I'm sure you have heard about the latest military conflict in the Middle East between Hamas and Israel. There is a possibility that Israel will conduct a ground invasion. These events cause "prophecy" teachers to salivate with their ongoing Israel-based scenarios leading to the rapture, the tribulation, and the millennium (as they understand these concepts). Tomorrow, I am going to present the traditional version of these "end" aspects and give clear warning about the fear-mongering ways of the popular -- and very inaccurate -- teachings associated with the events leading up to the second coming of our Lord and the end of the world.

Who cares? Isn't the bottom line that Jesus is coming again? I hear this a lot, but we underestimate how important these things are. If anyone compromises any portion of God's Word, bet your bottom dollar that it is just a matter of time before distracting clouds block the rays of light of God's love and mercy for us in Christ Jesus. One way in which our grace-orientation is impacted is when fear, distraction, and anxiety about political and world events removes our gaze from Christ Himself and the basic mission He has set before us. Bottom line: we are called to live in faith, not fear and anxiety...tomorrow's message will set before us the war that has already been won for your salvation instead of wrongly predicting future wars that some Christians are eager to bring to fulfillment.

This is also another opportunity to receive the precious body and blood of Jesus which covers your sins and empowers you -- by God's grace alone -- to walk in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit who works through Word and Sacrament.

Oh yes, just a few reminders:

1. Tomorrow is our 2nd Evangelthon. I will be joining our high school youth and other adult chaperones who will once again go out and invite our surrounding neighbors to our congregation. The high school youth meet in the cafe for a pizza lunch, fellowship, and prayer before going out from 12 pm to 1:45 pm...then we'll meet back at Crean to report and pray.

2. Remember (based on the letter you should have received in the mail this past week), we are taking a special offering to help Trinity Lutheran Church (LC-MS), New Hyde Park, New York which is trying to get back on her feet after Hurricane Sandy.

3. Also, please remember that tomorrow is our last day for Heart for Hunger. Please bring canned goods, bathrooms supplies, blankets, cereal, bottled water, and other items.

4. Finally, this Wednesday night at 7 pm (at Crean in their new 2nd floor classroom building) we will have our Thanksgiving Eve service. Our speak guest preacher is Vicar A.J. Espinosa (my son) who is currently serving at Salem Lutheran Church, Affton, MO...he will proclaim God's Word on where true thanksgiving comes from.

Here is an excerpt from tomorrow's sermon:

A. One side is the traditional view of Jerusalem which we advocate as Lutheran Christians:

1. Mark 13 and Matthew 24 describe the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army in A.D. 70.

2. We know from Josephus – the great Jewish historian – that the legions of Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus laid siege to the city from A.D. 66 to 70 and that Jerusalem finally fell on August 10^th in A.D. 70.

3. That is, after Jesus was crucified and raised in A.D. 30, the Lord gave the Israelites an entire generation -- another 40 years of mercy -- before the end came upon Jerusalem.

4. Jesus’ prediction about the end of Jerusalem is recorded in Mark 13:2 as our Lord was referring to the buildings within the city of Jerusalem:

 

“And Jesus said to him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.’”

B. In this short passage, Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem.

1. The disciples were understandably alarmed and so they asked him when this was going to happen and what sign would accompany the destruction (Mark 13:4).

2. The traditional view rightly holds that the words “the end” (mentioned in Mark 13:7, 13 and Matthew 24:6, 14) refer to different events in the Bible, depending on the context. It may refer to the final Day of Judgment when Christ comes again in glory, but it may also refer to the day when the Assyrians destroyed Israel in 722 B.C. or when the Babylonians carried Judah into exile in 587 B.C. and destroyed Jerusalem, etc. In Mark and Matthew, it refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. These were days of God’s coming in the sense of a great outpouring of God’s judgment upon Jerusalem.

 

C. The other view held by so-called “prophecy” believers are led by networks and teachers like the following: TBN, Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network, Hal Lindsey, Jack Van Impe, John Hagee, Dave Hunt, Grant Jeffrey, Tim LaHaye, and David Jeremiah.

