Author Archives: Anthony Baker

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About Anthony Baker

Husband, dad, pastor, artist, and musician. Time Magazine's Person of the Year in 2006 (no joke!). Loves coffee (big time), good movies, and sarcastic humor. Holds a Doctorate in Ministry. Most importantly, a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. All glory belongs to Him! Matthew 5:16
by | June 17, 2016 · 10:31 am

Have Computer, Will Blog

It’s BAAACK!

The Lenovo has landed.

The Lenovo has landed.

You guys have no idea how much I’ve hated not having my computer! I mean, I love the technology of hand-held devices, but there is nothing like sitting down to a computer and making the keyboard smoke! Booyah!

Anyway, I finally go my computer back from the “shop” and it is running like a fine-tuned machine…which is what it is. Now, if I can manage to manage my time and keep my wife and daughters’ eyes from rolling back and searching their brains each time I sit down in my chair, things will be great! Woo Hoo!

Future Contemplations

Now that I am back at the keyboard, I feel the temptation to comment on the many, many items in the news. However, there is just so much, and so many other bloggers  – not to mention news sites – cover this stuff to the point of nausea. Therefore, I’ve got to choose my postings wisely.

Sure, I need to address a few issues floating about in the stormy media sea, but do I really need to comment on everything? Of course not. As a matter of fact, much of what is going on in the world right now is so depressing that I’ve begun to limit my exposure to it. For example, I’m going to vote in the next election, but I’m tired of politics; I’m only going to consume what I have to in order to get by.

Trump and Clinton are on my last nerve, and the election isn’t even in full swing.

Essentially, I only want to write about stuff that will allow me to express my uniquely unique writing style…nothing forced. Hopefully, if all goes well, those of you who read my posts will be encouraged to keep coming back. Hopefully, the stuff I unstuff from my brain will interest you, too.

Here are some things I do plan on covering in the near and dear future:

  • An impassioned and desperate plea for donations – I’ve GOT to get to Africa in August!
  • A look at the 1996 “Atlanta Covenant” from the Promise Keepers Clergy Conference. I was there, you know.
  • A melancholy-like happy reflection on life with an exchange student.
  • An answer to a question asked of me: “Why don’t Christians kill Muslims?”

In the meantime…

Enjoy one of my most favorite music videos and one of my most favorite songs – because I wrote it….and it’s funny.

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by | June 14, 2016 · 12:44 pm

Orlando On My Mind

Still no computer, only an iPad, so here goes some thoughts on Orlando, sans fancy fonts and graphics.

Thoughts

The shooting in Orlando happened Sunday morning, but I’m just now getting around to writing anything about it. Of course, I did bring it up first thing that morning from the pulpit, but it’s just now that I’ve decided to sit down and pen – more like “thumb” – my thoughts.

But who am I, really? What do my thoughts matter? I’m not gay; I’m a straight male (born that way and happy with my biology). I do not affirm the homosexual lifestyle; I preach it is a sinful attack on the design of our Creator for human relationships, even an affront to the very nature of God. I’m not even anti-gun, nor do I want to repeal the second amendment to the Constitution; I think gun-free zones (aka “soft targets”) are the epitome of idiocy. So, who am I to speak out? It’s not like I’m going to be flying a rainbow flag in honor of the 49 killed, or anything.

I am a voice, and that’s why my thoughts matter. I don’t deserve to be heard, but I have a right to speak my mind. And if I don’t take advantage of this right, while I still have it, along with the right to bear arms it might be taken away before what I want to say has a chance to be heard.

So, here’s my thoughts.

Guns and Gun-free Zones

It has been said that “Guns don’t kill people; people kill people.” It may be considered cliché, but it’s still true. I have multiple weapons in my home, even on my body, and I have no fear any one of them will rise up when I least expect it and try to kill me. I could yell at my Smith & Wesson from now till the proverbial cows come home, but it will never get offended, angry, or try to avenge itself. It’s only a tool.

As always when a shooting takes place, people are calling for more gun control in America. Some are even calling for repealing the Second Amendment. They argue that the only way to keep things like this from happening is to take away access to guns – all guns, not just assault-style weapons. But taking guns away will not take the murderers away, will it?

Gun-free zones? How’d that work out for you? Compare how many people have died in gun-free zones as opposed to gun-friendly zones. For example, when the eight were killed in Charleston, they were hiding behind and under pews in the church as the deranged freak reloaded his .45 multiple times! If just one or two of those poor folk had been armed as those in our church are, he might have emptied one magazine, but he sure as hades wouldn’t have reloaded and kept shooting!!!

