The Child in the manger, born of the Virgin Mary, is the very Word of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, "whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world" (Heb. 1:2). As "all things were made through Him" (John 1:3), so are all things redeemed and made new in Him.
In His body of flesh and blood, we behold "the radiance of the glory of God" (Heb 1:3), "glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). He dwells among us in peace that we might have life and light and salvation in Him. For by His Word of the Gospel, we are born again as the children of God, bearing His name and sharing His eternal life.
Hail, O ever blessed morn!
Hail, redemption’s happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem:
Christ is born in Bethlehem!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Christmas
Heaven and earth rejoice because the glory of the Triune God is manifested in the human birth of "our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). In Him, the Father's grace, mercy and peace rest upon the world. The silence of death is broken by this "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10).
And all we who have gone astray like lost sheep, who have "walked in the darkness" of doubt and fear and sinful unbelief, behold "a great light" in the birth of Christ (Is. 9:2). In Him "the grace of God has appeared" (Titus 2:11). For this Child of Mary who is born for us, this dear Son of God who is given to us, will bear the burden of our sin and death in His own body on the cross. He thereby establishes a government of peace which shall have no end.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
And all we who have gone astray like lost sheep, who have "walked in the darkness" of doubt and fear and sinful unbelief, behold "a great light" in the birth of Christ (Is. 9:2). In Him "the grace of God has appeared" (Titus 2:11). For this Child of Mary who is born for us, this dear Son of God who is given to us, will bear the burden of our sin and death in His own body on the cross. He thereby establishes a government of peace which shall have no end.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Advent 4
The Fourth Sunday in Advent turns our attention toward the Nativity of Our Lord. With the Blessed Virgin Mary we await the coming of the Christ, her Son, conceived in her womb by the Word and Spirit of God.
This fulfillment of the sign once given to the House of David, that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son” (Is. 7:14), is now given to us in the Gospel. It is the way and means by which the Lord our God is “Immanuel,” God-with-us in the flesh. He comes in this way to save us with His own flesh and blood; wherefore He is called “Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
As St. Joseph received this sign in faith and immediately “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him” (Matt. 1:24), we also live by faith in this Holy Gospel.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
This fulfillment of the sign once given to the House of David, that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son” (Is. 7:14), is now given to us in the Gospel. It is the way and means by which the Lord our God is “Immanuel,” God-with-us in the flesh. He comes in this way to save us with His own flesh and blood; wherefore He is called “Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
As St. Joseph received this sign in faith and immediately “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him” (Matt. 1:24), we also live by faith in this Holy Gospel.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Advent 3
Sometimes life requires the astonishing patience of Job. Like him, we are to rejoice in the midst of affliction, be grounded in repentance under the cross of Christ, hope relentlessly in His resurrection, that we might see “how the Lord is compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11). In the promise of the Gospel, therefore, “be patient” and “establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7, 8).
Like St. John, the Baptizer, whatever your own kind of prison or suffering may be, call upon Jesus and receive the strength of His Word from those He sends to you. For as “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up,” so is the good news of Jesus preached to you, also (Matt. 11:5).
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Like St. John, the Baptizer, whatever your own kind of prison or suffering may be, call upon Jesus and receive the strength of His Word from those He sends to you. For as “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up,” so is the good news of Jesus preached to you, also (Matt. 11:5).
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Advent 2
“John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ‘Repent’” (Matt. 3:1–2). His preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins prepared people for the coming of Christ into the world. His vital ministry continues in preaching Law and Gospel. The Son of God has come in the flesh, “a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots” (Is. 11:1), and continues to bear the fruits of righteousness.
His good tree of the cross is “a signal for the peoples” (Is. 11:10), by which He calls the nations to repentance. “With the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips” (Is. 11:4), He slays the wicked and brings the dead to life. So also the “root of Jesse,” Jesus, comes to us, that “we might have hope” and be filled “with all joy and peace in believing” (Rom. 15:4, 13).
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
His good tree of the cross is “a signal for the peoples” (Is. 11:10), by which He calls the nations to repentance. “With the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips” (Is. 11:4), He slays the wicked and brings the dead to life. So also the “root of Jesse,” Jesus, comes to us, that “we might have hope” and be filled “with all joy and peace in believing” (Rom. 15:4, 13).
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Advent 1
The Lord Jesus enters Jerusalem “humble, and mounted on a donkey,” riding on “a beast of burden” (Matt. 21:5), as He Himself bears the sins of the world in His body. Now He comes by the proclamation of the Gospel to save us from sin, death, the devil, and hell.
Therefore, we sing, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matt. 21:9). By His Word, we “walk in the light of the Lord” (Is. 2:5). That is to live in love, which “does no wrong to a neighbor” (Rom. 13:10). We “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light”.
Hence, the entire Christian life is a time to wake and watch, “for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matt. 24:42). We wait in hope for our Advent King.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Therefore, we sing, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matt. 21:9). By His Word, we “walk in the light of the Lord” (Is. 2:5). That is to live in love, which “does no wrong to a neighbor” (Rom. 13:10). We “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light”.
Hence, the entire Christian life is a time to wake and watch, “for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matt. 24:42). We wait in hope for our Advent King.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Day of National Thanksgiving
The nation resounds with thanksgiving for the earth's bountiful harvest, crops of wheat and grains, all beneath the canopy of God's almighty care. But “man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord”. It is this divine Word that penetrates the world with its Law and Gospel which proclaims Jesus as the sole source of life, health, and wholeness.
It is Jesus who heals lepers with His Word. Of the ten cleansed, only one expresses thanksgiving back to Jesus. But true gratitude proceeds from a heart sustained by faith. Jesus bids this one to “rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” So also, we are sent from the Divine Service, bolstered in our faith by the Word to be thankful in our circumstances of plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
It is Jesus who heals lepers with His Word. Of the ten cleansed, only one expresses thanksgiving back to Jesus. But true gratitude proceeds from a heart sustained by faith. Jesus bids this one to “rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” So also, we are sent from the Divine Service, bolstered in our faith by the Word to be thankful in our circumstances of plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Last Sunday in the Church Year
Jesus reigns in love among those who are baptized in His name. He says, “They shall be mine.” In the proclamation of His Son, God makes His justice clear defining “the distinction between the righteous and the wicked”. He truly is “the King”, who governs His Church with all authority in heaven and on earth. He has come into His Kingdom by His cross, and He graciously remembers us in Paradise.
