David Bahn - Reflections

Scripture instructs us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, knowing the will of God and doing it (cf. Romans 12). Paul corrects the people on Mars Hill regarding their understanding of God's essence. He tells them that they "ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man." This was their way of thinking about God.

But we are called to think of themselves with sober judgement, and to think about God as one to be feared, loved, and trusted. This is a far better way to think.

Not only was Jesus vindicated by his resurrection, but he will come to judge the living and the dead. Our need for his salvation is exceeded only by his grace and forgiveness to all who repent and believe. “All people everywhere should repent,” says Paul. Luther said that the entire life of a Christian should be one of repentance. We drown the old nature by daily repentance and faith. That’s a good message for all people everywhere.

Godly contentment is a good thing. It is essential to living in the fullness of God's peace. We are soon paralyzed with anxiety if we live in a state of discontent. Paul tells the Philippians years later that he learned the secret of contentment. That state of contentment surely helped him to write those reflective thoughts to the church there. But for now he has a holy discontent that people do not know the source of true life, love, grace, and peace. Perhaps we should feel a little bit of that godly discontent whenever we encounter the broken world around us.

I once attended a workshop for pastors and church leaders. John Maxwell was the presenter and gave this advice to pastors doing ministry or mission, "Take someone along," he said. We're better together - whether that is a band of brothers or the body of Christ, brothers and sisters in Christ who partner with one another for the sake of the Gospel.

This is a corrected version of today's podcast. The correct word (not corrected in the recording - sorry - is apocryphal, not apocolyptic.

Here is a link to the passages I refer to in today's podcast:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A15%3B+Psalm+22%3B+Isaiah+53&version=ESV;NLT;NRSVA;SBLGNT

Paul and Silas taught that it was necessary for Jesus to suffer and die, and be raised from the dead. The little Greek word, ἔδει (edei) means it was necessary. Gotta happen. Plan of God. Promised by God. Delivered by Jesus. Necessary because of our sin and God's abiding love. He did not flinch from this rescue. He has done it. We have been saved. The seeds of that salvation were sown in the Old Testament. They came to full bloom in the life and ministry of Jesus. They will be fully harvested on the Great Last Day. This is the witness of Scripture.

The story of God starts before the foundation of time and goes on through eternity in the life of the world to come. Paul and Silas are very important parts of that story, for they bear witness to Jesus Christ – the center of it all. And because of their witness, the message of Jesus has gone on to the ends of the earth.

The paradox of being of more noble character is that to be of noble character means that you are not easily swayed from convictions firmly founded. But it also means that you're constantly willing to reexamine your beliefs in light of Scripture. It's said that if you don't stand for anything, you'll fall for everything. On the other hand, if you refuse to change your stand, you may find you are standing for the wrong thing. The only way I know of to avoid that is to search the Scriptures in a constant effort to conform to what God has revealed there.

Easter Sunday was a multi-exclamation point day. Beautiful hymns. A powerful message. Joyful Lord’s Supper Celebration. Then delightful time with family. For 2000 years the message of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave has been the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It forms the foundation for God’s Good News of life and salvation through faith in Jesus of Nazareth. Without the resurrection we have no hope. With the resurrection we have people who for centuries have witnessed to this remarkable truth: Jesus Christ is risen!

Each of the seven words of Jesus hold a special place in my heart.

 "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34)

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43)

"Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother" (John 19:26-27)

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)

"I thirst" (John 19:28)

"It is finished" (John 19:30)

"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46)

Many major events occur on Maundy Thursday the Day of Unleavened Bread, the day on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus washes the disciples' feet and gives them a "new command." He institutes the Lord's Supper. He prays in the garden. He is arrested, taken away, and tortured. 

These things happened on the night he was betrayed. I love the tender teaching moment when Jesus washes the disciples' feet. I love the new command Jesus gives, "Love one another." I love the care and grace he extends - even to Judas. 

It is not clear just what Jesus did on the Wednesday of Holy Week. Perhaps he was staying in the home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus. It would be nearby Jerusalem, and they would be gracious hosts. But the Bible does not tie any particular action or words of Jesus to Wednesday. So I am meditating on these thoughts from John’s gospel. They are a sad refrain of unbelief and rejection.

