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by Anthony Baker | April 29, 2019 · 12:36 pm

God-Centered, or Christ-Filled (Pt. 2)

Continuing from last time, let me conclude my thoughts on the difference between being God-centered and Christ-filled.

The Realization

When contemplated what I had asked of God (to make me characterized by a God-centered life), the mental picture of a wheel came to mind. It was the picture of a wheel with a center hub and spokes, much like a bicycle or wagon wheel. As I thought about this, however, something seemed wrong. Something seemed almost selfish.

You see, when you look at a wheel, especially the kind with spokes and a hub, it may not be obvious at first, but there are parts. In such a wheel I can distinguish the spokes from the hub, and the rim from the spokes. I can even see that there are spaces in between the spokes that are empty and not attatched or filled with anything – just empty. If God is supposed to be represented by the hub, the center of the wheel, then the wheel is not really all about the hub, but the wheel itself.

It’s about Jesus

The Apostle Paul told the Athenians (Acts 17:28) that in Jesus we “live, and move, and have our being.” In a letter to the Galatians he said “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). It would seem to me that Jesus should be more than our “hub.” He should be our “ALL.”

That is when I thought of a different picture. This time I imagined a solid circle – a disk. Unlike the other picture where God was the center of everything, yet separate, here was a picture of wholeness. In this picture, if my life is this type of wheel, people won’t notice anything about me, just Christ.

All of the spokes (my life, my dreams, my habits and hobbies, my talents, and my desires); the empty spaces (the areas of my life that seem irrelevant); and the rim (the total expanse of who I am – my identity, my sphere of influence); each part is now inseparable from the life and power of Christ who lives within me.

May they see Jesus

So, I no longer want to be characterized as a man with a God-centered life. I want to be a man characterized by the life of Christ. When people look at me, I don’t want them to say, “Hey, that guy really knows how to serve God,” or “Hey, that guy really loves the Lord.” Even though there is nothing wrong with those things, how much better would it be if they could say, “Hey, I met this guy… at first I thought he was that man they call Jesus.”

Remember, it was to the Church at Corinth that Paul said, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” There must have been some hearing this letter read who were deceived. Don’t be like them. Make sure your life is in Christ, and He is in you.

May your activities be “God-centered;” but your life “Christ-filled.” May the world see Jesus in you.

For Discussion:

Can you distinguish between a God-centered and a Christ-filled life? What characteristics would you expect to see?

Do you think someone could live a God-centered life and still be unsaved?

Your comments would be appreciated.

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Filed under Christian Living, Christian Maturity, legalism, Uncategorized

Tagged as Acts of the Apostles, Christianity, Epistle to the Galatians, faith, Legalism, Religion & Spirituality

by Anthony Baker | April 28, 2019 · 9:33 am

God-Centered, or Christ-Filled? (Pt. 1)

The Prayer

Just the other morning I asked for the Lord to make me a “characteristic example of a life centered on God.” But as soon as I prayed that prayer, another thought came into my mind.

Maybe being “God-centered” is not enough.

God-Centered Living

You may be asking, “What is wrong with that?” Well, there is nothing wrong with living a God-centered life, generally speaking. On the other hand, there is more to being a Christian than being “God-centered.”

“Outrageous!” “That’s blasphemy,” you say. Well, is it? Stop and think about it for just a moment. Start with thinking about what being “God-centered” actually means.

Does someone have to be a true Christian in order to live a God-centered life? You may think so, at first, but there may be a few church folk fooling themselves. Don’t believe me? Read what Paul wrote to the Church…

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” – 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV

Why would the Apostle tell church people to “examine” and “prove” whether or not they were in the faith? Could it be that there were some who were going through all the motions, but were never converted, never born anew? Could it have been possible that there were some doing all the right things, for the right reasons, but not right with God? He says that the answer to the test will be whether or not “Jesus Christ is in you.”

