The entire divine service (the worship service) is designed to bring Jesus Christ -- the Savior of the world -- to you directly and personally. The liturgy, the holy absolution, the witness of another baptism, the sermon, the hymns, and holy communion...all of it assures you the constant coming of Christ, keeping you in the forgiveness of sins; keeping you in the palm of His hand.

If you're tracking the news...war, disease, earthquakes (did you hear about the "earthquake swarm" hitting central California?), it can easily make us wonder about the end times. Well -- and consistent with the seminar I'm doing in Anaheim again this Thursday at 7 pm -- we are already living in the "end times" and have been since the Church was established 2000 years ago. In the meantime, no one knows when Christ will come again (Acts 1:7), but what we do know is this: you are kept ready for Christ's glorious coming through His repeated and constant coming through His Word and His Sacrament. Thanks be to God!

How can we be so certain? Because Christ has been given all authority (Mt. 28). In tomorrow's Gospel reading from Matthew 21, we hear how the Lord's authority was questioned. Just like in accord with our sin, we question God's authority today. But thanks be to God for His answer! By His authority, sin and death have been defeated; by His authority you are covered by His perfect holiness and righteousness...by His authority your failure has been replaced by His success; your weakness for His strength; your violations for His faithfulness...by His authority these things are true!

Tomorrow we witness the miracle of holy baptism; tomorrow we receive the holy absolution as God's voice from heaven; tomorrow we partake of the holiest feast on earth and are guaranteed that we are one with our Savior and Lord...there will be the fellowship of Christians, special music, the blessing of the mighty Word of Christ which created the heavens and the earth and which has created saving faith in your heart...let us gather and rejoice!

Here's an excerpt (note: this is most definitely the LAW portion...come tomorrow to most definitely hear the GOSPEL portion as well!):

Introduction: Authority…Good or Bad?

1. God’s authority was staring me face-to-face through the fourth commandment: “Honor you father and your mother.”
2. I was about five years old, and my whole family was sitting around the kitchen table for dinner. My dad and mom gave me an order: “Eat your sweet potatoes!”
3. But I had a problem: at the time, I could not stand sweet potatoes! Much to my great shame, I did not obey my parents. To this open defiance, my oldest brother Larry (13 years my senior) decided to try intimidation. He pointed his finger at me, and using the most threatening voice he could muster said, “EAT YOUR SWEET POTATOES!” By this point, my sinful nature was in full bloom. I got up and made a stand and said, “NO!”
4. And in that instance I proved what it means to be a sinner: God asserts His authority, and then we assert ours.
5. This state of affairs reminds me of a story one of my college professors shared. He had been thoroughly witnessing to a colleague and unleashed his formidable arsenal of Christian apologetics. In the end, his colleague said that strictly on an intellectual level my former college professor had completely convinced him that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was absolutely true. He said, however sadly, that he would not follow it because quote, “He was having too much fun.” This too was open defiance. God said, “follow me!” But the man said, “NO!”
6. This is the heart and soul of sin: it is putting our authority (no matter how illusory it may be) over God’s true and legitimate authority.

Part I:  Along the way, however, not only do we disrespect the Lord and His authority, but we make up sinful excuses!

1. He now sends you forth to live joyfully. By His authority, you are free to love and serve God; free to love and serve others.
2. But sinners shamelessly question the Lord’s authority!

Recall that up to this point in Matthew chapter 21 the Lord had demonstrated His authority through His many miracles and His amazing prophetic preaching. This was the Creator of all things (Colossians 1), the One who commanded the wind and the waves, walked on water, fed the multitudes, raised the dead, and yet He is questioned:

Matthew 21:23: “When [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’”

1. The key word here is “authority.” It means “absolute power” and “warrant.” In this case, the person referred to has the right and power to do what they do.
2. Jesus’ authority is completely intact and He is fully vested with the power and authority of God. To question His authority is ludicrous; it’s like saying that He didn’t have the right to create us. Of course He did.
3. The true problem is a moral one, and it begins because we feel threatened by God.
4. When the text mentions the “chief priests and the elders of the people,” these refer to the members of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the Great Council of the Jewish Church. These men had great power, prestige, and authority. Point blank Jesus threatened their position.
5. How often does this occur?

