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

Pastor's Blog - July/August 2024

Time passes quickly. That is an adage that we often hear and use. It becomes particularly true as we get older. That is certainly the case for me. It is hard to believe I have now served as pastor of Saloma Baptist Church for 30 years - from 1994 to 2024. Needless to say, I was 30 years younger in 1994 when I became your pastor. I had a few gray hairs at that time, and today, I have a full head of gray hair. Now, let me be clear that my gray hair is not because of the responsibilities of serving as pastor of Saloma Baptist Church. My gray hair is a product of age - nothing more.

In retrospect, the past three decades have certainly passed quickly, and God has blessed us in many ways. Many lives have been touched and positively impacted as a result of our ministries. I have had others outside the church family remark that it appears that Saloma Baptist Church is a very close community of believers who have a global vision and commitment. I certainly agree with that statement. 

Let me thank our congregation and friends for the love, dedication, and support through the years. None of us know what tomorrow will bring, but this I do know - that I am very thankful to be the pastor of Saloma Baptist Church and pray that we can move forward in a spirit of unity and commitment as we minister to our community and world in the name of Jesus Christ. There is much to be done in His name, and each of you have an important role in the work of the church. The church is the Body of Christ. He is the head of the church. We are his servants and ministers.

As I move to another subject in this blog, some of you may recall a recent mid-week Facebook Bible Study that I shared on the subject of "easy religion." As king of Israel, Jeroboam tried to wean the people away from loyalty to the house of David. Jeroboam found a solution, so he thought, by making religion easy. He completely cut them off from their ancestral roots. This is unfortunately a popular strategy today in many churches. Jeroboam's easy religion had tragic consequences, and the same is true today where "easy religion" is in vogue. Unfortunately, there are those, even within the Christian movement, who seek to compromise the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to seek to make it more "relevant" in the increasingly secularized culture in which we live. While the way we present the gospel changes generation to generation, and the ways we worship are different and change, the Gospel itself does not change. We must not - we cannot - compromise on our Christian faith. What we do we must do in grace, love, humility, and by example - but we must never back away from the transformational power and life change that results from coming to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Easy religion does not get the job done. Living our Christianity is not easy - nor has it ever been easy - but it is the life choice that leads to eternity, abundant life, and transforming power.