Tag Archives: Christianity

by Anthony Baker | October 26, 2024 · 12:37 pm

How to Vote Like Jesus

Friends, let me be honest. The sermon I am sharing with you today is the best I’ve ever, EVER heard on this subject. It is absolutely spot on, biblical, and convicting.

This pastor does not endorse a candidate, but he makes it abundantly clear with Scripture what the God-given duty of an American Christian is. It’s your choice, but you have to actually make one.

To sit out this (or any) election is nothing less than passive disobedience to God. That’s what this pastor argues, and I believe he is correct.

Tending Another’s Sheep or Put On a Shelf? Which Is It?

You are now reading what I’m thinking. I am writing as the thoughts percolate and bubble out of my brain. Thankfully my iPhone is water resistant!

Yes, I’m writing what you are reading on my old, cracked up iPhone 12 Pro Max while standing in a dimly-lit break room in the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, TN. It’s a little chilly in here, too, especially when I’m not doing anything but standing.

An Update

You’re probably curious, so let me give you a thumbnail sketch of my reality. I used to be in full-time ministry, but now I’m working in the VW plant making Atlas SUVs. I’ve been here about a year and a half, during which time my neck started hurting. For the last 2 months I’ve been on restricted duty – in the break room.

To look at this another way, not only am I not doing what I love most (preaching), I’m not even doing what I’m supposed to be getting paid for. I am literally waiting for decisions from up above – the people in worker’s comp insurance.

Two Scenarios

It all reminds me of two possible scenarios. One is that of a prophet stuck out in the backside of the wilderness tending his father-in-law’s sheep. The other is that of a worthless, unusable vessel or tool put up on a shelf. I’ve often wondered which one is me.

Am I a Moses or a cracked pot? Maybe I’m both.

Forgive me for making this all about me, myself, and I. It is, after all, my story. However, the truth that I’m about to share is applicable to you just as much as me. Who knows, our stories may not be all that different.

Here is the great truth. Here is the fact that could change your life. Are you ready for it?

Listen carefully …..

There is no shelf.

You read that right. There is no shelf. There is no place where God places a useless vessel, and why is that? Because no one is useless. All of us are still capable of bringing glory and praise to our Maker. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here.

Oh, I’ve heard it preached. I’ve even preached it. You may have heard it said that God takes those who’ve messed up and puts them “on a shelf” to sit. They sit there, gathering dust, accomplishing nothing, especially nothing like the purpose for which they were designed.

But, like I said, there is no shelf.

Read Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 4:8-10; and Psalm 138:8. In these passages we read nothing about uselessness. What we do see is that God has a plan, we are a part of it, and He will accomplish the work He started in us for His glory!

So, that leaves us with the other option. Are you and I stuck in a place we never thought we’d be, doing work we were never trained for? Does it feel like we are no longer of any use to God, so He has relegated us to taking care of other people’s stuff?

Moses must have felt that way, but God had greater things ahead for him and the time tending Jethro’s sheep was simply preparation.

Testimony Destroyed?

Someone once told me, “I destroyed my testimony.” But honestly, if the Lord is always faithful, even when we are not (2 Timothy 2:13), how can we “destroy” a testimony? Sure, you may do something that might disqualify you for a particular work, such as being a pastor, but every breath you breath is a testimony to the faithful love, mercy, and grace of your Father!

Where you and I are may not be where we wanted to be, or even where we could have been, especially if we had made better decisions. But God is sovereign! We may roll the dice, but the Lord determines how it lands (Proverbs 16:33).

I am confident that I’ve not been set aside by Jesus, never again to use the gifts He has given me. “The gifts and callings of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29).

I’m just in the break room waiting on word from higher up.

4 Comments

Filed under Life Lessons, self-worth

Tagged as Christianity, Ministry, Moses, purpose

by Anthony Baker | June 11, 2024 · 10:28 am

I’m Still Preaching

Today, June 11, is the anniversary of the death of a mighty man of God: a preacher, a pastor, my father. He died the week before Father’s day.

Several years ago I went to his grave and placed my Bible on his tombstone. There, glistening in the sun, were the gilded words “Rev. Anthony C. Baker.” It was a symbolic answer to a question I had received more than a few times.

You Still Preaching?

I don’t hear it too much anymore, but I used to hear it rather frequently. Family members, old friends, former acquaintances, and the average person I never wanted to see again would come up to me and ask, “Hey, you still preaching?”

Maybe it’s the thing to do. Maybe it is customary to ask a person if they are still doing what they were doing the last time you saw them. I guess it makes sense.

But it’s when they ask if I’m still preaching that hurts on several different levels. Is it something I’d actually stop doing?

Some Statistics

In reality, it’s not that unreasonable to ask someone who once accepted the call to ministry if he is still preaching. Even though it sorta feels like an insult, I shouldn’t be surprised by other people’s shock. I mean, it has been 40 years since I made my calling public. I’ve known more than one who has walked away the first year.

