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.”

  • Chosen

    Acts 8:26-40

    Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

    “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
        and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
        so he opens not his mouth.
    33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
        Who can describe his generation?
    For his life is taken away from the earth.”

    34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

    Willet | South Padre Island Bird Center | September 2023

    I’ve been binge watching The Chosen, a wonderful TV production of the lives of Jesus and his chosen disciples. It is so heartwarming to see how desperate people are so deeply blessed by Jesus’ ministry of miraculous healing, exorcism, or teaching. Peter lands a boatload of fish just when he needs it, and follows Jesus. Mary is restored from demon possession by Jesus’ touch. Matthew begins to wonder about his chosen profession as a tax collector. The Chosen is about Jesus’ ministry, but even more about those whom he chose to be his followers.

    Here we see three chosen ones. Philip is chosen to bring the gospel message to the Ethiopian Eunuch. The Ethiopian is chosen to be brought to faith and baptized. This is how far will God to to show his love for all people and the breadth of the Gospel promise.

    According to Deuteronomy 23:1, eunuchs were not allowed to enter the assembly of the Lord. But here he is, learning of Jesus, being baptized. Rejoicing along his way. A new day has come. And this Ethiopian is chosen to make it clear that all are welcome in the kingdom of God. What a blessed choice!

    And what of Philip? He was chosen initially to be a deacon to help with the daily distribution of food. His initial task was not to evangelize.  But he is chosen to bring the message of Jesus to this man, and does so with clarity and confidence.

    But there is another chosen one. He was chosen before the foundation of time to redeem God’s people. The Suffering Servant of Isaiah had been chosen by God to make all this possible. Announced by Isaiah 750 years prior to Jesus’ birth, God was sending his Servant to redeem us.

    You have been chosen by God as well. By his grace he chose us to be holy and precious in his sight. All this by God’s gracious choice.

  • Divine Appointments

    Acts 8:26-40

    Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

    “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
        and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
        so he opens not his mouth.
    33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
        Who can describe his generation?
    For his life is taken away from the earth.”

    34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

    Great Kiskadee | South Padre Island Birding Center | September 2023

    Jerry opened the door to what proved to be a darkroom. Diane was invited to a party by someone who was not going to be there. I met a fourth year seminarian on my first day on campus. C. Peter Wagner wanted to pray for me during a break. Richard reached out to me to have a weekly time of Bible study and prayer. Gary asked if we could be friends.

    One of those was not pleasant. Another still begs explanation. The others ushered in remarkable new opportunities for God’s blessings and good things to unfold in my life. The fourth year seminarian was just rude. C. Peter Wagner’s prayer and God’s answer in that moment remain a mystery. But these were not mere happenstance. There are no coincidences with God. These were all divine appointments.

    Paul speaks of God’s involvement in the life and affairs of men and women over history.

    And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for, “‘In him we live and move and have our being.’” – Acts 17:26-27

    The difficult encounter with the fourth-year seminarian thought me to be more gracious and patient with others. The puzzling encounter with C. Peter Wagner and his prayer taught me not to predetermine what God can or will do. Jerry ushered me to photography, the Lutheran Church, and the pastoral ministry. The party to which Diane was invited was where we met. Less than 2 years later we were married.

    I’ve experienced other divine appointments as well. A bedside conversion of a man near death. A challenging encounter with a man more worried about getting over his cough than his eternal wellbeing. Both were times and places not of my choosing, and design. God was setting it up.

    I confronted the man more worried about his cough than eternity and he began to cry. I shared with him the mercy of God, forgiveness through faith in Jesus, and the hope of eternal life. The other man was pretty satisfied with himself, until I asked (relative to his standing before God based on his good works), “Do you think that’s enough?” He started to cry as well. I shared the gospel with him and he confessed his faith.

    Divine appointments are not always so profound. But God does bring us into contact with people all the time who may be ready to hear of Jesus and his salvation. Lord, open our eyes to the divine appointments you set up for us each day!

  • Sealing the Deal

    Acts 8:26-40

    Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

    “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
        and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
        so he opens not his mouth.
    33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
        Who can describe his generation?
    For his life is taken away from the earth.”

    34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

    Preening | South Padre Island Birding Center | September 2023

    I was sitting at my desk early one Sunday morning preparing for Bible Class and worship. The phone rang and I learned that the doctor wanted to speak to us about our newborn son. He needed more advanced medical attention than could be provided at the local hospital. Diane and I went to the NICU where Stephen was being cared for. A styrofoam cup of water, the Lord’s Prayer, and the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” and I knew something very important and good had happened.

