Anybody’s mouth watering yet? Tomorrow’s the big day! So I checked out YouTube just to see what are the hottest trending “how-to” videos for 2017 when it comes to cooking.

The winners?

1. fried ice cream
2. okra
3. aquafaba
4. seaweed soup
5. jerky
6. poke
7. green papaya salad
8. crab boil
9. brussel sprouts
10. coconut cake

If you’re like me, you’re thinking, “aqua-what?” So I checked it out. It’s viscous canned chickpea liquid. It’s a translucent vegan egg substitute. Maybe you knew that already.

Not that I have anything against seaweed soup as anyone’s first course, but here’s what happens when you limit your search to the top trending 2017 Thanksgiving foods and their corresponding “how-to” videos:

1. turkey
2. stuffing
3. gravy
4. yams
5. apple pie
6. mashed potatoes
7. pumpkin pie
8. green bean casserole
9. cranberries
10. sweet potato pie

Now here’s my point. We are a diverse nation. This year has included a lot of cultural and political heat, and I’m not talking about the kitchen. Has anyone besides me longed for a simpler and gentler era? But when it comes to Thanksgiving, we all basically agree on the same stuff. And stuffing. (That food list would have been nearly identical in 1967.) Three cheers for green bean casserole! If you really want reconciliation, instead of opening a can of worms, open a can of Campbell’s.

As you enjoy your feast with family, friends, and even some folks with whom you might not agree on every point of dinner conversation, give thanks (First Thessalonians 5:18). Don’t be a crab. And, for heaven’s sake, don’t be a jerky.

Pastor Charles

Isn’t it spellbinding how much sexual bullying is coming into the public spotlight? Every day. Both sides of the political aisle. Entertainment. Government. Sports. Both coasts. Everywhere in between.

As a student of popular culture, I’m shocked that we’re shocked. Where sin rules, exploitation and deception follow. Lessons unlearned in the Garden. Fast forward: same song, second verse.

Here’s what I’m presently observing: America betrays herself. We’re not so liberated after all. Moral relativism? Hardly! It didn’t work. We tried. No God. No objective standard. No archaic restrictions.

Freedom, right? Wrong. Not even close. The modern West unraveling by means of an unworkable system of valueless values. Now our gospel silence screams.

Sexual independence without restraint? I’m totally into it. Until you touch my daughter.

That’s because moral Jell-O doesn’t work. Never has. Too jiggly.

Maybe we’re human after all.

“What is truth?” he quipped (John 18:38). The serpent’s subterranean snobbery reincarnated and rolling off the lips of Pontius Pilate. Hoist with his own petard.

Truth was right there. Right in front of him. He missed it. What followed was public scandal.

Sooner or later the piercing light of day exposes the balderdash which has been whispered in the night.

Truth. Don’t miss it.

Pastor Charles

I know you’re busy. In fact we’re about to enter one of the busiest seasons of the year. So I thought I’d take the time to stop at a few spots around town and snap a few pics with my phone – just in case you’ve been so busy that you’ve missed (at least thus far) fall in Paducah. It’s been a spectacular autumn week in my opinion.

Do you like the bold yellows, the bright reds, or the burnt oranges? All are part of God’s glorious display on His Kentucky canvass backdrop. Even when we understand some of the science of the  chlorophyll, we’re still stunned by the reality of God’s grandeur hanging from the nearest tree. Our Lord is shouting in the crisp air, as all of these crayon-like paper-thin solar cells do their thing. God just won’t stop creating. Aren’t you glad?

Our American culture values youthful vigor. I don’t have to tell you that. But fall reminds us that there is a later-life magnificence as well. Don’t miss it, friends. As hair turns silver, there may be an increasing slowness to the daily rhythm, but there’s also a sparkling treasure chest of wisdom and grace. Summer’s styles are perky-bright green and wonderful, but the autumn of life can represent the pinnacle of our Creator’s artistry. There is glory, Beloved, even after summer.

And, of course, that means that winter is on our horizon. The colors will be muted, and every leaf will fall. So it goes for the children of Adam. But even winter you and I need not fear. Our God has already made a Way to an even better and enduring springtime. His name is Jesus.

So enjoy the now. It is here, and it is splendiferous!

I’ll also include a photo of Pastor Julio and Sharon’s sweet kids – just perfect for the season. Everybody say, “Awwwwwww.”

Pastor Charles

Dolly Parton and Kid Rock. Who’s next?

Charges of sexual harassment seem to be making the rounds like some contagious virus. What’s up? Randy Travis just joined other country music stars in severing ties with Nashville power publicist Kirt Webster. The allegations against Webster are gross, and I won’t repeat them here. So Dolly Parton and Kid Rock fired Webster, Parton’s longtime ambassador. Dolly tweeted late yesterday: “I’ve worked with Kirt Webster for many years and he has done a wonderful job. I am hoping that the accusations are not true.”