If more people knew the statistics, few would ever enter the ministry. Stop and think about it, would you enter a career with the highest rate of heart attacks? Would you take out student loans for a degree that demands you work multiple jobs? Consider these sad facts…

70% felt God called them to pastoral ministry before their ministry began, but after three years of ministry, only fifty percent still felt called.
80% of pastors’ spouses wish their spouse would choose another profession.
70% of pastors constantly fight depression.
80% of adult children of pastors surveyed have had to seek professional help for depression.
70% of pastors do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor.
80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.

Still Preaching

Yet, even though I am longer in the pastorate, I’m still preaching. It may surprise people who haven’t seen me in a while, but I’m still doing the Lord’s work and still following the call I first heard when I was 16. It may sound strange, but I can’t help it.

“But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” – Jeremiah 20:9 NLT

“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” – 1 Corinthians 9:16 KJV

That old Bible has a lot more wear on it since I took that picture years ago. But that’s OK, I’ve got a few cracks in my leather, too.

But Dad, two things remain true, despite all these years: that grave won’t always hold you, and I’ll keep preaching until we meet again. 

The Secret Pain of Pastors (bluechippastor.org)
Thinking of Entering the Pastoral Ministry? (zwingliusredivivus.wordpress.com)

1 Comment

Filed under Christian Maturity, Church, Life/Death, ministry, Preaching, Relationships and Family

Tagged as Christianity, Family, Ministry, preaching

by Anthony Baker | March 13, 2024 · 3:47 pm

Steve Harvey Isn’t Mr. Wholesome

Are you a fan of the gameshow Family Feud? Sure, there may be some haters out there, but most people enjoy watching it. And since YouTube has been around, what’s more fun that watching funny clips from the show?

Well, recently my wife and I had the opportunity to attend the taping of two shows in Tyler Perry’s studios in Atlanta, GA. It was fun, I must admit – lots of fun. I’d even encourage you to attend a taping just once for no other reason than the experience.

But once the recording of the shows began, it became very clear how much editing must take place before an episode can be aired on syndicated television. Without a bunch of editing, the “family” version of Family Feud would have to receive an adult/parental-guidance-suggested rating.

Now, most people would not be shocked to hear that Steve Harvey, the host of the show, has the tendency to use adult language. However, even though blooper reels have hinted at language used off camera, the reality is that Mr. Harvey is a potty mouth.

For instance, you may have seen how that everyone always says, “Good answer!” whenever a family member gives any kind of answer to a question. They do this because they are supposed to. They do this even when they know the answer was not a good one. But in one case the answer was so bad, even Steve Harvey had to comment to the audience.

Mr. Harvey walked away from the family and toward the edge of the stage, faced the audience, then said, “I wish you could have seen the looks on your faces…it was like, ‘What the h***?'” He then agreed with the audience that the answer was a horrible one, but then stated that “there is no f****** way that sh** will be on the board!”

That was pretty much the pattern. Whenever things got slow, or whenever something crazy was said, Harvey would walk past a line on the stage and engage the audience, often with vulgar language. It started to feel uncomfortable.

Of course, it wasn’t only Steve Harvey; the family members on stage had their moments, too. Some answers and some things talked about will NEVER be put on family television.

However, it was not just the language and the inuendo so prevalent that evening that caused me the greatest concern. To be honest, I kinda expected it. No, what was most disturbing was the final few moments of the evening when Steve Harvey spoke to the audience.

Harvey has a huge, huge following. Many people watch and listen to him and are influenced by his advice (which isn’t all bad). And if there is one thing about him that I admire, it’s his boldness to talk about his faith in God. I mean, that night was not the time to be an atheist, not unless you wanted to be called out as an idiot by the TV host.

However, even though Mr. Harvey was quick to point out things like he was nothing without God; his efforts at evangelism missed a huge mark: that Jesus is the ONLY way to God. As a matter of fact, at one point, even though Harvey was adamant one needs to believe in God, he stated it really didn’t matter who your god was, as long as you believed…. because FAITH is what’s important.

So, then, what you have is a foul-mouthed false teacher, really. Sad, especially considering the influence Steve Harvey has.

5 Comments

Filed under Faith, General Observations, Theology

Tagged as Christianity, faith, Family Feud, God, Steve Harvey, television

by Anthony Baker | January 11, 2024 · 8:19 am

What Does the Bible REALLY Say About Homosexuality (video series)

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening! That’s how I start all the videos I post on my YouTube channel called “Edify!”. The same to you!

All this week I have been uploading videos addressing the question of homosexuality, specifically the question: What does the Bible really say about homosexuality?

Now, all five videos in the series are based on a single sermon I delivered a couple of years ago. Actually, they are 95% verbatim. But, since the videos are short, the subject matter is barely unpacked, only highlighted, at best.

Regardless, there are some key points made and seed for future discussion planted.

I’d love to hear your feedback, if you care to leave it. Comment on the videos or comment here on the blog. I’d appreciate it.

God bless!

2 Comments

Filed under Bible Study

Tagged as Christianity, Homosexuality in the Bible, What did Jesus say about homosexuality?

by Anthony Baker | December 16, 2023 · 12:58 pm

10 Reasons and 10 Videos why Jesus Is Better than Santa Claus!

Hello, everyone! It’s been a while since I’ve been in touch (I tend to like these long breaks, it seems).

