PASTOR'S BLOG - JULY/AUGUST 2025

During this time of year, we have a series of holidays that place emphasis on celebrating and remembering various aspects of our identity as citizens of the United States of America. Memorial Day places emphasis on remembering those who have died in service to our country in one of military branches. Flag Day is a day to remember the meaning of the flag as a symbol of country's identity. And of course, on the upcoming date of July 4, 2025, which marks the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 - when the United States formally breached the historical relationship with Britain (England). Each of these dates hold a special place in our identity as Americans, and each represents an opportunity to celebrate and honor our country's history and heritage.

I think it should also present those of us who profess faith in Jesus Christ an opportunity to carefully consider how to pray for the United States of America in these very challenging times. In a recent Good Faith Podcast, which I listen to regularly, the topic of discussion was "5 Ways to Pray for America: A Good Faith Guide to Interceding with Humility, Grace, and Hope." The special guest for the podcast was David French, a highly respected constitutional attorney, author, commentator known for his advocacy for civil liberties, religious freedom, and political integrity. He is a columnist for the New York Times, served in the United States Army Reserve and served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is an evangelical Christian of strong faith and values. French shared five suggested ways of prayer for America in these days. 

 French offered the five following points of prayer for America for Christians to follow:

1. Pray for Peace - Immediate Calm - French says that our first instinct may be to "pick a side," but that we should begin instead with a simple powerful plea: "God, grant us peace." He says we should not "rationalize or explain away violence - of any kind, perpetrated by any 'side or tribe' - but rather to pray with clear eyes and soft hearts." He suggested that we join in this Prayer for Peace: "Lord, restrain our hands and our words. Break the cycle of outrage and vengeance. Let peace descend upon me, my neighborhood, my local government, and my state. Let this peace begin with me."

2. Pray for Long-Term Justice - French points out that "peace...cannot stand without justice...If you're praying for peace without praying for justice, you're only applying a bandage to a deeper wound." French says that we should pray for holistic justice - not justice found only in the political party we think is the "most right" but justice rooted in God's vision for shalom (peace). His Prayer for Justice: 'God of truth and righteousness, awaken us to the injustices that persist around us. May our laws reflect your mercy. May our systems uplift the weak. And may we not turn away from what is hard and uncomfortable. Open my eyes further to true shalom and reveal to me my unique role in your bigger restoration of all things.

3. Pray for Grace in Response to Intolerant Times - French reminds us that grace "is the gift we didn't ask for and can never earn." He describes grace as the "active, intentional offering of kindness to those who don't deserve it. His Prayer for Grace: 'Jesus, who gave grace to us while we were still sinners, teach me to love with that same grace. Soften my heart. Guard my mouth. Help me to bless where I once condemned. Lord, show me what extending grace looks like, in specific relationships and through specific situations."

4. Pray for Repentance and for Healing - He points out that before we ask God to change others, we need to invite God to search our own hearts. French notes the serious sins of the tongue - slander, cruelty, twisting facts to make a point. A key point is that repentance is not shame. It is transformation. It is the starting point for healing. It opens the door to forgiveness. Hear his Prayer for Repentance: 'Father, forgive me for the ways I have wounded others - with my assumptions, my sarcasm, my silence. Show me where I have been complicit in harm. Highlight for me the moments when I've been digging in, holding on, lashing out, assuming the worst, and worshipping the many idols I continue to love more than you. Lead me not just to confession, but to change. To the kind of change that only you can bring about - change that lasts, heals, repairs, restores."

5. Pray for Reconciliation for the Future - At the heart of the gospel is not just forgiveness, but restored relationship, French shares. He offers this as the ultimate goal - not just peace, but reconciliation. Not just quiet, but communion. French writes, "In a nation where millions of people see 'the other side' as dangerous, stupid, or evil, we are called to something deeper. True reconciliation requires the courage to see each other as fellow image-bearers of God, not enemies to be defeated. This does not mean abandoning truth. It means holding truth with tenderness and refusing to dehumanize even those we disagree with most." Join me in praying French's Prayer for Reconciliation: 'Lord, break down the walls we've built - in our hearts, our families, our churches, our nation. Give me the courage to reach out. Give me patience when it's not returned. Let me be a peacemaker, a bridge-builder, a reconciler. Lord, transform me in the process by grounding me in truth: I am made in your image and so is my opponent."