When seconds count, the police will show up in minutes. In a world where Islamic hate is intent on wiping out all opposition; in a world where criminals care nothing about life or the law; because you will never be able to rid America of all its weapons, especially from the hands of criminals; only fools will sit like lambs waiting to be slaughtered as they seek comfort from the other end of a 911 call. Just in case the police don’t show up in time, I’d much prefer to be able to return fire. I’d rather die fighting than hiding.

Flying the Rainbow

Here’s the thing: I don’t hate homosexuals. I know that might be hard for some to understand, but it’s absolutely true. However, there are those who would call me a liar, all because they believe that it’s impossible to love people without affirming their behavior…because somehow behavior, self-perception, and inherent human value are inextricably linked. But where were the Christian flags outside the gay bars the day after Charleston?

No, I don’t hate gays, but I’m not going to jump on the bandwagon and change my Facebook profile pic to a rainbow. I’m not going to fly a rainbow flag in my front yard or from the church flag pole. I’m not going to yield to public pressure to give credence to a sexually-immoral lifestyle and anti-religious agenda by displaying the co-opted colors of God’s covenant with Noah. I will, however, continue to fly our flag at half-staff – because 50 lives were taken in a senseless act of hate.

The Blame Game

Right now the mainstream media and the social left are playing the blame game, but few are laying the blame at the proper feet. What happened in Orlando is not the fault of guns, a lack of security, or anti-LGBTQ bigotry and hate.  What happened was not a result of me preaching that same-sex marriage is an abomination. What happened in Orlando was not incited by conservative talk-radio shows or Tea Party activists. What happened in Orlando at the Pulse nightclub was the result of Islamic, sharia-style, intolerant hatred.

Many want to blame all religion for what happened Sunday. Most, however, want to lay the blame at the feet of Christianity! No, Islam is not to blame, for it’s a religion of peace, or so we are told. On the other hand, were it not for those Christians who refuse to accept the forced change of their beliefs, none of this would have happened. The whole problem with that accusation is that it’s not true. Actually, it’s the complete opposite.

If you want to blame anything, blame man’s fallen nature; blame sin. The last ones to blame are those who try to pattern their lives after the One who gave His own life to save sinners.

In Conclusion

May God have mercy on and show compassion to those who mourn. May genuine love, not cheap pandering, reign supreme. May evil be exposed and the light of Truth shine bright.

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by | June 10, 2016 · 7:47 am

It’s Time for Backbone (An Open Letter to Preachers)

Dear Fellow Preachers,

Now’s the time – it’s actually past time – for some honest-to-goodness, strong-as-steel, George S. Patton and John Wayne-like BACKBONE!

I don’t care if you’re Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Nazarene, Methodist, or whatever…MAN UP!! Stand in the gap! Quit being a politically motivated, crowd-pleasing, purse string-tying wimp and PREACH THE WORD!

Seriously, check out what’s going on in the world and what’s coming to America. Gentlemen, more than ever what we need now are some Elijahs, some John the Baptists, some more John Knoxs, some old-school Billy Grahams, some D. L. Moodys, etc. We need more men of God who know the difference between the Word of God and a motivational speech!

Don’t try to be popular. Don’t try to be “cool” and “hip” with the younger generations. Quit fighting over the styles of worship if your congregation doesn’t even know HOW to worship! Forget trying to become more “seeker-friendly,” and just SEEK THE LOST! The world is going to Hell and we are greasing the skids.

Be real. Be humble. Be yourself. Love your enemies. But for the love of God, pastors and preachers, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). In other words, take off the liberal mom jeans and put on some prophet-worthy overalls and get to work!

You’ve got the pulpit, so use it! PREACH!

bible

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by | June 9, 2016 · 4:47 pm

Todal Anilation!

Photograph and Driving

First, I don’t know any better way to say it. The reason the above header says “photography and driving” is because “shooting and driving” sounds really, really bad. “Pic and driving” brings to mind images of one with one hand on the wheel, the other up a nose.

What im trying to say is that I took a picture while driving. I don’t know if doing so is illegal, like texting while driving is. All I know is that when I saw what I saw I had to take a picture to prove to it.

So, don’t text and drive… But if you’re taking pictures make sure they’re worth sharing.

A New Word

I learned a new word, today. I saw it on the back of a pest control truck. The word is anilate. 

imageI know this a new word because I can’t find a definition for it. As a matter of fact, when I did a definition search, not only did Google keep asking me, “Did you mean annihilate?”, but other helpful tools started popping up. For example, I didn’t know there was anything out there that searched word-game databases. However, the one I clicked on informed me that anilate was not accepted in ANY word game played in the English-speaking world.

What a bummer! I have proof anilate is a word, but I can’t use it to score points. Not fair! Somebody needs to tell Words With Friends.