So many of the events of this week must have tugged on Jesus' emotions. He knew he was facing his last days. The conflict between him and the Pharisees is reaching a climax. He will instruct his disciples before he is betrayed. Then will come the betrayal, the scourging, beating, crucifixion, and death. These events loom before him and his disciples.

One of them - for reasons known only to God - takes matters into his own hands and decides to betray Jesus. Judas will sell his soul for 30 pieces of silver. The Jewish leaders will agree to this bargain. They will question Jesus' authority. But as great of an emotional and dramatic vortex this is, none of it is happening apart from God's will. This is his plan - for our good and his glory.

Years ago, when a coworker found out that I was going to the seminary, he asked Diane, "What do you do for fun?" I suppose he thought every moment of a pastor's life was filled with sermonizing, Bible reading, praying, and religious stuff. We do spend all our time with Jesus - at our best - and need him most at our worst. But he's with us on the front lines of the mission as well as in the moments of rest and relaxation life sometimes affords. And on more than one occasion, we've been able to share the gospel even in those down times. You never know when the opportunity may arise.

God's providence shines through all of Paul's missionary work. It is for the sake of Paul's wellbeing and even more for the sake of the gospel message. Followers of Jesus need never be bullied. Standing up for the sake of the gospel is sometimes necessary. Sometimes it may bring trouble. But sometimes even governmental regulations can aid and protect God's servants. I thank God for those brave men and women who will not be sidelined in their witness to Jesus.

Perhaps there was a Mr. Jailer's mother-in-law, or father who was praying that God would touch this man's heart. And now their prayers were being answered - perhaps even beyond their imaginations. To become a God Fearer meant that a non-Jew would be sympathetic to the Jewish faith. They might observe certain of the Jewish customs, rites, and traditions. But they would not be fully Jewish. They would, however, respect and appreciate the Jewish faith, and morality. There is no evidence of any such person in Mr. Jailer's household. But it is interesting to me that the whole household rejoiced that they had believed in God. 

There may be a lost son, a wayward daughter, a stubborn husband, an estranged mother, or a good friend for whom you would rejoice were he or she to come to faith. Whether or not there was a person in Mr. Jailer's household who was praying for his conversion, you can be the person who is praying for that one. May God honor your prayers and bring him or her to himself. Hopefully it won't take an earthquake or a night in jail to make it happen!

The true, living, gracious God did not need to be manipulated or bought off. His favor came to people by his grace. And just as the jailer discovered, he wanted nothing more than their faith. And even that was not a matter of his need, but of our blessing. For to believe in his goodness, grace, love, and salvation aligns us with the gifts he offers. We're saved by faith because the gift is already there. Faith receives it.

I'm certain I don't often enough give thanks to God for my faith, for his salvation, for coming to me, for showing me himself. This jailer and his family are good reminders and examples for us all.

Maybe you can identify the place and time the Gospel message impacted you and your loved ones. Perhaps it wasn't a whole family event. It might have been. Be sure of this, however, the stone the builders rejected has made quite an impact in many people's lives down through the ages. And the ripples continue to spread.

Whether or not the Jailer was asking for a worldly salvation, Paul was offering him an eternal one. And in the end the jailer believed and was baptized. Rather than believing in Caesar’s power, his superior’s control, or any of the many false gods of his day, Paul told him to put his faith in Jesus.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved,” is still a good message for us. We can look to false gods, fear, money, sex, power, or a myriad of other demigods. None of those will give life, much less eternal salvation. The question is whether or not we fully understand the depth of our need for Jesus, or the full meaning of being saved. When we put our faith in Jesus we will be saved. And there’s no question about that.

Diane and I have gone on several foreign mission trips. Most of them have been to teach pastors and their spouses about effective ways to expand their work in the Mission of God. Many of these pastors and church leaders are completely committed to sharing the message of Jesus Christ. They put into practice what they learn about multiplying disciples, leading change in their churches, and doing this with character and integrity. 

But we spend much more time and energy pursuing God's mission right where we are. Thankfully, we've  been kept safe here and in our mission travels. It is important for us to remember that safety isn't just so we can live easy lives. But thanking God for "quiet and peaceful lives" we delight to be part of God's work in his mission field wherever we may be. 