Therefore, do not weep for Him, but with repentant faith “weep for yourselves and for your children”. Then the mountains and hills of Jerusalem, His holy Church, shall cover you with His righteousness and peace. For “All things were created through him and for him”, and “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” bodily in Him, reconciling all things to Himself “by the blood of His cross”.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Therefore, do not weep for Him, but with repentant faith “weep for yourselves and for your children”. Then the mountains and hills of Jerusalem, His holy Church, shall cover you with His righteousness and peace. For “All things were created through him and for him”, and “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” bodily in Him, reconciling all things to Himself “by the blood of His cross”.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Proper 28
The temperature is getting colder. The leaves are falling. Harvest is done or almost done. Wars and worldly strife. Broken families. Wildfires, earthquakes, and hurricanes that tear the world apart and take life.
What do all of these things have in common? They tell us a change is about to take place. Unfortunately the change isn’t as tame as fall turning into winter. But it is just as obvious. When we see all the pain, suffering, and death, Jesus says then we know that the Kingdom of God is near.
But for those who are in Christ, they need not fear all of the calamity. Jesus says, “Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” His words of promise and salvation are for all who trust in Him. When you are in Him, eternity is yours.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
What do all of these things have in common? They tell us a change is about to take place. Unfortunately the change isn’t as tame as fall turning into winter. But it is just as obvious. When we see all the pain, suffering, and death, Jesus says then we know that the Kingdom of God is near.
But for those who are in Christ, they need not fear all of the calamity. Jesus says, “Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” His words of promise and salvation are for all who trust in Him. When you are in Him, eternity is yours.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
All Saint's
“A great multitude from all tribes and peoples and languages,” cry out “salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne”. Faith-filled saints from every place and time “shall see him as he is” and with unified voices eternally magnify the Lamb of God. In our earthly tension vacillating between saint and sinner, faith and doubt, we earnestly seek Jesus to calm our fears, comfort our spirits, and forgive our sins. The Holy Spirit, through faith in Christ propels us forward, fortifying us in Word and Sacrament, to our eternal home. In the midst of our constant struggle as believers, we need to be blessed. And so we are. The poor in spirit, the meek, the hungry, the thirsty, the merciful, the pure, and the persecuted are all blessed and we will most certainly inherit the kingdom of heaven.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Monday, November 1, 2010
All Saint's Day
“Get’s out dried in stains, wine, and even blood,” says the commercial for cleaning products. Blood is something to be cleaned out, not cleaned with. But John writes in Revelation 7:
“They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb.”
The blood of the Lamb, Jesus, is the greatest detergent of all. It cleanses every filthy stain of sin from our life. Jesus delivers that cleansing blood to us through water and word, bread and wine.
For this we rejoice for those whose robes have been washed in the blood of the Jesus; who’s trust was in the true Christian faith and now rest from their labors in death.
But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of Glory passes on His way.
Alleluia!!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
“They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb.”
The blood of the Lamb, Jesus, is the greatest detergent of all. It cleanses every filthy stain of sin from our life. Jesus delivers that cleansing blood to us through water and word, bread and wine.
For this we rejoice for those whose robes have been washed in the blood of the Jesus; who’s trust was in the true Christian faith and now rest from their labors in death.
But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of Glory passes on His way.
Alleluia!!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Reformation
We are coming upon the celebration of the posting of 95 statements of debate on a door at a church in Germany some 490 years ago. Who could imagine that a German monk named Martin Luther would still have an impact today. Time magazine placed him in the top ten most influential people in the entire world!
But if it were really about a man named Luther, we would have forgotten about him long ago. The day labeled the Reformation is really about Jesus.
For He has rescued us by His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people”
By hearing this Gospel of Christ Jesus, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
But if it were really about a man named Luther, we would have forgotten about him long ago. The day labeled the Reformation is really about Jesus.
For He has rescued us by His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people”
By hearing this Gospel of Christ Jesus, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Proper 23
Ten lepers cry out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
Jesus says: "Go show yourselves to the priests." You only did that after the flesh quit rotting and was restored. Jesus speaks to them as if they are healed already. And in Him they are.
So they go and on the way they are healed! You’d think it would be easy to remember to turn around and give thanks, especially when you get what you ask for. But alas, even after their heartfelt cries for salvation, “mercy,” thanksgiving wasn’t on their mind.
Except for one heathen Samaritan. "Arise. Your faith has saved you." What Jesus does for the Samaritan, He does for us. “Arise!. Go your way. Your faith in Jesus has saved you.” For anyone who is in Christ is a new creation; the old has passed the new has come.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Jesus says: "Go show yourselves to the priests." You only did that after the flesh quit rotting and was restored. Jesus speaks to them as if they are healed already. And in Him they are.
So they go and on the way they are healed! You’d think it would be easy to remember to turn around and give thanks, especially when you get what you ask for. But alas, even after their heartfelt cries for salvation, “mercy,” thanksgiving wasn’t on their mind.
Except for one heathen Samaritan. "Arise. Your faith has saved you." What Jesus does for the Samaritan, He does for us. “Arise!. Go your way. Your faith in Jesus has saved you.” For anyone who is in Christ is a new creation; the old has passed the new has come.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Proper 22
Increase our faith! Is the call of the disciples. Forgive your neighbors. If he keeps doing things against you and he keeps admitting it, keep on forgiving him.
Don’t lead anyone astray with your actions.
Indeed! Increase our faith because surely I don’t have enough to do that.
And what is Jesus’ response to the plea of increase our faith? If you have faith the size of a mustard seed. In other words, “Size doesn’t matter!” Faith receives the gift Either you have faith or you don’t. No faith building exercises can make it bigger or better.
