Reformation

Reform. Change. Take something and make it different, better, more pristine. Key words for every aspect of our life.

The day labeled the Reformation is really about Jesus. Romans chapter 3 all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. And later, For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

You can add nothing to your salvation or your earthly holiness. Jesus has done it all.

This Reformation salvation message is still for you and me today. There is no adding to it or moving on from it and we never grow out of it. It is the one central truth of the Christian faith on which all others stand or fall. Remain in this Word of Truth forever!

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

Proper 25

Blind Bartimaeus. The blind man who sat by the road. Not really an unusual place to sit, especially if you wanted help or someone to feel sorry for you.

This day, though, would be different than all the others. This day he would see. He heard that Jesus was coming and began to call out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” The cry of faith. Have mercy on me.

We too cry out, for peace from above, for salvation, for the Church, for the whole world, and for everyone who prays and worships the one true God. Lord, have mercy.

And just like Blind Bartimaeus who was given his sight at a simple word of Jesus and followed, so too we are given the mercy that comes down from Jesus in His spoken Word of forgiveness today. And we too follow. Yes, Lord have mercy.

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

Proper 23

A rich man approached Jesus, calling Him Good Teacher, wanting to know how to get eternal life. Jesus responded to Him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” Jesus then proceeded to summarize all the commandments for this rich man.

The man responded, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”

Now, how do you think Jesus responded? No one is that good. Everyone sins. Don’t you know you are a sinner.

No, Jesus looked at Him and loved him.

It is easy to overlook this because Jesus then tells the rich man to sell everything. He does this out of love, so that nothing would get in-between Jesus’ relationship with the rich man.

Jesus desires nothing to get in-between us and Him. Not possessions, fame, or pride. He makes our relationship perfect.

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

Proper 22

Marriage. Divorce. Alternative lifestyles. Hot topics for today’s world. Is God’s Word obsolete on these issues of today?

God’s Word is clear and as relevant today as ever. Let us let Jesus, the very Son of God, who is all knowing and only speaks the truth, quote Genesis. “But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘therefore a man will leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife and they shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Marriage is a pure and precious gift, one created by God, one that our sinful lives destroy. Even these are laid at the foot of Jesus’ cross for His forgiveness.

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

Proper 21

Jesus uses very potent imagery in Mark 9. If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off. If your eye causes you to sin, tear it out.

Is Jesus condoning self mutilation? Isn’t injuring ourselves sin?

No, Jesus isn’t condoning us hurting ourselves. Yet His point is very powerful. Do not let the things of this world, even your own body, lay risk to your salvation. It is better to be crippled or lame or have to squint than to spend an eternity in hell where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.

Our body leads us to sin when we disobey the commands of God. But more so, our body leads us to hell when it tempts us to trust in ourselves and our own good works, instead of in the sacrifice of Jesus.

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

Proper 20

Jesus said, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

I recall how one of my teachers in grade school tried to drill this point home to us. When we would come in from recess we would have to line up at the door before we could enter the school. Occasionally he would invert the line, so that the last one was first and the first last.

While that wasn’t exactly what Jesus meant, it certainly has helped me remember this important biblical truth. Jesus was the last of all. He was the servant of all. Even though He should lead us from a high an lofty position, He came to earth to serve me by dying on the cross by a lowly and painful death. Thank you Jesus for being the last of all and the servant of all.

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

Proper 19

A man whose son was possessed by a demon cried out to Jesus for help, “’But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!’"

Indeed Lord, “I believe; help my unbelief!” I see all of the works of evil, yet I know that you have won the victory, “I believe; help my unbelief.” I know that you care for my sick child, yet healing seems so far away. “I believe; help my unbelief.” I know that you have forgiven me through the blood of your Son on the cross, yet my sin seems so great. “I believe; help my unbelief.

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

Proper 18

When we read of miracles in the Bible, like those performed by Jesus, we can often become discouraged. After all, who of us hasn’t had a friend, family member, or even ourselves who were sick and we prayed for a miracle, but it didn’t seem to come. Mark 7 tells of such a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. The deaf man’s friends begged Jesus to cure the man. And with Jesus’ own fingers and a little saliva, Jesus did.

While we may long for miracles that remove every disease from this world, in this earthly life, it will never come. Jesus’ miracles of healing showed His love for our physical bodies into eternal life. His redeeming sacrifice on the cross, redeems our bodies for the resurrection day when no more disease will ever diminish our bodies again.

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

Proper 17

Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

When we think of armor, we might think of the towering Medieval knight with thick metal encasing his body. That metal had one purpose only: to protect the knight from whatever kind of attack the enemy could throw at him.

So also the whole armor of God, truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, and salvation. All of these pieces are there to protect you from the old evil foe who intends to do you eternal harm.

We have one sure and certain weapon, the sword of the Spirit that is the Word of God.

The very Word of God who is Jesus Christ has won the victory over sin, death and hell.

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

Proper 16

Marriage is a profound mystery. I can easily be talking about that beautiful relationship between husband and wife. That God would bring two people together to experience life for richer or for poorer in sickness and in health forsaking all others until death parts them. Because how can we accomplish that on our own? Indeed a profound mystery.

