Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Proper 10 (2026)

That hearers trust the power of God's Word, remain rooted in Christ, and confidently believe that God accomplishes His saving work through the Means of Grace.

MALADY

Because we still think according to the wisdom of the world, we become impatient with God's way of working. We look for visible results, personalities, programs, techniques, and experiences rather than trusting the power of God's Word to create and sustain faith.

MEANS

Jesus Christ is the eternal Word made flesh. Through His Gospel He plants sinners in His kingdom, creates faith, forgives sins, and continually nourishes His people through Word and Sacrament until the final harvest of eternal life.

INTRODUCTION

"WHAT MAKES SOMETHING GROW?"

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Last Sunday we began a new sermon series entitled: What Makes Christians Different? And the answer we heard was this: We belong to Christ.

Through Holy Baptism Christ claimed us as His own. He placed His holy Name upon us. We are His people.

Today we’ll jump into the second part of this series.

Because we belong to Christ, then how does Christ keep us His own? How does faith begin? How does faith grow? How does spiritual maturity develop? How does a sinner become a saint? How does a spiritually dead heart become alive?

Jesus answers: Through His Word.

Christians are different because they are planted by the Word of Christ.

Now anyone who has ever planted a garden understands something about seed. A seed appears insignificant. Dry. Small. Lifeless.

You place it into the soil and wait. And wait. And wait. Then one day a green shoot emerges. Life appears where previously there was only dirt.

Every farmer knows something else. Once the seed leaves your hand, there is very little you can do. You cannot command it to sprout. You cannot force it to grow. You cannot pull on the stalk and make it taller. You can plant. You can water. But life itself remains beyond your control. All one can do is plant. The rest is out of your hands.

That simple truth lies at the heart of all three readings today.

The kingdom of God grows much differently than the world.

And that difference reveals what makes Christians different.

I. THE WORLD WANTS INSTRUCTIONS

GOD GIVES LIFE.

Perhaps you’ve heard the old saying that the word BIBLE stands for: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

It sounds clever. Many Christians repeat it. It sounds harmless, even pious, but it subtly shifts the focus away from what God is doing to what we we think we must do.

In fact, it reflects precisely the kind of worldly thinking Paul is confronting in Corinth.

Because if the Bible is merely an instruction manual, then Christianity becomes little more than self-improvement. Read the instructions. Follow the directions. Try harder. Do better. Fix yourself.

But Scripture never describes itself that way. The Bible certainly contains instruction. It certainly teaches us how God’s people are to live. But that is not its main purpose.

The Bible is not primarily about what we do. The Bible is about what God does. The Bible is God’s living and active Word. And God’s Word is never merely information. God’s Word accomplishes what it declares.

Think about the opening verses of Genesis: Darkness covered the face of the deep. The earth was formless and empty. There was nothing. No life. No order. No light.

Then God spoke.

Genesis 1:3 NIV84

“Let there be light,” and there was light.

The darkness did not cooperate. The darkness did not assist. The darkness did not decide to become light. God’s Word simply did what God sent it to do.

It created life where there was none. It created order out of chaos. It created light out of darkness. And that same Word is still at work.

God’s Word forgives sins. God’s Word creates faith. God’s Word comforts troubled consciences. God’s Word strengthens weary saints. God’s Word raises spiritually dead sinners to life. God’s Word produces fruit.

It is not merely instruction. It is life itself.

That means every time you have heard the Gospel— every time the absolution has been spoken over you, every time you have received the Supper— God has been at work.

Even when you felt nothing. Even when you saw no visible change.

And that is exactly what Isaiah says.

The Lord declares:

Isaiah 55:11 NASB95

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

What a promise.

God’s Word never returns empty. Never. Not because of us. Not because of our cleverness. Not because of our strategies. But because God’s Word possesses God’s power.

II. THE WORLD TRUSTS PERSONALITIES.

GOD GIVES THE GROWTH.

That brings us to Corinth.

The Corinthians had become fascinated with personalities.

Some preferred Paul. Others preferred Apollos. Still others attached themselves to various leaders. The church was dividing into camps.

And St. Paul’s diagnosis is spot-on. He says they were spiritually immature. Not because they lacked intelligence or enthusiasm. But because they continued thinking according to worldly wisdom and standards rather than the wisdom of the cross.

In fact, many were thinking and living according to the world’s wisdom rather than God’s wisdom.

And dear friends, we are tempted to do exactly the same thing. We still measure success by worldly standards. We want bigger. Faster. More visible. More impressive. We want immediate results. And we carry those expectations right into the Church.

Sometimes the Devil convinces us that numerical growth depends on having the right Pastor. The right program. The right technology. The right strategy. The right experience. The right personality.

But Paul will have none of it.

He writes:

1 Corinthians 3:6 NASB95

I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.

What a liberating truth.

Paul planted. Apollos watered. Neither one created life. Neither one created faith. Neither one produced the harvest.

God did.

That applies not only to pastors. It applies to parents. Grandparents. Sunday School teachers. Christian friends. Witnesses of Christ.