Faith in Jesus grants you forgiveness and a new life with His good gifts given to you. No special mathematics can increase it. It’s as good as it gets. If this faith in Jesus is good enough to sustain you into eternity, how much more for the trials of this world.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Don’t lead anyone astray with your actions.
Indeed! Increase our faith because surely I don’t have enough to do that.
And what is Jesus’ response to the plea of increase our faith? If you have faith the size of a mustard seed. In other words, “Size doesn’t matter!” Faith receives the gift Either you have faith or you don’t. No faith building exercises can make it bigger or better.
Faith in Jesus grants you forgiveness and a new life with His good gifts given to you. No special mathematics can increase it. It’s as good as it gets. If this faith in Jesus is good enough to sustain you into eternity, how much more for the trials of this world.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Proper 21
Surely if my long dead relative just came back and told me what I needed to know, or whispered comforting words then….
Jesus tells us in the story of the rich man and Lazarus that, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.”
Once this physical life ends, earthly work is done. Any messages that need to be given won’t come from the grave. No ghost will come back to tell you to straighten up your life to give you an earthly second chance.
But someone did rise from the dead with a perfect message and people still don’t listen to Him! Jesus offers eternal life as a free gift won for the world on the cross. Nothing more, nothing less. Are you listening? This message is for you!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Jesus tells us in the story of the rich man and Lazarus that, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.”
Once this physical life ends, earthly work is done. Any messages that need to be given won’t come from the grave. No ghost will come back to tell you to straighten up your life to give you an earthly second chance.
But someone did rise from the dead with a perfect message and people still don’t listen to Him! Jesus offers eternal life as a free gift won for the world on the cross. Nothing more, nothing less. Are you listening? This message is for you!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Proper 20C
To climb up the corporate ladder, sometimes you have to walk on a few people. It’s not really stealing if it is their mistake. It’s so much work to take care of Grandpa, let’s just let him die.
Such is the wisdom of the world. It makes our hearts yearn for more and take advantage of whoever gets in our way to get ahead.
The prophet Amos proclaims, “Hear this, you who trample on the needy and bring the poor of the land to an end…” “I will turn your feasts into mourning….”
Though we try to justify ourselves “in the sight of men,” God knows our sinful hearts and calls us to repentance. Though we are “not strong enough to dig,” and we are “ashamed to beg”, He justifies us by His grace and welcomes us into His “eternal dwellings” by the cross of Jesus.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Such is the wisdom of the world. It makes our hearts yearn for more and take advantage of whoever gets in our way to get ahead.
The prophet Amos proclaims, “Hear this, you who trample on the needy and bring the poor of the land to an end…” “I will turn your feasts into mourning….”
Though we try to justify ourselves “in the sight of men,” God knows our sinful hearts and calls us to repentance. Though we are “not strong enough to dig,” and we are “ashamed to beg”, He justifies us by His grace and welcomes us into His “eternal dwellings” by the cross of Jesus.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Proper 19C
“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15). To deliver His flock, Jesus “will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick” (Ezek. 34:16). He sets over them one great Good Shepherd, the Son of David, who “will feed them himself and be their shepherd” (Ezek. 34:23).
For Christ Jesus is the one Man who, “if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them,” would “leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it” (Luke 15:4). When He finds the lost one and brings it home rejoicing, “the angels of God” and all the company of heaven rejoice with Him, with great joy (Luke 15:7, 10). That lost one is you.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
For Christ Jesus is the one Man who, “if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them,” would “leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it” (Luke 15:4). When He finds the lost one and brings it home rejoicing, “the angels of God” and all the company of heaven rejoice with Him, with great joy (Luke 15:7, 10). That lost one is you.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Proper 18C
Discipleship is costly because it crucifies the old man with “all he that he has” (Luke 14:33), in order to raise up the new man in Christ. The disciple gives up “his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life” (Luke 14:26), in regard to Christ.
That way of the cross is impossible, except that Jesus has already paid the cost. His cross is set before you as “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (Deut. 30:15). Taking up His cross is to “choose life in order that you may live, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him” (Deut. 30:19–20).
To live that life in Christ is also to bear His cross in love, “that your goodness [would be]t of your own free will” (Philemon 14).
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
That way of the cross is impossible, except that Jesus has already paid the cost. His cross is set before you as “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (Deut. 30:15). Taking up His cross is to “choose life in order that you may live, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him” (Deut. 30:19–20).
To live that life in Christ is also to bear His cross in love, “that your goodness [would be]t of your own free will” (Philemon 14).
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Proper 17C
“Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled,” Jesus proclaims, but “he who humbles himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11). For your hope is in the name of the Lord, who humbled Himself unto death on the cross and was exalted in His resurrection.
So are you humbled by His cross, and “at the resurrection of the righteous,” He will say to you, “Friend, move up higher” (Luke 14:10; 13–14). By His grace, the King will honor you “in the place of great men,” where your eyes will gaze upon the Prince, His dearly-beloved Son (Prov. 25:7).
As He has dealt so graciously with you, “Do not neglect doing good and sharing” (Heb. 13:16), and “do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Heb. 13:2). Be humble yourself and exalt your neighbor, not for the sake of your salvation, but for your neighbor’s earthly benefit.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
So are you humbled by His cross, and “at the resurrection of the righteous,” He will say to you, “Friend, move up higher” (Luke 14:10; 13–14). By His grace, the King will honor you “in the place of great men,” where your eyes will gaze upon the Prince, His dearly-beloved Son (Prov. 25:7).
As He has dealt so graciously with you, “Do not neglect doing good and sharing” (Heb. 13:16), and “do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Heb. 13:2). Be humble yourself and exalt your neighbor, not for the sake of your salvation, but for your neighbor’s earthly benefit.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Proper 16C
With the cross of Christ, the time has come “to gather all nations and tongues” (Is. 66:18). The sign of the cross is set forth in the preaching of the Gospel, the declaration of the Lord's glory “among the nations” (Is. 66:19).
Many “will come from east and west, and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29), but only by the narrow way of the cross. Those who refuse to follow Christ crucified will ultimately find only “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Luke 13:28), whereas Christ's disciples, called from all the nations, will eat and drink with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God. They will come into “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb. 12:22).