But Paul tells us in Ephesians that it is a profound mystery, and he says that earthly marriage refer to Christ and the church.

It is so profound because we reflect in our human married relationship the love that Christ has shown the church by giving Himself up for her in death to remove all of her sin. And the church acknowledges that Jesus is her head, submitting to His will, that is knowing that He has only good things for her.

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

Proper 15

Many are afraid of the dark. Darkness has this natural sense of uncertainty. That is why darkness is often used in movies as a way to communicate evil.

But often more fearful is that small amount of light that is cast from a nightlight or from a half moon that makes things eerie. The small amount of light begins to expose things and it creates shadows of the things that are real.

The light of God’s Word exposes the darkness that is in us, that is our sin. It exposes it for what it really is, that is worthy of eternal death.

Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you! The light that is Christ shines on you dispelling the darkness of your sin and bringing you into eternal life.

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

Proper 14

God’s Word says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Sounds easier to say, then do, doesn’t it? I can’t do that on my own. It sounds like the ideal world. And it is.

Did you notice how it is that you are able to do such things? “You were sealed for the day of redemption” with the Holy Spirit.

It is that beautiful gift of the Holy Spirit in baptism that seals you, forgiving you, to live this redeemed, forgiven and forgiving life. God’s work of Jesus, in and through you.

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

Proper 13

It is a statement that is made to church leaders the country over: “I read my Bible, I pray, I believe in Jesus. That is enough for me.

Paul tells us in Ephesians chapter 4 why the body of Christ, that is His church, is so deftly important for us.

“so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ”

Christ’s body, His church builds us up with the gift of forgiveness, life and salvation in Jesus so that we may withstand the changes and chances and deceitfulness of this world.

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

Proper 12

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen..

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

Proper 11

Have you ever entered a room, maybe a convention or a party and took a deep breath knowing that you were a stranger and so were they. Strangers in a strange land.

Now contrast that with walking into a room full of your family and friends.

Quite a different feeling. A different reality.

God’s Word tells us that when Jesus went to the cross to die and take away our sin, we are now no longer strangers in a strange land. Instead we are members of the household of God.

God’s household is a household of peace, comfort and joy. Its foundation is that of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus, as the cornerstone. It is a household of certainty, of knowledge in the truth, and an assurance of salvation.

Christ’s church, your household here on earth.

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

Proper 10

Paul writes to the Ephesians:

In [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Heaven and earth seem about as far apart as things can get. Things in heaven are holy. Things on earth are dirty and corrupt. Yet God’s Holy Word them united. United in the person and work of Jesus. The gifts of Jesus’ all paying sacrifice make God’s will known to you: You are united to the holiness of heaven itself in the cross of Jesus.

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

July 4

Fireworks! Explosions! Celebration! Grilling out! Family and Friends! Party!!!

Let freedom ring!

We pour much of our summer energy into celebrating this all important day for our country. Independence from someone over a distant sea ruling our land. Waving flags and banners, parades and carnivals. The victory that gives freedom.

And then we go back to our daily lives feeling as if freedom from ourselves and our addictions and bad habits and behaviors seems far away. Is the freedom given in this country enough?

No, it isn’t. But there is a greater freedom.

Paul says to the Romans “We know that our old self was crucified with (Jesus) in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. [For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”]

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

Proper 8

The Gospel of Mark tells of two contrasting women: The first, Jairus’ daughter; young, yet near death and the second, a woman who had an ever increasing bleeding problem for twelve years. This woman trusted that she only had to touch Jesus’ cloak and she would be healed; something the doctors couldn’t accomplish over such a long period of time.

While Jesus had stopped and commended the faith of this woman, the most tragic news came. Jairus’ daughter had died.

Waiting on Jesus’ can be difficult. Sometimes it seems as if Jesus may never come or that He is already too late. But these two women of faith bear witness that Jesus always works in His time and in His chosen matter. And that always promises eternal health and eternal life.

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

Proper 7

Jesus asleep in the stern of the boat. Up the winds did howl and the waves did break. The boat was tossed to and fro. But there slept Jesus. Seemingly oblivious to the precarious position He and the apostles were in. Wake up Jesus, don’t you know that we’re all going to die?

Now awake because of his disciples’ fear, Jesus utters only small words, “Peace.” “Be Still.”

Even the wind and waves obey even the smallest Words of Jesus.

And yes, even the winds of change and the storms of this life, whether created by your own sinfulness or those which are out of your control obey the gentle words of Jesus. “Peace.” “Be Still’ Even though there may be moments that it may seem that our Savior is sleeping in our lives, know that these words are for you, “Peace.” “Be Still.”

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

Series B Proper 6

And Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.

This Jesus spoke to tell about the power of the Word of God. The Word is scattered in the world. Over time we see the fruit of this scattered Word. It bears a harvest of salvation, even though oftentimes we know not how or when.

Truly God’s gracious action that by the power of the Holy Spirit that He produces saving faith by His scattered Word

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