S4 Episode #3- Rachel Baker
THE ONE WITH RACHEL BAKER
Today we are so excited to welcome Rachel Baker to the show! Rachel is a director of women’s ministries, pastor’s wife, mother and speaker whose passion is to inspire those around her to come fully alive in their identity in Christ.
Rachel is a passionate and authentic writer and speaker who has transformed her unlikely calling as “Pastor’s wife” into a message of hope and encouragement for those around her. She loves sharing from her own life experiences and teaching the Bible to women in individual, small group, and retreat-style settings.
As a writer she has developed and teaches curriculum for small groups in her church. She is currently working on her first full-length book titled “Enough Already.” Through her writing her goal is to inspire as many Christians as she can to meet life head-on, fully equipped and with the knowledge that through Christ they are more than enough for this world.
As a speaker, she shares with authenticity, humor and compassion for her audience. Her heart is to help anyone who hears her message find contentment as they journey in this life with Christ.
Rachel has been honored to speak at several out-of-state women’s retreats. She has also spoken for local MOPS chapters, her local Christian businesswomen’s bureau, and at her local church. She serves proudly in ministry alongside her husband, Kile, at LifePoint church in Northern Nevada. Together they have two crazy cool kiddos and three dogs. Rachel is fueled by coffee, tacos and copious amounts of cheese.
To Order the Deconstructed Bible Study Guide visit Rachel’s website.
LISTEN
READ
Rachel grew up in the church, but when she got to high school, faith became more of an afterthought. In college she studied abroad and a friend invited her back to church. To Rachel’s own surprise, she said ‘yes’ to the invitation. That is the power of the invite! You never know when someone will be ready to give their ‘yes’!
Overcoming Shame
“I’m unworthy, my mistakes are too big…” These are lies. These are never words from The Lord. He may correct us at times, but he will never use shame to do it. He always comes from a place of love.
When we are caught in shame, the first thing that we need to do is identify the lie. For example, “I am not worthy.” Well, wait a second! You were bought by the blood of Christ, he has not said these things about you– he sees you as immeasurably valuable and worthy of His love.
When we see Jesus interact with women in the New Testament, he is always so kind, loving and compassionate, right in the middle of their crisis. They are in the middle of the worst part of their story, Jesus enters into it to bring healing and freedom. Being caught in shame is “religion”, it’s not Jesus.
Jesus came for you! He loves you! He is calling you home! Acknowledge what happened and then let Him do the work to start guiding you back to Him.
The Woman at the Well– Jesus met her right in the middle of her shame. She is going out in the heat of the day because she cannot be around the other women. Jesus approaches her and He doesn’t sweep things under the rug. He calls out the sin in her life, but He is kind and gentle. He does not condemn her or reject her. He flips the narrative and He includes her! Jesus shared the Gospel with her and He revealed himself to her. Jesus launches His ministry with this woman!
The story of the Woman at the Well reminds you and there is room for YOU in the story! You have been given freedom and because of that, you should walk like a free person.
Navigating Church Hurt
In the church, the call is to be in Christ-centered community. However, it can be messy and to expect anything different may set you up for unmet expectations.
We need to hold space for each other to make mistakes. Show grace. Take the brave step back into community. The church on this side of eternity is run by people and every single church is going to be messy in some way.
Deconstructed: Bible Study
The heart behind the study: Teaching new believers to engage with the Word of God in a critical way, but not get overwhelmed by it.
The study helps women figure out:
Where to begin?
What is the context of the different portions of the Bible?
What are the different genres of literature within the Bible?
What should you be looking for when you read the Bible?
What are the themes?
What is prophetic language?
How does the Bible apply to your life… and how it doesn’t?
What is the heart of God?
The Character of God
His grace is sufficient for you. He will sustain you.
When we are weary and filled with fear, God will sustain us. He will give us grace for today. We can find rest and freedom in that.
“Lord, help me today. Give me grace for today. Help me to forgive myself when I trip up.”
Final Thoughts
Psalm 46:10– “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted among the earth.”
Take some time to be still before the Lord every day. Even if it’s only for 5 minutes in stillness and prayer. Begin with thanksgiving and gratitude, then give him your petitions. Sometimes when we begin with gratitude, the petitions change because God has shifted our perspectives.
WATCH
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The Collected Podcast is produced by Jes Biondo and edited by Jacob Early. Cover art designed by Ben Biondo.