Can people live God-centered lives and still be lost? To help answer this question, consider the following people (names are fictitious). Do their actions guarantee salvation?

Bob goes to church every day the doors are open, including every other function on every other day
Henry gives 20% of his income and 10% of his time to the church. If there is a need, ask Henry for help.
Margaret goes to a Fundamental church, has the right translation of the Bible, and never wears pants – ever.
Mary would never say a dirty word, tell an off-color joke, or even permit foul language in her presence.
Sharon put aside marriage and gave her life to helping orphans on the streets of Mumbai, India.
Scott and Karen have Bible studies in their home, take the kids to Sunday School, and even have gold crosses in every room of their home, not to mention on their necks.
A rich young ruler keeps all the commandments (not just the Big 10) from his youth.

If these people were to examine themselves, as Paul asked, what might be missing? Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Is it not possible that someone could do everything for God’s glory (live a God-centered life), but still die without Christ?

What are your thoughts?

Have you “proven” whether you “be in the faith?”

Do you know of Scripture that supports a “God-centered” life being proof of salvation?

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Filed under Christian Living, legalism, salvation, Uncategorized

Tagged as Legalism, Mumbai, Religion & Spirituality, Sunday School, What is a legalist?

by Anthony Baker | April 26, 2019 · 2:10 pm

Don’t Be Intimidated – Be Bold

Some of you might be feeling discouraged, afraid, worn out, or intimidated by the Enemy and his minions. Don’t be! Be bold!

Just today I came across a guy on Facebook who thought he could scare me into a cave with his personal insults and arrogance. He said, “Cry, fool! I’m thirsty.” I guess he supposed I’d be scared to converse with him. I wasn’t.

Yet, too many believers fear the atheists, the skeptics, and the difficult questions and avoid any confrontation. Considering who promised to be on our side, that’s a shame. Even if we lose a battle here and there, the outcome of the conflict has been determined in eternity past. So, get in the fight!

Don’t be intimidated… into silence with regards to your faith – share it anyway.

Don’t be intimidated… by those who want to deny the reality or historicity of your faith – their arguments aren’t as strong as they think.

Don’t be intimidated… by politicians and lawmakers, especially those who support every kind of deviancy known to man – they will have to answer to the High King of Heaven one day.

Don’t be intimidated… by unexplained phenomena – the universe and EVERYTHING in it was created by God for His glory.

Don’t be intimidated… by those who believe truth is relative and morality is based on the flip of a coin – they’re afraid of a higher law.

Don’t be intimidated… by children who think they know everything – because they don’t.

Don’t be intimidated… by a lack of experience or knowledge – get it.

Don’t be intimidated… by a mountain – it can either be climbed or tunneled through…or moved.

Don’t be intimidated… by the strength of others – if God be for us, who can be against us?

Don’t be intimidated… by the unknown – it’s not.

1Pe 3:14-16 – But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; (15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (16) Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

2Ti 1:12 – For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Rom 8:37 – Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

I don’t know what you’ve been going through, or what you’ve been facing, but I hope this helps. May the Holy Spirit use these words to minister to you, as they have to me, and give you strength to stand.

Don’t be intimidated… “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4, the words of Jesus).

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Filed under Aliens, Apologetics, Christian Living, Christian Maturity, Culture Wars, General Observations, God, self-worth, Uncategorized, World View

Tagged as Christianity, Intimidation

by Anthony Baker | April 15, 2019 · 10:23 am

My First GoFundMe

John Wayne once said, “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.”

Clint Eastwood once said, “A man’s gotta know his limitations.”

James (James 4:2) said, “[Ye] have not, because ye ask not.”

Therefore, since I knew my financial limitations, I knew what I needed to do: Ask.

So, I have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help get our Toyota van back on the road. The transmission died Friday, and there is no way we can come up with the estimated $2,000 to $2,500 to fix it any time soon.

