much money. After a while, it is the money that we carry in our minds and hearts, and not the Lord. We get lost and we do as the servant in today’s parable did: we start “wasting” our lives and neglect the proper use of God’s gifts.

Hear the words of wisdom from Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV): “Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

 

The Proverb is not saying that a Christian cannot be materially rich nor materially poor, but he is cognizant of the tremendous temptations and distractions that accompany one or the other situation.

 

So again Jesus taught in the Gospel of Luke:

 

Luke 12:33-34: “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

 

God is clear on this matter and He lovingly warns you and me:

 

1^st Timothy 6:6-10: Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment. For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

 

            Again, don’t take this mean that a believer cannot have money and possessions. It is not money itself that is the root of all evil, but the love of money. Abraham, King David, and rich Zacchaeus in Luke 19 were materially rich and they were also rich towards God. What counts is who you serve and what you do with God’s gifts; what you do with the money. If you love God by His grace, then money is used to glorify God and to help your neighbor period.

Finally, may you continue to be blessed as you remain steadfast in reading and/or listening to the Gospel of John. Here are the summaries for chapter 18 (from the Lutheran Study Bible):

18:1-11: "Jesus takes charge and powerfully confronts those who come to arrest Him in the garden, even while He voluntarily accepts the suffering that lies before Him. Jesus suffered and died not as a martyr for a noble cause but as the Savior whose sacrifice atoned for our sin. I give You thanks, O Redeemer, that I am counted among Your own. Amen."

18:12-14: "Jewish officials arrest Jesus with the assistance of Roman soldiers and lead Him to the high priest Anna for questioning. The arrest of God's Son reveals the depths to which sinful humans will go to remove Him from their lives. God used those who led Jesus to His cross as His instruments to accomplish our salvation. O Lord Jesus, I praise You that You died not only for my sins, but for the sins of all people. Amen."

18:15-18: "Despite Peter's 'brave' promise to lay down his life for Jesus (13:37), Peter denies that he is Jesus' disciple because of his concern for self-protection. Tragically, our mouths with which we confess Jesus as Savior can also quickly deny Him. Our loving Lord did not begrudge His atoning sacrifice even to those who had denied and abandoned Him. The living Word saves us. 'What wondrous love is this That caused the Lord of bliss To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!' Amen. (LSB 543:1)"

18:19-24: "After Jesus' arrest, Annas conducts the preliminary interrogation of Jesus. As in the case of Jesus' accusers, sinful human beings are prone to dealing unfairly with others. Jesus calls us to honest dealings. He became the innocent victim of oppression and judgment in order that He would endure the just punishment of our sin (Is 53:7-9) and become our Savior. O Lamb of God, who went to the cross with no complaint, remind me always of Your unfailing mercy. Amen."

18:25-27: "In sharp contrast to Jesus' forthright self-disclosure ('I am,' vv 5, 8), Peter denies Jesus a third time ('I am not'), leaving Jesus alone on the way to suffering and death. Jesus warned that whoever denies Him before others, He will deny before His Father in heaven (Mt 10:33). But Christ's love is greater than our sin, and with His forgiveness He will restore a broken heart. Lord Jesus, be patient with me and forgive me, that I might live by Your promise. Amen."

18:28-32: "To avoid religious contamination, the Jewish leaders refuse to enter Pilate's residence, but they unjustly seek to use Pilate's authority to put Jesus to death. Even religious people are capable of manipulating others to advance personal agendas. Remarkably, Jesus' death at the hands of unjust accusers became the very means through which our gracious God took away the guilt of sin. 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me' (Ps 51:10). Amen."

18:33-40: "Pilate tries to dismiss the case before him by accommodating a Jewish custom calling for the release of a prisoner at Passover -- in this instance, an insurrectionist called Barabbas. The story of Jesus' Passion is filled with people refusing to accept responsibility for their own sins, a failure that afflicts us all. But God willed that the guilt of sin be laid on His innocent Son so we might receive God's forgiveness. Teach me to confess my faults, O Lord. Rule my heart with Your most gracious favor. Amen."

