Tag Archives: Christianity

by | June 17, 2016 · 2:06 pm

There’s a Need! You Can Help

Getting Revived

Most of you are probably aware of calls for revival in our churches and our nation. God knows we need it. However, when have you last heard of a pastor needing revival?

Believe it or not, preachers and pastors need to be revived and recharged from time to time. Doing the same thing over and over, week after week, with all the regular issues that are never-ending, will wear a rut in the road of life. That is why I decided to accept an open door to preach in Zimbabwe – to get off the well-rutted path.

I need revival.

Back Story

A couple of months ago I impulsively, in a tongue-in-cheek way, posted a statement on my wall which read something like, “Now accepting speaking engagements around the world. Call now before my schedule is full.”  Almost immediately Dr. Eddie Rushing, the Associational Missionary (Director of Missions) with the Northwest Georgia Baptist Association messaged me. He wrote, “Do you want to go to Zimbabwe?” “Are you serious,” was my response. He then asked, “Are you?”

zimbabwe mapGood question. And yes, I was. I just really didn’t think I’d get a response…at least not that quickly.

I considered it a God thing.

The Current Story

Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe is a small city in the central, northwest area of the country. The local association of churches in that area have scheduled revival meetings in six different churches and want American pastors to come preach. I am one of those pastors! The meetings will be conducted simultaneously across the city in the evenings.

During the daytime, we will be going door-to-door and speaking with people in the streets. Unlike here in America, people there are very open to having people visit. However, I am not so naïve to believe there will be no opposition, so your prayers will be very welcome.

This is something I’ve been desperately in need of. I need to be refreshed and reignited…revived. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone, going to a totally different environment, and witnessing many things now alien to Christianity in this country. If nothing else, I will be able to preach longer without people getting upset 😉

The Need

Here’s the deal, and I’m going to lay it out for you as honestly as possible. I don’t have the money for this trip, so I need help.

I mean, seriously, committing to go on this trip could not have happened at a worse time, financially speaking. Among other things, this is the summer and I am not driving a school bus. That means a large portion of my income is gone for three (3) months. The summer months are very, very tight.

So, as you will see in the attached letter below – one that some of you may have received in the mail – the need is great, and there’s not a lot of time to spare. If you can help in any way, your gift to help fund this trip will be tax-deductible (if that matters to you) and will help make a huge difference in this preacher and the church I pastor.

We all need revival.

Below is a copy of the text from a support letter sent out by the Northwest Georgia and Lookout Valley Baptist Associations on my behalf.

Dear Friends,

I am writing to you on behalf of Anthony Baker. Anthony has signed up to go on a mission trip to Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe, August 8 – 19. This will be a life changing experience for him. Our association takes trips somewhere in the world every year. Many people have been saved as a result of these trips and all who have gone have come back fired up about supporting missions around the world.

This trip will cost somewhere around $2500. Anthony has some of his support but needs to raise a good part of it. Will you please consider sending a donation to help pay for the cost of this trip? If you are unable to help financially, we understand; but, we ask that you pray for him related to this. If you can help, please make you check payable to the Northwest Georgia Baptist Association and send it to us at the above address. Please mark your check designated for Anthony Baker’s mission trip. All contributions are tax deductible.

While there, Anthony will be speaking in churches and doing door-to-door and street evangelism. Our work will be among a people that are very open to the gospel and who desperately need someone to come and share the good news.

Thanks for your consideration of this and may God richly bless you.

In His Service,

Eddy Rushing

Associational Missionary

P S: The deadline for this need is July 15, 2016.

Contact Information

Northwest Georgia and Lookout Valley Baptist Associations

63 Pin Oak Drive, Rock Spring, Georgia 30739

Phone: 706-764-1941

Fax: 706-764-1959

Now, would you please pray for this need? Even if you can’t afford to help financially, would you at least pray? I want to see great things happen not only in Zimbabwe, but in my own spiritual life. You can help by praying for me.