We plant. We water. God gives the growth.

And that means we can stop carrying burdens God never asked us to carry.

God never asked us to convert anyone. God never asked us to create faith. God never asked us to manufacture spiritual growth.

He simply asks us to trust His Word and scatter the seed.

This doesn’t mean we stop speaking or witnessing; it means we speak boldly because the results are in God’s hands, not ours.

III. CHRIST HAS PLANTED YOU FOR THE HARVEST

At this point, someone might ask:

“If God is the One who plants the seed and gives the growth, then what does Christian maturity look like?”

The Corinthians thought maturity meant being impressive: having the right teacher, the right wisdom, the right status.

But Paul says the opposite. Christian maturity is not becoming more impressed with yourself. Christian maturity is becoming more dependent upon Christ and His Word.

One commentator put it this way:

Immature Christians continue to think according to the wisdom of the world, while mature Christians increasingly learn to view life through the wisdom of God. Growth is often slow. It is gradual. It is lifelong. We may carry baggage from our former life for many years, but the Lord patiently works on us through His Word.

That means the mature Christian is not someone who needs less of God’s Word. The mature Christian realizes he needs it more.

Why is that? Because the old Adam never stops resisting the Word of God.

Most Christians do not openly reject God’s Word. We are not likely to stand up and say, “God is wrong.” Instead, we do something far more subtle. We hear God’s Word, and then we begin negotiating with it.

Jesus says, “Forgive one another.” The old Adam says, “But you don't know what they did.”

God says, “Love your enemies.” The old Adam says, “That isn't realistic.”

God says, “Seek first the kingdom of God.” The old Adam says, “After I take care of everything else.”

The problem is often not that we fail to hear God’s Word. Our problem is that we immediately begin editing it. We hear it. We understand what it says. But then we place our own spin on it so that it so fits our agenda, our feelings, our plans, or the wisdom of the world.

That is why the Lord says through Isaiah:

Isaiah 55:8 NASB95

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.

Those words are not merely telling us that God is smarter than we are. They reveal a deeper problem. God thinks one way. Sinners think another.

We want fairness. God gives grace.

We want visible success. God sends a Sower scattering seed.

We trust personalities and methods. God trusts His Word and the simple Means of Grace—preaching, water, bread, and wine.

To the world, nothing could appear weaker. Nothing could appear less impressive. Yet these are the very means through which God plants faith, forgives sins, strengthens believers, and prepares His people for the harvest of eternal life.

Imagine a patient visiting a doctor.

The doctor carefully diagnoses your illness and writes a prescription. The patient studies it and says: “I understand what you’ve prescribed. But I’ll cut the dosage in half, substitute a few ingredients, and ignore the parts I don’t like.”

No one would expect healing from that.

Yet that is often how sinners approach God’s Word. We hear it. We understand it. Then we begin modifying it until it reflects our preferences more than God’s will.

The old Adam does not merely ignore God’s Word. He wants to rewrite it.

And that is precisely why Christians need the Word of God continually. Not occasionally. Not only when life falls apart. Continually.

Because left to ourselves, we will drift back toward our own wisdom.

But Christ never stops sowing.

He keeps planting His Word through preaching.

He keeps watering you in Holy Baptism.

He keeps nourishing you with His body and blood.

He keeps forgiving your sins and strengthening your faith.

These are the ways the Seed is scattered and planted today. These are the concrete ways the living Christ reaches you.

The same Word that first created faith in your heart is the very Word that continues to overcome your stubborn heart, correct your wandering ways, and prepare you for the final harvest.

And that is what makes Christians different.

They are learning, day by day, to trust the Word of Christ more than themselves—for they have been planted by that Word.

IV. CHRIST IS THE WORD MADE FLESH

And now we arrive at the Gospel itself.

In the parable, the sower is scandalously generous, scattering seed everywhere—even on paths and rocky ground.

That’s how Christ sows His Word even into resistant hearts like ours.

The seed in this parable is the Word.

And who is the Word?

John tells us:

John 1:14 NIV84

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

Jesus Christ is the eternal Word made flesh.

He is the Seed planted by the Father into this fallen world.

He came among sinners.

He was rejected.

Opposed.

Mocked.

Scorned.

Finally He was planted in the ground.

His lifeless body was laid into a tomb.

Yet on the third day He sprang forth in resurrection life.

Death could not hold Him.

The grave could not keep Him.

The Seed rose.

And the harvest began.

Now that same living Christ continues planting His life into sinners through His Word.

Through Holy Baptism He planted faith in you.

Through the Gospel He forgave your sins.

Through preaching He continues nourishing you.

Through Holy Absolution He continues speaking forgiveness into your ears.

Through His Supper He continues strengthening the faith He created.

Christ is still planting.

Christ is still watering.

Christ is still giving growth.

And because He is faithful, He will finish what He began.

CONCLUSION

Dear brothers and sisters,

The world says: "Make something of yourself."

Christ says: “Remain in My Word.”

The world says: “Fix yourself.”

Christ says: “I forgive you.”

The world says: “Create your own future.”