What's going on here? Is God orchestrating all this just so that Luke has something interesting to report? Is this just the makings of a Christian cinema offering? No. And no. Luke will write about it; we're reading his book even now. And this would make a great movie. But this isn't about books or movies - plotline or not. This is about the grace of God and his desire for all people to be saved. It's about helping us understand that through faith in Jesus we are saved. That's true whether we've lived a life totally apart from God from our birth, or claim a lifelong commitment to Jesus and a front pew in the Church on the Corner of Grace and Truth Streets.

When we were facing some grave medical concerns over our youngest child, I would often go into the sanctuary of the church I served. I'd get there early and pray and sing hymns. I came to love the hymn, Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart. Now, when I wake up in the middle of the night I'll sing the Agnus Dei or Kyrie (in my heart-not outloud!). I'll silently pray the Lord's Prayer, and recite psalms in those quiet hours. These calm my heart and God grants peace in those moments.

You may or may not have a great singing voice. But I'm confident that God loves to hear the songs we sing from our hearts and to his glory - no matter how well we may sing them.

There are times for the show of great power. And there are times for the witness of faith in the face of suffering. Servants of the Most High God will have occasion to express both. But work of the Most High God is done in the frailty of his Son. Jesus on the cross draws us all to himself. And he is the true servant of the Most High God.

The Holy Spirit brings people to faith, unites us into one body, and keeps them in the faith. We see all three of these things in this passage. Paul and Silas travel to far away places sharing the Gospel and planting churches. Timothy sees what they are doing and joins them in their travels. He eventually becomes a pastor. Lydia is brought to faith and supports these servants in their calling.

The Holy Spirit works from beginning to end in the life of a believer. He calls us to faith, strengthens us in the faith, gathers us with other believers, and sends people into the Lord's harvest to seek and save others. Where is the Holy Spirit working in your life these days?

Next time you take a trip, and you get stuck in traffic, experience a flight delay, or have car trouble, let those moments remind you of how God brought the message of Jesus to people throughout the ages. Thank God for his faithful love, and for those who have endured challenges of many kinds over the years so that the word of God would be spread also to us.

This is a record of a vitally important mission trip - not just a travelog. 

What if we made more of an effort to make our choices each day based on how it might impact or impede our Christian witness. I'm thinking of the way we drive, the public political stances we take, the entertainment we seek, our choices on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. There are times to hold fast and times to bend, and the decision to do either should be made based on how it adorns our confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Perhaps you’re facing closed doors in your life. Desires that cannot be fulfilled. Careers that have hit a dead end. Hopes that will not be fulfilled. Take heart! God does have a path forward for you. It may be challenging. It may require a major reset. But God leads us toward a better tomorrow. When we follow the new paths of his choosing we may be confident that he is also preparing open hearts to await us along the way.

We overestimate what we can do in the short term and way underestimate what God can do in the long term. Ahh...that's where patience comes in. The Christian faith is not a microwave religion. The growth of the church - while occasionally experiencing miraculous multiplication (think Pentecost) - is a long process. And the long view here requires that such questions about the future place of the gentile believers are well handled - with great patience.

We'll never obey God's Law perfectly, but we have been saved by the grace of Jesus Christ - along with all others who believe in him. A life of mercy and justice rather than mere ritualistic external obedience is testimony to the Holy Spirit's work in us. There are many things we cannot do, but God can do great things through those who believe in him.

When we hear of the amazing growth of the church in Ethiopia, Uganda, South America, or down the street the example of the early church is one we should follow. This is good news. Let it bring great joy to your heart. And pray that more people will hear and believe this Good News. It’s not only for those who need to be converted. It’s for you and me.

God cleanses hearts. He saves us not by works of righteousness, but by the grace of the Lord Jesus. We're all the same here. Our standing is one of grace and faith. It's based on God's mercy and love. It's secured in Jesus' death, and guaranteed by Jesus' resurrection. We'll experience this fully only on the Great Last Day when Jesus returns and we are brought into his heavenly kingdom. By grace. Through faith. In Jesus. It's really all the same.