3 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Countries, ministry, places, Preaching

Tagged as , , , , ,

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

6 Comments

Filed under ministry, Preaching

Tagged as , , ,

by | May 29, 2016 · 12:46 am

10 Things Jewish Believers In Christ Want You to Know

The following is a guest post written by Melissa Zelniker-Presser. She has a unique perspective on being Jewish and a Christian which makes this post a “must read.”. – Anthony Baker

A Mom’s Perspective

My son has ADHD. He may very well be on the spectrum for autism. That has caused a lot of people not to understand him, to judge him or to treat him with scorn, malice and contempt. In the four years that I have ridden the roller coaster of a parent who has a child that is not “the norm,” it is the misunderstanding and opinions of others that are often times worse than the disorder itself. I have heard everything from:

  • You must have done something wrong in your pregnancy
  • You have too many kids so he probably doesn’t get enough attention
  • You work so you don’t spend enough time with him
  • Don’t expect him to succeed

This is just some of the commentary and ignorance that I deal with on a daily basis. And it has made me see his world in a whole different light.

Recently a friend of ours from church who has an autistic son gave me a book entitled, “Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew,” by Ellen Notbohm.  I haven’t finished the book yet because I’ve stopped to pause and reflect on every page. The book is written from the perspective of the autistic child which is wholly unique. And although of course it can’t capture everything that child may be thinking or feeling, it is a valiant attempt at getting people to understand how that child feels.

I wasn’t even a couple of pages into the book when I thought about a recent series of questions I was asked about being a Jewish believer in Christ. These questions can oftentimes feel like science experiments, making me feel different and not so good about myself. Gentile brethren are oftentimes misguided and uninformed, asserting their theological opinions on who I am and what my journey to Christ may or may not look like. If I didn’t hold back, I’d want to shout from the rooftops, I am just like you! I am a Christian too!!! Why must you see me any different?

Reading the beginning of the book, the quick overview of the ten things that every child with autism wishes you knew, immediately sparked an idea in me to express to people the 10 things Jewish believers in Christ want you to know. Jewish believers are often polite and not forthcoming about their struggles, and I am hoping that by revealing some of my innermost thoughts, gentile brethren will understand where I am coming from as  Jewish follower of Christ.

Ten Things … From a Jewish Perspective

1. Please don’t expect that I know everything about the Jewish religion- Most Jews don’t.

We as Jews are oftentimes more cultural than we are religious. Being Jewish is part of our identity just as if someone was Hispanic. But this does not mean that we speak Hebrew, know the Old Testament or can recite an entire Passover Seder. There’s nothing worse than being called on or questioned about our Judaism in front of other believers.

2. Please don’t tell me I am no longer Jewish- Jewish people have a heritage and identity that resides deep within their souls. We bleed Jewish.

When we as Jewish women are pregnant, we are tested for Jewish specific diseases based on our ancestral heritage. Jesus was JEWISH. Jesus did not stop being Jewish when he was crucified and died, so neither do I. And please do not cite your authority for believing I am no longer Jewish as Galatians 3:28, you are misguided. Respect my heritage and who I am. Yes we are one body in Christ but I cannot change WHO I am. Being Jewish is part of who God made me and part of my identity.

3. Please don’t single me out amongst our brothers and sisters- There is nothing worse than having your well-meaning  Christian brother or sister introduce you as a Jewish believer.

If it comes up in conversation fine. But please don’t shout across the room and draw attention to me. I want to be just like you, a Christian. I am saved and redeemed by the blood of the lamb just like you.

4. Don’t expect that I know other Jewish believers- This happens all the time, I expect because we are somewhat of an anomaly.

Hey do you know Sally Jones, she is also a Jewish believer. No, no I don’t know Sally Jones. Why would I know Sally Jones? We are no longer living in the desert in close communion with one another. There are millions of us. Don’t expect me to know Sally.

5. Don’t put us down because we choose to keep our customs and traditions alive; this is not legalism!- Jewish custom and tradition is inherent for us.