Let us gather tomorrow morning in God's house to receive God's Word and Sacrament and to thereby receive God's blessing upon our lives...and to encourage one another and all the more as the Day approaches!

In Jesus' Love,

Rev. Alfonso O. Espinosa, Ph.D., senior pastor, Saint Paul's Lutheran Church of Irvine

Let us gather around the Word and Sacrament of the Lord Jesus Christ tomorrow morning to receive the forgiveness of sins once again and to have our faith fed and nourished so that we may share Jesus' joy and love to those God has put in our lives!

Too often God is depicted in popular imagery as a cosmic kill-joy and when His true advocates live for him they too must become so austere and disciplined in religious mandates that they inevitably lose all joy and compassion. These images do NOT represent the Christian faith...they're not even in the same galaxy of what it means to belong to Jesus!

The True God pursues that which is lost. The True God desires to bring joy to those confronted with being confounded. The True God wills to give peace and restoration to those who are broken. The True God assigns the angels in heaven to rejoice over the lost soul who comes to know -- by God's grace -- Jesus' love and restoration. God seeks the lost to perpetuate joy and celebration.

In the same way, He calls us and never gives up on us who know something about being lost in sin. Come and receive His grace once again to rejoice that He has found you for salvation and for joy!

ALSO, today I will conduct my daughter's wedding (my precious Danielle who marries seminarian Simon Volkmar today). Yes, we need love in marriage, but we also need to know our God-given roles as taught in Ephesians 5. Here is the sermon:

Wives...Submit; Hubands...Sacrifice (Eph. 5:22-33)

By Rev. Espinosa

            Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. And may the Lord pour out a double portion of His blessings upon you Simon and  you Danielle as you go forth in holy matrimony as husband and wife in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

            Of all my children – and those who are married have had and have very high standards – nevertheless, I’ve always felt that you Danielle might be the most particular. I‘ve often thought to myself that you would have a hard time finding the right guy. But ever since you were a little baby girl, I prayed that the Lord would send you a faithful Christian man. Well the Lord answered my prayer (and your prayer Danielle) and sent you Simon who is not only a man of true faith in the Lord who desires to dedicate his life to the service of the Gospel of Jesus, but a man who has in my estimation the perfect temperment for my Danielle.

            Simon, I’ve never been able to properly express myself to you about how I feel -- and I know that we Latinos are more emotional than you good Germans -- but I can’t begin to tell you how much love and admiration I have for you. You are truly perfect for Danielle. You have a high IQ, but also an  exquisite EQ demonstrated by your ability to understand people and to be exceptionally considerate. You have a servant’s heart. You respect your elders and you assume the best construction. You are witty, and yet humble; you are bold, and yet do not take yourself too seriously. You have a wonderful sense of humor while also possesing a diamond-like purity in your desire to know and to be faithful to the Word of the Lord.

            In other words, my answer to people who ask me the question, But isn’t it hard for you that Danielle is moving 6000 miles away to Germany? is simple: When the Lord sends the right man, then distance does not matter. You are the right man for Danielle so I know that everything else will be alright.

            I think you’re perfect for Danielle, and I know that she is perfect for you. You will balance each other out and together make a formidable team in serving in the Kingdom of God and in fighting against forces which are contrary to the truth.

            But in spite of the supposed wisdom of the Beatles back in the day when they sang the song All You Need Is Love, and even contrary to poor interpretations of 1st Corinthians chapter 13 – the Love Chapter in the Bible (and yes while we certainly need love) -- we also need to be clear about it’s application. We need to understand that God has indeed called you to love each other all of your days, but He has also called you to know how you fit together, how you’ll function together, how you will complement each other, and the respective roles you are called to live in.

            Yes, both of you are to love and to worship and to forgive, but you are also to be -- Simon -- what only a husband can and should be; and you are also to be -- Danielle -- what only a wife can and should be.