Strive to enter through the free salvation gift of the narrow door of Jesus.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Many “will come from east and west, and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29), but only by the narrow way of the cross. Those who refuse to follow Christ crucified will ultimately find only “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Luke 13:28), whereas Christ's disciples, called from all the nations, will eat and drink with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God. They will come into “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb. 12:22).
Strive to enter through the free salvation gift of the narrow door of Jesus.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Proper 15C
The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire . . . and like a hammer which shatters a rock” (Jer. 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection.
This is the great division that Jesus brings to the earth, those who have faith in Jesus and trust all of His words, and those who don’t.
Let us fix our eyes “on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1–2).
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
This is the great division that Jesus brings to the earth, those who have faith in Jesus and trust all of His words, and those who don’t.
Let us fix our eyes “on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1–2).
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Proper 13C
"The land of a rich man produced plentifully.
'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.'
But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."
Be prepared for when your soul is demanded of you. How? With the richness of Jesus’ sacrifice as the only thing that makes you rich. God’s treasure given freely to you is eternal life in Jesus.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.'
But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."
Be prepared for when your soul is demanded of you. How? With the richness of Jesus’ sacrifice as the only thing that makes you rich. God’s treasure given freely to you is eternal life in Jesus.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Proper 12C
Selfless. Focused solely on God and who He is. Centered on all that He gives to us in both soul and body, now and into eternity. Request for the greatest protection that there ever could be.
Sound like those could be the most perfect words ever written? They certainly encompass everything that we could ever need.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
When your words fail, His words are perfect. Use them. Jesus gave them to us to pray.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport,
Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Sound like those could be the most perfect words ever written? They certainly encompass everything that we could ever need.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
When your words fail, His words are perfect. Use them. Jesus gave them to us to pray.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport,
Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Proper 11C
If all the world’s greatest dignitaries appeared on your doorstep and asked to come in, what would you do? Of course, invite them in!
And then they began to discuss issues that were important in your neighborhood and community, would you go make coffee? Pretend not to listen? Act busy? Sit at their feet?
The greatest dignitary ever in the world did visit a humble home in Israel. Two ladies resided there; one sat and listened to the great dignitary between heaven and earth, and the other busied herself at the work of hosting the dignitary.
That greatest dignitary between heaven and earth was Jesus. His response was “you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.”
One thing needful for you is to sit at the feet of Jesus, hear His Word and receive His gifts of grace and forgiveness.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
And then they began to discuss issues that were important in your neighborhood and community, would you go make coffee? Pretend not to listen? Act busy? Sit at their feet?
The greatest dignitary ever in the world did visit a humble home in Israel. Two ladies resided there; one sat and listened to the great dignitary between heaven and earth, and the other busied herself at the work of hosting the dignitary.
That greatest dignitary between heaven and earth was Jesus. His response was “you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.”
One thing needful for you is to sit at the feet of Jesus, hear His Word and receive His gifts of grace and forgiveness.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Proper 10C
A man gets beaten by robbers and left to die along the road. A couple “religious” people pass by without helping. A Samaritan comes upon the half dead man and has compassion on him. He binds the man’s wounds and pays the inkeeper for his care. The Samaritan had mercy on the man.
We who are beaten and bloodied by the attacks of the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh, lay by the road of life. Who will help? For we cannot help ourselves.
Thanks be to God that our Good Samaritan, Jesus does not pass us by. He has compassion on us and binds up our wounds with His own wounded, bloody hands. He pays the price to care for us with His own life on the cross. He has mercy on us all!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
We who are beaten and bloodied by the attacks of the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh, lay by the road of life. Who will help? For we cannot help ourselves.
Thanks be to God that our Good Samaritan, Jesus does not pass us by. He has compassion on us and binds up our wounds with His own wounded, bloody hands. He pays the price to care for us with His own life on the cross. He has mercy on us all!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Proper 9C
You can picture it. The hurried look of an all night harvest, because the season is drawing to a close and the weather is changing. Plentiful harvest, not enough workers and equipment.
Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
You and I are the Lord’s harvest. He sends out preachers to proclaim the Law to condemn us of our sin and to proclaim the Gospel harvesting us into His kingdom.
But it is not the preacher, but the one who sent him. Jesus said, “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Hear Jesus’ loving words for you. Be harvested into His eternal kindom.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
You and I are the Lord’s harvest. He sends out preachers to proclaim the Law to condemn us of our sin and to proclaim the Gospel harvesting us into His kingdom.
But it is not the preacher, but the one who sent him. Jesus said, “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Hear Jesus’ loving words for you. Be harvested into His eternal kindom.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Proper 8C
When the prophet Elijah became discouraged and despaired of his life, “the Word of the Lord came to him” and stood him “on the mount before the Lord”.
The Lord made Himself known to the prophet--not in the impressive power of gale force winds, nor in an earthquake, and nor in the fire, but in “the sound of a low whisper”.
Today God reveals Himself among us through the frail preaching of the Gospel. The Son of Man sends “messengers ahead of Him . . . to make preparations for Him”.
Those preachers “go and proclaim the kingdom of God” in the full richness of Law and Gospel. Not the power of the Law with its “yoke of slavery”, but the power of God unto salvation through the Gospel of forgiveness, by which “Christ has set us free”.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
The Lord made Himself known to the prophet--not in the impressive power of gale force winds, nor in an earthquake, and nor in the fire, but in “the sound of a low whisper”.
Today God reveals Himself among us through the frail preaching of the Gospel. The Son of Man sends “messengers ahead of Him . . . to make preparations for Him”.
Those preachers “go and proclaim the kingdom of God” in the full richness of Law and Gospel. Not the power of the Law with its “yoke of slavery”, but the power of God unto salvation through the Gospel of forgiveness, by which “Christ has set us free”.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Monday, June 21, 2010
Proper 7C
The Lord seeks the lost. He invites “a rebellious people” and calls them to be His people and to dwell in peace with Him. For wherever Jesus Christ enters in, Satan is cast out. Those who were driven mad by the assaults and accusations of the devil, are set free by the Word of Christ.