    When Philip explained the Good News about Jesus to the Ethiopian official part of that explanation must have included baptism. The man was so impressed and delighted to learn about Jesus that he asked to be baptized. He knew that baptism seals the deal between God and man. Baptism is the thing you do to cement the relationship of faith, and be attached to the promises of God.

    We don’t know the baptismal liturgy that Phillip used. We don’t even know how far “down into the water” they went. We don’t know whether the water was scooped up in Philips hand, or the Ethiopian was submerged. But we do know that the man wanted to be baptized. We know he went on his way rejoicing after being baptized.

    I was once part of a major evangelism project to distribute the Jesus Film to as many people as possible in the zip code we lived in. The Jesus Film is an evangelistic tool that presents the life and teachings of Jesus together with the accounts of his life, miracles, suffering, death, and resurrection. It is used with great impact in missionary work world wide. It ends with an altar call as such, inviting people to put their faith in Jesus as Son of God and Savior.

    At the meeting of pastors who were spearheading the project one of the pastors remarked, “I could care less if someone prays the Sinner’s Prayer. I want to see them baptized. I suspect his was a conviction about what one is supposed to do to be saved (cf. Acts 2:42). I agree with this pastor’s concern about Baptism, but might want to say it a bit differently.

    When a man or woman comes to faith, baptism is God’s gift to seal the promises of forgiveness and eternal salvation. We have been saved through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Baptism connects us with that gift.

    God seals the deal with us in Baptism. Because we have been baptized, we live a new life, daily repenting of our sins and recommitting ourselves to follow Jesus. That’s why baptism is so important to me.

  • Beginning with the end in mind

    Acts 8:26-40

    Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

    “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
        and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
        so he opens not his mouth.
    33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
        Who can describe his generation?
    For his life is taken away from the earth.”

    34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

    Great Blue Heron Drying its Feathers | South Padre Island | September 2023

    Isaiah 53 is one of my favorite Bible passages. Written 750 years before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah predicts Jesus’ virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14); proclaims him to be the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, (Isaiah 9); and gives witness to the vicarious suffering of Jesus, and his redeeming love.

    When Philip is directed to join the chariot in which the officer of Candice’s court is reading, he discovers that he is reading from the 53rd chapter of the prophet Isaiah. All Scripture is inspired by God to be sure. But not all Scripture speaks so powerfully and profoundly of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection as does Isaiah 53.

    The passage which the Ethiopian is reading point (only) to Jesus’ death. A wider view of Isaiah 53 fills in so much in regard to Jesus’ death. His suffering brought us salvation (“by his stripes we are healed” 53:5). He was subjected to that which we deserved (“the LORD laid on him the iniquity of us all” 53:6).

    One of my favorites is the chiastic construction, describing Jesus’ death and burial (“they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death,” 53:9). This is a favorite because of the crossing of Jesus’ death between two criminals and his burial in Joseph of Arimathea‘s tomb. It’s all one thing: Jesus’ death and burial. And that one thing had Jesus impacting the fullest spectrum of saints and sinners.

    This is such good news. I need never worry about whether Jesus’ death can touch someone’s life – rich or poor, wicked or godly. Jesus died for all. I don’t consider myself particularly rich or criminal. Most who read the blog would identify with my self-assessment. But I am happy to join the rich or poor, criminal or saint in repentant faith at the foot of the cross. Will you join me there?

  • How does it read to you?

    Acts 8:26-40

    Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

    “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
        and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
        so he opens not his mouth.
    33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
        Who can describe his generation?
    For his life is taken away from the earth.”

    34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

    Great Blue Heron | South Padre Island | September 2023

    It always interests me when I gather with others to read and discuss Scripture. Some people will point out issues I completely miss. Others will offer insights that make me want to dive deeper. Some, however, will suggest things I cannot see in the text. I then have to control myself so that I don’t shut down the conversation and forfeit any further possible influence.

    Once, however, after a graveside funeral service a young man approached me in an excited state. “I really liked how you talked about the resurrection,” he said. “Yes,” I replied, it is a vital aspect of our Christian faith.” His reply really puzzled me: “Do you know that they have bred a pure red calf in Israel?” I don’t remember much more of the conversation, but I do remember how that fact colored his interest in the resurrection. And I remember how sad I was that he was more interested in a red heifer than the promise of eternal life and the hope of the resurrection.

    The starting point of our study of the Bible makes all the difference in the conclusions we draw as we read. That’s why I love Lutheran hermeneutics, for they start with Jesus. The key to Martin Luther’s (re)discovery of the gospel is that we are justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. God’s gift of righteousness (justification) is given through Jesus and received by faith. That colors all of Scripture.

    This is so clearly seen in the conversation between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip asks if the official understands what he is reading. The chariot driver says he needs someone to guide him if he is to understand it. Then comes the beautiful passage from Isaiah and beginning with that passage he told him the good news about Jesus. 

    We’ll be considering this good news this week. Everything from its Old Testament foundation to the blessings of baptism. Jesus is right in the center – just as the diagram below shows. Centered in Jesus: That’s how I want to live, read, teach, and discuss.

    Six tools for Bible Reading

    Tool #1: Christ-Centered: It’s All About Jesus

    Tool #2: Read in Community

    Tool #3: Law & Gospel

    Tool #4: Scripture Interprets Scripture

    Tool #5: The Hidden & Revealed God

    Tool #6: Two Kinds of Righteousness/Relationships

  • Today’s Psalms for October 8, 2023

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

    Psalm 8

    O Lord, our Lord,
        how majestic is your name in all the earth!
    You have set your glory above the heavens.
    2     Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
    you have established strength because of your foes,
        to still the enemy and the avenger.

    3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
        the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
    4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
        and the son of man that you care for him?

    5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
        and crowned him with glory and honor.
    6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
        you have put all things under his feet,
    7 all sheep and oxen,
        and also the beasts of the field,
    8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
        whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

    9 O Lord, our Lord,
        how majestic is your name in all the earth!

    Psalm 38:18-22

    I confess my iniquity;
        I am sorry for my sin.
    19 But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty,
        and many are those who hate me wrongfully.
    20 Those who render me evil for good
        accuse me because I follow after good.

    21 Do not forsake me, O Lord!
        O my God, be not far from me!
    22 Make haste to help me,
        O Lord, my salvation!

    Psalm 68:4-6

    Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
        lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
    his name is the Lord;
        exult before him!
    5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
        is God in his holy habitation.
    6 God settles the solitary in a home;
        he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
        but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

    Psalm 98

    Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
        for he has done marvelous things!
    His right hand and his holy arm
        have worked salvation for him.
    2 The Lord has made known his salvation;
        he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
    3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
        to the house of Israel.
    All the ends of the earth have seen
        the salvation of our God.

    4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
        break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
    5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
        with the lyre and the sound of melody!
    6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
        make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!

    7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
        the world and those who dwell in it!
    8 Let the rivers clap their hands;
        let the hills sing for joy together
    9 before the Lord, for he comes
        to judge the earth.
    He will judge the world with righteousness,
        and the peoples with equity.

    Psalm 128

    Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
        who walks in his ways!
    2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
        you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

    3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
        within your house;
    your children will be like olive shoots
        around your table.
    4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
        who fears the Lord.

    5 The Lord bless you from Zion!
        May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
        all the days of your life!
    6 May you see your children’s children!
        Peace be upon Israel!

    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.

  • The things money can and cannot do

    Acts 8:1-13

    Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

    25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

    Fuchsia Rose | Marathon, TX | May 2023

    I’ll buy you a diamond ring, my friend
    If it makes you feel alright
    I’ll get you anything, my friend
    If it makes you feel alright
    ‘Cause I don’t care too much for money
    Money can’t buy me love – Paul McCartney

    O, if only that last line was more fully embraced by more people! For most Christians money is the chief rival god. Its allure is relentless. Many have been seduced by money’s supposed power and ability to buy happiness, excitement, and security. We too easily worship our 401k, investment portfolio, or cash reserves. We are warned that the love of money is the root of all evil. Not money itself, but the love of money is a dangerous thing.

    During these early retirement years, I have great interest in those things – although I strongly reject the idea of worshiping these demigods. I know they cannot buy love nor peace, or true security. Yet this encounter between Peter and Simon is a good reminder for me. The most vital things in life cannot be bought with money.

    God says, “The gold is mine. The silver is mine. The cattle on a thousand hills. (cf. Psalm 50:10; Haggai 2:8) So how would I ever expect to buy the things of God with money? It’s all his. One day my retirement income will end. One day my savings will be left to another. One day all I have will be put into a box, and buried in the ground. For all eternity I will look at gold and think pavement(!) (cf. Revelation 21:21). God doesn’t need my money. Why would I ever think of insulting him by offering anyone money for his gifts!

    This is not to say that money is evil. Nor should I reject the idea that money can do good. For money can help us do very good things. We can provide for the ongoing ministry and mission of the church through our tithes and offerings. We can help fund necessary hospital treatment through financial donations. We can bring great joy to people in need by generous gifts. (I’m remembering here a $300 windfall from an anonymous donor when we were in great financial need during our second year of seminary.)

