David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 2:22-36

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— ²³ this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. ²⁴ God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. ²⁵ For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
²⁶ therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
²⁷ For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

²⁹ “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, ³¹ he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. ³² This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. ³³ Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. ³⁴ For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

The rich need it. The poor have it. When you eat it, you starve. It’s more powerful than God. What is it? Have you heard this riddle? The answer is “NOTHING.” I was reminded of this riddle – especially the “more powerful than God” part when I read Peter’s words, “it was not possible for [Jesus] to be held by [death]. Some things are impossible. But all those things lie within the limits of man’s powers, the devil’s control, and death’s grip. God has the final word. 

That’s not such good news for the devil, death, or enemies of God. Those who wish to carve out their own fiefdoms will succeed only a little while at the ruse and delusions of grandeur. There are plenty of people in the world who believe they have things well in hand. They don’t admit that they need help from anyone. They are the ones who claim, “I did it my way.” They are those who assert, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”

How stunningly surprised they will be when the fullness of Jesus’ salvation is consummated! They who demanded honor, their own way, their every whim catered to, and their every wish granted, will suddenly be brought up short. They will not have their way unabated. They will no longer have even a corner to claim.

This is great news for the oppressed, for the justice-loving, and those who would be held sway by the ruler of this world and his minions. We will not forever be held captive to those who would abuse us, take advantage of us, or by sheer intimidation dissuade us from doing the good we know we should and which we truly wish to do.

Evil will ultimately and always collapse under its own weight. It cannot sustain itself. Death could not hold Jesus captive. He rose. He lives. He is reigning even now in the hearts of the faithful. And he who conquered death will grant to his own that same victory. We will be forever safe, joyful, and alive. It is impossible that it should be otherwise. It is not possible for God’s good, gracious, and merciful ways to be thwarted.

My Podcast is on hold this week. You can listen to past podcasts here. 
I look forward to resuming recording these posts next week.

Acts 2:22-36

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— ²³ this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. ²⁴ God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. ²⁵ For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
²⁶ therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
²⁷ For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

²⁹ “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, ³¹ he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. ³² This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. ³³ Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. ³⁴ For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

There is little question over the fact that Jesus suffered and died. No one argues against that. The manner in which Jesus suffered and effect of that suffering Peter is pointing out, together with the far-reaching implications of that.

Jesus was faithful to God all the way through his suffering and death. His cry from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me,” is a cry of faith in the face of suffering. Even as he dies – forsaken by God, he still calls to his Father in faith, “my God.” By this Jesus is atoning for the sin of the world. By his resurrection, Jesus is vindicated. All Jesus did is proved to have been good, right, and salutary. So now he reigns on high. All heaven honors him as King of kings and Lord of lords. One day every knee will bow before him. We all will acknowledge and confess, “Jesus Christ is Lord.” This is the glory and honor he deserves.

But there is far more to Jesus’ suffering, death, resurrection and ascension than Jesus’ glorification and honor. For it was God’s plan from eternity that we lost, wayward, erring, rebellious, and condemned sinners would be redeemed by Jesus. And by means of Jesus death, we have been redeemed. We’ve been rescued. We’ve been saved. And so that we can make this our own, God has poured out his Holy Spirit. By that Holy Spirit Peter and the others are emboldened to preach and call people to repent and believe. By the Holy Spirit we who hear that word are brought to faith and are saved.

Jesus is honored whenever people proclaim this Good News. Jesus is honored whenever we believe in him. I want to honor Jesus in both of those ways.

My Podcast is on hold this week. You can listen to past podcasts here, including the sermon I preached at Angaza Igoma Lutheran Church in Mwanza, Tanzania

Acts 2:22-36

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— ²³ this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. ²⁴ God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. ²⁵ For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
²⁶ therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
²⁷ For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

²⁹ “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, ³¹ he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. ³² This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. ³³ Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. ³⁴ For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

There are few exceptions to reading Jesus into the Psalms as far as I am aware. We have here (with regard to Peter’s quote from Psalm 16) a clear example of an Old Testament prophecy that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus’ life, suffering, death, and resurrection. These would be the Psalms (as well as other Old Testament writings) to which Jesus would point the disciples on the road to Emmaus (cf. Luke 24:27).