1. These Christian leaders lead gigantic evangelical ministries, have sold millions of books, and lead substantial media networks. Millions of American Christians have swallowed their teachings hook, line, and sinker.

2. The long and short of their teaching is this: The earthly national Jerusalem must come into increasing political prominence since these teachers view the teachings just covered not in a spiritual sense, but in a wooden, literalistic sense. The words “all Israel will be saved” is applied to the modern nation of Israel and all national Jews. The Jews will be given a second chance to accept the Gospel of Christ. In order for this to happen, they say that Israel must be fully restored politically and geographically! Their view might seem tame enough, but let’s take a closer look:

3. They believe that the sections of Mark 13 and Matthew 24 we’ve considered are NOT descriptions of 1^st century events, but that these references are about events yet to come.

4. These teachers try hard to convince us that natural catastrophes, weather conditions, and political crises are more serious today than ever before. History, however, does not sustain their claim. Throughout history, whenever major wars, or plagues, or natural catastrophes occurred, fear-mongers have always been there predicting the end of the world. This is a fact. In actuality, there have been cycles of history that make our current cycle look like a day on the beach. For example, during the decade-long “war on terror” in Iraq and Afghanistan, over 6600 American troops have been killed in war. History records, however, that when the Romans invaded Jersualem that the temple – just the temple – was deluged with the blood of 8,500 victims.

5. However, because these “prophecy” teachers insist that the events we’ve considered in Mark 13 and Matthew 24 are still in the future, they INSIST that what Jesus is here describing is actually a FUTURE  GREAT WAR that will eventually lead to glorious blessings for Israel. Many of these teachers fuel an apocalyptic fervor with modern predictions of war between America and Israel on one side and radical Islam on the other…War World III MUST occur in their sensational scenarios in order to fulfill God’s Word (as they understand “prophetic fulfillment”). The current crisis in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinians, esp. in light of other end-of-the-world predictions associated with 2012 is another chance for many of these teachers to take advantage of an anxious public ready to buy millions more of their books.

6. But consider the real problem: while using the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, many of these teachers perpetuate fear, war, dread, and hatred. Brothers and sisters in Christ, what these teachers present is dangerous and shameful. It is also an assault on the Gospel of Christ. Why? Because it takes our eyes off the wonderful victory, hope and love that Christ has won for us and desires for us to live in -- for the rest of our lives -- until the New Jerusalem comes!

In Your Service and To Christ's Glory,

Dr. Espinosa

Repetition can be both good and bad. Make no mistake about it, some things like wrapping your arms around a loved one and telling them how much you love them is the sort of thing we want to be repetitive about! Repetitive and constant prayer is something we should all strive for! On the other hand, repetition is often a reminder of sin in the world, frustration, and the constant battle. Going back for another round of radiation or chemotherapy is not the kind of repetition that makes us all warm and fuzzy inside. The repetition of dealing with a frustrating situation at work is to be reminded of strained relationships or a system of organization that is repeatedly dysfunctional. Being mindful of our own personal struggles and sins...these repetitions are shameful and can make us feel like failures. Some repetition is worse than drudgery.

But there are some things that are done perfectly the first time around. There are some things that need no repetition, like your holy baptism into the Lord Jesus Christ...and, like the "ONCE" gift of your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. The one-time, the ONCE-for-all sacrifice of His bearing your sin and giving Himself for them. The results are mind-boggling: there is now no condemnation for those -- like you -- in Christ Jesus. Tomorrow, we focus on the ONCE characteristic of our faith.

Also! We have special guests! We have the Concordia University Flute Ensemble! This promises to be a great blessing contributing to the gift of music in our worship!

Also! We are still taking donations for our "Heart For Hunger" drive. Please bring bottled water, canned food, bathroom supplies, cereal, crackers, etc.

