Category Archives: God

by | May 11, 2012 · 9:35 am

American-Made Idol

Ten Commandments

When I first came to pastor Riverside, one of the first series of sermons I preached was on the ten commandments. Believe it or not, I had a really cool pair of fake stone tablets, and each week I would bring them in with a new commandment “engraved” upon them.

I took great care to make those “stone” tablets look as realistic as possible. That makes me think: how heavy were the real ones?  I mean, they must have weighed at least fifty pounds each! And can you imagine carrying those things down a mountain? I guess that’s what tending sheep for forty years in the wilderness can do for ya’.

No Idols

God told Moses, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). He went on to say that he should not make any images to worship or bow down to (20:4). Yet, what did Moses find when he came down and saw the children of Israel partying (Exodus 32)? A golden calf. A graven image. An idol.

So, in order to have a visual for the sermon, I made an idol. No, it wasn’t made of gold, but it’s amazing what a little tin foil, coat hangers, spray paint, and insulation foam can do. I made my own golden calf (except it looked more like a chihuahua).

When I uncovered the “golden calf” that Sunday morning, one could sense a feeling of uneasiness. “It’s fake,” I told the congregation, “so don’t feel too nervous.” In a few moments everything was fine, and the message went well.

But later that night…

The Golden “Chihuahua”

Sunday evening after church we were at home getting ready for bed, when my wife asked a question. “What are you going to do with that idol?” she said with a serious voice. “I don’t know, probably put it on a shelf in the garage.”

“Oh, no you won’t!” she replied. “You are NOT keeping that thing in the house. You either take it back to the church, or destroy it…I don’t care…just get it out of the house.”

What? Didn’t she realize how long I worked on that silly thing? Didn’t she appreciate my artistic ability, my ingenuity, my imagination? What was wrong with keeping my idol? I made it.

Conviction

Isn’t it amazing how at the turn of a moment God can get our attention? We make idols every day out of the cheapest of material. Forget the gold, we worship stuff of even less value. Our idols are nothing like the ones in the Bible, not made of solid gold, but we put them before God, nevertheless.

I was convicted. God used my wife to make a point. If I couldn’t destroy a fake idol, cheap as it was, what made me think I could do away with other idols? Real idols? The gods (little “g”) that demand my time, my attention, my worship?

Only a picture remains.

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by | April 29, 2012 · 4:00 am

When I Cry (Psalm 57:2)

Not if, but when.

I heard it said growing up, and I hear it said still today, “Real men don’t cry.” What nonsense!

Who was more of a man than Jesus? Yet He, the One who left the realms of glory to walk the path to Calvary, who willingly laid down his life for sinners, wept (John 11:35).

The Omnipotent Word made flesh; the King of Kings; the Resurrection and the Life cried at the tomb of Lazarus. If he could cry, then so will I.

And when I do…

“I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me” (Psalm 57:2).

Jesus wept because of a broken heart for others. I usually weep as a result of my own needs and failures. He was all-sufficient, while I am totally dependent. I need Him more than I usually admit.

And when I come to the point of crying out, if I call upon the One who hears my prayers, my cries are not in vain, nor will they be ignored. I do not call out as stranger, but as a son to his Father (Romans 8:15).

“Abba! Daddy! Help!”

Did any of you, parents, ever hear your child wake from sleep with some panic, or fear, and shriek the mother’s name through the darkness? Was not that a more powerful appeal than all words? And, depend upon it, that the soul which cries aloud on God, The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, though it have “no language but a cry,” will never call in vain. – Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910)

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by | April 14, 2012 · 6:54 pm

Ashamed?

Sometimes I’m Ashamed

Of my past. Do you have a past? I do. We all do. And I have done many things in my past of which I am ashamed. Some things I did while I was an unbeliever, but others were after I had become a Christian. My past haunts me. Does yours?

Of course, on a positive note, one’s past can prove beneficial when rearing children. For example, my children are not totally sure if I was a secret agent, a hired gun, or a former special ops helicopter pilot who had his license taken away for excessively brutal conduct. They will never know for sure, either. The “not knowing” helps keep boyfriends away.

Of my accomplishments (or lack of). Have you ever stopped to compare yourself to others? Bad idea. There are always going to be people who can do what you do a lot better than you ever could – some before they even start elementary school.

I am a preacher, a pastor, an aspiring writer, etc. I am also 44 years old. Have you ever looked at what preachers of yesteryear were able to accomplish by my age? Don’t even start with Jonathan Edwards, Wesley, or even Billy Graham. I have been faithful, but I have little by way of accomplishments to show for it. For crying out loud, I haven’t even written one book!

Of my education. At 44 years of age I am working on my Master of Ministry degree. Guys younger than me are teaching in the seminary, for Pete’s sake! By the time I receive a doctorate, I will need full-time hospice care.

What could I have done if only I had gone to school earlier instead of working, getting married, learning about life, having beautiful children, or experiencing God’s grace? I mean, I could have been a pastor at age 20! Now that would have been shameful.

