I am sure we have all had an experience or similar moment where we were in church attendance and it seemed like everyone was in total agreement with the pastor that was preaching, maybe it was the minister or a member that was sharing and but all those in attendance were saying “amen” or something that indicated total agreement with the statement that was just made.
A few weeks ago I was in attendance in a church where the pastor was speaking and talking about lies, rumors and he said, “Folks should not spread lies or things you don’t know the facts about”. Everyone around me was in total agreement. I am only guessing that many had experienced a time in their lives where folks were spreading rumors and they do hurt so it was easy for individuals to confirm that “saying things that were not true” was not a good practice for Christians. It was the next statement that was made by the pastor that didn’t seem to draw as much acceptance or acknowledgment from that same congregation. The pastor followed up with the comment that Christians must be cautious of our entire conversations and guard ourselves about others, and then he dropped the bomb that caught folks off their normal, “amen” box. The pastor said, “even if something is true, does give Christians the right to spread that truth”. Yes, as I am thinking you can imagine, there was almost a silence as folks were not sure if they agreed or disagreed. After all, truth is good, right? And if telling the truth is what we always teach children growing up to tell isn’t that a correct practice? Doesn’t that give Christians the right to say things about others as long as it’s the truth? Most people will agree on principal that gossip is not a good thing, especially if we don’t know all the facts, but again, if we know something is true, can’t we use that knowledge to talk about people?
I have never been someone to talk in gossip circles. People don’t come up to me and share that type of news, because I don’t listen. You only have to set the record straight a few times that you don’t and won’t participate in that type of conversation and people will not be sharing that gossip news with you, actually you will become a part of the gossip then because folks will call you a ‘goodie two shoes’, and attempt to point out that you think you are better then everyone else. Even though it’s not true.
But what about not saying things even though you might know what you are about to share is true. Is this a Christian principal, that not only should Christians not be a part of gossip and lies, but should we also be people who refrain from saying something’s even if they are true?
For instance, I know a person that is an alcoholic, it’s true, but I shouldn’t say anything like that about someone. Rather as a Christian I should be someone that is a real friend and walks beside them, helping them instead of knocking them down.
For instance, I know a person that is on drugs, it’s true, but I shouldn’t say anything like that about someone publically. Rather as a Christian I should be attempting to help them overcome rather then helping them to stay down.
For instance, I know a person that is, and my list goes on and on, talking about people, and it maybe true, but is it the proper action for individuals that call themselves Christians to participate in that type of character assassination? I think not as Christians. This is the proper Christian position we should take when dealing with conversations and talking about people why? For one simple reason; Jesus came to set people free, not keep them enslaved; Jesus came that people would have an abundant life, not one that is empty and hopeless; Jesus is a knocker upon the doors (hearts) of men, not a door closer.
There were not many on that day that wanted to agree with the pastor that even if something is true it doesn’t give Christians the right to share that in a public forum hurting someone. We all know that the truth when shared in love hurts enough, much less when it is vicious and intended to destroy.
Imagine what type of impact we as Christians would have if we not only wore those WWJD (what would Jesus do) bracelets, but actually did what Jesus would do.
Until then
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
If I died today....let me say this.....
If you were to learn today that you have just days to live and you had one opportunity remaining to share your Christian faith what would you leave behind? According to scientific life expectance for a male, given my current age and the statistics for years lived, predictions for remaining years, I should be here until March 23, 2036, after that day, I should count everyday there after as a bonus, I guess? Yes, I’m laughing. As I write this I am counting everyday as a blessing and I am well aware I have no guarantee in life for any day, the only promise I am clinging to in life is that with Jesus Christ as my Savior I do have His promise of Heaven as my eternal home, and complete forgiveness of my sins.
With that personal belief out there now officially, I am still to my pondering question of what I should share, knowing that life is short and that we have no promises of any time other then the moment we are living, currently. A real check on my understanding is that this column may very well be published after my death, as the editor has a couple weeks in production already so that we stay ahead of scheduling, but that might happen this week, so this could be my last public statement of faith….and what do I want to share with you the reading audience.
First, let me share that Jesus Christ doesn’t owe me anything. I know many professing Christians that live as if Jesus must provide blessings, good things, and answers. Personally, He doesn’t for me. Jesus owes me no explanation. I do and will continue to believe in Him no matter the circumstances. No job, no income, no family, no friends, will not change what I believe about Jesus Christ. Loss of house/home, rejection, despair, continual heartache, will not change what I believe about Jesus Christ.