I don’t want to always be asking for help, because I don’t think that’s what John Wayne or Clint Eastwood would do. But I’m not either one of those guys; I’m a bi-vocational pastor of a tiny church who’s run into every obstacle imaginable over the last year and has been unable to work much. God has provided, so I’m not bitter. However, He has provided much through the generosity of those whose hearts He has burdened to help.

And I appreciate them more than they will ever know.

Now, if you can help, God bless you. If you can’t, why not share this with someone who might be able to. And, if nothing else, keep my family and ministry in your prayers.

God bless,
Anthony Baker (The Recovering Legalist)

CLICK THE LINK BELOW

https://www.gofundme.com/make-the-van-run-again&rcid=r01-155533706628-284ee1b848434144&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w

Rhetoric and Homiletics.org

Every once in a while I come across a blog that doesn’t get near the attention it deserves. This is one of them.

I would recommend you check it out, especially if you are a teacher, preacher, or pastor.

Just make sure to check out more than one post so you can get a feel for what is there.

God bless!

rhetoricandhomiletics.org/2019/04/09/todays-illustration-noise-or-message/comment-page-1/

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Filed under Bible Study, blogging, Preaching, Uncategorized

Tagged as blogging, Illustrations, preaching, teaching

Quote

Braves Offer Prayers For Former Manager Bobby Cox Following Stroke

I just wanted to share this post so you could become aware of Michael Wilson’s blog for Atlanta Braves history.

If you’re a Braves fan, this is for you!

via Braves Offer Prayers For Former Manager Bobby Cox Following Stroke

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by Anthony Baker | April 9, 2019 · 8:38 am

by Anthony Baker | April 8, 2019 · 12:31 pm

Don’t Follow Your Heart

I came across this post I wrote for Proverbial Thought a while back. I tried to treat the particular passage with honesty and good scholarship. But now that I’ve had actual heart issues, the post carries a little more significance.

Proverbial Thought

Proverbs 23:19-21

“Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags.”

Stay Away from These

The first thing many people will pick and choose out of these verses is a condemnation of drinking alcohol. Like many I have known in my life, the point many will immediately deduce is that drinking will lead to ruin, poverty, rags, etc. The last thing most will conclude is that eating will lead to destruction and ruin. No, the only thing many will see is, “stay away from those social drinkers and drunks.”

Why is it that little is ever said about gluttony? Why is it that gluttony is a sin, but eating isn’t? Unfortunately for the legalists among us…

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Listen to the Warning

If you didn’t know, we’ve started posting thoughts from Proverbs, again, both in then morning and evening. I would encourage you follow Proverbial Thought and share it with others. I know it would be a blessing.

This morning’s post was one I wrote based on my experience with people asking me, “Why did this happen to me?”

Proverbial Thought

Proverbs 1:24-27

Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; (25) But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: (26) I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; (27) When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

Working Backwards

Let’s look at the above passage, starting from the end, then working back to the beginning. Fear, destruction, distress and anguish: all of these are the result of something. They are all consequences of unwise, foolish choices.

I deal with children, young people, and plenty of adults who complain about their circumstances. Many times they come to me weeping and asking, “Why? Why? Why?” With tears flowing, their faces red, they look for answers, but not before…

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by Anthony Baker | March 31, 2019 · 1:32 pm

It’s a View-a-thon!

Maybe it’s a petty goal, but all I need to finish out this month with more views than last month is a measly 100 views (approximately).

But don’t get me wrong, you’re more than a number: you’re a view.

And I appreciate you 🙂

Click, share, like, comment, and then do it again…. for the children, of course.

It’s a “view-a-thon”!

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by Anthony Baker | March 18, 2019 · 7:38 am

VerseD: 1 Chronicles 16:24

God has always been missional. Are we imitating Him? Now, more than ever, we should be bold in our efforts to proclaim Him.

a simple man of God

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
1 Chronicles 16:24, ESV

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) was not the first time God said to share about Him with the world. As followers and believers, we must share the faith we have.

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