Of my lack of discipline. There are some people who wake up two hours early in order to pray. If I tried that, I’d have to be on my knees at 3 a.m.! I rarely even get to sleep until after 11 p.m.!

There are some who read at least one book a week. There are others who do all this and run, ride bikes, climb tall mountains, hunt mountain lions, and keep a spotless house. I hate them.

Seriously, I am ashamed at my lack of discipline. As a pastor, a pillar of society, I should be an example of what a disciplined person should look like. But I’m not. I struggle for every minute of sleep I can get. Sad, isn’t it?

Of my appearance. If I had the previously mentioned discipline, the kind that says, “Hey, I have a long day ahead of me, so how ’bout we go run 5 miles before breakfast,” I would be a stud. Before long I would look like a Green Beret, or Joel Osteen (with less perfect teeth). Instead, I look more like a tall Danny DeVito who has a thing for monkeys.

Yes, I can be ashamed of a lot…

But Never of the Gospel

I thank God for being able to use a weak, inadequate, undisciplined, uneducated, unattractive fool. As a matter of fact, it is only because of the gospel that I can accept my shortcomings, putting everything behind me, and look forward to what lies ahead.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. – Romans 1:16

Only through someone who admits his shortcomings can Christ bring glory unto the Father. If I had it all together I might take all the credit, but I can’t. If there is anything good in me, it is because of Jesus (Rom 7:18; 2 Cor 3:5).

One last thing. Many times I am tempted to feel ashamed of myself. Nevertheless, even with my lack of accomplishments, etc., I know that God is not ashamed of me. And if He is not ashamed of me, then maybe I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. I just need to keep walking and looking ahead, hoping for the day when I will be home.

But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. – Hebrews 11:16

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by | March 29, 2012 · 1:27 pm

When All Else Fails

Go to the Studio

Almost every Sunday I am a part of a radio broadcast. The program goes out over am radio to at least a few thousand people each week. It can be fun, but it can also be a challenge.

Even though some things are supposed to be as simple as breathing, “stuff” happens. Today, in a crunch for time, nothing wanted to work correctly. You see, I have to record my 15 minute sermon in advance, and I usually do that at home. The problem today was that nothing would record. The mic wouldn’t work. The computer kept locking up. You name it, it happened.

That is when I got the idea to go to the radio station.

Now, I have been in multi-million dollar recording studios in Nashville. I have recorded radio spots in modern, FM stations. But this was a first for me – vintage equipment older than me (I think). It was like I had walked into a museum of broadcasting.

Amazingly, everything worked. As a matter of fact, it was far simpler to use, not mention harder to break, than the finicky software on my laptop. When all else failed, I went back to the basics – and let someone else push all the buttons.

Go to the Lord

You know, I have heard it said so many times, “When all else fails, pray.”

Why is that? Why do we wait till “all else fails?” He never fails! Why don’t we just go to God first? Why don’t we let Him push the buttons?

If I had only gone to the radio station first, things would have been a lot less stressful. I would not have yelled at my wife, kicked the dog, etc. (yes, I’m joking). But when will we understand that going to God first will not only save time and spare the dog, but it will keep us from experiencing unnecessary heartache and stress?

Mat 6:33 NKJV – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

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by | March 24, 2012 · 1:11 pm

Atheists March While God Watches

Washington, D.C.

Today the mall in Washington, D.C. is being trampled by those who say there is no God. Below is a news article from Fox News.

Atheists and other nonbelievers are gathering Saturday on the National Mall for what organizers say may be the largest secular gathering in Washington’s history.

Thousands of atheists, humanists and others are expected to gather for the “Reason Rally,” featuring speakers, music and comedy. Organizers say they also expect to be challenged by religious groups.

The National Park Service says a permit calls for an estimated crowd of 15,000.

The American Humanist Society is one of the primary sponsors. Roy Speckhardt, the group’s executive director, says the rally will be a “coming out party” for humanists and atheists and a rally for political change.

Atheists held their first large gathering on the Mall in 2002. It was billed as “The Godless March on Washington.”

Two Points

There are just a couple of things that I would like to point out, and then I am done.

First, 15,000? Are you kidding? I am not a Joel Osteen fan by any means, but he has at least twice that many in his congregation on any given Sunday! And these people say they speak for the majority of Americans? Get real!

Secondly, I couldn’t help but think of all the monuments surrounding the National Mall. One in particular is worth noting: The Jefferson Memorial.

Atheists and humanist want to remove God from every public surface (including washing blessed roads – see below). The problem is that “God” has been deeply engraved in granite and marble for a long time. Consider the following excerpts from the panels surrounding the statue of Thomas Jefferson:

  • “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” – Panel 1
  • “Almighty God hath created the mind free…All attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens…are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion.”  – Panel 2
  • “God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.” – Panel 3

One of key speakers at the Reason Rally will be Prof. Richard Dawkins. Speaking of this event, Dawkins says that our country is  “constantly under threat from people who would like to turn this country into some sort of a theocracy” (see story below). However, one would think that if America should have ever become a theocracy, it should have been early on, when our founding fathers were not afraid to speak of He from whom our liberties are granted.