If the Christian faith, and what the Bible teaches about the Trinity-Father; Son; Holy Spirit; and the plan to save us from our sins, isn’t real, then I not only do not have a advice or direction for myself, but I don’t have wisdom to share with anyone. However, I believe the Bible is real, I believe in John 3:16 and when God’s word says he loves everyone, then I believe just that. When the Bible says that Jesus Christ forgives sin, then I believe He means all sin, and not just my sins, but everyone sins, no matter what the sin or my disposition on the topic or belief about the situation. Forgiveness is forgiveness and I believe it is for all who accept that gift provided by Him for us.
Secondly I would leave as a final witness about what I’ve learned about Jesus as an encouragement for others to believe no matter how discouraging the world can be, no matter how cruel or hurtful people are, nor the loss of faith and hope because of let downs we might have witnesses in others that we’ve had on a pedestal or considered to do no wrong. Some of those simple encouragements that I pray would help others say yes to Jesus are:
I have seen His rainbow for me in the midst of the storms of my life
I have worked through my tears and found peace
I have worked through my struggles and I have a rock
I have lost many things but found what is real
I have been honest and discovered the truth
I have walked seemly alone but He has always been there
I talk with Him and He hears me
I sing from my heart and he listens
I need no evidence that He is alive, I know He lives
I would rather have Him as one friend then two here that are fake
I know I was created in His image even if others think not
I know He has a plan at work in my life through all things, even if others think not
I know Jesus is bigger; God is bigger, than most Christians know
I am confidence that when I die, I will see Him, just as I am, and He will love me, just as I am
Until then
With that personal belief out there now officially, I am still to my pondering question of what I should share, knowing that life is short and that we have no promises of any time other then the moment we are living, currently. A real check on my understanding is that this column may very well be published after my death, as the editor has a couple weeks in production already so that we stay ahead of scheduling, but that might happen this week, so this could be my last public statement of faith….and what do I want to share with you the reading audience.
First, let me share that Jesus Christ doesn’t owe me anything. I know many professing Christians that live as if Jesus must provide blessings, good things, and answers. Personally, He doesn’t for me. Jesus owes me no explanation. I do and will continue to believe in Him no matter the circumstances. No job, no income, no family, no friends, will not change what I believe about Jesus Christ. Loss of house/home, rejection, despair, continual heartache, will not change what I believe about Jesus Christ.
If the Christian faith, and what the Bible teaches about the Trinity-Father; Son; Holy Spirit; and the plan to save us from our sins, isn’t real, then I not only do not have a advice or direction for myself, but I don’t have wisdom to share with anyone. However, I believe the Bible is real, I believe in John 3:16 and when God’s word says he loves everyone, then I believe just that. When the Bible says that Jesus Christ forgives sin, then I believe He means all sin, and not just my sins, but everyone sins, no matter what the sin or my disposition on the topic or belief about the situation. Forgiveness is forgiveness and I believe it is for all who accept that gift provided by Him for us.
Secondly I would leave as a final witness about what I’ve learned about Jesus as an encouragement for others to believe no matter how discouraging the world can be, no matter how cruel or hurtful people are, nor the loss of faith and hope because of let downs we might have witnesses in others that we’ve had on a pedestal or considered to do no wrong. Some of those simple encouragements that I pray would help others say yes to Jesus are:
I have seen His rainbow for me in the midst of the storms of my life
I have worked through my tears and found peace
I have worked through my struggles and I have a rock
I have lost many things but found what is real
I have been honest and discovered the truth
I have walked seemly alone but He has always been there
I talk with Him and He hears me
I sing from my heart and he listens
I need no evidence that He is alive, I know He lives
I would rather have Him as one friend then two here that are fake
I know I was created in His image even if others think not
I know He has a plan at work in my life through all things, even if others think not
I know Jesus is bigger; God is bigger, than most Christians know
I am confidence that when I die, I will see Him, just as I am, and He will love me, just as I am
Until then
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Mark & Debbie Baskin - "reunited with children adbucted 20 years ago"
Watching the National News on television, most of the time it feels that there is absolutely no local connection. However from time to time former residents or families, or individuals who operate businesses take center stage with a news story or event. Often in those situations the news event being covered is not one that brings personal hope or encouragement in life. The National News coverage regarding Mark and Debbie Baskin and their children Christie and Bobby have a strong local connection of service here in the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky.
Mark Baskin served as a staff member and minister at the First Baptist Church Barbourville, prior to continuing his education at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Mark and his wife Debbie are remembered well by those that attended or were members of First Baptist during their term of service and ministry to that congregation and this community. The Baskin’s were parents of three children at the time of their enrollment into seminary and they had left their two oldest children with Debbie’s parents in Murfreesboro, Tennessee while they made the move and transition to Louisville. It was during that period that allegations were made against Mark and Debbie by her parents and after an investigation cleared the Baskin’s and her parents were ordered by the courts to return the children, her parents abducted Christie and Bobby, that day was March 1, 1989.
