Tag Archives: current-events

by | September 11, 2021 · 12:14 am

Some Things I Will Remember

Twenty years have come and gone, and many have already forgotten what happened on September 11, 2001. Tragically, much of a whole generations has never been told.

But I won’t forget.

Not only will I not forget, I will choose to remember.

I will remember…

  • that freedom isn’t free, and there are those who want to steal it.
  • that Christ came “to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;” therefore America is never more “Christ-like” than when its people shed their blood for the freedom of others, whether they love us, or not.
  • that it wasn’t secularists, militarists, or a bunch of Baptist preachers who crashed four aircraft on that day, killing thousands.
  • the Byzantine Empire and Constantinople – they weren’t converted to Islam through peaceful conversion.
  • who is considered the “Great Satan” and what countries are truly religiously intolerant.
  • the heroes who went back into those buildings to rescue anyone they could.
  • the heroes who fought back and said, “Let’s roll!”
  • the heroes who go into harm’s way for freedom every day.
  • that America was founded by men who knew God; who recognized the hand of Providence; and who knew when to bow a knee and call to God for deliverance.
  • that we (and all freedom-loving people) are in a life-and-death struggle between opposing worldviews – a war. Losing can’t be an option.

I will also choose to remember, and not forget, that America, no matter its current faults and flaws, is made up of a people, who, when push comes to shove, will take the fight for freedom anywhere in the world. We will also defend it. That’s who we are.

Or are we? I’m beginning to wonder.

Now the flag is an offense and the Anthem alone is insufficient.

I won’t forget that, either.

God Save America! We’re Beyond Blessed.

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by | June 6, 2020 · 11:16 pm

It’s Just Been Busy and Writing Is Draining

Dear friends,

I just wanted to send out a quick update, just in case you were out there wondering why in the world I hadn’t been writing much as of late.

Well, honestly, it all boils down to two simple reasons: I have been more busy than ever because of the virus, and writing, especially about anything going on these days, is simply too tiring.

I can’t do everything. At least not as much as I want to.

So, when things slow down a little and I can afford the luxury to write more, my posts might go back to more in-depth, thoughtful commentary on life, reality, marriage, crime, politics, pets, legalism, watercolor painting, theology, people-watching, watches, zoology, substance abuse, and irrational fears.

Until then, follow Jesus.

Oh, and I’ll include a few videos to show you what I’ve been up to 😉

– Anthony

Image may contain: Anthony C. Baker, text and outdoor

Click on the Facebook link to watch Pastor Kenneth Ware and I talk racism and Jesus 🙂 The discussion will be on Facebook Live at 2pm eastern.

https://www.facebook.com/events/556523215236606/

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by | May 31, 2020 · 9:52 pm

Statements, Services, and Studies: A Whole Day’s Worth

It is Sunday evening in Georgia,

and all I can say is that I’m glad I’m not in Atlanta. However, I’ve got a daughter, a son-in-law, and a granddaughter in Charleston, SC, and it’s bad there, too.

Honestly, I’m furious and sickened by the senseless thuggery and domestic terrorism that’s spreading havoc across the country. There’s no excuse for it. None.

Well, I’ve written about the subject of the protests and riots, already. So, what I’m going to do tonight is share the video that was my day.

The first video is from Facebook. I hope you can view it. I went live this morning before the scheduled morning service that had been recorded earlier.

The second video is of the service prerecorded for airing at 11 a.m. Unfortunately, I got the date wrong! 😩

The last video is from tonight where I was live from Augusta, GA. Even though it was originally on Facebook Live, I uploaded it to YouTube.  In this study I taught from Acts 9 while sitting in a hotel lobby.

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by | April 21, 2019 · 10:35 am

Sri Lanka Weeps

The Christians in Sri Lanka weep as they mourn the loss of hundreds of precious lives, and pray for the wounded numbering in the hundreds more.

We weep with them. We mourn with them. We pray for the wounded.

But we rejoice in that the victory has already been won . . . The church will not be defeated . . . Jesus Christ has risen!

Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning! – Psalm 30:5

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by | September 24, 2018 · 11:08 am

The Indignation Seems Misplaced

A Monday-Morning Opinion Piece:

I am amazed by so much these days. Even though you’d think I’d know better, especially because I see it all the time, I still find myself in utter amazement at what I read in the media.

“A majority of voters now believe Bret Kavanaugh is guilty.”

How in the eighch ee double hockey sticks is that possible???

Oh, that’s an easy one… the media wants people to believe he’s guilty. The political and social left runs the media, so that’s all the public is going to hear – he’s guilty.

But it doesn’t seem that long ago that a Democrat by the name of Bill Clinton was accused of far worse things than forcing himself on a girl at a drunken party. As a matter of fact, President Clinton was actually accused of rape, pure and simple. Oh, and it wasn’t just one woman who made that kind of claim.

If 36 years is not too long ago to request an FBI investigation when there is very little – if any – evidence to warrant it, then why not launch an FBI investigation into the claims of Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey, and Juanita Broaddrick?

One person (Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY) asserted that Judge Kavanaugh must be guilty because he is not calling for an FBI investigation on himself! Well, did Bill Clinton? Uh, don’t think so.

And what about all the supposed shaming of female victims of rape and abuse? Are those in the media too young to remember the term “bimbo eruptions”? That was the term used by Hillary and her team in the 1990’s to describe the regularity of accusations against Bill Clinton. And each one who made an accusation was summarily attacked and destroyed.

Hillary is widely quoted as saying: “These women are trash. Nobody’s going to believe them.”

The media loved Bill.

Hey! You folks in the #MeToo! movement! Is there a statute of limitations on enabling a serial abuser?

Honestly, what I see in the news regarding Judge Brett Kavanaugh is nothing but sickening. Not because I sense that he’s guilty of anything, but because of the hypocrisy of those calling for his lynching. If Judge Kavanaugh had only been a Democrat and was sure to approve of killing babies in the womb, he would have had no problem getting approved.

The media would have been worshipping at his feet.

But if Bill and Hillary Clinton had been Republicans – and let’s not forget about Sen. Ted Kennedy and a certain dead girl in his submerged Oldsmobile – we would have heard calls for the death penalty.

So, in my humble opinion, I think the indignation of the left is sorely misplaced.

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by | May 14, 2018 · 8:52 am

Truth or Bigotry?

Dear Mr. Romney,

I read what you said about Dr. Robert Jeffress and his beliefs. You tweeted some very pointed comments about his qualifications to lead prayer on behalf of our nation at the opening of the United States Embassy in Jerusalem, today.

You said…

Robert Jeffress says “you can’t be saved by being a Jew,“ and “Mormonism is a heresy from the pit of hell.” He’s said the same about Islam. Such a religious bigot should not be giving the prayer that opens the United States Embassy in Jerusalem. (source: Twitter)

Well, Mr. Romney, the apostle Paul (who penned a huge portion of the New Testament your faith gives away all the time) made it very clear in his letter to the Romans that simply being a Jew is no guarantee of salvation  On top of that, neither Mormonism, nor Islam, affirm the deity of Jesus Christ, and both are legalistic, works-based religions; therefore, they both run afoul of Romans 4:5 and Ephesians 2:8-9.

I am very glad that we are moving our embassy to Jerusalem, and I’m also pleased that Dr. Robert Jeffress (a fellow SBC pastor)  is going to be praying. He is not a bigot; he’s a man of character, for it takes character to tell the truth when the truth is unpopular.

In John 14:6 Jesus made the most radical and exclusionary statement one could make, both in His day and ours: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If Dr. Jeffress is a bigot, then Jesus is more so.

I guess you just confirmed you worship a different Jesus.

Respectfully Yours,

Pastor Anthony C. Baker, M.Min.

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by | July 15, 2016 · 12:20 am

Standing Sure In a Crumbling World

imageOriginally written in 2014, I’m re-posting this in memory of the innocent lives lost in France on Thursday.

