Ascension

Today is the celebration of the Ascension of Jesus into heaven.

After all, isn’t that the appropriate place for him? Jesus’ tour of duty on Battlefield Earth is done. The General of the Army has declared victory and now he returns to His throne in heaven through the clouds to sit back and look at what a good job he has done?

Actually, it is quite the opposite. Indeed, Jesus has gone back to where He came, the Father’s right hand of authority and power. The God/Man now reigns on the throne in His earthly body.

That is good news for you and me. He reigns as Your King of Kings, continuing to prepare a place for you in His kingdom. Jesus still keeps His promise to never leave us or forsake us.

All who believe in Him long to see Him in His heavenly glory. Yet now we must see Him hidden in Word and Water, Bread and Wine.

These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn

Easter 6

As the school year draws to a close and graduations are here, there are so many graduates who are wondering: what will happen to my friends? Will we remain friends forever? Will we stay in touch through college? What about after I’m married and have kids and a job?

Friends are indeed precious to us. Our Savior knows the importance of friends. He says in John 15: “I know longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”

Friends share everything with each other. And so has our best friend, Jesus. What has He shared? That He has chosen us to be the recipients of His salvation. That’s what it means to be Jesus’ friend.

These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn

Easter 5

There is the twig that lays on the ground under the tree. Is it alive or dead?

If it is not dead already it will soon be dead because it is no longer attached to the trunk. The life giving and sustaining sap cannot get to the twig when it is laying on the ground. Should we expect any apples from that twig? Of course not.

Jesus own words tell us about that twig and the fruit in John 15. His words say, “stay connected to the trunk.” Or Jesus uses the image of the vine and the branches. “Stay connected to the vine.”

Jesus is even gracious enough to tell us how: “If you abide in me and my words abide in you.” That’s it! Stay in Jesus’ word. Which word? His resurrected Word. His forgiveness is for you word.

These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn

Easter 4

The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd brings many harmony and peace. There He stands, either a sheep draped over His shoulders or cuddled in His bosom. A gentle smile washing over His face as Jesus gazes lovingly into the tender ewe lamb’s eyes.

While that image is indeed true. It is not the only image of Jesus’ the Good Shepherd. John 10:11, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

This good shepherd does more than cuddle and snuggle. This good shepherd goes to battle against the wolves of sin, death, and the devil and dies His life for His sheep.

But not only does He die, but He also has the authority take up His life in His resurrection so that He is our living and active Good Shepherd eternally.

These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn