Saint Paul's Lutheran Church of Irvine
20Aug/16Off

Sunday, August 21st at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine: “Struggle to Enter through the Narrow Door” (Luke 13:22-30)

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 Lord Jesus speaks words in tomorrow’s gospel that are unsettling. Luke 13:24: “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Also, Luke 13:30: “And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

 

To understand these words — as always — context is extremely important. Part of the necessary elements to take into consideration is the question immediately preceding our Lord’s teaching. What of that question? What of the attitude that it represents? What is behind the question? What does it reveal about the spiritual state of the one who asked it?

 

To understand this is to get a handle as to where the Lord was coming from with the answers mentioned above.

 

The answers are meant to rouse some fear, but especially in the kind of heart and mind asking the question. This is not to imply that we are above the one who asked it. We aren’t. So, yes, there is a place for holy fear that even holy ones (Christians) are meant to experience.

 

This fact seems to fly in the face of other Scriptures. The Lord also teaches after all that God casts out fear (1st John 4:18). So which is it? Are we or aren’t we to experience fear?

 

This will be answered in tomorrow’s proclamation. To know the answer is to know more about how to live as a Christian. I hope you come!

 

We will also — as always — receive the saving and sanctifying body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Come and receive salvation!

 

May the Lord bless us as we abide in Christ, the Author and Perfector of our faith!

 

Pastor Mueller and I hope to see you in God’s house tomorrow morning!

In Jesus’ Love,
Pastor Espinosa
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