However, I am making an HUGE effort to bring you guys up to date with links to ALL my videos from a recent series on YouTube.

If you remember, I mentioned a while back that I was going to take older posts and convert them into videos for my new Edify! channel on YouTube. I did that, but it didn’t work as well as I initially thought it would.

So, what I did this time was take a sermon outline and turn it into a whole series: 10 Reasons Why Jesus Is Better than Santa.

Funny thing, I have gotten VERY LITTLE response on YouTube, but a lot from viewers on TikTok. Therefore, if you would be so kind, would you check out these videos on YouTube and let me know what you think? It would be great if all my subscribers to this blog would subscribe to my channel! I might even get monetized 🙂

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as Apologetics, Bible, Christianity, Christmas, Edify!, Jesus, Santa, Santa Claus, YouTube

by Anthony Baker | November 1, 2023 · 12:18 pm

Fruitless YouTube?

Hello, Friends!

Today, I am going to share with you a video that I have posted on both YouTube and TikTok. I’ve been posting videos on both platforms for a couple of weeks, but TikTok is out performing YouTube by leaps and bounds.

Now, I understand that TikTok is geared toward getting more views. But I don’t understand why I’m getting so few views on YouTube.

Is it just the subject matter? Because my pitifully amateur watch review channel is doing MUCH better.

Anyway, here’s my latest video. I’d appreciate your feedback.

From my YouTube channel called “Edify!”

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as Christianity, video, YouTube

by Anthony Baker | October 11, 2023 · 8:10 am

The Edify Channel

I haven’t been doing much writing, but I have been doing video. Here is the last one I posted on my new channel.

https://youtu.be/PsFU-ugGEU0?si=1zWx1BxVan7-G5D5

A New YouTube Channel

Hello, friends.

It’s been nearly 2 months since I last updated you about anything, and for that I apologize. However, today I want to introduce you to my new YouTube channel, Edify.

Below is a link to my latest episode (for Sept. 22). I hope you like what I’m doing.

At Least VWs are Getting Built!

As I begin to write this, I am looking up to where it says, “Add title.” But I’m not sure what it should be. I am going to have to wait till I write a little more, I guess.

Two things have brought me back to the old keyboard: my new friend’s question and my questioning of what’s next.

My New Friend’s Question

If you read my last post, you’ll know who I’m talking about. There’s a sharp young man where I work with whom I’ve had some conversations. It was he who, while standing beside me in the “micro market,” asked, “Are you OK?”

Now, it doesn’t happen very often, as you probably well know – someone actually asking if you’re OK. I mean, it’s totally common to have people casually ask how you’re doing and not really expect an honest answer. And they shouldn’t expect it, either.

You and I do the same thing, don’t we? In passing, like an amplified “hello,” we ask, “How’re you?” without really wanting to receive a detailed response. All we expect is an obligatory, “I’m fine, how are you?” To which we always intend to say, “Fine.”

But this morning was a little different. My new friend asked if I was OK. He actually wanted to know! How strange! In a place with 5,000 people on any given day just trying to make it through their shift, here you have a guy who actually cared! So how did I respond?

Well, I don’t remember my exact words (his were more memorable), but I said something like, “I’m not that great.”

That’s when he told me he had noticed my lack of on-line activity (writing here, that is). So, here I am.

Questioning What’s Next

That brings me to the second of the two reasons I am writing this: I don’t know what’s next!

Here’s the thing, folks… I’m worn out. I’m tired. Primarily physically, but also emotionally. Everything from my new job (the main reason) to uncontrollable events, all have drained me so much that I have nothing to squeeze out. It’s literally taking reserve energy to type this.

If you want to know how bad things are, consider this: I am probably (90% sure) going to back away from the whole watch thing. Why? Well, for several reasons:

I’m too tired to make videos. It would help to have a dedicated, undisturbed studio, but I don’t, and everything has to be set up fresh each time I record. Then comes all the editing.
It takes time and money, neither of which I have much extra.
Even though I enjoy new watches, my last new one sucked the wind out of my sails when it exposed that I really didn’t want what I thought I wanted as the ultimate watch.
The economic suffering my friends in Pakistan are enduring made thinking of a luxury watch feel sickening.

So, if not watches, what? Back to painting? I wish – and hope! But again, with no dedicated place to set things up and leave them, it takes too much energy out of me to even get started.

And then there’s that whole “energy” thing. Did I mention that I worn out, tired, exhausted?

I don’t even want to study, which is the most tragic thing of all. Even though I have the opportunity to schedule speaking engagements, the thought of picking up a phone tires me, not to mention the mental fatigue that accompanies preparation.

Lastly, because this is already too long, I’m spiritually drained and feel like I can’t refill. My faith is under attack from several fronts and the battles are taking their toll. I’m not losing my faith, per say, but I do find myself wondering if I’m fighting the right battles.

If I could get more sleep, I would. But that’s a subject of its own.

But I’ll tell you this, at least some dadgum Volkswagen Atlas SUVs are getting built!