Why not just do what Jesus would do?

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

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

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

Hawk Creek Baptist Church - "real change" Rev. Trevor K Barton, Pastor

Winter storms, the Super Bowl, loss of power and heat, yet somehow folks survive, laugh, and press on. Not sure if you wonder about things like I do, but I do wonder about things, people and even events. At Christmas I witnessed a” multi experience event”. It included people watching (me just watching people do what they were doing), people observing (me thinking about people and their actions as I looked on), people doing stuff (watching those with specific task to perform), and people experiencing (seeing people receive something, people being served freely by others).
This “multi experience event” creates wonder because in life we question why people do what they do. Many people doing something because they want something in return, and when you observe or witness the opposite of that it just creates wonder. I wondered on Christmas Day. We all know this is a family day and you are suppose to do nothing except be with your family, right? I would venture to say most of us have been trained that way, so when you see folks give up that day to the benefit of others, including people they don’t even know, that creates wonder. My wonder involved see hundreds of people volunteer to buy gifts including shoes, jackets, and toys. It involved seeing those presents all wrapped and prepared especially with a particular family or children in mind. I can’t help but wonder because most people would only spend that kind of time wrapping gifts perfectly for their family, not some family you don’t know, right?
I observed invited guest being greeted by people outside in the parking lot as they arrived, walked with and talked to as they made their way to the registration table where more friendliness and genuine hello’s and how are you were exchanged. Sure, there was wonder on some of the folks experiencing this too, wondering, like I was. Watching people eat is always interesting, because of our individual habits and such. Yet watching people serve those that eat is even more interesting. Many folks who serve others are not really happy about doing it. We’ve all had those experiences where it was a moment like, please don’t ask me for something else, just be gone, I’ve got better stuff to be doing, right? Well, my witness was such that these folks really wanted to help. They really wanted to serve, it was so obvious because of their actions to really go out of their way to help by refilling a drink, getting a desert, carrying an extra plate to the table, or the real test was in cleaning up a spill or an accident that can be so embarrassing out in public.
The set up for my “multi experience event” took months. I can understand easy enough if people throw something together at the last minute to help folks out, be nice or kind because of a guilty feeling, but to plan something months in advance, to make strategic arrangements to get folks there, to organize hundreds who are donating to prepare, cook and serve creates quite a bit of wonder as to what they are thinking devoting such long hours totally behind the public scene without recognition, because we all assume people are selfish, right?
Witnessing and watching people will create questions in life and the key to understanding all of the aspects one will see through the experiences of life is to be open enough to not add our personal assumptions, and experiences, but rather to allow something real to happen, just witnessing that moment and allowing the wonder to answer that question itself.
On Christmas Day I saw people who attended, were members, and even those that were not members or attendees of the Hawk Creek Baptist Church serve over a 1000 people a great meal of ham, turkey and all the fixings, providing gifts for the families that gathered and making a real difference by being genuine in their actions to show the real meaning of the Christmas Season. It was a “multi experience event” that did cause me to question and wonder, as I saw everyday folks doing for others. If it had been a pastor directed or a church staff led event I could have understood that easy enough, but it wasn’t, it was the people that were the leaders and not the leaders leading the people, and that’s different.
Seeing people give and do in the name of Jesus Christ because they have truly experienced a change in their life is moving. Attempting to understand their actions because of the forgiveness and love they received from Jesus is a touching moment indeed and it does create wonder. The wonder is why more people don’t say yes to Jesus as the answer, because He really does create change. Change in people is what Jesus is all about and Christmas 2008 was a “multi experience event” and real change is something that happens inside but is clearly witnessed through actions on the outside.

