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.”

Don’t drift away!

Hebrews 2:1-4

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3  how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4  while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

"Ford"
“Ford”

We were at the beach many years ago when we lost sight of one of our children. A few minutes later he showed up, somewhat out of breath and looking ashen. He was a bit put out at us because he had actually gotten caught in a rip tide and had to swim hard to get back to the shore, and we did not see him struggling. Even today as I think about that, my heart beats a little faster. We had no idea. But he was in real danger. Thank God he made it back to shore!

No one ever seeks to wander from the truth. Surely no one wants to get caught in a vortex of deception that sweeps away from the grace and truth that is in Jesus Christ. But here we have a warning of a more subtle, but no less dangerous threat. We can drift away from this place of safety if we neglect this great gift of salvation. Be warned! The writer asks how we shall “escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”

Some will say that those who drift away don’t really fall from grace. Some will declare that such a person was never truly saved in the first place. In the end, however, if these words are to mean anything, they are a call toward not putting God to the test by ignoring the profoundly marvelous gift of salvation.

We have a sure salvation through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. That is attested to in many ways. But there is an enemy who would love nothing more than to catch us in the vortex of his deceptive undertow. Hold fast to Jesus, and don’t get distracted by any curiosity – spiritual intrigue or fleshly delight. Keep hold of the anchor of God’s word and the grace and truth embodied in the Word made flesh – Jesus Christ, Son of God.

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.