Jesus drowns and destroys the sinfulness in us with the waters of Holy Baptism and thereby brings us out of death into life. No longer naked in our shame, living “among the tombs”, we are brought into the Lord's house, fully clothed by Christ.
For Jesus has come, in “the fullness of time” to fulfill the Law on our behalf and to redeem us from its every accusation. Therefore, having been justified by His grace through faith in His Gospel, “you are no longer a slave, but a son”
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Jesus drowns and destroys the sinfulness in us with the waters of Holy Baptism and thereby brings us out of death into life. No longer naked in our shame, living “among the tombs”, we are brought into the Lord's house, fully clothed by Christ.
For Jesus has come, in “the fullness of time” to fulfill the Law on our behalf and to redeem us from its every accusation. Therefore, having been justified by His grace through faith in His Gospel, “you are no longer a slave, but a son”
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Proper 6C
"A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred days wages, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
Of course, the one with the greatest debt. Lest we start comparing ourselves with others, the greatest debt belongs to you and me.
For we all have “despised the Word of the Lord.”
He has pity on us and calls us to repentance. He lays hold of us in mercy and grants us peace. He takes our sin upon Himself, so that we shall not die but live.
"Your sins are forgiven." "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" Yes, the one whom we’ve sinned against, God in the flesh, Jesus Christ.
We love Him much because our “sins, which are many, are forgiven”.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Of course, the one with the greatest debt. Lest we start comparing ourselves with others, the greatest debt belongs to you and me.
For we all have “despised the Word of the Lord.”
He has pity on us and calls us to repentance. He lays hold of us in mercy and grants us peace. He takes our sin upon Himself, so that we shall not die but live.
"Your sins are forgiven." "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" Yes, the one whom we’ve sinned against, God in the flesh, Jesus Christ.
We love Him much because our “sins, which are many, are forgiven”.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Holy Trinity
Jesus said in John 8, “Amen, Amen, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
It’s no wonder they wanted to kill Jesus. He just said that He’s God.
But this wasn’t for His sake. Jesus isn’t puffing himself up. It is for your and my sake that Jesus says this, so that you may believe in Him.
Jesus is true God so that all of His life may be given to you. Jesus is true God so that His death may be your death so that sin will no longer have mastery over you. Jesus is true God so that the devil and hell are eternally defeated and cannot harm you eternally.
Amen, Amen, I say to you if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
It’s no wonder they wanted to kill Jesus. He just said that He’s God.
But this wasn’t for His sake. Jesus isn’t puffing himself up. It is for your and my sake that Jesus says this, so that you may believe in Him.
Jesus is true God so that all of His life may be given to you. Jesus is true God so that His death may be your death so that sin will no longer have mastery over you. Jesus is true God so that the devil and hell are eternally defeated and cannot harm you eternally.
Amen, Amen, I say to you if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Pentecost
Sometimes when you hear your children babbling incessantly, you’d think that they are plotting to take over the world. Such was the case when God confused the languages of the people at the Tower of Babel.
Then a few thousand years later, the Feast of Pentecost, the day a gathering of believers were filled with the Holy Spirit enabled to declare the wonders of God in their own native languages.
What wonders of God were they declaring? That Jesus, the one who was put to death on the cross, rose from the dead three days later, and ascended into heaven to fill the world with His forgiveness.
That Pentecost Day, Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit undid the effects of the Tower of Babel. Now His plot to take over the world can be revealed to every tribe and nation.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Then a few thousand years later, the Feast of Pentecost, the day a gathering of believers were filled with the Holy Spirit enabled to declare the wonders of God in their own native languages.
What wonders of God were they declaring? That Jesus, the one who was put to death on the cross, rose from the dead three days later, and ascended into heaven to fill the world with His forgiveness.
That Pentecost Day, Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit undid the effects of the Tower of Babel. Now His plot to take over the world can be revealed to every tribe and nation.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Monday, May 17, 2010
Easter 7
Gifts are so often cherished by those who receive them. The best gifts are the ones that will be used. But even the strongest toys will wear out or break and the prettiest flowers will whither and die.
John 17 says that our Heavenly Father has given us to Jesus. Does this mean we will be used by Jesus until we wear out?
We have been given to Jesus, not to be worn out with doing Jesus’ labor. Rather we have been given to Jesus so that we may have His glory. Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven, “The glory that You have given me I have given to them…”
Jesus gives us the glory of a right relationship with our Heavenly Father through the forgiveness He won for us on the cross. You continue to be His most cherished gift.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
John 17 says that our Heavenly Father has given us to Jesus. Does this mean we will be used by Jesus until we wear out?
We have been given to Jesus, not to be worn out with doing Jesus’ labor. Rather we have been given to Jesus so that we may have His glory. Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven, “The glory that You have given me I have given to them…”
Jesus gives us the glory of a right relationship with our Heavenly Father through the forgiveness He won for us on the cross. You continue to be His most cherished gift.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
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
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
Monday, May 10, 2010
Easter 6
“Amen, Amen, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, He will give it to you.” Jesus says in John 16. It sounds like Jesus has opened up the entire menu for us to order. How about a full helping of Greed with a side order of Adultery, and a large glass of Coveting.
Maybe that’s not exactly what Jesus had in mind. After all, Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Thy will be done.” And the will of the Father is this, that He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.
Thank you Jesus for overcoming the world so that we may have everything that is according to your will.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Maybe that’s not exactly what Jesus had in mind. After all, Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Thy will be done.” And the will of the Father is this, that He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.
Thank you Jesus for overcoming the world so that we may have everything that is according to your will.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Easter 5
Months upon months of knowing what is coming. Hours upon hours of preparation. You know the outcome. A bouncing baby boy or girl. But the woman knows what comes first. Pain. Birthpain. No one looks forward to that kind of pain. No it is the joy of the newborn child that is remembered months, weeks, and years to come.
So it is now. We live in a world of school shootings, natural disasters, broken homes, and the list goes on for each person who feels loss.
Jesus used the image of childbirth in John 16 to assure all those who put their faith in him. These are pains that lead up to a greater joy that no one can take from you. A joy of eternal life Jesus has prepared for you.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
So it is now. We live in a world of school shootings, natural disasters, broken homes, and the list goes on for each person who feels loss.
