In tomorrow’s gospel our Lord Jesus taught about what is impossible for us — and this causes great sadness — but He also taught about what is possible for God (and what He actually does for us) — and this is our joy.

What is possible for God and what He actually does for us also leads us to know how to live: 1) for Jesus’ sake; and 2) for the sake of the gospel (Mark 10:29). These two things provide a guide for living and both of these form in our lives through receiving Jesus’ Word and Jesus’ body and blood. Through these faith is formed and made stronger.

This is a basic reason why we come to faith so that our faith would not die.

Come to be fed and nourished! Come to have yours sins forgiven! Come to receive the ministry which leads us to know the life Jesus describes in Mark 10.

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Dear Christians,

I also will ask you to pray for our brother and sister in Christ, Ray and Aubrey Hulett. Early Thursday morning (October 15th), their 19-week old baby — Ruby Ann Hulett — was born prematurely and then after being alive for a short time, fell asleep, left this world, and went to be with the Lord. Ray — a true spiritual leader of his family — baptized his baby girl.

I cannot begin to tell you what an example of faith Ray and Aubrey have been. They have every reason to be filled with sorrow (and they are of course), but they have also been given true hope in the Lord. They rejoice that their baby kicked in mommy’s womb when she heard the Word in Divine Service, that they knew her by name (more importantly, that the Lord knew her and knows her by name), that she was baptized, and that they will see her again. We are currently planning a memorial service for Ruby Ann. We will be getting that information to you. In the meantime, just love the Huletts with the love of Christ.

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By the grace of God, our congregation is growing. If we stay on schedule for the next New Member Sunday on November 22nd, we will eclipse 200 baptized members! One of our members is Kristin Lange who — while keeping her membership with us — is now also a missionary in the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod who is being sent to Wittenberg, Germany. She is the new managing director for the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg. She will provide oversight of The Wittenberg Project and the International Lutheran Center. This is very much an intentional gospel outreach to residents of Wittenberg and to those who will come to the ILC.

Tomorrow Kristin is joining us in worship and will share an important presentation with us after Divine Service and during the voter’s assembly meeting. Please come to hear about this wonderful opportunity we have to support Kristin and the spread of the gospel in Germany. Keep in mind that this gospel outreach is for both Germans and the many immigrants and refugees coming into Germany.

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We have so much to be thankful for! And I look forward to administering and distributing — with Pastor Mueller — Jesus’ gifts of life to you in the morning.

The Lord bless you and keep you always!

In Jesus’ Love,

Pastor Espinosa