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.”

  • Honor to whom honor is due

    Click here for an audio version of this blog post.


    Acts 15:12-29

    And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon [Simon] has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

    16 “‘After this I will return,
    and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
    I will rebuild its ruins,
        and I will restore it,
    17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
        and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
        says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’

    19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

    22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

    Your Table is Waiting | Burton, TX | January 2024

    I”ve always had an ambivalent feeling about titles. Is it Pastor Bahn? That feels warm and welcome. Is it Rev. Bahn? That feels OK, but can be a little stiff. And how about Dr. Bahn? When I was growing up, our pastor was always called, Dr. Holland. But I’ve always been a little hesitant to claim that title – even though I do have an earned Doctor of Ministry degree. So I’m likely to make light of that by correcting someone saying, “It’s The Reverend Doctor David Bahn.” I say it in mock haughtiness. I’m honored that people want to honor me, but I don’t want to lean on the title. I want to earn the honor by faithful service.

    But any honor I have earned pales in comparison to the honor Barnabas and Paul deserve. Paul will make a big deal of his standing as an apostle as time goes on. He will even boast of his bonafides much later in his writings.

    If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. – Philippians 3:4-6

    But just as quickly he dismisses any cause for boasting: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7).

    On this occasion, when he and Barnabas are reporting on the conversion of the Gentiles, James makes a point about how Barnabas and Paul had risked their lives for the sake of the gospel. They are sent back to the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia along with two others. All four must have been men of good repute. They are honored just by having been sent; entrusted with delivering the message of their acceptance in the fellowship of the redeemed. 

    Paul would write his magnum opus many years later: the letter to the Romans. There he would say, “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7).

    You can call me by whatever name or title you wish. Paul was respected and held in high regard. But we must never lose sight of the One to whom all honor is due. Our Lord Jesus Christ is due all praise, honor, respect, faith, and love. He is the One Paul preached and risked his life for. He is the One who will receive “blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might forever and ever! Amen” (cf. Romans 7:12).

  • Chick-Fil-A is Everywhere

    Acts 15:12-29

    And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me.14 Simeon [Simon] has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

    16 “‘After this I will return,
    and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
    I will rebuild its ruins,
        and I will restore it,
    17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
        and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
        says the Lord, who makes these things18 known from of old.’

    19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

    22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions,25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

    Sunday House | Burton, TX | January 2024

    If you’ve ever been to a Chick Fil A you know the phrase: “My pleasure!” And to their credit it seems they have trained their employees so well that it doesn’t sound canned or forced. I think they sincerely mean it! And I’ve noticed the phrase has caught on. On a recent resort visit all the wait staff and housekeeping, and baggage handlers used the phrase – even though we were in Mexico! It was not da nada, or gracias. It was, “My pleasure.” They, too seemed sincere. It was refreshing to hear people express pleasure in response to our thank you.

    I think of that when James speaks to the church in Jerusalem. His terminology is not heavy-handed, or dictatorial. When he is finished Luke tells us that, “it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose their next course of action – which was to provide guidance for the new Christians. Even their guidance was gracious and tended toward a minimalist approach. They were to “abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.“ 

    Perhaps we should think differently about the influence of Chick-Fil-A, and consider more the influence of God and his people for good. Truett Cathy no doubt got the idea for a gracious and kind demeanor, and expressing it by training his employees to say, “My pleasure,” from his Christian faith. He is known as a devoted follower of Jesus. His Christian faith shaped his personal behaviors, and the values he sought to instill in his employees.

    An attitude of gracious solicitude grows from the love of God and a willingness to

    “have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

    6 Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
    7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
    When he appeared in human form,
    8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross. – Philippians 2:5-8

    I’m not certain Jesus said it was his pleasure to go to the cross for us. But his attitude of willing sacrifice and servanthood should go a long way in the everyday encounters we have with others. God’s people do best when they are gracious and kind. It may involve saying, “My pleasure.” It might even mean opening the way for someone to connect more deeply with God and his church.

  • What’s it gotta be?

    Acts 15:12-29

    And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me.14 Simeon [Simon] has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

    16 “‘After this I will return,
    and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
    I will rebuild its ruins,
        and I will restore it,
    17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
        and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
        says the Lord, who makes these things18 known from of old.’