Jesus mission and ministry was no last minute idea. From the earliest moments of creation and the Fall, God had in mind to send his Son to save us. He speaks to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and hers. He will bruise your head and you will strike his heal” (Genesis 3:15). Peter now sees how Jesus fulfills this Psalm as well as many others. The New Testament had yet to be written. And when it is, Peter himself will write, “We have the word of the prophets made more certain” (1 Peter 1:19).

Some people like to use the Bible as an instruction manual for life. Indeed there is great wisdom for those willing to learn it – whether in the book of Proverbs or the stories of the Old Testament by which we may gain insight into how to live or how not to live. We can learn from the mistakes of others.

Best, however, we hear these words as a call to faith in Jesus, and to following him in all of life. It starts with repentance – to which Peter is calling the people of his day in this sermon. It continues on as we learn to follow Jesus everywhere, every moment, of every day. This need not lead you to Tanzania or any other foreign mission field. But it should lead you to ask for God to show you the way, and you to seek to know this Jesus who calls us to follow him.

Where is God calling to you follow Jesus today through these words?

NOTE: Diane and I are in Tanzania, teaching pastors and their spouses about discipleship (following Jesus). If you want to track our experiences in Tanzania, you can check my Smugmug photo website. I’ll include photos there throughout the week.

My Podcast is on hold this week. You can listen to past podcasts here, including the sermon I preached at Angaza Igoma Lutheran Church in Mwanza, Tanzania

Acts 2:22-36

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— ²³ this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. ²⁴ God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. ²⁵ For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
²⁶ therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
²⁷ For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

²⁹ “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, ³¹ he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. ³² This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. ³³ Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. ³⁴ For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

I recall a few sermons from my time at the seminary. This one, specifically was by the seminary president, Dr. Robert Preus. His message was about certain sins which we seminary students would certainly avoid. I don’t recall the specifics, except when he said, “But we don’t do that, do we?” It was a rhetorical question meant to challenge us to take a deep dive into our own hearts, motives, and thoughts. He went on to call us to honest repentance, and acknowledgement that we need a Savior: Jesus of Nazareth to be precise! Without Jesus there is no hope.

Peter goes to great links to confront the people on that first Pentecost with their culpability in killing God’s Son. This One who was attested to by signs, wonders, and mighty works they killed. I’m not certain just how many of the people there that day had been present at Jesus’ crucifixion. Maybe some had. Perhaps some had even called for his death, “Crucify him!” But surely not all of them. And even those who did might well have been swayed by the crowds and given in to the peer pressure when they had added their voices to the call for his death. Surely none of them swung the hammer and drove the nails into the hands and feet of Jesus.

Yet Peter says they killed him. They handed him over. They were guilty. And even though this was part of God’s plan it was only part. For the fullness of that plan was that not only would Jesus die, but he would rise from the dead. He would conquer sin, Satan, and death.

When God raised him from the dead, he declared that Jesus is Lord and Christ. The fullness of God’s plan was that we would confess him as such, and call on his name (“Lord” cf. Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32), and be saved. We who call Jesus Lord should be first in line to admit that we need him as Savior.

Our purpose here in Tanzania this week is to help pastors and their spouses get that more firmly into the hearts and lives of God’s people – with emphasis on getting it into their lives. One key component of our teaching has to do with the importance of teaching the truth of God’s word. The second part is vital: discipling people so that they make other disciples, In this way the message of Jesus spreads and more and more people call on the name of the Lord and are saved. This is our great hope and joy.

