David Bahn - Reflections

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.

When is the last time you've begged to hear more about Jesus? I realize we have heard it all before. We're more in danger of dismissing this familiar old story. And that's my point. Peter speaks of how angels long to look into the things of God (1 Peter 1:10-12). Seems to me that by now the angels in heaven might be up to speed about God's gracious work for our salvation. But they're intrigued by the many facets of God's grace, and his works among man. 

If we're not yearning to learn more about God, perhaps we need to look closer at his word and discover the depth of the riches of his glorious grace. There is definitely much yet for us to learn. We don't have to beg to learn more about Jesus. But we certainly can yearn to for a deeper understanding and knowledge of his word.

Even though we are sinners, Christ died for us. Even though we were dead in our trespasses and sins, God made us alive. Even though we had deserved death and damnation, God has condemned Jesus in our place and given us the glory he deserves.

You may be in a place of despair, distress, hopelessness, shame, disease, or death. But God has an abundance of grace, hope, life, healing, peace, and joy. He gives that to us by his grace. We may face grave and insurmountable challenges. But God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus, and gives them to us through faith.

God had made promises about his redemption and our salvation. It would be delivered first appearing as a newborn baby, delivered in a stable and laid in a manger. It would be further revealed in Jesus' ministry of teaching and miracles. It would be further seen when Jesus was delivered up to the cross to die. It will be finally shown when we are delivered into the throneroom of God's eternal, glorious, and gracious reign. We will be delivered as promised from this vale of tears into the blissful and joyful paradise of God.

Yes. Delivered as promised!

I'm wondering where I might be tempted to scoff at God's word and promises. Judging from my own personal spiritual inventory it has to do with the grace of God, his promise to hear my prayers, and his unwavering love for me. Sometimes it's just so hard to believe. That's why I'm so thankful that God has said, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). God is no scoffer.

Jesus' suffering, death, burial, and resurrection was gonna happen. It was done so we could be saved. And by that God is glorified.