Epiphany 6

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The God who reveals Himself in His incarnate Son promises life and blessing to all who obey His commandments. However, we are “people of the flesh” and “infants in Christ” (1 Cor. 3:1) among whom “there is jealousy and strife” (1 Cor. 3:3).

Jesus must teach us against the human ways of anger, adultery, divorce, and false witness (Matt. 5:21-37), because all who live in these ways “shall surely perish” (Deut. 30:18). On the cross He died to forgive our sins and free us from the ways of curse and death.

Since Jesus Christ is our “life and length of days” (Deut. 30:20), we can be reconciled to our brother, live in chastity and marital faithfulness, and speak with honesty. He who serves from His cross also offers His gift of reconciliation at His altar, and we can be at peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

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

Epiphany 5

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Jesus warns that you have to be better than the most perfect person you know or “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). Yet He also calls His imperfect people “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13, 14). That's because the Lord Jesus came not to abolish the Law, “but to fulfill them” (Matt. 5:17) in perfect faith and love.

Since He does and teaches all of God's commandments, He is “called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:19). God manifests His “demonstration of the Spirit and of power” in “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2-4). Christ gives this perfect righteousness to His people and it leads them “to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house” (Is. 58:7)

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

Epiphany 4

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The Lord tells His people, “I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery” (Micah 6:4). By the sacrifice of His beloved Son He has redeemed us from our slavery of sin and death; He has forgiven our transgressions by the shedding of His blood.

We boast only in the Incarnate and Crucified Lord Jesus. He is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24). He is our life and salvation,

Now He opens His mouth and teaches us His wisdom. By His Cross and Passion the kingdom of heaven is ours, we receive mercy and are satisfied, we see God, and we are called sons of God in Christ.

“Blessed are you,” therefore, on account of Christ (Matt. 5:11).

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

Epiphany 3

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It can be one of the most heated battles in childhood games. To be the first to get that checker all the way across the table and get to cry out…. “King Me!” Your kingdom is at hand.

In Matthew 4:17 Jesus says, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This isn’t some childhood game of checkers where Jesus marched across a table and claimed an earthly crown.

Although the world was seeing some earthly consequences to the kingdom of God being at hand in Jesus. The deaf hear, the lepers cleansed, the blind see.

This is just a small glimpse at the true Kingdom of God. Jesus did march, not across a table but up a tree, to die to take away all sin. By doing so He opened up the eternal Kingdom of God to all believers where there is no more sickness and death.

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

Epiphany 2

During the Civil War a company of Confederate irregulars known as the Bushwackers were arrested by Union soldiers. Because they were not in uniform, they were not recognized as prisoners of war but were sentenced to be shot. A courageous boy in the Union Army touched his commanding officers arm and pleaded, “I know one of the condemned men. He has a large family who needs him badly. Please let me take his place. My parents are dead and I have few friends. No one will miss me. Let me take his punishment.” Hesitant, the officer finally consented. His marker reads: “Sacred to the memory of Willy Lear. He took my place.”

Behold the Lamb of God, Jesus, who takes our punishment of eternal death onto himself so that we no longer must face the wrath of God, but rather have his good pleasure. He took my place.

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

The 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.

The Epiphany of Our Lord

Today is the celebration of Epiphany*, that is, the coming of the Wise Men to see the infant Jesus. It was made clear to them that God had indeed brought about everything He had prophesied would take place. The Wise Men were shown the King of the World wrapped in diapers. God told it. They saw it with their eyes and their eyes of faith. It is certain.

We call these men wise, not because they had any greater knowledge than anyone else but rather because they knew to listen to God’s direction to see Jesus. Oh to be wise like the Wise Men who followed the light of the star.

We don’t need astronomical skills to be wise like the Wise Men. Simply put, open God’s Holy unerring Word. Its light will always point you to your Savior, Jesus.