In Jesus' Love,

Pastor Espinosa

There is a natural part of us that doesn't "get" nor like the Lord's math and sense of what is fair. We have standards! And those standards are law-based. If we work harder than someone else, we deserve more. That's the way "it works!"

This approach, however, has nothing to do with our new status in Christ, and God's grace poured out upon us.

It is a common problem, however, to try to make God's circle of grace fit into our square, legalistic holes...but again, they don't correspond.

The practical implications are tremendous, but if we keep insisting on the inconsistency, we bring great frustration and bitterness into our souls. We're called to repent.

Tomorrow morning, the Word of Jesus will be given, we will receive special music from a gifted harpist, and Christ's body and blood will wash away your sin once again; keeping you in Christ and Christ in you. It is day for rejoicing! Hope to see you in worship!

Here's an excerpt from tomorrow's sermon:

“The First Last, the Last First” (Matthew 20:1-16)

For Your Life in Christ the 15^th Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, September 21^st, 2014

Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine, CA (LC-MS)

Pastor Espinosa

Introduction: This parable in Matthew 20:1-16 of “the laborers” or “the workers” or “the hours” needs the backdrop of Matthew 19:16-30. Remember context is very important for proper understanding.

¹⁶ And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” ¹⁷ And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” ¹⁸ He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁰ The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” ²¹ Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

²³ And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴ Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” ²⁵ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” ²⁶ But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ²⁷ Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” ²⁸ Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹ And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. ³⁰ But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

1. The entire parable is meant to explain what Jesus taught in chapter 19, and is meant especially as an elucidation of 19:30:

 

Matthew 19:30: “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

1. When he teaches today’s parable in Matthew 20:1-16, he concludes with similar words:

Matthew 20:16: “So the last will be first, and the first last.”

1. In saying this, Jesus was answering Peter’s initial concern which is also ours: on what basis will we have eternal life? Peter expresses his concern in the form of a statement and a question:

Matthew 19:27: “Then Peter said in reply, ‘See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?’”

1. After all, if it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to be saved, Peter had good reason to be a little concerned about his own status!
2. Jesus assures Peter and the other disciples as he describes their reward based on those who truly follow Christ: [quote] “for [His] name’s sake.” [don’t miss the emphasis]
3. That is, the matter of our attitude, what is going on in our hearts and souls has everything to do with our place in the parable. Do we do what we do as Christians for our own sake, to look good, to pay off God, to receive honor, to have a better status, to be admired in society, to get along with family, etc. OR do we do what we do as Christians for the sake of the name of Jesus?!

Part I: So what IS Going On in Our Hearts?

1. In other words, we are already in trouble! Because our hearts are full of sin!

Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”

1. Peter, like us, shows disconcerting signs right off the bat as he takes inventory of what he has done: we are self-centered. Let me be clear that the parable in Matthew 20 is about the kingdom of heaven on earth which is the visible church. Jesus is talking about people in the Christian Church. Like Peter we want to compare ourselves to others.
2. To understand God’s answer to our grave problem, we need this parable. Now remember that this is a parable, so the symbols correspond to a greater reality. For example, the denarius is symbolic of God’s grace given to us all; and the hours represented by the words “in the morning,” and then “the 3^rd hour, the 6^th hour, the 9^th hour, and the eleventh hour” are symbolic of how we sinfully compare ourselves to others. Bottom line, we easily think this way: “When I compare myself to so and so, I don’t think God’s treatment is fair!”
3. What is going on in our hearts is that we want to treat God not in a relationship of grace, but in a relationship of law, contract, or agreement like the beginning of Matthew 20 indicates. The first workers go forth working based on an agreement (v 2). Now this is not bad in and of itself. For example, when I stood before God to be ordained as a pastor, I did make an agreement even in the context of God’s call. During my installation, you also made an agreement. But the problem comes when we begin to treat our relationship with God as a matter of our accomplishment and what we think we deserve. This is the terrible problem raised by our flesh.
4. Service within the church, however, is not based on the LAW, but on the GOSPEL. If, however, we insist to make our relationship with God based on Law, we will forfeit – really reject and deny – the grace of God, so that the words of Jesus will come true: the first – those called and who believe they are better than others – will be last.