Keeel ‘Em! 

Actually, I was driving down the road and had to take a picture of this pest control truck. I couldn’t help but laugh.

Now, should someone from the company read this post, I hope they forgive me. I mean, maybe they just came up with the word one day after they watched Achmed the Dead Terrorist say, “I’ll keeel you!” I hope so. If not, all I can imagine is a couple of guys sitting around dreaming up names for a new business venture.

“Bubba, I caint think of nuttin. It’s like all d’ good’ns are taken up!”

“Yeah, I know, Shorty. Well den, why don’t we just call it what we plan ta be do in’ wid all dis here poysuns?”

“Watchya got in mind, Bubba? Sump’n like Keeel’m Pest Control?”

“Naw, it’s gotta sound more perfeshional thun that. Weer gonna annihilate dem dang bugs, Shorty! Get it? Weer gonna uh-NYE-late ’em!”

“Yeah! How d’ya spell that?”

“A-N-I-L-A-T-E”

“Cool! I’ll call th’ sign comp’ny and get’r done!”

image

Now, if that’s NOT how it happened, I’ll be really disappointed. 😉

 

NOTE: This was meant in fun, so don’t give Anilate Pest Control a hard time. Heck, give them a call!  They just might be the ones to annihilate … er, ANILATE your bugs. You never know. Call (423) 432-8266.

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by | June 8, 2016 · 6:13 pm

Have iPad and Toyota Will Vlog

There’s not much to say, other than watch the video. I recorded it today while sitting in our van, hence the title.

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by | June 7, 2016 · 6:00 am

Can’t Trust Anyone?

Trusting Others

Who do you trust? Who would you trust with your bank account information? Who would you trust to watch your children? Even more so, who would you trust to shave your neck with a sharp straight razor?

Trust is something we give others based on experience and credibility. One doesn’t just tell his deepest, darkest secrets to a stranger. A wise mother doesn’t leave her 4 year-old at home alone for the evening. A husband doesn’t tell his wife’s best friend about the tool he secretly bought without his wife’s permission.

Who Do You Trust?

Personally, I trust my wife. So far, she hasn’t shared with the world all my faults and failures. However, she is human; if I make her angry enough, who knows?

My children are pretty trustworthy. I feel I can trust them with my reputation, my money, and my stuff. But on the other hand, there are times when chores and homework don’t get done as promised.

There are even a couple of friends that you could say I trust almost implicitly. But if the truth be known, even my best friends have let me down at different times. What can I say? I’ve done the same to them.

Most Trusted

Frankly, there is no one on earth I can trust 100%. Vulnerability is the price of intimacy.

But I can trust Jesus. He’s more than a friend; more than a confidant; more than a brother; more than counselor with a confidentiality agreement.

God is not a man who lies, or a son of man who changes His mind. Does He speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill? – Numbers 23:19 (HCSB)

He who calls you [is] faithful, who also will do [it]. – 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NKJV)

Jesus is Faithful and True.

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by | June 6, 2016 · 3:12 pm

June 6th… Would We Do It Again?

d day

Seventy-two years have passed since the pride of the Allies, 156,000 strong, stepped out of landing craft and jumped out of airplanes into the mouth of a monster ready to eat them alive.

Seventy-two years have passed since young men from America, England, and Canada (and we must not forget Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Poland) landed on beaches called Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.

Seventy-two years ago, long before the fancy rock-climbing walls which are so popular in today’s health clubs and gyms,  the 2nd Ranger battalion “led the way” up the 100 ft. cliffs of Pointe du Hoc.

Seventy-two years ago, on the 6th of June, 2,499 American and 1,914 from the other Allied nations, a total of 4,413, gave their lives for the sake of freedom.

Seventy-two years ago men were stepping on the backs of their comrades as they sloshed through red water, breathed in the mist of war, and wondered if they would live to see the ground only yards (meters) in front of them.

On June 6, 1944, seventy-two years ago, it was said of those who landed:

“They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate.” — President Franklin D. Roosevelt, radio broadcast, June 6, 1944

It is June 6, but are we a people with the stomach to liberate? If we were the ones living seventy-two years ago, where would we be today?

Ask those in pajamas talking on free smart phones. Ask the protesters who don’t even know why they protest. Ask those who are burning the American flag because “America was never great.”

image

It cost a lot to buy seventy-two years of freedom. Would we do it again?

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by | June 5, 2016 · 1:09 pm

You Might Be Apostate

This afternoon, because of a share on Facebook, I came across this fireball of a Christian blogger – why have I just now heard of her?

Anyway, I thought the following post of hers was so provocative Thad I had to share it. I know a few of you will disagree with a few of her points, but I hope not all of them. Otherwise, you might be apostate 🙂

(Michelle Lesley, I look forward to reading more of your not-quite-Calvinist posts)

Michelle Lesley's avatarMichelle Lesley

might be apostate

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy hit the big time several years ago with his “You Might Be a Redneck” one-liners. He frequently introduced the bit by saying, “I’ve found that there are rednecks all over, but sometimes people don’t know they’re rednecks. So, I came up with this little test…” and continued with such gems as:

“If you’ve ever had to carry a bucket of paint to the top of a water tower to defend your sister’s honor, you might be a redneck.”

“If your wife has ever said, ‘Honey, come get this transmission out of the tub so I can take a bath!’ you might be a redneck.”

“If you’ve ever been accused of lying through your tooth, you might be a redneck.”

It was a routine that a lot of us in the South found hilarious because we knew someone who fit nearly every one of Jeff’s jabs.

Like rednecks…

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by | May 30, 2016 · 11:10 am

The Price of Freedom

Memorial Day

Today is the day on which we Americans pause to remember and honor those who have fought and died for our country. We also honor those who have served and are serving.

Unfortunatly, most people use this day to only focus on the celebration aspect of the holiday, not the memorial. But had it not been for those men and women who bled in the trenches and fell from the sky, there might not be a place to hold a barbecue. We celebrate because we are free, but that freedom came with a price.

Visiting Memorials

Over the past week I’ve been visiting Washington, D.C.. with my family, and one can’t visit D.C. without going to the memorials.

It has been a long time since the last time I was here, and new monuments to the fallen have been erected. One of them, which is probably the most impressive, is the World War 2 Memorial, and I took a little while to explore it.

One place at the WW2 Memorial is pictured below. It shows gold stars on a wall above a reflective pool. Each star represents 100 who died in the war to defeat the Axis powers.

image

On this day let us pause and remember the lives sacrificed so that we (and the world) might live in freedom. Remember also that those stars represent mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, and scores of children whose loss purchased our gain.

 

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by | May 24, 2016 · 6:30 am

Guest Posts a Comin’!

Break Time!

As you well know – if you know anything about blogging – vacations, sabbaticals, and illnesses will absolutely KILL one’s stats! That is why it is mucho importento to find a way to keep those hits coming, even when you’re not able to post anything yourself.

But I need a break! I need to refill the imagination funnel! What do I do???

Logical Answer: Guest posts!

Guests

Starting tomorrow (Wednesday) The Recovering Legalist will be hosting several guest writers, a few of which are brand new to my audience. As a matter of fact, one blogger I just met this past weekend!

Be looking out for posts from the following friends:

daniel klemDaniel Klem – Daniel and Caitlin Klem are about the cutest couple you’ll ever meet. I’ll never forget for as long as I live the couple of days they spent with us here in Chattanooga. They live in Arizona, so when we were disappointed one morning to not be able to see the valley from atop Lookout Mountain – because of the low clouds – Caitlin said, “Hey! It’s still water! That’s something we don’t see very often.” Sweet!

David Welford – David has been a blogging friend for a long time – one of my first. We’ve never met, but I hope we will one day this side of heaven. Maybe, just maybe, one day before I die, I’ll see just a fraction of the places around the world he’s visited.

Dawn Liz Jones – Inspriation with Attitude, what more needs to be said? I mean, I’ve never met Mrs. Jones, but I sense in her a kindred sarcastic spirit. Attitude, I’m telling ya’.

Madblog – I’ll let you try to figure out her name, but she blogs at Messages from the Mythical. I don’t think she’s a favorite of the non-complementarians, but that’s my opinion.

Melissa Zelniker-Presser – What can I say about Melissa? Let’s just say she ain’t Baptist; she knows about real law (not just Moses kind); and for heaven’s sake, don’t call her a Gentile. Melissa is also a friend – so be nice or I’ll “unfriend” you.

FullSizeRender (5)Rachel Smith – I met Rachel and Richard Smith at their booth at Jfest 2016, a Christian music festival in the Chattanooga area. What immediately caught my attention was the name of her ministry…Transformed Wife. Then, there on the table, I saw a t-shirt which I was later given; it said, “Transformed Husband.” Rachel hasn’t been blogging that long, so why don’t you subscribe to her site? This couple has a heart for saving marriages.

So, make sure you keep coming back the next several days…even though they don’t create monkey videos, I’m positive there’ll be some really great things to read!  😉

Seriously.

OH! Please check out each guest blogger’s blog, too!

OH! OH! … The Recovering Legalist (me) does not necessarily approve of everything on all the other blogs. So there, that’s my disclaimer.

That’s all. Seriously. 

 

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