    19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

    22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions,25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

    Three Rusted Suns | Burton, TX | January 2024

    I had one of the most difficult and sad experiences I’ve had in my 40 plus years of ministry. The gentleman was a faithful, missional, committed, and Christian. He thought of himself as a true Lutheran, emphasis on true. We were talking about worship, and he made a claim that only worship from one of the services found in the Lutheran hymnal was true and acceptable. He was sincere and committed to this idea. He was captive to his conscience.

    So I was not surprised that he was not in worship the following week when I had announced that we were to have a hymn fest order of worship. This would be a service of hymns with few liturgical elements. There would be no Kyrie (Lord, Have Mercy). The hymn of praise would be one of the hymns rather than one of the canticles from the regular order of worship. We might even have sung a hymn for the confession of sins. Whatever the case, he could not allow that those were legitimate orders of worship for a Lutheran church.

    I wonder if those who came to Antioch and also spoke at the Jerusalem council were in this same captivity. I suspect that they were not just trying to keep the Gentiles out of the church. I suspect that they were conscience bound to the requirements they were seeking to impose. Sad. For if their ideas were true, it would make the Christian faith into a performance-based religion: we must perform for God certain things in order to be acceptable to him.

    There has been a performance to be sure. But it’s not our performance, it’s Jesus’ perfect performance of everything the Law of Moses required. And he did it in our behalf. For we could never do this ourselves. Peter had spoken of this – recorded in the verses previous to these – as a burden no one had been able to bear.

    There is one foundational “do” for being a Christian: Repent and believe the Good News of Jesus. We are surely also to love one another, make disciples, baptize and teach. And Jesus tells us, “do this in remembrance of me.” Baptism seals the promises of God. Holy Communion celebrates and reconnects us to those promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation. The word of God points us to those gifts and promises. But the doing is done. So that leaves the “don’ts.” In this case the list was short: “Abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.”

    We may prefer one mode of worship over another. But we must not impose our preferences upon another’s conscience. Only God’s word should bind our consciences. Otherwise we become prisoners of our artificial and manmade limitations. Paul would later write the church in Galatia: “You have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13-14 NLT) That’s a beautiful application of Jesus’ call, “Repent and believe the Gospel.”

  • Restorations

    Acts 15:12-29

    And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me.14 Simeon [Simon] has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

    16 “‘After this I will return,
    and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
    I will rebuild its ruins,
        and I will restore it,
    17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
        and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
        says the Lord, who makes these things18 known from of old.’

    19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

    22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions,25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth.28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

    Little Shed in the Country | Burton, Texas | January 2024

    It was chained to a fence along the street. We were going home from a visit to a warehouse piano sale which we had visited though we had no business even thinking about buying a piano. Seminary finances were beyond tight. But there it was. Chained to a chain link fence! An old heavy upright piano. And there was a sign: “4 SALE.” I told Diane, “Let’s just see. Maybe it would be worth buying.” So we stopped. I played it, and it played. Not in tune. Not every note. But it played. Ivers and Pond pianos were good pianos in their day, I later learned, “But so was the old gray mare.”

    We haggled, and I offered $25 for it with the promise of the seller that he would help deliver it to our apartment. Sold! And then the restoration began. New bridal straps. new key tops. New felt. A couple hammers repaired. But the complete restoration didn’t come for several years when my dad paid a piano tuner to recondition it properly. I’m not sure how much we got for it when we finally sold it – fully restored.

    I thought of this as I read James’ message to the church in Jerusalem. He speaks of rebuilding the tent of David that had fallen and rebuilding its ruins so that those who seek the Lord – including the Gentiles – would find and worship the true God and be saved.

    What a waste it would have been to have restored our piano only to have it sit in the living room untouched and unplayed. So too God’s kingdom. God’s glory is not self-serving. It is not an end in itself. God’s glory and the splendor of the church and the majesty of his name is for the sake of people he has called. And from our perspective, that’s all of us. For in Jesus we are all called to faith and salvation.

    God’s intent from the beginning was to gather to himself a people who would enjoy the glory of his grace. To that we are all being restored. For we all need it. Whether it’s obvious as in the case of a repentant thief on the cross next to Jesus, or the humble man who will barely lift his eyes to heaven and pray, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” It could be the outwardly pious and faithful woman who prays the Lord’s Prayer earnestly – especially when she says, “Forgive us our trespasses…” It is the struggling addict who says, “God help me!” It is you or me whenever we draw near to God. We show ourselves to have been called out of darkness into the marvelous light of God’s grace and love.