Sadly, I have seen and been brought into church fights. I've seen church leaders resign in disgust. I've heard people say things I can hardly believe I've heard from the mouths of those claiming the name of Christ. Perhaps these behaviors were not of that character. But there was no doubt some real energy behind the conversations. 

The solution, however, was not arrived at by fisticuffs, or resignations. The solution was to seek the wisdom and help of those who were charged with guiding the church, and centering the mission in faith in Jesus Christ. The Let's Settle This solution was to be founded on the message of salvation that is for all people. We'll see that in this chapter. And we're living it today. We call ourselves Christians and take our place in the kingdom of God by grace through faith. And that settles it.

I'm all about grace. I know and believe that truth is essential to understanding grace fully. I believe wholeheartedly in truth. Thankfully truth is embodied in Jesus who is full of both grace and truth. But in the end, I default to grace. I love how Paul speaks of this in Romans 5, "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more" (Romans 5:20).

Through pain God calls us away from self-reliance to faith and trust in him.

God has shown that such faith and trust is well placed by two things. First of all, he came to our rescue in Jesus of Nazareth who taught and did good, ushering in the kingdom of God, and ultimately sacrificing himself for us lost sinners. That shows God’s good will toward us. But he also rose from the dead. God’s intent toward us is not merely an impotent good will. He is mighty to save.

We may have to go through much trouble and tribulation to enter the kingdom of God. But our entry is assured, and his salvation is gloriously good.

The issue is not whether sinners are welcome in the church. We know they are. We’re all sinners. We all need grace. It is a matter of whether we lean toward protecting the church or seeing the church as a place of encouragement, refreshment, and sending. I’m all for good stewardship, care for people - especially the vulnerable. And I’m also all for being in mission. Sometimes that can be dangerous. Sometimes it may require extraordinary effort, long trips, and facing extreme existence. Most often, however, it requires a heart that is open to sharing grace and truth (as needed) with those whom God brings our way. 

God sends "rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” It's not just that God exists. It's not merely that he is the Creator. There is evidence of his goodness, grace, love, provision, and protection all around us. Will we ignore it? Or will we recognize him as the giver - given the evidence he has left for us?

Martin Luther wrote in his catechism 500 years ago that God does all these things only out of fatherly divine goodness without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this, he says, it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey him. 

God is not without witness and we are not without proper response. We are to thank, praise, serve, and obey God for all his good gifts.

Paul and Barnabas are saying, "It isn't us. We're not the ones doing these miracles. God is doing them through us. We are not worthy of your worship. We are servants of the living God." That takes a lot of pressure off of us. But it's not a cop out. It's just a salutary acknowledgement that we are not in charge. We have only borrowed power. God gets the glory and praise. We get the privilege of serving him.

Jesus is true God and true man. He has come down to redeem us. He calls us to turn from the vain idols "to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them."

Perhaps there is someone in your personal orbit on whom you must not give up. Until it becomes clear that they have no desire to hear from you about God, keep preaching the gospel. And when rebuffed, what do you do? Keep on sharing the good news of Jesus.

If we believe that faith in Jesus will bring peace we are correct - in the ultimate end of all things. But until that time we live in a fallen world. Not everyone loves Jesus. Not everyone believes in him. I wish it was not so. But I'm thankful for Jesus' willingness to hold to both grace and truth, and for those who maintain that powerful balance - even at the cost of their personal comfort and safety. 

We are the light for those who live in darkness. We have the privilege and honor of bearing Jesus' light to others. It's not ours. It is borrowed. We are like the moon which shines with borrowed light. Let the light of Christ reflect from us to others! Be the moon!

God wants all people to be saved: Jew, gentile, slave, free, male and female. No one is beyond his loving grace. We may push him away. We may even push others away from him. In either case this is a grave sin. Thanks be to God that he is always reaching, searching, inviting, and saving people of every race, tribe, people, and tongue. We’re one of those after all!

I've had the chance to lead a large church with a tremendous staff. I've enjoyed some degree of success. I'm glad to say not the degree of success as megachurch pastors have enjoyed. That's because I'm all in for giving God the glory. His is the kingdom, power, and glory. His is the church, honor, and majesty. His is the salvation, praise, and splendor. Let us never be envious of the attention he receives. Rather let's see how much attention we can point toward him.