Pastor's Blog - July/August 2026

I certainly pray that all who take time to read this blog for July-August 2026 are doing well and living in the full joy and peace of a saving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. That is certainly our heartfelt prayer for all people with whom we have contact as we seek to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our community and throughout the world. We live in an age when the mission of the church is increasingly compromised by other forces. While we are certainly called to do all we can to improve the conditions of this world, our core mission is to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to bear upon a lost and sinful world. Each of us, individually and collectively as a church family, must take inventory of how we are working to fulfill the Great Commission that Jesus gave to the church. Are we living for Jesus Christ? Are we good stewards of our time, talents, and resources as we invest in the mission of the church? Do we share the Good News with those around us in both word and in deed? Are we concerned about the spiritual, as well as the physical and emotional, welfare and health of those we know? Are we willing to support missions beyond our own church, neighborhood, and community by investing financial resources, engaging in regular prayer for missions and those following the Lord’s leadership into missions work, and advocating for the cause of missions in “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8b)?

Yes, we must heed the call to carry out the Great Commission. The Great Commission must be coupled with the following of the Great Commandment. In Mark 12:30, Jesus stated that we are to: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Then he expanded this commandment by adding: “Love your neighbor as yourself! There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated this imperative: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Jesus presented the love commandment, in its totality including the love of enemies, as an absolute requisite of the Christian faith. 

If we do not carry out the Great Commission in the spirit of love as required in the Great Commandment, our work will not fulfill its full potential as Jesus intends. How can we effectively share the Gospel to bring the masses into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, if our image is one of being self-righteous, judgmental, negative, prejudiced toward those who are not like us, and being known for what we are against rather than what we are for. If we show no love and compassion for those who are less fortunate, how can we effectively witness for Jesus? If we treat the “least of these” (Matthew 25) with indifference and even cruelty, do we really have any credibility if we espouse to be Christ followers? If we are racist and mistreat our fellow human beings as second- or third-class citizens because of their race or ethnicity or language, are we really showing that in Jesus Christ we are all one and the same? If we fail to practice the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in our everyday living, then our Christian witness is of questionable effectiveness. 

In Galatians 3:26-28, we read these important words that should guide us in our relations with other people: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you all one in Christ Jesus.” Here is the bottom line, my friends – we either believe these words or we do not! As we seek to carry out the Great Commission, let us be certain that we do so as we follow the Great Commandment and that we heed the words in Galatians 3:26-28. There is no other acceptable path if we are to carry out the mission of the church in the 21st century. 

Pastor's Blog - May/June 2026

This year presents some key anniversary celebrations. On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the independence of our country. We will experience numerous opportunities locally and around the country to celebrate our declaration of independence from England/Great Britain on July 4, 1776. The official term for a 250th anniversary is "semi quincentennial." Many of us clearly remember the wonderful celebration in 1976 for the 200th anniversary (bicentennial) of the country's independence.

Another anniversary of interest to many in our church and community is the 120th anniversary of founding of Campbellsville University (as Russell Creek Academy, then Campbellsville Junior College and later Campbellsville College, and Campbellsville University in 1996). First established by the Russell Creek Baptist Association (which then included Taylor County), the official beginning of the institution began in the fall of 1906. It was only 20 years ago when I chaired a year long celebration of CU's Centennial celebration (100 years). During the month of September of this year, CU will have a series of events celebrating the 120th anniversary of the university. The term for a 120th anniversary celebration is "bidecacentennial" - although I don't think this term is used very often - reference is usually simply "the 120th annivesary..."

And here at Saloma Baptist Church, we will be observing the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the church. Terms that are used for a 75th anniversary of the founding of an organization include diamond jubilee, 75th anniversary, semisequicentennial (technical term for 75 years), three quarters of a century, etc. The term diamond jubilee is generally the one most widely utilized. In the past, we have held special observances of the church's 50th anniversary in 2001 and 60th in 2011. 

We are in the midst of discussing preliminary plans to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of Saloma Baptist Church. A small group of dedicated Baptist Christians gathered in 1951 to establish Saloma Baptist Church. SBC has a rich history over the 75 years. I have asked the women's Sunday School Class, which includes the active members of the SBC WMU, to enter into a period of creative thought as to "ways and means" of celebrating and observing our 75th anniversary. They will be sharing some of their suggestions over the next few weeks.

A high point of this will be our 2026 Homecoming celebration which is scheduled on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The August 23 Homecoming will include a gospel concert during the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service followed by a noon potluck meal. We will not be able to "squeeze" all of our celebration into a single day. One option under consideration is to have a few minutes in each Sunday morning worship service during August to highlight some of the history of Saloma Baptist Church. There may be other observances as well. Please share any suggestions you may have.

It is important that we take time to honor the history and legacy of the past 75 years. And while doing so, it is even more important that we learn from the commitment of "those who have gone before" as we contend with the opportunities and challenges of the present and prepare for those of the future. I am most thankful for the legacy of Saloma Baptist Church and look forward to the future with hope and anticipation.

In closing, 2026 is a year of remembering our heritage and legacy and prepare for the future. May this be a very special time for all involved.

Pastor's Blog - March/April 2026

We are now in the Season of Lent as this pastor's blog for March-April 2026 is prepared. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, which was on February 18 this year, Lent runs for a 40-day period, excluding Sundays, through Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) on April 2 and in anticipation of Easter Sunday (which is April 5 in 2026). Lent is generally observed as a time of fasting, prayer, repentance, and self-reflection.