After 20 years of searching and attempts to locate their children, and her parents to regain rightful custody, they were discovered in San Jose, California on February 3, 2009. The children had lived with their grandparents, who had taught them that they were their parents and given them new names, Jennifer and Jonathan Bunting.
The break in the case of this abduction came after 20 years because their grandfather, Marvin Maple, (a.k.a. John Bunting) was upset by a recent news story by The Center for Exploited and Missing Children, that depicted him in a negative light. He sounded off to a lady who immediately called local authorities which resulted in the discovery of the Baskin Children which led to what I want to call a “reunion” but what might be better termed a “time of re-acquaintance”, on Thursday, February 05, 2009.
Today, Mark is Pastor of the Normantown Baptist Church and a music teacher in Montgomery, Georgia while his wife Debbie is a 5th grade teacher in Toombs County, Georgia. The Baskin’s are also parents of a 16 years old that they had adopted and the story of their discovery and the miracle of this opportunity to reunite as a family is a story of God’s grace for Mark and Debbie, as parents, who never stopped believing and never stopped searching for their adducted children. It will be a story of God’s grace for their children, separated for 20 years, as they begin a new day of discovery and truth as Paul (16 yrs old) has never seen his siblings before but will begin to build a new life with his brother Jonathan and his sister Jennifer.
The real story that should be broadcast across the Nation is not only about the search for children kidnapped for 20 years but the news that should be broadcast is about how God has given a daughter, Debbie, the ability to forgive her parents for kidnapping and abducting her children, and a news story about how she and Mark are able to forgiving them for the false acquisitions would be appropriate. There should be a news story that tells how the greatest gift in the entire world helps children to forgive their grandparents who lied and inflicted so much pain and separation, and how their hearts can be healed through the greatest gift given to us from God. The Bible says, “now abides faith, hope and love. The greatest is love”….Love is still the answer and faith and hope have already done their duty now, the remaining work is to be performed by love from the heart as communicated by the Holy Spirit and comforter.
Until then
Mark Baskin served as a staff member and minister at the First Baptist Church Barbourville, prior to continuing his education at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Mark and his wife Debbie are remembered well by those that attended or were members of First Baptist during their term of service and ministry to that congregation and this community. The Baskin’s were parents of three children at the time of their enrollment into seminary and they had left their two oldest children with Debbie’s parents in Murfreesboro, Tennessee while they made the move and transition to Louisville. It was during that period that allegations were made against Mark and Debbie by her parents and after an investigation cleared the Baskin’s and her parents were ordered by the courts to return the children, her parents abducted Christie and Bobby, that day was March 1, 1989.
After 20 years of searching and attempts to locate their children, and her parents to regain rightful custody, they were discovered in San Jose, California on February 3, 2009. The children had lived with their grandparents, who had taught them that they were their parents and given them new names, Jennifer and Jonathan Bunting.
The break in the case of this abduction came after 20 years because their grandfather, Marvin Maple, (a.k.a. John Bunting) was upset by a recent news story by The Center for Exploited and Missing Children, that depicted him in a negative light. He sounded off to a lady who immediately called local authorities which resulted in the discovery of the Baskin Children which led to what I want to call a “reunion” but what might be better termed a “time of re-acquaintance”, on Thursday, February 05, 2009.
Today, Mark is Pastor of the Normantown Baptist Church and a music teacher in Montgomery, Georgia while his wife Debbie is a 5th grade teacher in Toombs County, Georgia. The Baskin’s are also parents of a 16 years old that they had adopted and the story of their discovery and the miracle of this opportunity to reunite as a family is a story of God’s grace for Mark and Debbie, as parents, who never stopped believing and never stopped searching for their adducted children. It will be a story of God’s grace for their children, separated for 20 years, as they begin a new day of discovery and truth as Paul (16 yrs old) has never seen his siblings before but will begin to build a new life with his brother Jonathan and his sister Jennifer.
The real story that should be broadcast across the Nation is not only about the search for children kidnapped for 20 years but the news that should be broadcast is about how God has given a daughter, Debbie, the ability to forgive her parents for kidnapping and abducting her children, and a news story about how she and Mark are able to forgiving them for the false acquisitions would be appropriate. There should be a news story that tells how the greatest gift in the entire world helps children to forgive their grandparents who lied and inflicted so much pain and separation, and how their hearts can be healed through the greatest gift given to us from God. The Bible says, “now abides faith, hope and love. The greatest is love”….Love is still the answer and faith and hope have already done their duty now, the remaining work is to be performed by love from the heart as communicated by the Holy Spirit and comforter.
Until then
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