Christ says: “I have prepared a kingdom for you.”

The world says: “Grow yourself.”

Christ says: “I will give the growth.”

That is what makes Christians different.

We are not self-made.

We are God-planted.

We are planted by the Word of Christ.

And because the Word that planted us is the same Word that sustains us, we can be absolutely confident that God will bring us safely to the day of harvest.

For He has promised:

Isaiah 55:11 NIV84

“My Word will not return to me empty.”

In the name of Jesus.

Amen.

Prayer of the Church

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

Heavenly Father, You have promised that Your Word shall not return to You empty but shall accomplish the purpose for which You send it. Plant Your saving Word deeply within Your Church, that faith may be strengthened, sinners brought to repentance, and believers sustained in every trial. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, eternal Word made flesh, preserve us from trusting in worldly wisdom, human personalities, or earthly success. Teach us to trust Your promises above our own thoughts and Your ways above our own ways, that we may remain steadfast in faith until the day of the final harvest. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord of the Church, You have promised that the harvest is plentiful and have commanded us to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send workers into His harvest field. As this congregation gathers to form a call committee, grant wisdom, unity, humility, and faithfulness to those who serve. Guide their deliberations by Your holy Word, preserve them from personal agendas and worldly measures of success, and lead them to seek a shepherd who will faithfully preach Christ crucified, administer the Sacraments according to Your institution, and care for Your people with love and integrity. Prepare even now the man whom You have chosen to serve this congregation, and in Your good time bring pastor and people together according to Your gracious will. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy Spirit, through Your Word and Sacraments continue to create, nourish, and strengthen faith among us. Bless all pastors, missionaries, teachers, parents, grandparents, and all who sow the seed of the Gospel. Grant them patience and confidence, knowing that You alone give the growth. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, bless all Christian homes. Plant Your Word richly in every household. Strengthen marriages, guide parents in teaching the faith, encourage grandparents in their witness, and preserve our children in the promises made to them in Holy Baptism. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord of the nations, grant wisdom and integrity to all who serve in positions of authority. Restrain evil, uphold justice, and preserve peace among the nations. Help us to honor those whom You have placed over us while always remaining faithful to Your holy Word. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful God, remember all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. You sustain Your people through every season of life by the power of Your Word. We commend to Your care Randy, who is hospitalized at this time. Surround him with Your peace, strengthen him through Your promises, bless those who care for him, and grant him healing according to Your good and gracious will. Remind him that nothing can separate him from Your love in Christ Jesus.

Compassionate Father, we also lift before You Your servant Amy as she faces new challenges and uncertainties in her life. Surround her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, strengthen her in body and spirit, and assure her daily of Your steadfast love in Christ. Grant her courage for each day, wisdom for those who care for her, and the comfort of family, friends, and fellow believers. When fears arise, anchor her in Your promises, and remind her that nothing can separate her from Your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And we continue to commend Pastor Greg to Your loving care as he continues to bear the burdens of chronic kidney disease and congestive heart failure. Sustain him with Your strength when his own strength is lacking, grant wisdom to those entrusted with his medical care, and uphold him through the promises of Your holy Word. Continue to comfort him with the assurance of Your forgiveness, strengthen his faith day by day, and grant him peace and endurance in every trial. According to Your gracious will, bring healing and restoration, and let him always find refuge in Christ, the Good Shepherd of His people. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate Lord, comfort the lonely, encourage the discouraged, strengthen the weary, and give hope to those who struggle with anxiety, grief, or uncertainty. Remind them that the same Word which created faith in their hearts continues to sustain them through every season of life. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father of the harvest, keep us faithful in receiving Your gifts. Lead us often to hear Your Word, remember our Baptism, confess our sins, receive Holy Absolution, and rejoice in the gifts of Your altar. Having been planted by Christ, preserve us in Him until the day when we are gathered into Your eternal kingdom. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting not in our own wisdom or strength, but in Your gracious promises; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Congregational Announcement

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Before we convene our Congregational Meeting, I would like to share something important with you this morning.

After much prayer, discussion with my family, and careful consideration of my health, I have informed the Church Council of my decision to retire, effective September 30, 2026.

As many of you know, earlier this year I was diagnosed with Stage 5 chronic kidney disease and congestive heart failure. These conditions have required ongoing treatments and have significantly changed what daily life looks like for Tanya and me. After consulting with my doctors and considering the future, we believe it is best to relocate closer to family and to a place where medical care is more readily accessible.

This decision has not been easy. Serving as your pastor has been great privilege. I thank God for the opportunity to preach His Word, administer His Sacraments, and walk alongside you through the joys and sorrows of life.

I also want you to know that I am confident in the future of this congregation, because the Church does not belong to any pastor. The Church belongs to Jesus Christ. He has always faithfully cared for His people throughout every generation, and He will continue to care for His people here at Our Redeemer's.

Over the coming weeks, I will continue to serve faithfully and help make this transition as smooth as possible. I ask for your prayers for Tanya and me as we prepare for this next chapter of life, just as I will continue to pray for all of you.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

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