David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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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.”

God’s Bottom Line

John 3:16-21

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

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John 3:16 is one of the most well-loved Bible passages; and well it should be. It speaks of God’s love and purpose in sending Jesus into the world: so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. It speaks of the manner of God’s love: “so loved.” God’s love moved him to action; it is not a mere sentimental emotion. The verse speaks of the scope of God’s love: “the world.” Whoever believes in God’s Son will not perish, but have eternal life.

In regard to God’s love for the world some might wish that the verse was more specific. In fact I’ve seen suggestions that people put their own names in place of “the world” in the passage: “God so loved David,” for example. Martin Luther is reported to comment about this, saying that he was glad the passage didn’t say, “God so loved Martin Luther…” Luther realized that the text might be referring to a different Martin Luther rather than himself.  He took comfort in this beautiful passage that “God so loved the world…”  He knew that he was included in all people of the world. You don’t have to wonder whether God loves you: He loves everyone. No exceptions. No conditions. God loved the world. God loves you.

But note this: there is a verse 17. And we ought to embrace that verse as well as the more familiar one: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” It is as if God wants it to be perfectly clear that his love moved him to send his Son for the purpose of redemption – not condemnation. If you encounter even a challenging word of Jesus, put it in the context of Jesus’ purpose in coming into the world: To save, not to condemn.

God’s bottom line is salvation through faith in his Son Jesus Christ. Do you believe in him?

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