NOTE: Diane and I are in Tanzania, teaching pastors and their spouses about discipleship (following Jesus). If you want to track our experiences in Tanzania, you can check my Smugmug photo website. I’ll include photos there throughout the week.

My Podcast is on hold this week. You can listen to past podcasts here, including the sermon I preached at Angaza Igoma Lutheran Church in Mwanza, Tanzania

Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

It’s time to celebrate! We’ve come to the end of our teaching here in Tanzania. The pastors and spouses have been very gracious to us and we are blessed to have been a blessing to them to whatever extent we have been able to be. At the end of the conference we give out certificates to all the participants – pastors and spouses. They are eager to receive these, and express great appreciation to us for them. We also give them small wind chimes as a gift to remind us that we work together as the wind of the Holy Spirit blows through us.

There are many things we will miss as we leave. We will miss the kindness, generosity, graciousness, and warmth of the people here. We will miss the morning chai, and coffee breaks. We will miss the excitement of the people, eager to learn. We will miss hearing first hand of how the church is exploding here and in other parts of the African continent. Daniel and Heavenlight, our co-presenters, will go home today. Tomorrow in Mwanza, he will meet a group from Nashville, TN. That group will go door-to-door evangelizing, and they anticipate baptizing as many as 1,000 people and planting a new church next week. Amazing!

We will not miss some things. But whether it’s the lack of some western luxuries (which we too easily take for granted) or the nearly constant time and schedule adjustments, we’ve managed to adjust. As I write this (on Friday morning), we are waiting for the day’s scheduled start. It’s only 90 minutes after our anticipated and formerly scheduled start time. “It’s OK,” I insist to Diane. Maybe I’m really trying to convince myself!

Now you have a glimpse into our experiences here. It has been a wonderful week. We have made some great friends and shared some very important things with these brothers and sisters in Christ. We are scheduled to return next year for the final year’s training. We look forward to sharing the insights of missional leadership with these dear people, as God makes that possible.

NOTE: There are other photos available, and if you are interested you can check my Smugmug photo website.

My Podcast is on hold this week. You can listen to past podcasts here, including the sermon I preached at Angaza Igoma Lutheran Church in Mwanza, Tanzania

Psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place,
    O Lord of hosts!
² My soul longs, yes, faints
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
    to the living God.

³ Even the sparrow finds a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
    my King and my God. [emphasis added]
⁴ Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
    ever singing your praise! Selah

⁵ Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
    in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
⁶ As they go through the Valley of Baca
    they make it a place of springs;
    the early rain also covers it with pools.
⁷ They go from strength to strength;
    each one appears before God in Zion.

⁸ O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
    give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
⁹ Behold our shield, O God;
    look on the face of your anointed!

¹⁰ For a day in your courts is better
    than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
¹¹ For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
    the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
    from those who walk uprightly.
¹² O Lord of hosts,
    blessed is the one who trusts in you!

We are decidedly different from almost all the other participants at the PLI International Year Three Conference. We have found a place here, however, and we recognize the grace of God to us in this regard. One key difference – beyond skin color and mode of dress – is how we communicate. I try not to yell when I preach. I try to make my points by means of intense quiet and earnest expression. The pastors here have the PA turned to “11” and they use it! In fact I was told that they appreciated it when, later in my presentation I became more intense in my manner of speech. But we have been accepted. I don’t sense that Diane has experienced this kind of communication challenge.

But we both must have interpreters take our thoughts and translate not only words, but concepts to their minds and hearts. We also must have a translator speak to us through radio headsets that they and we wear. I have also noted that all the pastors here wear clerical collars. I don’t even own a clerical collar any longer. I’m not against wearing one, I just don’t find it helpful or necessary. It seems here, however, that this is important. And if I were here all the time, I would buy and wear clerical collars. It seems to be an important witness that allows people to respect us. When in Rome… (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:20-22).