While many Baptist congregations have not traditionally observed the season of Lent, there is an increasing number of Baptists who do cite Lent as a special time on the annual church calendar to give closer attention to the closing days of Jesus' earthly ministry as he moved toward his final week (what we call Holy Week which runs from Palm Sunday - March 29 this year - through what some call Holy Saturday (April 4) or the day before Easter Sunday when the resurrection is celebrated. It has been tradition in many congregations to move quickly to the resurrection and bypass the crucifixion. Certainly, the resurrection is what affirms the deity of Jesus and confirms that he overcame the penalty of sin for us. However, it is very important that we take time, at least on an annual basis, to prayerfully consider that course of events leading up to the arrest and trial of Jesus, his atoning death at Calvary, and the depth of meaning of his passion.

I would also recommend your spending time in the Gospels to read directly about what is recorded regarding Jesus' final days prior to the crucifixion. The Gospel of John, in the second half of that book, presents the final week of Jesus' life in some detail. There are numerous online sources - which I will be glad to share upon request.

As stated in one summary of the meaning of Lent: "The purpose of Lent is to prepare Christians for the joyous celebration of Jesus' resurrection. It is also a time to acknowledge our sinful nature, repent of our sins, and recommit our lives to God. By spending time in prayer and meditation, we can renew our spiritual lives and prepare ourselves to give thanks for the gift of salvation. Lent is also a time to serve others and show God's love by our actions."

Following Lent, we come to the joyous celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. This is the good news and highlight of our faith because Jesus arose from the dead - he is alive - the tomb is empty! This is a life-changing truth, a transformational message, and the permanent solution to our sin problem. Praise be to God that Jesus Christ is alive and that he shall return some day!

Pastor's Blog - January/February 2026

Here at Saloma Baptist Church, we are excited about all that lies ahead in the New Year of 2026. While 2026 will bring its share of challenges and concerns, the dawning of a new year always offers us the opportunity for spiritual renewal and new beginnings in our relationship with our Lord, with our families and friends, with the larger community and world as we minister in the name of Jesus Christ. The new year reminds us that in Jesus Christ, each day is a new day, and we are renewed in Him as we move through the challenges that come our way. We are forgiven on an ongoing basis of our sins and shortcomings as we come to Him in repentance and prayer and asking forgiveness for the mistakes we have made. God grants us renewal, transformation, and hope for each day that we live in and for Him. It is good to be reminded of this as we move through 2026.

What are some of the things that may be holding you back as we begin 2026? What are the barriers that may be keeping you from having that full relationship with Jesus? Are there unconfessed sins in your life, regrets that you still carry with you from the past, hard feelings that you may hold toward another person? What is it that is keeping you from fully experiencing the joy of your salvation and the full and abundant life that Christ came to provide us here and now as well as the hope of eternity with Him? So many of us grow tired in our daily walk with Christ, and it is because we allow things of this world to take our attention from the call that is on us to live daily for Jesus Christ. We allow our physical and emotional fatigue, and the pressures and distractions of daily living, to interfere with our need to stay close to God. We need to be involved in daily Bible study and prayer, active participation in the life of a local congregation of Christian believers such as Saloma Baptist Church, placing Jesus as the head of our lives and our homes, sharing Jesus with the lost/the least/the last, standing up for what is right in all areas of life and society, and speaking Christian truth to the issues of community life.

So, as we move forward in 2026, let us commit anew to turn to God for direction, discernment, forgiveness, and leadership. May we allow God to pervade all areas of our lives rather than only allowing Him to influence certain parts of our daily living. This new year can be a time of new beginnings, a time for renewal and rededication, and a time to be about the important work of our Lord. Will you commit to that call upon your life in 2026 and beyond?

Pastor's Blog - November/December 2025

The months of November and December bring us to a special period of the year. Our fall season is in full sway with shorter days and longer nights; the recent change from Daylight Savings Time back to Standard Time; the end of the football season coupled with the basketball season going into full swing; the Thanksgiving season as we gather together as families and count our many blessings; the season of Advent as we prepare for celebration of our Savior's birth and are reminded of his return some day; then a celebration of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago and we consider the impact of God becoming man; and the end of 2025 and preparing for the beginning of 2026. These become busy months the closer we get to Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas, and it is easy to lose focus on the importance and meaning of this time of year.

Let me suggest that God is calling us to take time in November and December of 2025 to slow down just a bit - to take a break from the hectic pace of everyday living - in the midst of very volatile political debates, increased alienation from institutions, opportunities and challenges from the rapidly emerging field of artificial intelligence, and the day-to-day stresses that we all face - to "call a time out" from all that is competing for our time and attention - and to spend time with God and to be refreshed and renewed in our walk with him.

It is so easy to lose sight of the meaning of Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas - and to become worried and anxious when considering what the new year of 2026 may bring our way.

From my own experience, I have gone through these months in years past and absolutely exhausted myself in trying to do everything coming my way. We have made the mistake, even in the church sometimes, that the busier we are, the more we are truly serving Jesus and honoring him. While I am certainly not suggesting that anyone should shun his or her responsibility to serve the Lord in the church, home, and community, I am clearly pointing out that we often exhaust ourselves in trying to do everything - and in so doing, we can lose our effectiveness in all areas of our lives - from our walk with God to our spending time with our families to not even doing our best in our work. Perhaps, you are at this point in your life.

During November and December 2025, let's commit to taking time to slow down just a bit. Let's turn our hearts "toward home" - toward Jesus, toward our families, toward our friends, toward the "lost, least, and last" as we minister to them in the name of Jesus. While it may be an overused holiday phrase, maybe - just maybe - we need to put "Christ" back into Christ-mas - and put "Christ" as the head of our lives in all times! My prayer is that this will be our focus in this special season of the year and into 2026! Amen.