World Events

Let’s get real for a moment, shall we? The world seems to be coming apart at the seams right now. Russia and Ukraine are fighting; Israel and Hamas are fighting; ISIS is trying to take over the world; airplanes are crashing or being blown out of the sky; new diseases are popping up everywhere; and more former Disney child stars are choosing to cry out, “I don’t want to be a role model!” while exposing their bare behinds.

Face it, the world is going to hell in a hand basket and Toto has already jumped.

But seriously, as bad as the world is, it’s not like we have Nero for a president. Oh, but wait! America isn’t the only country in the world, you know, and Christians are being killed as often today as they were in the first and second centuries (along with anyone who refuses to yell “Allah Akbar!” as he beheads his sister).

Life Goes On

But even as we look around at a world in turmoil, does that mean we must forget about living? Sure, the temptation might be to down a bottle of Prozac and curl up in a ball, all the while waiting for the first warhead to hit your town.

However, kingdoms rise and fall and nations come and go, yet children still need moms and dads, strangers still need a kind word, and the way we live is still important.

As a matter of fact, right before another group of people’s world was about to be turned upside down, Jesus Christ gave some timeless instruction on living from a hillside (The full text can be found in Matthew, chapters 5-7). His words still apply today. Below are a few excerpts:

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” 

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” 

Jesus then concluded his sermon with the following encouragement…

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” – Matthew 7:24-25

Though the world might be falling apart, we don’t have to. 

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by | May 2, 2016 · 1:24 pm

The Ruse of Ark-Hating

Last week I became aware of a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark that is about to set sail for Brazil, and later to America. It is gigantic, And just like the original, it’s gigantic, even able to carry 5,000 people.

But, it also cost a boat load of money to build. On top of that, there’s the money Johan Huibers (the builder) and the Ark of Noah Foundation will need to transport it to different locations where it will serve as a religious attraction meant to share the story of Genesis, the Flood, and the Gospel.

Noahs Ark

But, as usual, the hateful, negative comments have filled the comment sections of nearly every website or news outlet covering the story. The atheist trolls, the angry agnostics, and even a few “old earthers” couldn’t keep from mocking the project.

“What a waste of perfectly good money. Tax the churches immediately. Ya’ll are missing a HUGE revenue stream.”

“Millions of people have no homes but we need a full scale replica of Noah’s ark…way to go humanity…”

“They’re building something from the Old Testament so they can teach people about Christianity? The ark is about Noah not Jesus. How about doing good deeds and maybe using all the $$ to help the needy rather than build a useless boat.”

“Wow what a waste of time,money, energy, and talent to replicate a work of fiction…”

Brilliant, aren’t they? Scholars, scientists, philanthropists. humanitarians, and economists…the whole lot of them.

Money

OK, so it’s all a waste of perfectly good money, you say? Really? How does one actually waste money, anyway? By building a huge ark?

So, a guy spends millions of dollars (hypothetically) on a project of mammoth proportions. Where does his money go? It goes to contractors, skilled labor, unskilled labor, artists, designers, and fees to state and local governments. In other words, it went to put food on tables, send children to school, pave roads, keep families together, and help keep local municipalities funded.

Yeah, what a waste.

Seriously, what is the problem with someone spending money? Do you trolls ever protest the latest mansion your favorite Hollywood star is building? I mean, seriously, how many square feet does one person need? Do you call that a waste? Or, do you just envy it and wish you had it?

You see, it’s not about the money.

Myth

A work of “fiction”? Even though nearly every ancient civilization has a “flood story,” you discount Noah’s ark as a work of fiction. Or do you just mean the Bible? Yeah, that’s what you’re really referring to.

I read another comment that blasted building this ark because it perpetuated a “myth.” Like one of the comments above, the writer was livid over how so much money could be spent on a “piece of fiction” rather than feeding the poor.

I wonder if all the Ark haters are also protesting George Lucas and Disney (and all involved) for perpetuating the myth of Star Wars? What about Disney World? What about all the millions of dollars being spent to create a whole park just for the Star Wars universe? A waste, you say?

No, it’s not about the “myth,” either.

Message

The real problem people have with these ark projects (including Ken Ham’s in Kentucky) is the ultimate message: There IS a GOD who judges mankind. All the ark-hating is just a ruse.