We are blessed to be received here. We are blessed to be part of the body of Christ. We are blessed to be God’s children. We are blessed to bless others. We taught today about the importance of the “One-Another’s” of the Bible. Take a look at these passages that speak of how we are to treat one another within the Body of Christ. Galatians 5:13; 6:2; Colossians 3:13; Romans 12:10; 15:7, 14; 16:16; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

We hope we have modeled these to the people here. We have certainly experienced these from the people here, for which we thank God.

NOTE: Diane and I are in Tanzania, teaching pastors and their spouses about discipleship (following Jesus). If you want to track our experiences in Tanzania, you can check my Smugmug photo website. I’ll include photos there throughout the week.

My Podcast is on hold this week. You can listen to past podcasts here, including the sermon I preached at Angaza Igoma Lutheran Church in Mwanza, Tanzania

Ephesians 4:10-16

He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) ¹¹ And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴ so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵ Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

True Christian community is a place to love and be loved, serve and be served, know and be known,  challenge and be challenged, pray, and be prayed for. In these communities, and out of the blessings we experience, we are able better to be discipled. We learn by teaching in the large gatherings through sermons, Bible studies, and seminars. That’s important. But if we are to grow as disciples we need people who not only love us, but who are also willing to challenge us, calling us to a higher level of faithfulness, love, and maturity in Christ. That is the gist of today’s teaching.

We are experiencing this in our own lives as part of a Neighborhood Life Group at our church. I know the hope is that there will be many such groups at our local church. St. John has a number of Sunday morning Bible studies (Life Groups) where people deepen their relationship with each other around the study of God’s word. These are robust groups for which we thank God. The idea of the Neighborhood Life Group is an opportunity for even deeper relationships where we can encourage and be encouraged, challenge and be challenged. It is much easier to do this in a smaller group in a home. We can know each other not only neighbor to neighbor, but also face to face and heart to heart.

We are teaching this dynamic this week through this illustration of Invitation/Encouragement – Challenge/Sending. When the invitation/encouragement is high and the challenge/sending is also high we have breakthrough Christian discipleship life. We realize that God’s mission and all people matter. We want to live this out in real and personal ways.

If I believe, “I’m all that matters,” I exhibit the height of hubris and pride. This is the essence of original sin. If I believe, “I don’t matter,” I deny God’s love for me. If I say, “Nothing matters,” I am a spokesman for atheistic nihilism. But people matter. God’s mission matters. God has invited me into a relationship of grace and faith, truth and love. I am his beloved child. As his beloved child he sends me to help others realize his love and purpose for them, and encourage them to follow Jesus, inviting others to join them in that journey of faith. A small group of dedicated followers of Jesus will help and support us in this calling.

This is not only a thumbnail of what we are teaching, but a lifestyle we are seeking to develop.

NOTE: Diane and I are in Tanzania, teaching pastors and their spouses about discipleship (following Jesus). If you want to track our experiences in Tanzania, you can check my Smugmug photo website. I’ll include photos there throughout the week.

My Podcast is on hold this week. You can listen to past podcasts here, including the sermon I preached at Angaza Igoma Lutheran Church in Mwanza, Tanzania

John 17:20-26

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, ²¹ that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, ²³ I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. ²⁴ Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. ²⁵ O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. ²⁶ I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Everyone. Every Day. Everywhere. 

This is the theme for our four-day conference here in Tanzania. We want to be Together in Mission. This is nothing new. From the earliest days of the church we see this idea. Ministry is not just for the Apostles. The first Christian martyr (!) was one chosen to wait tables. A great persecution broke out against the Christians and everyone was scattered except the Apostles. And those who were scattered (not the Apostles) preached the word wherever they went (Acts 8:1-4).

Our Christian faith is not a one-day-a-week thing. It is not a slice of the pie Our Christian faith is the sum and substance of true life. We live and move and breathe in God. The gospel message is not for only certain people to believe or to share. It reaches far beyond the church walls. It is all of life.