So, while they march, while they sing, and while they laugh, God’s name surrounds them, engraved in stone, while His eye beholds their acts of reason.

_______________________________

I would encourage you to listen to all four parts of the following address by Dr. Ravi Zacharias.

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by | March 23, 2012 · 4:06 pm

Research Sources Needed

I would like your help…

I have decided to do a research paper addressing the doctrine of separation. You could help by forwarding any relevant source material, such as books, articles, denominational publications, etc.

Specifics

Specifically, I need material published by denominations who prohibit fellowship with believers in other denominations. In other words, if you have access to published material that says stuff like, “We will not associate or worship with Southern Baptists because…,” I would greatly appreciate a copy.

You can reply here, or you can forward copies of source material to my email: PastorACBaker@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your help!

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by | March 18, 2012 · 11:54 pm

He Finished Well

Yesterday, which was Sunday, I preached a sermon entitled “Finish Well.” In honor of those men and women who peacefully risk their lives, running the race, sharing the love of God, I want to pay tribute to one who paid the highest price.

Tonight I read the following story: click here to read it. I have a wife and two young daughters, also. I can’t imagine their pain.

In memory of Joel Shrum, a 29-year-old English language teacher from Harrisburg, Pa., there will be no Monday Monkey. Please remember his family in your prayers.

He finished well.

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by | March 17, 2012 · 10:52 pm

Graduation: 1963

While I was studying and doing research for a paper (the proposal is due Sunday night and I can’t even decide on the subject), my wife was going through some boxes. She found something very interesting.

I thought it was worth sharing.

My father, Terry L. Baker, graduated from Kirkman Technical High School on May 26, 1963. Would you like to make comparisons to baccalaureate services of today? Check out the parts that are underlined.

What would the A.C.L.U. say?!

The Program

Place of baccalaureate service: Red Bank Baptist Church

Prelude: “The Heavens are Telling“

Processional: “God of Our Fathers“

Invocation: Pastor Ralph Norton

The Invocation Response: G. P. da Palestrina

Solo: “Just for Today” (by a student)

Scripture Reading: by Class of 1963 President of the Miracle Book Club

Congregational Hymn: “O Worship the King”

Solo: “One God” (by a student)

Baccalaureate Message: The Rev. Dr. Ralph Norton

“The Lords Prayer”: (read by a student)

Bennediction: Dr. Ralph Norton

How much of this would be allowed today? Who would go to jail for these horrible crimes against humanity? Over 220 graduates and their families went to this service, and not one complained.

Amazing.

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by | March 15, 2012 · 4:48 pm

What Underground Churches Don’t Worry About

In a sermon I preached not long ago, I made mention of the fact that you never see “First Baptist,” “Methodist,” or “Community Non-Denominational” plastered above an underground church. When all one wants to do is worship God without being imprisoned or killed, denominational distinction is one of the least of their worries.

That led me to think of other things that an underground church might not worry about:

  • The color of the carpet
  • The font on the church bulletin
  • Whether or not they sing a hymn or a praise song
  • Whether or not the pulpit is made of wood or etched glass
  • Cassette tapes or CD’s
  • Bible Versions
  • Post-graduate or seminary training
  • Projection screens
  • Padded pews
  • Pews
  • A family activity building
  • Gold or silver communion accessories
  • How long the worship lasts
  • What people wear
  • Parking
  • Youth activities
  • Revival Meetings

No, I don’t think underground churches ever have time to worry about all these things. They are more concerned with fellowship, encouragement, prayer, reading God’s Word in any version they can get their hands on, and staying alive.

Evidently we are closer to God – we have more things to worry about.

Some may even worry that these Iranian Christians are dancing and using a drum to chant the names of God. For shame!

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by | March 13, 2012 · 12:23 pm

Prayer Before Writing

While reading a required book for one of my seminary classes, I came across something that convicted me. It was a prayer.

“Holy One, you wrote my name in the palm of your hand before time began. You commanded the prophets to write down your will for your people. Please let me, as I write, share your love and grace and wisdom through my words.” – Deborah Core

The Seminary Student Writes is a small book, but it is full of helpful instruction and insight for writing at the seminary level. However, the above prayer, or its equivalent, should precede not only research papers and dissertations, but blog posts as well.

Every time I sit down to write I should say a prayer. Before I hit the “publish” button I should be sure my words comply with His words. For you see, words are powerful. Words are tools. Words are weapons. Words should be used with the utmost care and wisdom.

It never fails to amaze me when I see how my words reach so many place all over the world. Most of the places my blog is read I will never visit. Yet, what I write here has the potential to minister in ways I could never imagine. With so much potential to influence lives in places only God knows, how much more should I ask Him to give me the words?

Do you pray before you write?

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