David Bahn - Reflections

God was the one who called Paul into service. At his conversion Jesus spoke to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" Then at the church in Antioch, the Holy Spirit said, "Set aside Barnabas and Saul for the work I have for them." That said the human factor remains, and having the endorsement of Peter and James would serve him well - some years later as he writes to the Galatians. This wil...

Paul testifies to the grace of God in regard to his election. He had been set apart before he was born, and called by God's grace to serve Christ. He is writing to the church in Galatia to bring them back to the freedom we have in Christ. And he needed to establish his bonafides as a legitimate servant of God. He needed to pull rank over the people who had come into their church and caused confusi...

We might be tempted to wish we had such a dramatic conversion story. We might think that our witness would be more powerful if we could brag about of sinful ways before coming to know Christ. We might imagine we could be more effective in our sharing of the gospel if we could point to a dramatic before and after witness. But God uses people who are willing to share their faith however they can. Fo...

Of course God did not consult us when he "designed" his religion. In fact God didn't design his religion at all. In fact some would say ours is not a religion. A religion is that which man does to manipulate God and get him to do what we want him to do. Ours is a faith in the God who created the world and everything in it. He has revealed himself to be gracious, loving, merciful, just, and holy. H...

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a precious truth, never to be abandoned or distorted. This is why I keep studying and proclaiming this Good News.

Paul spoke of his refusal to seek the approval of man but also said that a pastor should be well thought of by those outside the church (cf. 1 Timothy 3:7). We must remain faithful to the truth of God's word without fear of what man might think of it. We must at the same time do all we can to give a winsome witness to the grace of God in Jesus. This is no easy task. But the Savior we serve and who...

Paul had a striking word for those who perverted the truth of the gospel: "let them be accursed." The Greek word, "ἀνάθεμα" has sometimes been transliterated in English versions of the Bible. The word anathema means that one is completely separated from God's favor and grace. That is a place of outer darkness where there is weeping and wailing and the gnashing of teeth. And he doesn't settle for s...

The gospel is a simple truth that Jesus died for the sins of the world so that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Add anything to that - no matter how wise or religious it may sound - and it is no gospel; no good news. We cannot add anything to what Jesus has done for us. We must not add anything to what Jesus has done to save us. We need not add anything to what Jesu...

Paul uses the word, "deliver" to speak not of an item delivered, but of us being delivered from this present age. We have been delivered. Rescued. Redeemed. One commentator observed: The idea behind the word  deliver  is not deliverance from the presence of something, but deliverance from the power of something. We will not be delivered from the presence of  this present evil age  until we go to b...

God's salvation has come to us. It's a gift of faith which saves us, and sends us to save others. A Commentary on John Calvin's Geneva In John Calvin’s Geneva, Calvin aimed to establish a city governed by strict adherence to Christian principles and ecclesiastical discipline. His reforms included the creation of the *Consistory*, a council of pastors and elders responsible for overseeing the commu...

Paul has written about hope was that his people (the Jews) would come to faith ( Romans 9-10 ). Apart from the first Jewish converts that was not the case. But God used this rejection to launch of the mission fully to the gentiles. I’m happy to admit that I don’t know everything. But I do know that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises throughout the Old Testament, and I believe in him.

The kingdom of glory is the true hope of Israel, and the true hope of all believers. Sometimes we hope for that day urgently. Sometimes we forget it. Sometimes we despise that hope. For that reason we rejoice in God's grace to us. We remember that we belong to Christ, and repent and believe, living under him in his kingdom. He rules over all things, and the glory of his kingdom to come is more glo...

While I do pray that our nation turns back to God's ways and values, I pray even more that the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon the Christian Church today, and that true revival would spring forth and more and more people's hearts would be turned back to God in repentant faith, and the Kingdom of God would come among us all. God needs no election win. He much more desires to win our hearts.

It seems to me that fear is behind much of the political posturing, accusations, and vitriol. It's not only a matter of fear mongering either. Fear is gripping people on every side of the political spectrum. People believe that if their candidate loses the future of America is at stake. That renders reasonable discourse impossible. Of course it takes two. Not only do we need to be ready to listen....

Paul didn't want only to get to Rome, but to go on to Spain in order to preach the gospel there as well. Paul was singularly gifted and burdened with the mission mandate. He dedicated his life to bringing the Gospel to new lands and places, people and languages. He never lost sight of this mission. Even as he enjoyed the hospitality of Publius, or healed Publius' father, waited three months before...

James writes that this ministry of the church is to be exercised by the elders by anointing with oil, confessing sins, and offering prayer (cf. James 5:13-17 ). Two things I have learned as I've studied this important ministry. We don't have to say, "If it be your will," when we pray for someone to be healed.. It is God's will to heal all people. Some will be healed miraculously and immediately. S...

Lady McBeth frets in William Shakespeare's play, McBeth, that her husband, MacBeth, is "too full o' the milk of human kindness" to take the ruthless actions needed to seize the throne. In these days of vicious political attacks, we can certainly understand her perceived need for ruthless tactics. I, for one, can imagine powerful politicians, CEOs, administrators, or generals feel the need for ruth...

God moments come at God's pleasure. We may, sadly, sometimes miss them. But we should never pass up the opportunity to do good, offer kindness, or receive help when we are in need. Who knows how the spark might ignite into a flame? Who knows how far the ripples will spread? If God has set the appointment, surely we must not limit its impact.

God sees through every mask and veil. He knows us for who we are. And he loves us. Truly. Ne also loves that cranky neighbor, uncooperative co-worker, constantly-happy friend, and even that stern pastor. He loves you. Let's keep that in mind as we relate to those we meet today.

Trusting God's promises, seeing his hand of protection and provision, and watching Paul's faithful leadership and commitment to God's mission are fertile grounds for our spiritual growth. I'm reminded of Romans 15:4. Paul had not yet set foot to Rome when he wrote these words: "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encourage...

God has promised we who believe in him, and who seek his kingdom first, that all things will be added to us. He will take care of us. So whether in times of desperation, or just in this moment of awareness, thank God for his daily provision. Thank, praise, serve, and obey him. For not only has he promised to take care of us, he does so every day.

Click here for the ⁠Martin Luther Heretic Movie⁠ on YouTube. Take care of your body. Eat more (or less???) food. Get more rest. Learn more about God. Good advice - whether Staupitz actually advised Luther to do it. And use the strength you gain to serve Christ more faithfully - not to mention enjoying a foretaste of the eternal rest and the feast to come. 

In the case of the shipwreck Paul’s intervention on behalf of the people on the boat, and the centurion’s intervention in behalf of the prisoners both saved lives. All 276 were kept alive and reached land. When we turn around, away from sin, and toward Jesus, our lives are saved for all eternity, and we will reach the eternal Promised Land.

We may need to get out of the boat to experience the fullness of taking our faith seriously. But we need to stay in the church to nurture our faith and encourage others in their faith in the One who is the original Water Walker.

Whatever fear looms large in your mind, or paralyzes your heart, know that God knows your name, and is at work in your life. Sometimes we see that more immediately than at other times. But take heart! God has this. He has you. And he is good. He is the one whom we should fear, love, and trust above all things.