We are rooted in the foods and holidays of our Jewish culture, and guess what, so was Jesus! People want to make Jesus a gentile, but he is not. He celebrated all of the Jewish festivals and grew up Jewish. Hello, the last supper was a Passover Seder! For many of us, these traditions bring us closer to Jesus and help our children understand who they are in Christ.

6. No we have not all been to Israel- I am American just like so many of you.

I have not been to Israel. Although I hope and pray that God will grant me that trip one day, I’ve never been as I am sure most of you haven’t either.

7. Stop telling me that my Jewish relatives will never make it to heaven unless they accept Jesus- You don’t know that and you don’t know whether someone has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Jewish people are shunned once they become Christians and many may not outwardly profess Christ, but you never know what’s in someone’s heart.

8. Be sensitive to the fact that I am new to Christmas and Easter- Three years ago was our first Christmas and Easter.

It was hard for us to figure out how to celebrate and what to do. We have no traditions or family meals since we are Jewish. Do the Christian thing-invite us to yours, especially when you know we are new believers. Help us to develop our own traditions to pass on to our own children.

9. Love me for who I am and stop trying to make me a Gentile- I will never be a Gentile.

Love me for me, just as you would love any believer for who they are in Christ. Respect where I am in my walk with Christ, and encourage me in that as a Jew, not a Gentile.

10. You as a Gentile will never know what it’s like to be Jewish- No amount of bible school will teach you that.

Don’t try to be like me or try to use your biblical knowledge  to show me that. I’ll respect you more for the person that God made you, not the knowledge you have.

It is hard to be a Jewish believer in Christ. Friends and family will be sure to leave you. You are ostracized from your Jewish community and then many times inadvertently ostracized from your Christian one. We don’t fit in neatly, which is where you come in … to help us acclimate, to respect who we are, and to love us as Jewish believers in the Lord Jesus.

 

22 Comments

Filed under blogging, Christian Unity, community, Guest Posts, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , ,

by | May 26, 2016 · 7:00 am

Islands

The following is a guest post written by David Welford. The only islands I’ve ever been to are the Florida Keys. – Anthony Baker

I have a natural affinity for islands. I grew up on a small island called Guernsey, and moved to the rather larger island of Great Britain when I was eleven years old. Since then I have visited many islands, my preference being for the smaller variety.

Newfoundland, while interesting, was just too big. Guernsey, measuring just eight miles by five, was perfect. But then I am biased in favor of my childhood home.

There are smaller islands close to Guernsey that are wonderful for a day visit, but living permanently on a very small island poses certain challenges including food supplies, schooling, and social interaction.
P1110222

Last week I visited Madeira for the first time. Madeira is a Portuguese island that rises steeply from the Atlantic Ocean and has a population of roughly 280,000. To me that is a lot of people, but the island itself is small enough to get around.

Madeira is very rugged and very green. Everything seems to grow in abundance despite the gradients, and everywhere I went the land seemed to have been terraced to maximize the space available for crops.
IMG_2230

Accessibility to islands like Madeira is not always easy. There is an airport in Madeira but until the runway was extended a few years back the safety reputation of the airport was not good. There is a small harbor where cruise ships call, but there is no ferry service.

For some reason Madeira has an attraction for the elderly, and I was one of the youngest passengers on my flights to and from the island. I guess the young head to more exciting places.
Church

In some ways churches resemble islands. There are small and large churches, and there are churches that only seem to attract the elderly, while others appeal to the young.

A certain commitment is required to visit church, and significant journeys can be required because fewer churches seem to be inhabited these days.

In some churches there is evidence of abundant growth, but others resemble the desert islands that are visible from the south coast of Madeira where nothing grows.

Problems also occur when churches become exclusive – a bit like islands that fall into celebrity ownership, with Necker in the Caribbean being a prime example. The only way to visit Necker is as a guest or employee of a certain Sir Richard Branson.
washingtonpost

While certain types of island attract many visitors, it seems that few churches have much to offer to the world these days. I find myself increasingly drawn to the New Testament model of church where many small islands of faith appeared in an ocean of unbelief and opposition, and grew because friends and neighbors could see Jesus in the lives of their friends and neighbors.
IMG_2283 copy.JPG

I am aware that this post poses questions without providing answers, but as my thoughts travelled between islands and church I found myself challenged about church in general, the church I belong to, and the home group I attend once a fortnight.