    We are being restored to offer our praises to God and declare his glory, and share his love for all people.

  • Modifications

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    Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

    Acts 15:12-29

    And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me.14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

    16 “‘After this I will return,
    and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
    I will rebuild its ruins,
        and I will restore it,
    17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
        and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
        says the Lord, who makes these things18 known from of old.’

    19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

    22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions,25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth.28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

    Columbia 5 Speed | Tomball, TX | December 2023

    When I go to the gym, I regularly modify the exercises we do. Each day there is a series of exercises – each with differing degrees of difficulty. Some are more challenging to me than others. And some I simply must not try to do. With issues of age, arthritis, and abilities, I don’t try to jump and am careful about transverse movements. There is – thankfully – always a modification available to me. And if someone is just starting out the trainers are very helpful to suggest needed accommodations based on people’s physical abilities. On the other hand there are some young and very well fit folks in the group. Their modifications are in the other direction: they are challenged to make the exercises more challenging.

    When Barnabas and Paul go to Jerusalem, they carry a far higher accountability and greater responsibility than the new gentile believers. They are delivering a report to the people there so that the new believers can enjoy unquestioned fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Their rightful place among the fellowship of the redeemed was at stake. The authenticity of their report was tied to their outward and actual faithfulness to the message of Jesus and their proper behavior as they lived out their faith.

    But their report is not only about the conversion of the gentiles, it certainly would have had to include the accounts of the sufferings and resistance they experienced for the sake of the gospel of Jesus. Their modifications in their walk of faith were of the more challenging kind. They were farther along in their faith walk than the new gentile converts. There will be some of those new converts who will walk into ever more challenging situations. Some will even die as martyrs for the faith.

    Justin the Philosopher was born years after Barnabas and Paul’s ministry, and became a Christian later in life. He eventually lost his life. At his trial he said, “[It] is our desire, to be tortured for Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and so to be saved, for that will give us salvation and firm confidence at the more terrible universal tribunal of Our Lord and Saviour.”

    The new converts will have a simpler and less challenging way into the faith. They will be welcomed into the fellowship of the redeemed and told that they must, “abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

    Whether we are long term followers of Jesus or the newest convert, we’ve all been given the gift of salvation. There is nothing we must do to be saved beyond faith in Jesus. Once we are saved we may need modifications to the expectations we have toward ourselves and those on the path with us.

  • Today’s Psalms for February 25, 2024

    Please pray these psalms with me on this Lord’s Day

    Psalm 25:1-5

    To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
    2 O my God, in you I trust;
        let me not be put to shame;
        let not my enemies exult over me.
    3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
        they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

    4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
        teach me your paths.
    5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
        for you are the God of my salvation;
        for you I wait all the day long.

    Psalm 55:22-23

    Cast your burden on the Lord,
        and he will sustain you;
    he will never permit
        the righteous to be moved.

    23 But you, O God, will cast them down
        into the pit of destruction;
    men of blood and treachery
        shall not live out half their days.
    But I will trust in you.

    Psalm 85:7-13

    Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
        and grant us your salvation.

    8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
        for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
        but let them not turn back to folly.
    9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
        that glory may dwell in our land.

    10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
        righteousness and peace kiss each other.
    11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
        and righteousness looks down from the sky.
    12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good,
        and our land will yield its increase.
    13 Righteousness will go before him
        and make his footsteps a way.

    Psalm 115:1-3, 18

    Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
        for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

    2 Why should the nations say,
        “Where is their God?”
    3 Our God is in the heavens;
        he does all that he pleases.

    18 But we will bless the Lord
        from this time forth and forevermore.
    Praise the Lord!

    Psalm 145:1-13

    I will extol you, my God and King,
        and bless your name forever and ever.
    2 Every day I will bless you
        and praise your name forever and ever.
    3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
        and his greatness is unsearchable.

    4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
        and shall declare your mighty acts.
    5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
        and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
    6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
        and I will declare your greatness.
    7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
        and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

    8 The Lord is gracious and merciful,
        slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
    9 The Lord is good to all,
        and his mercy is over all that he has made.