In Jesus' Love,

Pastor

p.s. Confirmation is tomorrow at 3 pm at my place!

I recently read from a wise man: "God forgives without limits and without counting." A simple and profound sentence at the same time. I hope to see you in God's house to hear more on this vital message...it is what frees us from bondage; it is what sets us free to be people of God. The evil one desires to keep us tied up with a ball and chain of sin; Christ has come to set us free simply on account of His taking our ball and chain from us: His forgiveness is the key. This is one of those things in the faith that we think we know so well because we hear it -- we think -- all the time, but it just might be the easiest thing in the world to take for granted (and thereby forget; and thereby cease enjoying the release). Come, let us do more than remember...let us receive through Word and Sacrament.

A separate word...

I want to take this opportunity to simply say thanks. It is such a privilege (and pleasure) to serve this congregation, all of you.

Today is my brother's birthday (my brother Larry). He has turned 62. I need to call him today and say, "Happy Birthday." These things strike me at this stage in my life: I have three siblings, one is retired, and two retire this coming year. It makes me think about "what next?" for me...I know the answer (if the Lord permits it). I look forward to service here for as long as He will permit. We have much work to do, good work, and I am glad for the opportunity to do it.

I share this because longevity, stability, and commitment are important. It permits a pastor to "follow" his flock through life. I am mindful of this esp. today. Many years ago I confirmed a young lady in junior high school at the time. Her name is Samantha. Today, I will conduct her wedding. Samantha is now in the U.S. Navy and she will become one with Marcus who serves as a U.S. Marine. It is important to follow people through life...these are the best relationships.

This is what I desire in my service to you: through the ups and through the downs.

This is a portion of this morning's prayer from Lutheran Book of Prayer:

Our sinful nature attacks us with pride, ambition, the yearning for success, and power. The apostles themselves struggled against this as they asked Jesus, "Who is the greatest?" (Matthew 18). We underestimate this spiritual enemy. We seek the world's praise over and above faithfulness. We prove this every time we say what we think will please our neighbor instead of saying -- in love -- what ought to be said. By nature we want approval and sometimes the need to succeed is insatiable. This is rather silly though. In a 100 years who will remember our resumes?

In Christ, however, faithfulness leads to our being remembered by God for eternity. Thank God that Jesus came to save us from our pride! No one has ever been as humble as our Savior, but He wasn't that way to just give us a good example. He made Himself humble while taking our condemnation for sin. That is His humility has saved you and me. These things the sermon will address.

In addition, there's a lot of other things going on tomorrow!

1. The high school youth are sponsoring breakfast. Please consider supporting with an offering.

2. We are starting pictures for our church directory. The Perry's will take your pic if you're comfortable to do so.

3. We are installing our 2014-2015 congregational officers.

4. Confirmation starts back up at 3 pm at my house.

Here is an excerpt from tomorrow's sermon:

“Become Like Children” (St. Matthew 18:1-4)

For Your Life in Christ the Week of the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 7^th, 2014

Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine, CA (LC-MS)

Pastor Espinosa

 

Introduction: Sinful Ambition & the Idolatry of Pride

1. Satan attacked Adam in the Garden; he attacked Christ in the wilderness, and here in Matthew 18, he went after the apostles.
2. One theologian wrote, “Thus early was the devil of pride raising his ugly head in their midst (Kretzmann 97).”
3. Notice the prideful concern of the apostles:

 

Matthew 18:1: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’”

 

Matthew 20:20-21: “Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. ²¹And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”

 

Luke 22:24: “A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.”