The Text: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, ²⁸so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Beware of anything that has to be repeated over and over again. It means that that thing – whatever it is – is imperfect and has significant flaws. One day when I was a kid, my mom asked me to get the pruning shears and to “trim” a particular bush in our front yard. I don’t know, I think I must have had a sudden delusion of grandeur in thinking myself a sculptor or something. I became mesmerized by this bush and every-time I thought I was finished “trimming” the bush, I convinced myself that it wasn’t good enough and so I went at it again. Before I was finished, my mom looked out the front door and almost had a coronary. “What had I done to her bush?!” It was like being enlisted in the military when getting a “hair cut” takes on a whole new meaning! I had given the bush a “buzz”!

And yet this repetition that bears imperfection and inherent flaws marks every day of our lives. In our sin, we never get anything right; we never get anything perfect. So as husbands we are always trying – at least we should be – trying to become better communicators towards our wives. If you ever practice martial arts, you will be repeating forms, patterns and katas until you turn blue in the face. You know the old saying, “practice makes perfect.” But the actual reality is that practice only makes better…we never arrive to perfection. In fact, even if we are getting better, there is still undulation. It is not unusual to take two or three steps back even if we are making progress over the long haul. For myself, I have never preached a sermon, never taught a Bible Study, never conducted a visitation or a pastoral counseling session when – even if I was utterly convinced that the Holy Spirit blessed that service – that I didn’t think I could have done something to make it better. I am sure you can relate as this is true whether we are baking a cake, barbequing steaks, trying to get that “just right” mixture, developing your back-hand, learning to stay calm with that particular relationship, or whatever the case may be. I am not trying to encourage neurosis or an unhealthy form of perfectionism, but there is little doubt that our repetition reminds us of our imperfect lives.

But wait a minute! Don’t we as Christians constantly confess our sins to God? Aren’t we always repeating this sacred act? Does this mean that our confession is imperfect? More importantly, does this mean that our absolution is imperfect? But if our very forgiveness from the Lord were in any way imperfect, where would our faith stand?! This is most assuredly a critical question.

It is interesting that as we head towards the end of the Church Year, and as we head towards the high-anxiety seasons of the “holidays” -- as our culture likes to call them, ah, go ahead, be a rebel and call them the “holy days” and see what kind of a reaction you get – in the face of such times, we are led to Hebrews chapter 9. Everywhere we look in this world, we see repetition for lack of perfection, for sin that frustrates, and forever trying to get it right. And sometimes we wish we could try all over again. In watching a little bit of the news, how many analyses have been offered as to what the Republicans could have done better…all of it relates to repetition, frustration, and the evident truth that we struggle to ever get things right.

But again right in the middle of our frustration on account of our sin; right in the middle of our feverish repetitions, we are given Hebrews chapter 9.

There are some exceptions to the rule that we will experience getting right the first time and will never, ever have to repeat again.

One of those exceptions is when what we experience is not our work, but instead the work of God! Ephesians 4:5 teaches us that there is one baptism. There is no need – ever – to repeat baptism. Some might seek to do so because they doubt whether they were fully knowledgeable, or aware, or sincere enough, etc. But baptism is the work of God. Whether we remember or not, God’s work needs no revision or improvement. You were baptized, and that baptism that put you into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was perfect then and it is perfect now! Thank God!

 

Come to Divine Service at 9:30 am tomorrow and get the whole sermon!

 

In Your Service and To Christ's Glory,

 

Dr. Espinosa

Once a year we have this very special service and it is one of my personal favorites. We don't think about heaven enough, but we need to realize that the Lord has included so much about the glory we have to look forward to for a reason. He knows -- our Lord really knows more than we realize -- the tribulation we go through. In the vision in Revelation 7, the tribulation referred to is the "great tribulation." Popular explanations of this great tribulation focus on the modern-end-times teachings referring to the very last generation before the coming of Christ...that "little season" of Satan's release and an elaborate scheme of natural catastrophes coupled by the political persecution that Anti-Christ will rage (just think of LaHaye's Left Behind series). We -- in our Lutheran Church and confession -- respectfully disagree with this interpretation.