This morning I provided a review of our first two years’ teachings. After I had gone through the material, I realized that we had more time left than we had planned for. Diane and Heavenlight Mono (Pastor Daniel Mono’s wife) took the women for a time of reconnecting. The men were to reflect on their applications of the last year’s teachings in their own contexts. We had at least 15 minutes more time for that than we had planned for.

I was quite concerned whether I had made the connections in any meaningful way for them. We asked them to gather in their collegial groups for discussions. Corresponding to the teachings of last year’s conference, the two questions:

1. What was the most difficult change you made last year?
2. What was the most rewarding change you made last year?

When the time came for their reports, I was so pleased to learn that each had truly engaged and applied the teachings they had learned last year. Reports of new church starts, new ministries instituted, new attitudes cultivated, and challenges faced. I was also pleased that I could offer some probing questions based on their reports as well as offer some insights based on my experiences that would translate to their contexts.

Some of the issues they face may seem quite simple. How do you get meetings to start on time? Answer: The best way to make sure you don’t start on time is to wait for everyone to arrive before you begin. We must honor those who come on time, and so must those who are not on time. How to give leadership to younger people? Another way to ask it, How do you get long-term leaders to turn loose of the reins so others can help shape the church’s ministry? That requires a different attitude on the part of the leaders. Rather than thinking of leadership as a privileged position, we must teach them to view their leadership as a position of service. They can help by recruiting and training other leaders. There were other very encouraging reports.

In all honesty, I needed this encouragement. Getting to Tanzania is no easy task. Once we arrived it was an overnight stay at Kilimanjaro, and another plane ride to Mwanza. After two nights there we came to Sengerema which involved a ferry ride and travel over some pretty rough roads. The beds are not like home. We are challenged on those levels. I was wondering if it was worth it to travel all this way. So when I saw the pastors and spouses really engaging in the questions, I realized it is worth it. And truly, it’s not that big of a sacrifice. Satan would want me to think it is. But that’s a lie, and I reject that notion.

I hope this doesn’t sound like a pity party. It is, rather, a simple recognition that there are challenges to what we are doing, but they are not insurmountable. And there are many more blessings than challenges. I thank God for the opportunity to be here and pray that this first day is a portent of things to come.

NOTE: Diane and I are in Tanzania, teaching pastors and their spouses about discipleship (following Jesus). If you want to track our experiences in Tanzania, you can check my Smugmug photo website. I’ll include photos there throughout the week.

My Podcast is on hold this week. You can listen to past podcasts here, including the sermon I preached at Angaza Igoma Lutheran Church in Mwanza, Tanzania

Acts 2:22-36

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— ²³ this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. ²⁴ God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. ²⁵ For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
²⁶ therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
²⁷ For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

²⁹ “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, ³¹ he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. ³² This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. ³³ Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. ³⁴ For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

The young man sat in my office in deep distress and crisis of faith. He had none. He was railing from an experience he witnessed with his sainted grandmother. She was a woman of deep faith and devotion. She had copied the entire Bible by hand into notebooks she kept and read faithfully year after year. Then she developed fatal cancer. He saw her suffer terribly. It so impacted him that he could not believe in God. In fact as we talked, I learned that he couldn’t even allow that there was such a person as Jesus of Nazareth.

I got right to the crux of it all, and learned that it wasn’t a matter of whether he died for the sins of the world. It wasn’t a matter of whether he rose from the dead or not. It wasn’t a matter of whether He was God in the flesh. He could not acknowledge that Jesus had been an actual real historical figure. He wasn’t sure there ever was someone who claimed the things Jesus did, who actually walked the face of the earth.

We talked several times and slowly the Holy Spirit worked in his heart. He had deep struggles in his life. His beautiful wife had rejected him. He had suffered a brutal mugging. Add those things to seeing his grandmother suffer as she did, and it left him bereft of any faith or comfort in God’s love. Should it have surprised me? The one thing I did to help him along the path to faith and healing was simply to listen, encouraging him to admit his deepest doubts and fears. I offered no judgment. I just listened.