Jesus used the image of childbirth in John 16 to assure all those who put their faith in him. These are pains that lead up to a greater joy that no one can take from you. A joy of eternal life Jesus has prepared for you.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Easter 4
Lassie! Come here Lassie! Come home! And the image of that ever faithful collie running through the woods or field all the way home into its master’s arms.
Do you hear your Master’s voice calling?
In the middle of all the cacophony of other voices and noise that distracts, sometimes His voice seems to get lost.
Do you hear His voice? It is the one who calls out with truth and forgiveness and love. It is the one who knows your inner most heart and still gives himself for you so that you may have life.
Hear His voice now:
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice,
And I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish,
And no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Do you hear your Master’s voice calling?
In the middle of all the cacophony of other voices and noise that distracts, sometimes His voice seems to get lost.
Do you hear His voice? It is the one who calls out with truth and forgiveness and love. It is the one who knows your inner most heart and still gives himself for you so that you may have life.
Hear His voice now:
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice,
And I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish,
And no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Easter 3
You have heard of the man. He persecuted Christians and watched them die. What a horrible wretched man that he was. You may be happy to hear, he died on the road. His name was Saul.
The amazing thing is: Saul kept on living after he died to his sin, because he had an encounter with Jesus. Jesus used His Word and turned Saul’s life around and gave him a new life.
You also can be certain that when you hear our Lord Jesus speak, your life will never be the same. He speaks just as clearly today to you as He did to Saul on the road. You will still encounter heartache and frustration, but your life will never be the same as you live in the hope of salvation in your living Savior Jesus.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
The amazing thing is: Saul kept on living after he died to his sin, because he had an encounter with Jesus. Jesus used His Word and turned Saul’s life around and gave him a new life.
You also can be certain that when you hear our Lord Jesus speak, your life will never be the same. He speaks just as clearly today to you as He did to Saul on the road. You will still encounter heartache and frustration, but your life will never be the same as you live in the hope of salvation in your living Savior Jesus.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Easter 2
Seeing is believing. To see removes any doubt and makes certain any belief. Thomas heard the good news of a bodily resurrected Jesus that first Easter Eve but just couldn’t believe it without seeing it. So Jesus showed Thomas.
John writes, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but THESE ARE WRITTEN so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that BY BELIEVING YOU may have life in His name.”
Now we have the eyes of faith that see even without seeing physically. The eyes of faith make it certain that “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We are truly blessed with a new life in Jesus; life in His Name.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
John writes, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but THESE ARE WRITTEN so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that BY BELIEVING YOU may have life in His name.”
Now we have the eyes of faith that see even without seeing physically. The eyes of faith make it certain that “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We are truly blessed with a new life in Jesus; life in His Name.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
A humiliating scourging by the guards. Death on a cross. A three day rest in the tomb, making all tombs of the saints holy. A victory parade in hell. The stone is rolled away to the angelic message to those who came to honor their dead friend. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you?”
The grave could not hold Him. Easter changes everything for you! Death came into the world and to you through Adam. But now the resurrection of your body from the grave is ensured through Jesus the second and last Adam who rose on the Third Day. He is the head of a new humanity: forgiven sinners who believe in Him.
Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
A humiliating scourging by the guards. Death on a cross. A three day rest in the tomb, making all tombs of the saints holy. A victory parade in hell. The stone is rolled away to the angelic message to those who came to honor their dead friend. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you?”
The grave could not hold Him. Easter changes everything for you! Death came into the world and to you through Adam. But now the resurrection of your body from the grave is ensured through Jesus the second and last Adam who rose on the Third Day. He is the head of a new humanity: forgiven sinners who believe in Him.
Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Maundy Thursday
One last meal where Jesus gives. “Take eat, this IS my body. Take drink, this IS my blood for the forgiveness of your sins.”
Afterward, they process out so that Jesus can be captured.
It seems foolish. What self respecting Savior would willingly die on a cross?
And besides, can any one man die for the punishment of the entire world’s guilt?
Only God is big enough to make that kind of sacrifice. How weak must God be?
The Word of the Cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
To those who believe, Jesus, the power of God who forgives their sins and raises them up to everlasting life, continues to give himself as eternal food under bread and wine for us now.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Afterward, they process out so that Jesus can be captured.
It seems foolish. What self respecting Savior would willingly die on a cross?
And besides, can any one man die for the punishment of the entire world’s guilt?
Only God is big enough to make that kind of sacrifice. How weak must God be?
The Word of the Cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
To those who believe, Jesus, the power of God who forgives their sins and raises them up to everlasting life, continues to give himself as eternal food under bread and wine for us now.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Monday, March 29, 2010
Palm Sunday
A military tank. An armored car. Air Force One. A military war horse. These are all fitting modes of transportation for a ruler of a country or kingdom. But the King of the Universe, Jesus, rides in… on a young donkey. A beast of burden.
The crowd doesn’t even seem to notice. The palm branches and cloaks are strewn none the less. Maybe they remember the prophecy, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”
The parade will not deter Jesus from His lofty goal, to be humbled and obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. The King of the Universe will ascend His throne of the cross so that you and I will be heirs of a kingdom that will never fade.
Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
The crowd doesn’t even seem to notice. The palm branches and cloaks are strewn none the less. Maybe they remember the prophecy, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”
The parade will not deter Jesus from His lofty goal, to be humbled and obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. The King of the Universe will ascend His throne of the cross so that you and I will be heirs of a kingdom that will never fade.
Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Lent 5
“I don’t get no respect.” We all believe Rodney Dangerfield’s catch phrase could be our own. It seems as if our culture hasn’t a clue what it means to respect anyone anymore. Respect your elders. Respect your boss. Respect your body. Yeah right. Disrespect abounds.
You would think if God came down and walked the earth there would be a little more respect.
God did walk the earth and alas, no we still don’t respect. He gave us His Holy Word every time we fail to listen to, we give the greatest disrespect.
And that is why Jesus, God’s only begotten Son was sent to the earth, to get no respect.
