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

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

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

“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