French reminds us that prayer is not a guarantee of instant results. Many prior generations have prayed for justice that they never saw in their lifetime. We pray "with open hands and eternal eyes: With humility, not certainty. With hope, not despair. With faith, not fear." He concludes his study with this text: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Pastor's Blog - March/April 2025

The months of March and April are among my favorite of the year. It is an interesting period as we begin to experience patterns of the spring season, but in Kentucky at least, we can also face the last bursts of winter. It is a season in which we see the "recreation" of life with flowers bursting forth, redbud and dogwood trees blooming, trees beginning to bud, and grass turning green. There is an invigorating spirit about spring, and we certainly have the opportunity to see God's handiwork bursting forth in color and splendor.

We also come to the annual observance of the Lenten season leading up to Holy Week and Easter. The Lenten season starts on Ash Wednesday which is March 5 this year. Lent lasts for six weeks leading up to Easter and ends just prior to Easter/Resurrection Sunday which is on April 20. 

Lent is an annual time of preparation and self-reflection leading up to Easter. The 40 days of Lent remind us of the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and refusing to give in to temptations of Satan in the desert. Many evangelical Christians have not historically observed the Lenten season, but this has begun to change over the past few decades as Baptists and others have discovered the deep meaning and importance of following the 40 days of study, prayer, and reflection that are part of Lent. It is the tradition of some Christians to abstain from certain things during the Lenten season, spending extra time in prayer and reflection, and participating in acts of service for others. 

As a Baptist pastor, I have long taken time in this season to discuss the meaning and traditions of the Lenten season and to point out that it is a prime time to reflect upon the course of events and experiences that led Jesus to his ultimate trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. The reading of the Gospel accounts of those final days of Jesus's earthly life leading up to the Cross will lead to a deeper understanding of the events and importance of Christ's passion. This approach will lead to meaningful spiritual experience and growth in our Christian commitment and walk. There are a number of very fine Lenten season devotional guides that can be accessed that will enhance a believer's knowledge and result in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday which will be Sunday, April 13. Palm Sunday is a day to remember Jesus's entry into the holy city of Jerusalem on a donkey. The masses of people welcomed him by waving palm branches and hailing him as a king. The Gospels give us an account of the activities of Jesus during Holy Week - day by day - there are some excellent day by day summaries that can be read of what Jesus did on each day. Wednesday is often called "Silent Wednesday" as it is believed to have been a day that Jesus took time to rest and visit with his close friends and to be quiet before the Lord - as he prepared for the events that would unfold on Thursday night through Friday afternoon of that week. Maundy Thursday, which is on April 17 this year, remembers the Last Supper in the Upper Room at which time Jesus shared with his disciples - pointing out the traitor Judas and telling Peter that he would deny Jesus three times in the coming hours. It was this occasion that he also instituted what we call the Lord's Supper or Communion.

Good Friday, which will be April 18 in 2025, is the day that Jesus died on "the Old Rugged Cross" for the redemption of our sins. Christians often come together on Good Friday to remember the crucifixion. One tradition is having a service that focuses on the "seven words/statements of Jesus Christ from the Cross." Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians as we remember the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for our sins.

 Then on Easter Sunday - April 20 this year - Christians worldwide gather to celebrate the news that the tomb was empty, that Jesus Christ arose from the dead, that he has overcome the sting of death, and that we are the recipients of eternal life by the grace of God through our faith in the Risen Lord. Once again, this year on Easter Sunday, we will gather to proclaim: "He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose!" 

 You are encouraged to spend some time this year during Lent, Holy Week, and Easter to pray, study, and live fully our Resurrected Life in Jesus Christ. We are people of the Cross and the Resurrection!

Pastor's Blog - January/February 2025

"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn people back to dust, saying 'Return to dust, you mortals.' A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night...Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:1-4, 12).

As this blog is prepared, we are nearing the end of 2024 and preparing for the beginning of 2025. We are a week past another Christmas celebration, and there may be some post-holiday exhaustion and worry resulting from the excitement of the season and then the sudden return to normal daily living. This has led my thoughts toward a dual track of consideration.

First, this is an opportunity to look back retrospectively to the past year and to review all that has happened in our lives. As is the case with most years, 2024 has been a "mixed bag" for many people. There have been successes for some, stresses for others, happy moments for many, and the experience of serious illnesses and loss of loved ones for some. At the national level, we witnessed a very harsh and negative political season and now await the transition of power in our nation's capital city as well as in many states and locales around the country. Around the world, we have witnessed increased persecution of many people (including, but not exclusively limited to Christians) because of their religious and/or political views, volatile wars in the Middle East and in Ukraine, genocide of people groups and violence against the more vulnerable people in many countries, widespread wars and rumors of war in many areas of the world - and on goes the list.