I think the main challenge is to continue being challenged and asking questions, rather than trying to work out what type of island my church might be. But, if my church is not a place where Jesus can be found and disciples are being grown then it is no better than a desert island, regardless of how many inhabitants it might have.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47 NLT)

2 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Countries, General Observations, Life Lessons, places, Vacation

Tagged as , , , , ,

by | May 23, 2016 · 6:14 am

Monday Morning Music

Sunday Singing

Sunday morning my daughter Katie and I sang a song before I preached. Unfortunately, my wife’s cell phone cut off half-way through the song, so we didn’t get to capture the moment on video.

Sunday evening we had special guests to speak, and they wanted to hear Katie sing something, so we sang the song again (nothing wrong with repeating something). Again, we tried to record it, but things happened – like sour notes and I dropped my pick.

So, determined to make a video, Katie, Haley, and I went back to the church late last night and recorded the song. That’s what I wanted to share with you this morning 🙂

Oh, What A Savior Is Mine!

I don’t know who wrote this song, or how old it is, but it’s one that I love. It was the perfect song to sing before preaching about Jesus.

3 Comments

Filed under Christianity, music

Tagged as , , , ,

by | May 22, 2016 · 7:53 am

Why Do You Sing?

Yesterday my daughters and I attended Jfest 2016, a Christian music festival held here in Chattanooga. One of the artists who performed was Phil Joel, the former Newsboys bassist and current lead for a band from New Zealand called…you’ll never guess…Zealand.

Since we have been fans of the Newsboys for a long time, it was really fun to see Phil Joel in person. Haley, my youngest, was more than thrilled to get an autograph and a “selfie” with Phil and his band.

phil joel selfie

But out of all the music we heard at Jfest, it wasn’t really a song that stood out for me. No, it was something fairly profound that Phil Joel said before singing a more well-known praise song. Frankly, that’s why I’m writing this now, because what he said went with me through the whole evening and into this morning.

“We don’t sing to remind God of who he is; we sing to remind US of who God is.” – Phil Joel

Stop and think about that. Sure, we sing songs of praise unto God because of who He is and what He has done, and that’s wonderful. However, we must understand that in the process of praise we encourage and edify each other through the truth expressed in the lyrics.

The next time you go to church, or wherever, take a moment to consider what you are singing. Fluff doesn’t encourage; the truth of God’s character does. In the world we live in, with all it’s problems, we need to be  praising God even more, because He deserves it!

And we need to be reminded.

Oh, and here’s one of my absolute favorites from back when Phil Joel was playing bass with the Newsboys. I still get chills at the line that says, “…all the powers of darkness can’t drown out a single word.”

3 Comments

Filed under Christianity, God, worship

Tagged as , , , , ,

by | May 4, 2016 · 11:16 am

Don’t We Want the REAL Definition? {the truth of who a woman is}

I am not a woman, and I never will be. That is why you will never see me do at least two different things.

First, you will never see me walk into a woman’s bathroom or locker room – my gender orientation is not “fluid.”

Second, because I am not a woman, you will never see me write anything like what I’m reposting from Robin L. Lewis. The following is just a wonderfully inspiring  – and biblical – look at the true definition of womanhood.  Please take the time to read it and let her know what you think.

Have you ever looked up a word to find that the real definition was quite different than what you had believed it to be?  How did that change your understanding of the sentence or the verse?…

Source: Don’t We Want the REAL Definition? {the truth of who a woman is}

2 Comments

Filed under America, Guest Posts, Marriage, ministry, self-worth

Tagged as , ,

by | May 1, 2016 · 9:17 am

A Little Diddy ’bout What I Believe

Leave a comment

Filed under Christianity, music

Tagged as , , ,

by | April 29, 2016 · 5:00 am

Decaffeinated Christianity

Like vs. Love

I like coffee, but I wouldn’t say I love it. My wife and kids, on the other hand, are worth dying for. I love them. I only like coffee. I’m not going to jump in front of a moving train to save an espresso.