The "great tribulation" is personalized to each of us living in this world confronted by Satan, anti-God worldly pressures, and our own sinful nature...these cause pain and distress; they cause tribulation...and the sum total of it through your life is your great tribulation. But we will come out of it. We will and we encounter a vision of your coming out of it -- with all the other saints -- in Revelation 7. Again, the vision is there for a reason. It is meant to encourage you dear Christian as you go through your great tribulation. We will teach on this and we will proclaim the great release promised you in Christ (through His victory for you).

Just some important reminders:

I look forward to seeing you in God's house tomorrow!

Here is an excerpt from tomorrow's sermon:

“The Ones Coming Out of the Great Tribulation”

(Revelation 7:13-14)

Rev. Dr. Alfonso O. Espinosa

The text: “Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come? ¹⁴I said to him, ‘Sir, you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

 

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. There is a basic pattern in life that repeats itself over and over again. The pattern is represented in the Greek word from Revelation 7:14 thlipsis which is variously translated as “trial,” “affliction,” “distress,” and perhaps the most popular way of translating it especially here in Revelation: “tribulation”. The basic life pattern is that we are permitted by God in His mercy to go through tribulation and then – and most importantly – we are allowed to “come out of it.” Revelation 7:14 is a glorious description of all the saints, all of the Christians, what is called “the church triumphant,” all of you in glory with all other Christians throughout the ages finally released from all trial, from all affliction, from all distress, and from all tribulation. The picture is one of finally having arrived from this time of conflict and the end result is glory.

 

We see mini-versions of this even on this side of heaven. Some men and women enter the military and the first test is to make it through boot-camp. Boot-camp is grueling, but if one is strong enough to make it through, then there is – literally – a graduation and it is evident that the one who has completed the course is stronger and more vital than ever before. The soldier has passed this first major tribulation. When I minister to some of you who have gone through various surgeries: the process is like a tribulation. There is a period of anxiety working up to the surgery, then the surgery itself, then the time of healing. When it passes in success, you have a sense of release from the tribulation. If you are in college pursuing your bachelor’s degree, or master’s, or doctorate, the work in the midst of trying to finish is your tribulation, then graduation finally comes and you “come out of it,” you experience a release. If you are pregnant and you deal with the discomfort, and sometimes dietary restrictions, then the labor and the pain – this is the tribulation – then the release comes when you “come out of it.” When you are in a storm and you think you might die (you are in a tribulation of fear and anxiety), then there is calm when you come out of it, this is being released from tribulation; when you are unemployed and the strain of trying to make ends meet (this is a tribulation), then you find a new job and things are much better, you are released from the tribulation, you come out of it. Sometimes you are in the middle of a strained or rupturing relationship, you can be hurt, feel betrayed, feel broken-hearted, this is a tribulation, then God intervenes to give you hope, when that hope leads to healing and the Lord fills your needs you are released from your tribulation and you come out of it. When you are sick that too is a tribulation and you look forward to the day of release, when you will not have to deal with that chronic condition anymore, when it will be gone, wiped away, you come out of tribulation.

 

What John saw in his vision in Revelation were all the Christians who had ever lived coming out of all of their tribulations combined. And the sum total of all tribulations combined is what Revelation 7:14 calls the “great tribulation.” Some want to say that this adjective “great” can only point to the very end time when Satan is released for a “little while” just before Jesus comes again in glory (Revelation 20:2 and 20:7), but this will not hold. First of all, Revelation itself does not refer to the very end that way. Furthermore, Jesus referred to the A.D. 70 destruction of Jerusalem as a “great tribulation” in Matthew 24:21. The point is this: “since every Christian experiences testings of faith and witness…[that] becomes at that moment in time existentially a great tribulation for that believer. The picture of eternal glory of Rev. 7:14 is for the comfort of all Christians of all times as they experience whatever tribulations sorely test their faith and patience…For that Christian at that moment, his sufferings and trials are his great tribulation. And every Christian will experience tribulation (Brighton, Louis A., Concordia Commentary: Revelation, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1999, 196f).”

 

In Your Service and To Christ's Glory,

 

Dr. Espinosa