Sunday, June 5th at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine: “Not Man’s Gospel” (Galatians 1:11-24)
Location: Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine: 12500 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA 92618
Directions: Exit Sand Canyon from the 405 or 5, head East towards the hills, cross Irvine Blvd., turn right on Saint’s Way (this will put you on the campus of Crean Lutheran High School…we worship in the event center/gym)
Divine Service: 930 am
Bible Study and Sunday School: 11 am
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The true proclamation of the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation which also delivers from sin, death, and the power of the devil is “The Gospel,” the Good News of Jesus Christ for you and for me. But this Gospel is not man’s gospel, it is nothing from man or generated by man, it is rather God’s Gospel. The true Gospel is therefore “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) This Gospel — God’s Gospel — is that which changes lives. Paul who once persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it, was utterly transformed into God’s powerful apostle to the Gentiles by God’s Gospel!
This Gospel — God’s Gospel — is also your Gospel. It is “good news” which is transformative for all who receive it through the faith which God’s Gospel creates. It binds us to Jesus by the Holy Spirit Who works through it; it assures us of God’s grace for us; it gives us hope in the face of all adversity; and it empowers us to live for God so that our lives reflect the One who has conquered sin and death.
This is the Gospel you will receive tomorrow in Divine Service, through the Word proclaimed and through the Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Let us come into God’s house prepared to be blessed and let us praise Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds.
In Jesus’ Love,
Pastor Espinosa