Until then

New Year 2009

The New Year not only arrived in 2009 but this particular year brought with her lots of new things that seem to be the focus of discussion unlike other new years. As I recall most New Year days are spent talking about resolutions. Those discussions begin with statements like, “I am doing” or “My goal is”. I am not knocking or downplaying anyone who states what they are going to do or what plans they are making. Personally I love belief systems, thoughts, and vision. These characteristics are the foundations for us moving forward and I applaud those who are taking such steps, but there in still awaits acceptance of truth.
I would like to be a stand alone island myself. When considering difficulties that position is the easiest to assume and when dreaming we often will not acknowledge that our thoughts may be second hand reactions or follow-ups based on what we’ve seen before, heard or learned. The acceptance of truth as we begin 2009 and all her new arrivals will be the key to successfully answering the difficulties and planting a course of positive direction.
2009 has delivered a new President and it appears much of the Nation and even the World seem to be excited about. While he maybe the next great hope I and all pans out perfectly for us I really doubt we will be giving him the same approval rating 2 years from now, basically because most folks need someone to blame things on. President Bush (43) attacked Saddam Hussein looking for weapons of mass destruction and because our forces didn’t find any we believe it was a horrible decision to have done so. It is funny how easy we forget that Saddam Hussein had already used such weapons against his own people. No discovery necessary to have still taken the proper action. President Clinton (42) in his attack again Saddam Hussein was derailed in his efforts and action because of the scandal involving Monica. America became involved in that instead of the protection of our Country. Even President Bush (41) attempted to lead the United States in efforts against Saddam Hussein and he did, but was not able to finish the task because the majority of Americans are not willing to pay the price it takes for real freedom---yet we talk like we want it without any cost, and that’s not possible.
2009 has delivered a great many issues from unemployment, rising cost of living, failing successes in wage earnings, and even traditional opportunities seem to have vanished. President Carter (39) was a fiscal conservative democrat but his own party did not like those standards yet he had proven their successes in the peanut business and in the State of Georgia but that would not work for America. Today we remember his tenure for the failed rescue of our hostages and we have forgotten about his successes in peace and the world scene. His failure was due to Congress not working together as instead they sought their own personal efforts everyone’s collectively.
2009 is a great year to work together, but I am looking for the first Congressman to say it is the Republican from Ohio, and the Democrat from Missouri that halted this bill passage instead of hearing the Majority or Minority always blame the other. Now that would be a new day, but a right step, but again I doubt if we will see that happen anytime soon, it would just be uncharacteristic, but refreshing if we were to see that.
I have written these things knowing well there will be hundreds that will have an immediate opinion and lots to say because I’ve mentioned political parties, figures and events. The island building will continue and folks will feel good about the position they hold. I believe the greatest thing about the 2009 Inauguration was that for the first time in years, all our Former Presidents and Vice Presidents were there in attendance. I happen to believe in America and respect the sacrifice and service by those who served whether I elected them or not, because for me that is being an American and a participant in her history.
The best way to begin 2009 would be to accept one element of truth. This world is not ours, but His. We are the stewards of His world and we were created in His image. My hope is built in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Until then

Scripture Focus 2009 - II Corinthians 4:8-9

It is that time again for me to share my focus scripture of the year. In 2008 I turned my attention to II Corinthians 6:1 which says, “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain.” If you confess the name of Jesus as your Savior who was it you cooperated with this year and worked together for Him? For me I have several different times that come to my reflection as I ponder my efforts to have not received God’s grace in vain. Honesty requires that I confess that no doubt there are moments that I did not respond well to His perfect gift to me. Honesty requires that I say times have been difficult and not always have I had a smiling face showing the grace of God at work in my life.
On the other hand I am grateful for folks who through their Christmas notes alone encouraged me in my faith and practice. Rev. Ron Wilson, a minister at East Wood Baptist Church in Bowling Green sent a note that said, “WOW! Our God is truly an AWESOME God! It all happens according to HIS time and not ours. That is incredible! Your faith is inspiring! Love ya bro!” Randy & Delia Burns, who attended Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, wrote and shared about an experience remembered from the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Dorton Branch. He wrote, “When I remember those days I, too, smile. I remember the time you brought us a 40lb box of ham to put in our dorm (size) fridge. I ate ham for three weeks, and thanked the Lord for it. I remember how you encouraged me and even gave me a chance to preach. You were a tremendous blessing in difficult times, and I am still proud to call you a friend (even though we don't get much of a chance to see or talk to each other). I hope you also have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I remember what you taught me, "Whatever you find to for the Lord, do it with all your might." What a privilege I had to serve at BBCDB and to meet Randy, Delia and so many other students from Clear Creek. We served there with a genuine heart and it made a difference in his life so there the grace of God was not received in vain by his testimony.
I had the honor of officiating at the wedding ceremony of Catherine and Matthew Randolph who wrote, “We really appreciate you writing out or vows and ring exchanges. You are a wonderful person and we're so blessed to have you in our lives. I hope you also have a wonderful Christmas. Matthew and I wish you all the best for 2009. Don't forget to smile and have tons of fun! Lots of love and hugs.” Sometimes when I wonder if I am using the grace God has given me properly, I read a note like these and I know to press on, keep a smiling going and continue to give what you have to give to those we know and meet along life’s highway.
I have selected II Corinthians 4:8-9 as my scripture focus for 2009. It reads, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; Perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not abandoned; Struck down, but not destroyed.”
Every year I have encouraged folks to select a scripture to study, ponder, think upon, ask questions about, and attempt to gain insight into God’s plan for our lives because we have selected scripture to focus on and grow thereby. It is never to late to memorize God’s word or seek out His plan by giving our attention to His direction. I pray that 2009 will be a year of discovery in your life and you may not be pressed, perplexed, persecuted or struck down. You may be on the mountain high, looking over the valley, walking through the roses of life enjoying the fragrance of life’s good times. Either way, the right decision will be to consider His plan, follow His direction and focus wherever He has planted you just as you are.

Until then