It’s not about money, folks, because they don’t complain about video games, weed, or fast food – which is all a waste. It’s not about fiction or myth, because these arrogant snots are more than happy to fork out millions for the latest Harry Potter book or movie ticket.

No, it’s about the prospect of being held accountable unto their Creator, which is so terrifying they must live in denial as they mock and ridicule believers.

 

Oh, and to the know-it-not, would-be biblical scholar in the comment section: The Ark IS about Jesus! Try getting your theology from Scripture instead of the Huffington Post; you might learn something.

 

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by | April 28, 2016 · 11:13 am

Whatever Happened to a Woman’s Right to Privacy?

The “Right to Privacy.” It’s something the left has argued for decades as one of our most important rights guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. Yet, when it comes to a woman’s right to privacy in a restroom or shower, the staunch defenders of Roe v. Wade are silent.

I find it interesting that Roe v. Wade affirms and guarantees “a right of personal privacy, or a guarantee of certain areas or zones of privacy” (410 U.S. at 152-53), yet the very “zones” where some of the most intimate and private moments of a woman’s life takes place are being allowed to be violated.

What about women’s health? In the abortion debate, “health” is not limited to the physical, but includes all facets of psychology. Therefore, according to the left, abortions cannot be limited only to those births which could pose a risk to a woman’s life, but must also include those which could have the potential of bringing about mental and psychological stress.

Essentially, proponents of Roe v. Wade have argued that abortions should be kept legal because a woman could risk becoming embarrassed with her body should she start gaining unwanted weight. Well, then, what’s wrong with trying to protect a woman from the mental anguish of having her genitals exposed to uninvited male gazes?

It seems to me that women from both the right AND the left should be rising up against what is essentially nothing more than a male-friendly infringement upon a woman’s right to deny access to her most intimate moments.

But then again, it wasn’t really about a woman’s rights as much as it was about money and the loosening of moral restraints, was it? If not, then instead of protesters carrying posters reading, “Stay out of my uterus,” where are the ones shouting, “Stay out of our bathrooms!“?

Ladies, your “privy” is no longer private, and your safe zone is has been compromised. It would seem you have a civil rights issue powdering its nose while your rights are being flushed.

 

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by | October 29, 2015 · 9:37 pm

It’s Your Choice

I don’t have enough time, with all the other stuff going on this weekend, to write about everything of which I have an opinion. There’s just too much in the news.

Therefore, I want YOU to decide on what I write about next! You know, it’s sorta like a reverse of Fox News’ “We Report. You Decide.”

You decide. I will report.

Now, if you would like a few suggestions, just consider what has been in the news over the last few days and weeks. Maybe one of these topics would interest you.

  1. The Republican and Democrat Presidential debates in America.
  2. Policemen jerking unruly punk kids out of their desks in school.
  3. Policemen getting killed for being policemen.
  4. China ends one-child-only policy, but only ups it to two.
  5. Miley Cyrus and her upcoming naked concert.
  6. A football coach getting fired for praying after games at the 50-yard line.
  7. School shootings and gun-free zones.
  8. NCIS and Gibbs’ new look.
  9. Chinese and American tensions in the South China Sea.
  10. The possibility the Russians are going to cut internet cables in the Atlantic.

Then there are other things that aren’t in the news, but are nevertheless important – at least to some:

  1. Portlandia.
  2. NCIS compared to Castle.
  3. My DVR is full and erasing things I want to see but don’t have time to watch.
  4. Candy corn.
  5. How to keep trick-or-treaters away from your front door.
  6. The American public education system and Asian exchange students.
  7. Sharing the news of a missing pet on social media.
  8. Posting embarrassing photos of your teenage children when they were young.
  9. The horrors of being in the driver’s seat at a drive-thru with 6 other people in your minivan trying to tell you what they want, and all of them being females who can’t keep anything simple.
  10. Camera phones and legalism.
And then there's this.

And then there’s this. Aren’t you curious?

 

What do you want me to write about (excluding ending sentences with a preposition)?

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