            Without getting into a theological dissertation, I am going to try to be very practical about all of this and very simple: In Ephesians 5 the role of the wife towards her husband is to be in emulation of the Holy Church and the role of the husband is to be in emulation of the Holy Savior.

            So let me say that while there is a reason that St. Paul begins with wives first, let me also point out that this does not mean that it is always Ladies‘ First. Many relationships (not all, as friendships are side-by-side), but many relationships require a leader. So let me share with you what most of our politically-correct world is afraid to say anymore: Simon, you need to be the leader. Jesus is our leader. He is our Savior, but He is also our Shepherd; He is the Lover of our soul, but He is also our King. He leads. And what I want to emphasize about this is that when there is problem, when the sheep get themselves into trouble (like when humanity fell in the Garden), Jesus in His leadership doesn’t wait around and deliberate who should take the initiative to fix things. No, we are saved and we are protected precisely because the Leader who is the true Leader goes first.

            If you get into argument, Simon go first towards reconcilation; if you feel stress in the family, Simon go first towards bringing a sense of calm and safe-haven; if you feel confusion, Simon go first in leading your family to call on the name of the Lord. Be a leader. But don’t be one alone and in isolation. When you become a good Lutheran pastor, even then have a Father-Confessor, have a pastor for yourself, so that you can always be a leader who is himself fed and nourished. Be fed through the same office that you will serve in, so that you receive strength to lead. Take the first step, deny yourself, take up your cross, be tender, and gentle, and loving towards your wife, and lead by following Jesus. This leadership is not harsh, but it is sacrificial and it goes first. Jesus put His Bride before Himself and took the initiative to save her by dying for her and covering all of our sins on the cross with His blood. We’re saved and we’re forgiven by God, because Jesus took the lead! That’s the model for the husband Simon and it is powerful!

            Danielle, be like the Holy Church, the Bride of Christ! The dynamic described in Ephesians 5 is that when you have a husband who is committed to laying down his life for you; when he lives to lead through sacrificial service to his wife, then give this man what the Word says: respect and submission (even when he has entered a moment or even a season when it might be tempting to think he doesn’t deserve it). Now here’s the thing about this state of affairs: your submission has nothing to do with a tyranical slavery. This Word from the Lord describes the willful submission of the bride. Just think of what it’s like to be a Christian: We don’t moan and groan and say, We gotta! But rather we rejoice in the Lord who pours out His love upon us – even in those seasons that we might have difficulty seeing it – and we go forth not because We gotta! But because We get to! And by the Spirit’s leading, we choose to. By God’s grace, we are willing to submit to Him!

            We have the high honor as Christians of serving the Lord who renews our wills to choose to follow Him. We are free and are simply called not to use our freedom in a bad way, but to use our freedom in a good way.

            And here’s the good way when it comes to marriage: While wives thrive on tender, loving care, the husband is designed to thrive on respect and support from his wife. The man who believes that his wife is always for him is encouraged and strengthened to do whatever needs to be done for the good of the marriage and for the family. Husbands derive a mysterious and yet tangible power from their wives. The wife is able to lift up her husband in ways that only she can. And if the husband knows that his wife is on his side, lifting him up, stroking his pride (in a good way), respecting him, encouraging him, then he derives an energy that paves a road which includes the ability to continue to lead with a sacrificial love.

            That’s the plan; the roadmap; the relationship dynamic that spells success in a marriage, but one last thing: you’re not going to be the perfect example of these things. You will falter and you will drop the ball along the way. You won’t always do it right. When this happens, run to Church together. Get absolution; get the Supper; get forgiven and then share that forgiveness with one another. I am utterly convinced that the Lord in His infinite wisdom permits the difficulties in marriage so that we become more and more like Jesus. So that it becomes more important in our marriages to forgive than to be the perfect couple.

            Get forgiven, get back on track. SACRIFICE for Danielle Simon; SUBMIT to Simon Danielle. And when you tire and stumble, get forgiven again...share that forgiveness...and start all over again. The Lord has blessed you and He will continue to do so. In Jesus‘ Name. Amen!

In Jesus' Love,

Pastor