+ Harlen Walter Bahr +
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“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24). In the name of Jesus we gather. We have been called out of a busy, rushing world to the quietness of a service. It is a world of sales and scrambling for those final Christmas gifts, family arriving for Christmas, and last minute details before we hit the road for the holidays.
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In the Church, during the days of the Reformation, Martin Luther was struggling in his walk with the Lord. The advice he got was to get into the Scripture. He got into Scripture and began to understand that a person is saved by grace through faith. The big word justification became alive for him. He realized that God no longer treats us the way we deserve to be treated, but because of Jesus, he forgives us. That announcement was there for everyone to receive and believe.
The Bible passage that made the big difference was Rom 1:16–17: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” This reading brings us back to the basics of the faith. After reading this passage, Luther said that it seemed as if the gates of heaven were opening to him. Harley, too, understood from these verses that we are saved by believing in Jesus. We are not saved by good works. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).
This is the power of God that makes a difference in the heart of the person who understands that Jesus is Savior and Lord. And Harley was such a person.
The verse is about God coming to us in Jesus. It’s a story of Bethlehem, Mary, Joseph, and the message of the angels: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:10–11).
It’s about a Jesus who dealt with death as if it were a mere toy in his hand. He raised Lazarus from the dead. On the cross, he announced his mission was accomplished. He had fulfilled what God had wanted him to do. Our sinful condition had been resolved. He died, and three days later he came out of the grave as the one he claimed to be—the Son of God and the Savior of the world. The angel made it clear with the statement, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen” (Lk 24:5–6).
Those are the basics of faith. That is what this service is about today. We gather together and remember Harley who believed in Jesus as his Savior. We remember that Jesus died for him, as he died for those of us still living.
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Back to the basics is an important part of life. It was back to the basics of creation for Harley, a gentleman who loved acting the cowboy. He had the coolest vests, with western paintings on the back. They are on display in the Narthex. He loved people and would strike up a conversation with anyone who give him an ear. He loved to camp and living in Arizona. It was all God’s gift—creation.
It was back to the basics as one who loved thinking he was sexy man, and glamor photographs taken with his dear wife, Jill speaks to this very well.
Speaking of Jill, it was back to the basics as far as marriage was concerned. Harley took seriously the vow “so long as we both shall live.” He loved and cared for Jill, even when it was difficult for her to care for herself.
Back to the basics also means that one’s faith is valuable and important in the time of need. Harley, our friend and loved one, was blessed with many years of good health. However, the body does break down. He was at Luther Hospital, and then under hospice care while he spent his final days at Lake Hallie Memory Care, just so he could be dear his dear wife. It meant visits and ministry. He was always ready and willing to receive the comfort and strength of the Lord’s Supper, appreciating and understanding that with the bread and wine he was receiving the very body and blood of Christ. He was attended faithfully by children who accepted their challenge of honoring their father. He appreciated the visits in the hospital and devotions/prayer at the Memory Care facility. His reply would always be, “Thanks for coming.”
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The basics of the faith are pure and simple. “If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s” (Rom 14:8). We are winners either way. We are reminded that nothing separates us from God’s love. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25–26). Yes, the just do live by faith.
The true treasure of the Church is the most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16). It is all about Jesus. Our lives must be about living and believing in Jesus.
The bottom line is that each one of us can be absolutely, positively sure of our salvation in Christ and the gift of eternal life. This is true not because we have been good, but because God has been good to us.
We thank God that Harlen Walter Bahr—a friend, husband, father, and church member—who knew Jesus. The promises of God are now his. It is my prayer that each one in attendance at this service will also, through the power of the Holy Spirit, understand and appreciate the Gospel and have the same conviction and faith as we leave this place to live this life and look forward to the next.
Back to the Basics!
God be praised! In Jesus’ name. Amen.