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

*To make clear or certain by showing or displaying

Christmas 2

How quickly in the church year that we depart from the infant Jesus. We aren’t saved in Jesus’ infancy. The Lord Jesus "grew and became strong" (Luke 2:40); He "increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52). As His body grew and developed, His mind also increased in knowledge and understanding.

As our brother in the flesh, Jesus lived by faith in the Word of His Father. Thus, He was taught by His parents, who took Him up "to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover" (Luke 2:41); and when He was of age, He gave attention to the Holy Scriptures in His Father's house (Luke 2:46, 49). Christ Jesus is still found in His Church, in "the Word of truth, the Gospel," by which we are adopted by His Father and sealed with His Spirit (Eph. 1:5, 13).

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

Christmas 1

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Christmas 1

Bells are ringing, gifts are being given, family and friends are celebrating, songs are being sung. It is a joyous occasion.

Really, it is, despite whatever disagreements you’ve had over what to get the kids or who’s family to spend more time with.

What? You still don’t believe me? I’m sorry to hear that. I guess you’ll have to try harder next year.

Don’t want to wait until next year? Tired of the Christmas frustrations? Then stop what you are doing for a moment and hear God’s Word on the topic. “The Virgin will bear a Son and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

That infant in diapers in the manger is God himself. He is bigger than any disagreements you will have this Christmas, for He has taken away the world’s sin.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!

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

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas! The angels sang! The shepherds saw. Mary pondered. The shepherds rejoiced and told all that they saw and heard.

There will be Santa and mistletoe and cartoons filled with gleeful characters that bring a nostalgic smile to faces all the while families sit around decorated trees tearing into presents.

These things are all good. Enjoy the moments that God has provided for you this season.

But don’t miss the opportunity to receive the greatest gift of all; God in human flesh. Receive Jesus this season in His Holy Word. See Jesus, just as the shepherds saw him that first Christmas night, Jesus, in body and blood, residing in His Word for you.

Be gathered together by the Gospel call, like a child calling the family around the tree to open presents. Only this is the greatest present of all, Jesus bestowing His forgiveness on you.

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

Advent 4

In the hustle and bustle of the season, where family and friends enter our lives to join our celebrations, take time to ponder another family who made a journey to their home town. There amidst a normally sleepy little town, now bustling with weary travelers for a census, came a normal looking family.

But this normal looking family awaited an event that was foretold from the fall of man into sin; the birth of the Savior of the world. The one who would destroy sin and death forever. The one who would reunite our heavenly Father with His children eternally.

They would call Him Jesus, just as the angel said, for He would save the world from their sins. Come to reside in human flesh. God and man inseparably united together. Come to reside with you.

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

Advent 3

Paul says in his letter to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The Lord is at hand. Yes, how true. After all, isn’t that what we are preparing to celebrate, the birth of Lord of hosts? Where Jesus’ presence is, there is peace. When Jesus touches the lives of people, there is peace. When He walked on the earth, the deaf heard and the dead were raised up. Now, as His Word goes out, good news is preached. That good news grants eternal peace wherever it goes.

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

Advent 2

In Charles Dickens’ a Christmas Carol, the stingy, cranky, old Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by 3 Ghosts. They prepared Scrooge’s heart to be receptive to a greater message.

John the Baptizer’s role was just like that of the Ghosts of Christmas in the Christmas Carol. To prepare the hearts of those to receive the work of the coming Savior.

Though your past may have been jaded, your present actions may be selfish, and your future is dim in your sinfulness.

Through messengers like John the Baptizer, God’s Law calls us to change our ways.

God reaches out: Like Marley did with Scrooge: he desires that you will not have an eternal life of pain and suffering. He calls you by the Gospel so that you may know that an eternal banquet feast has been prepared for you through Jesus Christ.

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

Advent 1

The First Sunday in Advent marks the beginning of a new year in the worship life of the church. The word Advent means “coming”. The coming is the fulfillment of the promise of Immanuel, God with us to accomplish the salvation the Father promised to us.

