David Bahn - Reflections

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. 

Jesus taught his disciples that they should be persevere in prayer and not lose heart (Luke 18:1-8). The basis of that persistence is the character and nature of God. He is good and gives good gifts to his children. But the implied urgency is that Satan is evil and dedicated to our destruction. 

So just as Satan never gives up, neither should we. Ours will be the victory in the end. Ours will be the joy at the last. We will celebrate with angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven. We must not let down our guard and allow Satan to prevail. 

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.

"Who's on First" (Link)

The world needs more Barnabases: people who don't care who gets the credit as long as the kingdom of God is manifest and the mission of God is advanced. Is there someone you can encourage this week so that happens as well? I'm guessing there may be. I hope you find a way to do so - no matter who gets first billing, or who's on first!

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."