 1. It is sobering to think that to this day even ministers can be driven by selfish ambition. Notice these words from St. Paul:

Philippians 1:17a: “The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely…” = that is, they present the Gospel to gather a following for themselves.

2. The apostles misinterpreted prior events: In Mark 5:37, Jesus did not have all of the apostles go with him to raise up Jairus’s daughter, but only Peter, James, and John; at the transfiguration of our Lord (e.g. Matthew 17:1) Christ led only Peter, James, and John up the mountain; and perhaps most disturbingly to some of them, the Lord had said to Peter that he was blessed in Matthew 16:17 and at Matthew 16:19 Christ said Peter would be given the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and then right before the beginning of today’s Gospel, Jesus seemingly honors Peter above all of them through the miracle of the fish with the sheckel in its mouth given to Peter so that Peter could pay the tax both for Peter and for Jesus.

3. “Now wait just a minute here! What is going on! Why is so-and-so getting all the good stuff? What about me?!” It is easy for us to get worried and upset about our position or lack thereof. We -- like the original apostles -- enter a mindset “fraught with danger because of envy, jealousy, pride, and hatred (Lenski, 679).” “They were headed in the wrong direction with their selfish ambition…The strong double negative [spoken by Christ = “unless you turn…you will never”] means that [if they remain in selfish ambition] they will otherwise not get into the kingdom of heaven at all, let alone have big places in it (Robertson 146).”

 

Part I: Pride and Ambition and the Thirst for Success:

1. Timothy Keller in his book Counterfeit Gods quotes Helen Rubin in the magazine Fast Company:

“Of all the subjects we obsess about…success is the one we lie about the most – that success and its cousin money will make us secure, that success and its cousin power will make us important, that success and its cousin fame will make us happy. It’s time to tell the truth: Why are our generation’s smartest, most talented, most successful people flirting with disaster in record numbers? People are using all their means to get money, power, and glory – and then self-destructing. Maybe they didn’t want it in the first place! Or didn’t like what they saw when they finally achieved it (92).”

2. In sin, we are preoccupied with success and power.

 

Part II: But The Lord Has Not Called Us To “Success” (the World’s Definition), but to Faithfulness and Faith Is Kept in HUMILITY

 1. F. Bruce says that to humble oneself “is the most difficult thing in the world.” We just don’t want to!

2. So Christ cuts to the chase: to turn and to become a child are one and the same act (Lenski 680).

 

Matthew 18:3: “[Jesus said] Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

 3. So proper repentance and the experience of true conversion = is to “become like children.”

4. What is a child like? Jesus illustrated. Now Matthew 18:4 has Christ presenting a child which is the image of innocence and an example of humility (Jerome), but the parallel passage to Matthew 18:4 is Mark 9:36. The illustration is even more powerful here:

Mark 9:36: “And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms…”

1. This is the picture of a little, helpless child. This is the way Jesus is calling us to be!
2. It is as if Jesus said to the apostles: “Does this little child look like he’s full of worldly power, status, and might?!”
3. Turn back to/revert to the simplicity of a child.
4. Rest in Jesus’ arms & be completely dependent on Him!
5. So Luther says, “Oh, do not think to be great but to be little.”
6. To humble yourself in this way means to make yourself low, make no claims, insist on no rights, come with no demands, but bow lowly and humbly under the Lord’s will and Word, yield completely to him. True humility does not hanker after greatness (Lenski 683).

Part III: This Is What We Are Supposed To Be, But Only the Lord Can Give Us This Child-Like Status

[tomorrow I will get into the rest!]

In Jesus' Love,

Pastor Espinosa