One day God worked a miracle in his life. The Saturday before worship we had talked and I had led him to confess his faith in Jesus, and even to acknowledge the mystery of the real presence of Jesus’ body and blood under the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper. I asked him if he would like to receive communion. He wasn’t sure. I told him he would be welcome to do so. I wondered how it would unfold the next day.

When that Sunday came, I saw him come to the altar rail for Holy Communion. I told the elder serving along side of me, “You may be about to witness a miracle.” And we both did. He received Holy Communion that Sunday. The angels rejoiced. We praised God. And it all started with Jesus.

When Peter begins his sermon on Pentecost, he begins with Jesus. Whatever else you might want to ask, debate, or talk about – where did the dinosaurs come from? How old is the earth? – it all comes down to Jesus. Without him we have no hope. Without him we have no faith. He is the key to all of life. His death and resurrection are essential to our faith. The other issues all need to be sorted out. But without Jesus they make no eternal difference. With Jesus, they all form together a beautiful faith of life, grace, forgiveness, and true hope.

NOTE: Diane and I are in Tanzania, teaching pastors and their spouses about discipleship (following Jesus). If you want to track our experiences in Tanzania, you can check my Smugmug photo website. I’ll include photos there throughout the week.

My Podcast is on hold this week. You can listen to past podcasts here, including the sermon I preached at Angaza Igoma Lutheran Church in Mwanza, Tanzania

Acts 2:22-36

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— ²³ this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. ²⁴ God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. ²⁵ For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
    for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
²⁶ therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
    my flesh also will dwell in hope.
²⁷ For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
    or let your Holy One see corruption.
²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

²⁹ “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, ³¹ he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. ³² This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. ³³ Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. ³⁴ For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵     until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

I had the privilege to preach at Angaza Igoma Lutheran Church in Mwanza, Tanzania on Sunday. It was quite an experience! We began the first service at 6 AM! No sooner than we finished with that one, the 8 AM service began. It went longer. Maybe 3 hours. The District Pastor Obadiah as well as the congregation’s pastor each gave what seemed to me to be a sermon; although you couldn’t prove it by me. I did a lot of sitting and listening, meditating and praying, waiting and wondering. It was a good day, with perhaps 400 or more people gathered for worship there in the two services. The music was outstanding! And when it came time for the offering, choirs sang and danced as the people brought their offerings forward. Such joy!

Peter’s sermon resulted in people’s hearts being pierced and multitudes being saved and baptized that very day. Quite a powerful moment.

As I look at Peter’s sermon, I notice some important characteristics. He quotes the Old Testament scripture. He makes no bones about what had happened to Jesus. He ends with a strong hortative call: “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” This isn’t a go in peace, serve the Lord sermon. This is a sermon aimed at people who needed to make a dramatic and lift-changing move. They were on the wrong path and Peter was calling them to the path of life. 

Clearly this is Pentecost. The Holy Spirit has been poured out in abundance. People are speaking and hearing the mighty deed of God in their own language. The challenge had gone out when some said that they were drunk on new wine. Peter is now setting them straight. He wants them to realize just who they are dealing with. And it’s not Peter. It’s the Son of God who was slain, but now reigns at the right hand of God.

I’ve experienced this once or twice in my preaching ministry. But I can tell you two things:

It cannot be manufactured. It’s not something you can jin up and program out. It is the move of the Holy Spirit that makes it happen.

Even we who are dedicated Jesus-Followers may need to be reminded of the sovereign reign of Jesus at the right hand of God.

Our need to repent may not be as obvious as it was of the people in those days. But our need is no less real. Perhaps you and I can consider just where God might speak to us about our misguided ways. We can rejoice that Jesus is ready to receive all who turn in repentant faith to him.

If you want to track our experiences, you can check my Smugmug photo website. I’ll include photos there throughout the week.