David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

recent posts

about

In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

The Truth Will Set You Free

John 8:31-32

Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

American Flags at the Washington Monument - Washington, DC
American Flags at the Washington Monument – Washington, DC

The freedom we enjoy as citizens of the United States is a treasure to hold dear. This freedom is more than “just another word for nothin’ left to lose,” as the song asserts. It has to do with being able to gather for worship in the church of our choosing. It means we can speak out for or against those ideals or ideas that are important to us. It has to do with our ability to travel from place to place without fear of undue scrutiny. We are free to make a living, to associate with people of different socioeconomic classes, ethnic origin, or even religious or political persuasion.

Jesus offers us an even greater freedom – one that transcends political, economic, or cultural freedom. Jesus offers us a freedom of the soul based in the truth of His word and made possible by his lavish grace to us. John tells us that the Word became flesh, “full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Grace and truth, are the two sustaining dynamics of our freedom. The truth is that we are sinners in need of God’s grace. God’s grace is manifest in Jesus, the Savior of the world. If we deny the truth of our sin and therefore our need for a Savior, we deceive ourselves. But if we acknowledge our sin, God forgives our sins – truth and grace! (1 John 1:8-9).

Jesus says here that our freedom is experienced when we abide in his word. That word confronts us with the truth of our sin and the lavish grace of God’s love. What a joy we have in Christ as we live out that freedom in ways that honor Christ and serve our neighbor.

Prayer:      Lord Jesus, you have set me free. You have confronted me with the truth of my need and comforted me with the blessing of your grace. Help me to remain deeply connected to you and your word so that I may live freely and joyfully as your disciple. Amen.

Discover more from David Bahn – Reflections

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Posted in

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.