But there are times when I like coffee more than I like my wife. Every once in a while I want a cup of coffee more than a kiss or a hug. I still love my wife, but she won’t fit into the French press.

Now, it must be said that I also like tea. Thanks to the influence of certain English folk, my tea consumption has increased a thousand fold! Yet, tea is not coffee. Sometimes I want coffee more than tea. Sometimes tea needs to leaf me alone. There’s a big difference between loose-leaf anything and some medium roast Jamaican Blue Mountain. That’s real coffee, and I really like it.

What is Real?

But wait! That raises a question. What is real coffee? What is the difference between freshly brewed coffee and let’s say, uh, freeze-dried instant? Both are real, aren’t they?

Fake coffee. Whoever still drinks that stuff on purpose should be psychologically evaluated. Coffee is only coffee if it comes about as the result of gently ground coffee beans being caressed by steaming hot water. Chicory is of the Devil.

Instant coffee. It comes packaged in a jar, but it is made from real coffee. It may not taste as good as fresh-brewed, but it’s real, nevertheless. The worst instant coffee is still better than dandelion tea, believe me.

Nasty coffee. Even the stuff you find in a gas station, an army mess tent, or a crazy relative’s thermos is still coffee. Coffee is coffee, even if it tastes like road tar.

“Unleaded.” What I don’t understand is decaffeinated coffee. Sure, it tastes the same to most people, but why would anyone want it? Without the caffeine coffee is…well…it’s just not coffee. It has the look and taste, but no umph, no kick, no power.

Powerless

Decaffeinated Christianity is the same way. It looks like the real thing. It smells like the real thing. It tastes like the real thing. For crying out loud, it even outsells full-strength, real Christianity 10 to 1! People love it! They wear t-shirts promoting their favorite brand. Yet, decaffeinated Christianity is no better than decaffeinated coffee without the Power.

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! – 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT

What are you drinking?

4 Comments

Filed under Christian Living, Christian Maturity, General Observations, Life Lessons, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , ,

by | April 25, 2016 · 12:36 pm

Why Hell?

You Prayed

This weekend I asked if you, my friends, would pray for me. I asked that you would pray because I was going to be preaching on a very difficult subject, the subject of Hell.

Well, I believe you did. Thank you.

I Preached

Not many people preach about Hell anymore. Aside from the occasional street preacher, few pastors, especially television jet-hoppers, even dare suggest such a place. Most focus on your “best life now,” or ask for multiple “seeds of faith” so they can travel the world and you can reap a “harvest.”

However, I preached about Hell. I preached that Hell is a real, horrible place where those who reject Christ as Saviour will spend eternity in torment. Is that popular? Uh, no! (I could have said “hell no” but that would have been too easy)

Unfortunately, it’s not just the unbelievers who mock the idea, but much of the Christian world now scoffs at the idea of a literal place of torment where the lost will dwell. Even Jesus said it is a real place, so how is that even possible?

But, believe me, preaching on Hell is not easy. It’s depressing, draining, and haunting. That’s why I appreciate those who prayed.

The Sermon

So, for those of you who’d like, I am attaching the audio of the sermon I preached Sunday morning. The title of the message is “Why Hell?”

I really can’t say that I hope you “enjoy” it, but I do hope something in it will challenge you live out your faith with more urgency.

Many people argue over whether or not the rapture will happen any time soon, if at all. They argue over when the “end of the world” will come, if it all. However, whatever you believe about end-time prophecy, Jesus said that it is appointed unto man once to die…the end of this world is coming for all of us, sooner or later.

Are you prepared? Are you ready? Do you need a reason to share your faith with others sooner than later?

Then listen.

IMG_4225

8 Comments

Filed under Life/Death, Preaching, salvation

Tagged as , , , , ,