Tag Archives: faith

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 | April 6, 2012 · 12:09 am

Ministry Objectives

If a fruit fly was asked to submit a ministry objective, it would probably be pretty short and sweet. If he could write, it would go something like, “Eat, procreate, and die.”

I am not a fruit fly. Yet, I was asked to provide a list of my ministry objectives. I thought you might like to see them. And, instead of just listing references, I footnoted the verses.

My ministry objectives:

  1. To bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ in all that I do,[1] and all I go through.[2]
  2. To “give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine,”[3] and “to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”[4]
  3. To affect future generations yet to come as children are grounded, parents become responsible, singles are emboldened, and the aged get a second wind.[5] [6]
  4. To be known as a humble and consistent husband and father whose household serves the Lord;[7] [8] a forgiven sinner who understands grace;[9] and a fearless soldier of the Cross[10] who never compromises the truth.[11]
  5. To promote the preaching and teaching of the Gospel in every part of the world.[12]

[1] Psa 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

[2] 1Pe 1:7 – That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

[3] 1Ti 4:13 – Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

[4] Act 6:4 – But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

[5] Jos 4:21-24 – And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What [mean] these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it [is] mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.

[6] Pro 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

[7] Jos 24:15 – And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

[8] 1Cr 15:58 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

[9] 1Ti 1:15 – This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

[10] Mar 8:34 – And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

[11] 1Ti 4:16 – Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

[12] Act 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

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by | April 3, 2012 · 11:58 pm

It’s Only a Steeple. Really?

A Steeple

If there is one bit of architecture that characterizes a Christian church, it is the steeple. Compared to the one at Woodland Park Baptist, Chattanooga, TN, ours is a fiberglass toothpick.

The first time I saw their steeple it took my breath away. A friend of mine and I were driving down the road, then all of a sudden there it was, just piercing the sky like a spear. Actually, it was sorta scary, sorta intimidating.

When my girls and I were out today, I drove them by the church to see this hazard to low-flying aircraft. They were equally impressed. Even though this portion of the church building is still under construction, the grounds are not finished, but who cares when you’re looking up?

Only a Steeple. Really?

One needs to remember, though, that a church a steeple does not make. The true Church is not even a building, but the body of Christ made up of believers in Jesus. We don’t worship steeples, or buildings, or people who build them. They are only things. The Church doesn’t need a steeple to be a church, nor does it need a steeple to point toward the risen Savior of the World. Steeples are just nice.

But as we drove away, today, I had a conspiratorial thought. What if what Woodland Park has built is not just a steeple, but something far different?

What could it be?

  • A camouflaged intercontinental missile developed in conjunction with the former George W. Bush administration?
  • A tower in which to house Bill Maher, Rachel Maddow, Chris Matthews, and all other left-wing media once Santorum is elected President?
  • A secret Holy Spirit antennae which allows Dr. Wayne Barber to receive knowledge unavailable to the common Christian?
  • A high-frequency radio signal tower that is sending out subliminal messages, making Independent Baptists join the Southern Baptist Convention?
  • A “Rapture Rocket.” In the even that the rapture skeptics are correct in their eschatology, select Woodland Park members, such as those who publish their own Bible studies, will leave Earth for the third heaven?

You just never know, do you?

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by | April 1, 2012 · 9:55 pm

Defining a Fool

April Fools Day

Today was the first time I actually preached a sermon on April Fool’s Day. Can you guess what it was about? Can you guess what I discussed?

Even though atheists think we are being smug and “snarky” by quoting Psalm 14:1, I believe the one who thinks there is no God really is a fool. But what I think matters little in the scheme of things. What matters to me is what God thinks. That is why I came up with a list.

What is a Fool?

What is a fool?  Believe it or not, Scripture lists several characteristics of a foolish person. The following is not an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start. So, why not do this Jeff Foxworthy-style?  

You might be a fool if…

  1. You are always right in your own eyes (Pr 12:15).
  2. You despise instruction (Pr 1:7; 15:5).
  3. You are unteachable (Pr 17:10; 23:9; 26:11)
  4. You’re always running your mouth, getting into trouble (Pr 29:11; 18:6-7).
  5. You are always trying to find yourself (Pr 18:2).
  6. You make fun of sin (Pr 14:9).
  7. You’re always meddling in other people’s business (Pr 20:3).
  8. You are a shame and a burden to your parents (Pr 17:25).
  9. You deny the obvious because the truth is inconvenient (Ro 1:18-22).
  10. You deny Jesus because you think the cross is foolish (1 Cor 1:18).

Don’t be a fool.

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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 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 14, 2012 · 9:14 am

Legalism: Not Just for Church

When you hear the term legalism you normally think of all things religious, correct? Well, contrary to what you may think, legalism is a mindset that can be found in all kinds of environments, not just religious ones.

Example

Not long ago I had to attend a mandated state re-certification class. I won’t say where, or with whom, because the last thing I want is to make my employer or the state mad at me. Just know that it really happened.

I attended this class with a group of people. Each of us was given a booklet and a pencil. Each of us was getting paid for the hour we were spending. Every one would have rather been somewhere else, but each went in order to keep his job.

You see, in order to keep certain certifications, the state government requires that each person attend so many hours of instruction each year. This instruction is to be industry-related and taught by a state official. The problem is that most who attend these classes never learn anything new. Few actually listen to the instructions. Most only go because they have to.

What is worse, the instructors know that those attending these mandatory classes will learn very little. As a matter of fact, even though each class is given a test at the end, most of the answers are given in advance. Just because one attendee may get 100% of the answers correct, that only means he may have consulted with his neighbor. That’s allowed, of course.

Checking off the list

Do you see the legalism? All the state is requiring is that a bunch of people check off a list of requirements in order to be “certified.” Religious people do this all the time by insisting that various lists be checked off. But what is in the heart, what is really believed, is not as critical, only the deeds done in the name of compliance.

Somewhere in the past a group of politicians and regulator got together and decided what requirements needed to be met in order to keep litigation attorneys happy. A budget was set, materials and curriculum were printed, and the orders were given: “just do what we say and we’ll all be fine.” Amazingly, many people treat faith the same way.

My Fight

Why do I write this blog? Why do I want to fight legalism? Because it not only hurts the Church and the lives of believers, but it is even detrimental to society as a whole. Legalism is all about saying everything is fine, just as long as you do what is expected, nothing more, nothing less. Legalism does not address the heart. Legalism only binds people to costly, burdensome regulations which in many cases do little to change what matters.

Rom 3:28 KJV – Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

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