    10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
        and all your saints shall bless you!
    11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
        and tell of your power,
    12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
        and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
    13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
        and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

    English Standard Version (ESV)
    The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016.
    Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

  • Patience

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    Acts 15:1-11

    But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

    6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

    Drill Press Chuck | Tomball, TX | December 2023

    Maybe you’ve heard the advice: Don’t pray for patience. You may not like the way God answers that prayer request. The idea is that God may answer that request by letting you wait… and wait… and wait… and… You get the picture, I’m sure.

    Paul speaks of the way in which God works patience in Romans 5. James talks about it in James 1. The Psalmists speak of it. And Jesus himself speaks about patience: “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7) Ahhh…that’s the key: realizing that we do not always understand what he is doing, but one day we will. Perhaps that’s the key to patience. And speaking of patience of Jesus, the other word for patience is longsuffering. Jesus certainly practiced what he preached!

    [Warning the following paragraph may be rated PG]
    So do Barnabas and Paul – and the others from the church in Antioch. The church there seems to have been a rather progressive church when it came to missions and gentile conversions. There is no hint of dissension about the new gentile believers when Barnabas and Paul return from their mission trip. They received their report with great joy. It was only when the Jews from Jerusalem came to Antioch that they were challenged in regard to the requirements for these new converts. And their challenge seems to have been quite a challenge. A requirement that they be circumcised would certainly put a damper on any future gentile conversions!

    But the manner in which Barnabas and Paul handle this as well as the conversations with the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem is a study in patience. Their restraint is remarkable to me. I don’t think I’d have the patience they did. I’d be ready to dismiss their unreasonable requirements out of hand. I’d likely disregard them altogether. I’d treat them as Paul encourages Titus: “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” (Titus 3:10-11) Only I’d be tempted not to get to the second warning. 

    But – as I like to say quite regularly – we overestimate what we can do in the short term and way underestimate what God can do in the long term. Ahh…that’s where patience comes in. The Christian faith is not a microwave religion. The growth of the church – while occasionally experiencing miraculous multiplication (think Pentecost) – is a long process. And the long view here requires that such questions about the future place of the gentile believers are well handled – with great patience.

    There had been no little discussion in Antioch. There will be lengthy conversations and debates in Jerusalem. Through it all, God patiently waits for the Gospel seed to take root and grow. He is working through people for his purposes. And his purposes are beautifully expressed by Peter, speaking of God’s patience: The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. (1 Peter 3:9)

  • What Cannot Be Done

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    Acts 15:1-11

    But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

    6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

    Topo Chico-2 | Tomball, TX | December 2023

    Who are those guys? Can you do that? I can’t do that. No one can track over solid rock. Who are those guys??? This is – as best I remember it – lines from the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Paul Newman and Robert Redford make quite a pair of outlaws – almost lovable. They are watching someone track them while they’re on the lam. The tracker is so good that he’s able to follow their trail over solid rock. Not many people can do that.

    Peter speaks of something no one had been able to do – nor will anyone be able to do in the future. He speaks of putting “a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear.” He is speaking of the impossibility of fulfilling the Law of God – whether it’s the moral Law, the ceremonial law, or especially the laws intended to protect the law from being broken. 

    In Jesus’ day the Jews had built a fence round the Old Testament Law. They had devised 713 laws regulating appropriate behavior – many around observance of the Sabbath. Limits of how far one could travel, how much they could carry, and regulations about planting, plowing, reaping, gathering, threshing/extraction, winnowing, sorting/purification, grinding, sifting, kneading/amalgamation,  and cooking/baking. The idea was that if you didn’t do any of those things you would surely not break the third commandment, “Remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy.”

    Another way in which they protected the Law of God had to do with not taking God’s name in vain. They determined that if they never spoke the sacred holy name of God “YHWH” (יהוה‎ in Hebrew), they would surely not take his name in vain. When they came to that name of God, they would substitute the word for Lord, Adonai (אֲדֹנָי in Hebrew). So, in theory they would never take the name of the Lord (YHWH) in vain because they would never speak it at all.