With all of our lack of respect heaped on Jesus’ shoulders, He was rejected, by us and by His Father, so that you and I are now respected by our Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
You would think if God came down and walked the earth there would be a little more respect.
God did walk the earth and alas, no we still don’t respect. He gave us His Holy Word every time we fail to listen to, we give the greatest disrespect.
And that is why Jesus, God’s only begotten Son was sent to the earth, to get no respect.
With all of our lack of respect heaped on Jesus’ shoulders, He was rejected, by us and by His Father, so that you and I are now respected by our Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Lent 4
I cannot imagine the hurt and the pain that go along with having a pigheaded child. Especially one that would be so bold as to demand, “Give me all the money I will get when you die! Give it to me now, because I am leaving home never to return again!”
What a slap in the face.
Yet that is what we have done to God. We boldly walk in and say, “give me my life the way I want it now. I am venturing out on my own with no regard for you.”
In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus tells us about our God who is willing to run out to us when we have pigheaded schemes of doing it our own way. He runs out to us through Jesus our Savior, who humbled Himself to death to bring us back into God’s Family
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
What a slap in the face.
Yet that is what we have done to God. We boldly walk in and say, “give me my life the way I want it now. I am venturing out on my own with no regard for you.”
In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus tells us about our God who is willing to run out to us when we have pigheaded schemes of doing it our own way. He runs out to us through Jesus our Savior, who humbled Himself to death to bring us back into God’s Family
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Lent 3
What do you do with a fruit true that hasn’t produced fruit in three years? If it is in your yard, maybe you’ll keep it around for some nice shade. What if you make your livelihood from fruit trees? Then you have only one choice. Cut it down. It is taking up the space and nutrients from the other trees.
Our Savior told this parable in regards to humanity. We are the fruit trees that don’t bear fruit. He pleads with our heavenly Father, “Sir, let it alone this year also until I dig around it and put on manure.”
By this warning, the Lord would turn us away from wickedness and bring us to life in Himself. For He is patient with us, that we not be cut down in our sin but live and bear fruit in Him.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Our Savior told this parable in regards to humanity. We are the fruit trees that don’t bear fruit. He pleads with our heavenly Father, “Sir, let it alone this year also until I dig around it and put on manure.”
By this warning, the Lord would turn us away from wickedness and bring us to life in Himself. For He is patient with us, that we not be cut down in our sin but live and bear fruit in Him.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Lent 2
I must go. Often these are words that come after a nice, long, pleasant visit with a friend. We have had a good chat. I’m sad it is over, but I must go home now.
I must go. These words can also be uttered when you are dreading the appointment ahead. I must go to the doctor and get the test results.
Our Savior from sin, Jesus, also lived these “ I Must Go,” moments. No matter what lay before Him, whether a joyous feast with His disciples or a conversation with those who didn’t believe Him to be the Savior, Jesus must go. He must go to the cross. He must go to His death.
Not because Jesus’ pleasant visit to this world was over. But because His love for us was so great, Jesus must go to the cross to take away our sin.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
I must go. These words can also be uttered when you are dreading the appointment ahead. I must go to the doctor and get the test results.
Our Savior from sin, Jesus, also lived these “ I Must Go,” moments. No matter what lay before Him, whether a joyous feast with His disciples or a conversation with those who didn’t believe Him to be the Savior, Jesus must go. He must go to the cross. He must go to His death.
Not because Jesus’ pleasant visit to this world was over. But because His love for us was so great, Jesus must go to the cross to take away our sin.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Lent 1
“The devil made me do it!” cries the child, trying to convince his parents why he shouldn’t be punished. Parents quickly see through that charade knowing that the only thing that made their child disobey was their own selfish desire to do what they should not do.
Temptations to do what we should not do abound. They come in forms as subtle as TV commercials and as blatant as friends saying, “c’mon give it a try.” Jesus as He walked this earth was not exempt from temptations. And He even had a batch handed out by the Devil himself.
Jesus overcame all of these temptations by using God’s Holy Word to live a spotless life in our place. When we succumb to our own temptations, cling to God’s Holy Word of promise of forgiveness of sins in Jesus death and resurrection.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Temptations to do what we should not do abound. They come in forms as subtle as TV commercials and as blatant as friends saying, “c’mon give it a try.” Jesus as He walked this earth was not exempt from temptations. And He even had a batch handed out by the Devil himself.
Jesus overcame all of these temptations by using God’s Holy Word to live a spotless life in our place. When we succumb to our own temptations, cling to God’s Holy Word of promise of forgiveness of sins in Jesus death and resurrection.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ash Wednesday
Even though we are in the midst of cold temperatures and snow, we are coming upon a dusty season. No, I’m not predicting another dry spring. Instead I am talking about the dusty season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday.
God cursed our first parents Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, “for you are dust and to dust you shall return.” We also live under that same curse. Ash Wednesday then is a reminder of our mortality caused by our first parent’s sin and yes even our own sin. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Death.
And God sent His Son, Jesus into the dust of our flesh so that the dusty mortal’s curse would be placed on Jesus, leaving us with His immortality.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
God cursed our first parents Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, “for you are dust and to dust you shall return.” We also live under that same curse. Ash Wednesday then is a reminder of our mortality caused by our first parent’s sin and yes even our own sin. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Death.
And God sent His Son, Jesus into the dust of our flesh so that the dusty mortal’s curse would be placed on Jesus, leaving us with His immortality.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Transfiguration of Our Lord
One more happy time. One more glimpse of glory. One more precious moment to make a memory last forever. These are things that people wish for when they are in the midst of sorrow and suffering. One last hurrah.
In the church calendar we get one more high point before going into the somber season of Lent. We see Jesus standing on a mountain with his clothes as white as light hearing a booming voice from the Father, “This is my beloved Son, with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.”
Why the glimpse of glory before the slew of sadness? So that we, who live most of our lives in the valley may know that we can listen to the Word of God and trust that He ascended the mountain of the cross for you and me.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
In the church calendar we get one more high point before going into the somber season of Lent. We see Jesus standing on a mountain with his clothes as white as light hearing a booming voice from the Father, “This is my beloved Son, with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.”