My comments in the above paragraph are not to upset you or to claim that 2024 has been one of the worst years in human history. As I recently shared in our Sunday School class at Saloma Baptist Church, every age of history, and every year of human existence, there are many problems and concerns. This is nothing new in 2024. Since the very beginning, much of humankind has followed the ways of the world and the wiles of the evil one. That is why God sent "His only begotten Son" into the world - a message that should not be limited to Christmas, or Easter, but should be proclaimed each and every day. It is a word of redemption, liberation, freedom and liberty from sin and death, and it is the hope of humankind!

Yes, 2024 was a year of both good and bad. We learn lessons from the experiences we encounter day by day. And now we look to 2025 and naturally wonder what the new year will bring our way. The words of the scripture text I shared at the beginning of this blog (Psalm 90:1-4, 12) came to mind as I was prayerfully considering what to share in this bimonthly blog. 

 The Psalmist reminds us of the brevity of time - our understanding of time is different than that of God. As the Psalmist states, "A thousand years in your (God's) sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night..." In verse 12, the Psalmist states something that rings so very true for you and me in 2025: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." We should value each day that comes our way in 2025 and seek to live it to the fullest and in God's good and perfect will. 

This brings me to the very practical and wise advice given in James 4:14-15, 17: "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'...If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." 

James reminds us that our life on this earth flies by in terms of God's eternal perspective. Consequently, we should live the abundant life in Jesus Christ here and now and do what we know to be God's will for our lives. James points out that our failure to do this is sin! 

Yes, 2025 will be a "mixed bag" just like 2024, and prior years, in that we will experience ups and downs, blessings and disappointments, opportunities and challenges. We cannot change the course of global or national events by ourselves, but we can do our part in living each day in and for Jesus Christ. That sounds so simple, but it is the way of living for Jesus Christ in 2025. May we all live each day fully and completely and minister to our community and world in 2025 for Jesus Christ.

Pastor's Blog - November/December 2024

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; changing from Daylight Savings Time back to Standard Time; a national presidential election this year on November 5 that could result in an extended period of very serious national tensions; 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 2024 and preparing for the beginning of 2025. 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 2024 to slow down just a bit - to take a break from the hectic pace of everyday living - in the midst of a presidential election and in the possible fallout from that election that could become very volatile - 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 2025 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 2024, 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 and the least" 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! Amen.

Pastor's Blog - September/October 2024

"I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers can separate us from the love of God" (Romans 8:38-39)

Romans 8:38-39 is among many scripture references that provide hope and assurance for those of us who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives. Such verses attest to the fact that when we are believers in Jesus Christ - when we have been "born again" in Jesus Christ - when we identify with Jesus Christ as the head of our lives - then we are certain of our eternal destination and that we have certainty of the outcome once we pass from this life into the next.

There are many people, including too many who claim to be part of the community of faith, who are living in despair and seeming hopelessness. Those who have no knowledge of Jesus Christ, or who have rejected him, understandably struggle and are living without hope - even if they are not willing to admit the reality of their failure to accept Him. I very much believe in the "whosoever will Gospel" - i.e., the Gospel based on the truth of John 3:16. It is certainly God's grace that saves us, but He gives each individual a choice - we either accept Jesus Christ - or we reject Jesus Christ. There is no middle ground - we are either with Him or we are not with Him. For those not with Him, then the truth of Romans 8:38-39 is not applicable in their lives. Each of us must make a decision for or against Jesus Christ.

It is hard for me to avoid shouting "Amen - Praise the Lord" each time I read Romans 8:38-39. Why? Because Paul is clearly stating that nothing will separate us from the love of God - if we know Him as Savior and Lord. By general point of reference, Paul points out several seeming obstacles that some might say could separate us from the love of God. Neither death nor life will ever separate us from the love of God. Neither angels nor demons - nor any other spiritual being - will separate us from the love of God. No matter what we may have done in the past, nor what may occur in the future, can separate us from the love of God. There is nothing in all the world that can separate us from the love of God - when we know, love, follow, and worship Him. Nothing!

My friends, I certainly hope you understand what I am saying, and I pray that you might be renewed and encouraged by these words of the apostle Paul. All of us face challenges along the path of life. Satan is always seeking to pull us down. No matter how strong our faith and commitment may be, we will have significant obstacles in this life, that can pull us down and steal the joy of our salvation. May we remember the truth that Paul is sharing here. There is nothing that "can separate us from the love of God." Amen. Amen. Amen.

- John E. Chowning