    All these laws were oppressive and untenable. There is no peace in such efforts to appease or obey God by such limitations. God’s call is much higher. Jesus summarized it this way You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). This is from Deuteronomy 6, which is called the Shama, for the Hebrew word for Hear, “Shama Israel…,” or “Hear Israel…”

    The Old Testament prophet Micah summarized it this way: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

    We’ll never do this perfectly, but we have been saved by the grace of Jesus Christ – along with all others who believe in him. A life of mercy and justice rather than mere ritualistic external obedience is testimony to the Holy Spirit’s work in us. There are many things we cannot do, but God can do great things through those who believe in him.

  • What’s the Good News? Who’s it for?

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    Acts 15:1-11

    But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

    6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

    Topo Chico | Tomball, TX | December 2023

    I enjoyed having breakfast recently with several men from our neighborhood. The conversations were about maintenance issues with our houses (all built within the last 9 years), golf, and travel. We also talked about church and ministry involvement. I was asked and agreed to offer the blessing before the meal. When I do that I try to do two things. I certainly want to thank God for the food and ask him to bless us as we receive it. I also make the point that this food and fellowship should be a reminder of God’s great love for us in Jesus Christ. There is regularly a reasonably-hardy Amen from the group.

    I’m not sure every one of my neighborhood friends is a Christian. And I hope that my little witness to God’s goodness and love has a way of touching their hearts, and opening the pathway for the Holy Spirit to bring them to faith. I hope as well that it may strengthen the hearts of the believers. We all need to be reminded of God’s love and grace – his gift of salvation in the gift of his Son.

    As I read again this passage, I noticed something about that which should also encourage this practice more regularly among God’s people. As Barnabas and Paul traveled from Antioch to Jerusalem they visited Phoenicia and Samaria. And as they visited these places they described in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.

    The Good News is that through faith in Jesus Christ we are saved. His grace avails to us because of his love for us. We have earthly hope and an eternal future. One day all injustice will be rectified. All righteousness and faithfulness will be vindicated. All sin, sickness, and suffering will be expelled. All joy, life and glory will be fully experienced.

    When we hear that, we are encouraged. But there’s more to this good news. Not only does this apply to us, but it applies to all who believe. And when we hear of someone’s conversion to this faith, we too can rejoice. Indeed, if we are reflecting the nature and love of God we will rejoice.

    Philips, Craig, and Dean sing a heart-warming song about God’s grace and the joy he has as one sinner repents. Called, His Favorite Song of All, it reminds us of the great celebration in heaven over one sinner who repents. We should echo that joy on earth as we hear of the conversion of any person.

    So when we hear of the amazing growth of the church in Ethiopia, Uganda, South America, or down the street the example of the early church is one we should follow. This is good news. Let it bring great joy to your heart. And pray that more people will hear and believe this Good News. It’s not only for those who need to be converted. It’s for you and me.

  • Is it really all the same?

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    Acts 15:1-11

    But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

    6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

    Work Bench-2 | Tomball, TX | December 2023

    “This is That” is a leadership tool that can help people cope with new ideas and potential changes in the church. It goes like this, “Do you remember when we first expanded the narthex? It was a scary thing to consider. It meant some discomfort, and even required people to use a different entrance into the church on Sunday mornings once we had finished it. It was not an easy change, but look at the benefits we’ve seen. We have more space for fellowship and visiting before and after worship. We don’t have to worry about bad weather once church is over, we can linger in the new space for a while before leaving. And now we want to add a fellowship hall. There will be challenges for sure. But we’ve done it before and realized great blessings. This is that.

    The conversation may go a bit longer and be a bit more complicated. But you get the picture. In fact that’s what good biblical preaching strives to do. We tell the story of Barnabas and Paul and how they faced trials, tribulations, and conflict, and yet persevered in the mission of God. Now, when we face challenges to our faith, mistreatment, or oppression, we can persevere as well. This is that.

    This is a helpful thing for me today as I consider my place in the heart of God and his kingdom. Sometimes I wonder whether I’m truly converted. Sometimes the devil accuses my heart about my lack of commitment or faithfulness. Sometimes I wonder whether all those other sinners are really as bad as I am. Do they need the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus as much as I do? For I sure do need his grace a lot! Is it really a matter simply of faith in Jesus that avails before God?

    This section of Acts offers me a reminder that This is That. Peter’s message on this occasion is a powerful and welcome reminder of God’s love and the basis of our salvation. He reminds them that God “made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

    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.