Why the glimpse of glory before the slew of sadness? So that we, who live most of our lives in the valley may know that we can listen to the Word of God and trust that He ascended the mountain of the cross for you and me.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Epiphany 5
When Isaiah beheld the glory of the Holy Triune God in the Temple, he confessed, “Woe is me because I am sinful and unclean.” The seraphim touched Isaiah's mouth with a burning coal from the altar, manifesting the glory of the Lord, forgiving Isaiah’s sin, and making his lips holy for the proclamation of His Word.
When Simon Peter witnessed the glory of God in the miraculous catch of fish, he was brought to his knees and confessed, “I am a sinful man”. Jesus calmed his fear and raised him up with His gracious forgiveness.
With this same forgiveness, Christ gathers people into His Church and pours out His Spirit upon them. The gifts of that same Spirit are manifested in the speaking and hearing of the Gospel for the forgiveness of your sins.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
When Simon Peter witnessed the glory of God in the miraculous catch of fish, he was brought to his knees and confessed, “I am a sinful man”. Jesus calmed his fear and raised him up with His gracious forgiveness.
With this same forgiveness, Christ gathers people into His Church and pours out His Spirit upon them. The gifts of that same Spirit are manifested in the speaking and hearing of the Gospel for the forgiveness of your sins.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Epiphany 4
Jesus was sent to “preach the good news of the kingdom of God”. His preaching is an epiphany of God, because His Word reveals the authority of His Cross and Resurrection, by which He has atoned for the sins of the world. By the preaching of His Gospel in every place, He silences the unclean spirits and casts out demons, heals the diseases of body and soul, and restores life and health to His creation.
Sound too good to be true for you? Want to know where to receive this epiphany? Seek Jesus’ Word. Hear it proclaimed into your life for the forgiveness of your sin. It is just as powerful and active today as it has ever been. Where all the works of Jesus are proclaimed, you can be sure that even the demons tremble that Jesus is the Son of God.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Sound too good to be true for you? Want to know where to receive this epiphany? Seek Jesus’ Word. Hear it proclaimed into your life for the forgiveness of your sin. It is just as powerful and active today as it has ever been. Where all the works of Jesus are proclaimed, you can be sure that even the demons tremble that Jesus is the Son of God.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Epiphany 3
When Jesus opened His mouth and told the people in the synagogue that many in his own hometown would not accept him, and mentioned many non Israelites that had been healed in Old Testament days, they became angry and wanted to throw Jesus off a cliff.
The Law of God is harsh reality. Yet it doesn’t changed another reality.
When Jesus opens His mouth to preach, gracious words flow from His lips. The Scriptures are, indeed, fulfilled in your hearing. For Christ was anointed by the Spirit of the Lord “to proclaim good news to the poor,” “to proclaim liberty to the captives,” and “to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor”. By this proclamation, Christ releases His people from captivity and gathers them to Himself in His Church.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
The Law of God is harsh reality. Yet it doesn’t changed another reality.
When Jesus opens His mouth to preach, gracious words flow from His lips. The Scriptures are, indeed, fulfilled in your hearing. For Christ was anointed by the Spirit of the Lord “to proclaim good news to the poor,” “to proclaim liberty to the captives,” and “to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor”. By this proclamation, Christ releases His people from captivity and gathers them to Himself in His Church.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Epiphany 2
Water into wine. You’d think Jesus’ first miracle would have been a little more spectacular. But this was not some parlor trick to appease some drunkard wedding guests. This was the first of His signs that manifested His glory.
And so in the stone jars used to ceremonially purify people, there becomes wine for the glory of God.
Which glory? The glory that the man Jesus is also true God sent to manifest the glory of forgiveness to His people.
Purified by the washing of water with His Word in Holy Baptism, His disciples confess that “Jesus is Lord,” and they return thanks to Him “in the Holy Spirit”, as they drink the good wine that He pours out for them, which is the new testament in His blood. Water to wine, wine to blood, for your forgivness.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
And so in the stone jars used to ceremonially purify people, there becomes wine for the glory of God.
Which glory? The glory that the man Jesus is also true God sent to manifest the glory of forgiveness to His people.
Purified by the washing of water with His Word in Holy Baptism, His disciples confess that “Jesus is Lord,” and they return thanks to Him “in the Holy Spirit”, as they drink the good wine that He pours out for them, which is the new testament in His blood. Water to wine, wine to blood, for your forgivness.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Baptism of Our Lord
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Which one? The one standing in the muck of the Jordan River? The one who had water wash over his head by God’s servant, John? The one who the Spirit descended on in the form of a dove? Yes this one! The Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are present there to attest to it!
Well, that’s nice Jesus, just go and dry off now and let us ponder more important things.
Woah! Put on the brakes for a moment. Let us not hurry too quickly past this seemingly small event in Jesus’ life. If the Father is well pleased with His Son, that means he is pleased with all those who are baptized into Jesus. You are my beloved child, with you I am well pleased.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Well, that’s nice Jesus, just go and dry off now and let us ponder more important things.
Woah! Put on the brakes for a moment. Let us not hurry too quickly past this seemingly small event in Jesus’ life. If the Father is well pleased with His Son, that means he is pleased with all those who are baptized into Jesus. You are my beloved child, with you I am well pleased.
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
New Years
Happy New Year!
So when will the resolutions start? After all the Christmas cookies are out of the cookie jar? Or maybe when all the family goes home? Or is your response… “what resolutions?”
The New Year has been a popular time to try and change our own lives. Resolutions come and go and few actually become permanent
So in this time of out with the old and in with the new, it might be a good time to ponder a change that is good and does happen without any effort on our part. “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”
Being a forgiven child of God is a great way to begin the new year!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
So when will the resolutions start? After all the Christmas cookies are out of the cookie jar? Or maybe when all the family goes home? Or is your response… “what resolutions?”
The New Year has been a popular time to try and change our own lives. Resolutions come and go and few actually become permanent
So in this time of out with the old and in with the new, it might be a good time to ponder a change that is good and does happen without any effort on our part. “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”
Being a forgiven child of God is a great way to begin the new year!
These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.
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