Advent is a season of preparation—not simply of our homes, meals, and presents, but also time of preparation for our hearts.

A time of recognizing with thanksgiving why our Lord came in the first place. We celebrate God coming to us in the flesh as a child in a lowly manger. A time to recognize why that infant child, born to be King, would one day receive a crown of thorns. We celebrate Christ as the Messiah, riding on a lowly donkey on His way to bear our sins on the cross and to rise again as our Savior.

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

Thanksgiving

Stop! Before you carve that turkey. Put that fork down! Fold your hands and bow your heads. On this day of National Thanksgiving it is easy to be thankful for the food on the plate and the family that is there to share it with you. But before you say grace and move on, hear God’s Word through Paul to Timothy:

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people… This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.”

Yes that is right, all people. Those government officials that you want to vote out of office. That schoolyard bully. Our nations’ enemies. Pray for them. This is good and pleasing to our Savior Jesus for He gave His life for them as well. Give thanks for that good and perfect gift!

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

Proper 29

The end is near! Will it be chaotic? Dark? What will bring it to an end? You say I need a Savior now. What good will this Jesus do for me?

For those who are in Christ, they need not fear all of the earthly calamity that is happening now. 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.

Stay awake!

Be ever vigilant. One never knows when Jesus will return. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith. He is coming again. Don’t turn your eyes from Him. Don’t let all of the tribulation of this world divert your eyes or lose faith. Stay awake! Salvation is sure and certain in Jesus.

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

Proper 28

Signs are everywhere. They tell us where to turn, what store we are in, and warn us when there is danger. The world is full of signs: The leaves are falling. Wars and worldly strife. Broken families. Wildfires, earthquakes, and hurricanes that tear the world apart and take life.

What do all of these signs 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 these are the beginning of the birth pains.

Not the birth pains of a new earthly child, but rather the glorious return of Jesus to take all who endure in faith to the end to be with himself forever where there is no more pain and, only glorious eternal life.

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

Proper 27

Jesus talks about money a lot. So much so that one day, Mark records that Jesus sat down and watched the people putting money in the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums while a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins.

Jesus then said, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

She gave all she had to live on. That makes so many of our gifts look tiny in comparison. That’s the giving God requires. And that is the giving Jesus gave. All He had to live on. No, all of His life unto death for you.

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

All Saints Day

We have all seen those commercials that advertise the latest cleaning products. “Get’s out dried in stains, wine, and even blood.” 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.

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

Holy Trinity

The teenagers push forward to see those singers or athletes whom they consider great. Autograph seekers make their best effort to gather signatures of human greatness all the time.

It’s common to hear the expression among Christians, often in jest “when I get to heaven I’m going to go up to God and ask….” Isaiah has such an opportunity in Isaiah 6. And his only possible response is, “I am ruined.” For I am a man of unclean lips, He isn’t talking about having a foul mouth. Rather this is his admitting that he is sinful

God should have struck Isaiah dead. But the seraphim took a coal from the place where offerings were burned in the temple, and touched to Isaiah's lips, saying "Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." And so is yours, by the blood of Jesus.

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

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

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

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

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

Easter 5

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

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

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

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

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

Easter 4

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

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

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

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

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

Easter 3

Have you ever had all the facts laid out for you, yet it still didn’t make any sense? When I was a linear algebra student oftentimes all the formulas were on the page, but the problem just didn’t make any sense. It would take the teacher to reveal it to me.

As the Emmaus road disciples walked with a man whom they didn’t recognize, they had all the facts laid out. We had hope Jesus would be the Messiah. He said he would be put to death and He was crucified. He said He would come back from the dead three days later, and the women at the tomb said it was empty.

They had all the facts, but the Truth hadn’t been revealed to them, that is until Jesus opened their eyes and gave Himself to them in the breaking of bread.

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

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