    My dad used to say that money can be your master or your servant. For the follower of Jesus, money must always remain your true servant. The question is whether we use it to advance the cause of God’s kingdom or to satisfy our baser desires. Money can’t buy love or God’s gifts. But it can fund God’s mission or numb us to our need for God.

  • Dangerous Yearnings

    Acts 8:1-13

    Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

    25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

    Beauties Behind Bars | Marathon, TX | May 2023

    A pile of gold bars. A delectable dessert. A shimmering gold necklace. An insanely expensive sports car. A strong drink. We may yearn for any of these things. And if I didn’t list your favorite, there may be one lurking in the periphery of your conscience. None of these things are necessarily evil. But every one of them can become a dangerous trap. Just like the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3); Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21); Bathsheba (2 Sanuel 11).

    In those cases, their desires took over their sensibilities, and undercut their faith. By giving in to their yearnings they fell into great harm. Sin and death entered the world.  A man was killed. A husband was murdered, and a child ultimately died.

    But surely those examples don’t apply to God’s people! Except when they do. Whether its an extramarital affair, an embezzlement of company funds, a alcohol-related accident, or a ruined reputation, unchecked yearnings can ruin lives, cause pain, and sometimes even death.

    At least on the outside Simon desired a good thing. He wanted to have the power to give the Holy Spirit to others. That would seem a good desire, a proper yearning.

    A look at Satan’s tactics with Jesus help us here. He tempted Jesus to give in to appetite (change these stones into bread), to seek affirmation (throw yourself down from the temple and the angels will protect you), and to unbridle his ambition (bow down and worship me and you’ll have all the kingdoms of the world). Jesus resisted every one of these and remained true to the Father.

    Simon was all about ambition. He wanted to be able to do what Peter and the other disciples were doing. But his motives were apparently not true. He wanted to have the notoriety. Perhaps he even wanted to gain financially with that gift. Peter calls him out on it. And Simon immediately repents.

    There’s even a name for this. It’s called Simony: attempting to buy church privileges or favored decisions. Whatever it’s called, when our ambitions take over we are in danger of falling prey to dangerous sins – disguised as they may be.

    Thank God we have a Savior who never gave in to these desires and who forgives those who repent when they do.

  • The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

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    Click here for an audio version of this blog post.


    Acts 8:1-13

    Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

    25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

    Windmill | Marathon, TX | May 2023

    I recall reading Martin Luther’s explanation of the third article of the Apostle’s Creed for the first time. I love how it puts the grace of God on both sides of the salvation equation: God gave his Son to be our Savior, and he gave us the Holy Spirit so that we would believe in Jesus Christ, trust in him and come to him.

    I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him, but the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church he daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day he will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.

    Beautiful!

    We see this in action now here as Peter and the apostles do great miracles and people are brought to faith through them. God is calling and gathering his people into his church. But whats’ this about miracles through the apostles’ hands? It’s not specifically mentioned here, but the rhythm in Acts is that when the Holy Spirit is given to new groups of people there is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a visible identifiable manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s influence. Where is that in Luther’s explanation of the work of the Holy Spirit?

    We’ll leave a discussion of Luther’s understanding of miracles (he believed in them!), the gift of the Holy Spirit, and any other more controversial aspects of the Holy Spirit’s work to another time. But suffice it to say that the most important work of the Holy Spirit is two-fold not just one-sided (calling us to faith).

    God gives us the Holy Spirit to call us to faith.

    God gives us the Holy Spirit so that we can help gather the people of God into the church.

    Simon saw this as something he could use to further his career, or impress people. Peter knew it was a gift to be received and given.

    We have the gift of the Holy Spirit by which we believe. Let’s embrace the second facet of the Holy Spirit’s work by doing all we can to plant seeds of the Word to bring others to faith.

  • Technical Realities and the Gifts of God

    I have been experiencing very limited internet access these last two days. I have it worked out now, but that remains to be seen. You may already know that I do these posts for my own edification. So I wrote yesterday, and I’m writing now.

    There will be no podcasts for the next two weeks, but I do hope to post the remainder of this week.

    Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! – Acts 8:18-20

    Church Interior | Saguenay, Canada | September 2023

    Money can buy lots of things – from Rolex to Invicta® watches, luxury yachts to luxury suites in the fanciest hotels. But the gifts of God are not for sale. You cannot buy God’s power, influence, or especially God’s salvation. That’s been paid for by the blood of Jesus. It’s not for sale, but the priceless gift of God is freely given to all who believe.