You’ve likely read about the West Coast problems too. We’re just a few weeks into the stories about media mogul Harvey Weinstein. Every day brings new allegations against other powerful men in related industries. #MeToo has flooded social media. Hollywood A-listers are dropping like flies. Serious charges loom against Oscar-winning Kevin Spacey, and the Emmy-nominated House of Cards will be no more.

When we lived in SoCal, Eileen, Joshua, and I flew regularly back and forth between Los Angeles and Nashville. We were always a bit surprised by how popular that route is, and by how many of the “up and coming” were on board. The cities have lots of glittery things in common as meccas of entertainment, and apparently both urban centers are experiencing a tidal wave of sexual abuse allegations.

I think what’s going on is that we’re seeing in the public arena the idols of our private lives. Hollywood and Nashville are simply localized illustrations of a national disgrace. What’s the disgrace? It’s an idolatry which I will summarize with this all-too-prevalent sentiment: “you were put on this Earth for my pleasure.”

Friends, the church is not immune to this twisted thinking, which ends up sexually objectifying women (and men, for that matter). We’re quick to point out the evils of pornography or salacious advertising, but we can be blind to other ways in which we treat people like objects instead of images of God.

At least one in four women and one in six men will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. About 80% of victims are assaulted by someone they know (and, to some degree, trust). Child sexual abuse is far too common. The offenders are usually people both the parents and children know – not strangers. One in five children is sexually abused before their 18^th birthday. I don’t need to tell you that this can happen in evangelical churches, and I don’t need to tell you of all of the pain and suffering caused by this kind of horrific abuse. Many victims never tell, anyone. Can you imagine carrying such a burden alone? Others are blamed for their post-traumatic symptoms and behaviors. And many blame themselves. Often silence and shame set in, and last a lifetime.

As the senior pastor, I particularly want to call upon all the men of our congregation to regard women with utmost respect. This is our high calling in Christ Jesus. If your doctrine of male headship is such that you’re the boss, you answer to no one, and your maleness dominates her femaleness, I can assure you that you have misunderstood the Bible (starting with Genesis 1:27) – and you need to repent. (Just for the record, “you were put on this Earth for my pleasure” is Islam, not Christianity.)

Perhaps the best thing we as God’s people can do for those who have been sexually violated is to listen to them, and to listen well. We all need to learn about this epidemic. As a community of faith, we the faithful – together – can take proactive steps to help people find healing in the gospel of Christ. He is able! And we can do our part to prevent further abuse, harassment, trauma, and sorrow.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the church could show the world something more gracious and truthful – and in fact infinitely more durable and glorious – than a house of cards?

Pastor Charles

In 1995 Eileen and I traveled to Europe for what we still remember as one of our best vacations ever. Before the official “vacation” started, we spent a week in Berlin. Eileen was an Assistant United States Attorney at the time, and she received an official military escort so that she could take several depositions related to one of her cases in Germany. While Eileen practiced law, I took advantage of my train pass and visited many of the church history sites within reach.

Of course I went to Wittenberg. This Sunday I’ll show you a photo of me at the famous “door” where Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses in 1517. In fact, at First Baptist Paducah, we’re going to celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation! Don’t miss it.

After Eileen finished all of her responsibilities, we headed out for the international city of Geneva, Switzerland. In the old city, there’s a beautiful park adjacent to the University of Geneva. It’s close to the church where John Calvin preached and taught every day. In the park is an impressive wall-like memorial to the Reformers of the 16^th century: Calvin, John Knox, Huldrych Zwingli, Theodore Beza, and others. And, chiseled into the stone, are the Latin words Post Tenebras Lux. “After darkness, light!”

And that’s exactly why I want our church family to recapture the spirit of the Reformation. During the Middle Ages, the gospel of Christ was nearly lost. The light of Christ was eclipsed, and – as a result – many people lived in spiritual darkness. What we now know of as the doctrine of justification by faith alone was on the brink of extinction. Friends, I fear that we live in such a time today. Many “churches” no longer preach the gospel, and many others have wandered so far from Scriptural truth that the gospel is barely recognizable. We need another Reformation.

The Reformation was a firestorm – a firestorm in the form of a recovery of what the Bible had said all along. But it was far from easy. There is always tremendous opposition to the truth. The most volatile issue ever debated in church history surfaced: how are sinful people reconciled to a holy God? The church had faced severe crises in the past, but this topped them all.

What God did then – and what I pray He’ll do now – was raise up powerful voices to expose the darkness for what it was. Not the darkness in the culture, mind you, as much as the darkness in the church. That’s where the good news of Christ’s gospel is recovered, really. Not in the White House, or in the Senate chamber, but in the pulpit.

What I’m saying is this, friends: we still need Reformation! I would contend that Reformation always precedes revival.

Why don’t we pray for both?

I’ll see you Sunday. #reformation500

Pastor Charles

Last night Eileen and I were literally belly laughing as we watched an old episode of Newhart. It’s the 80’s television series set at the Stafford Inn in Vermont. In the sitcom, Bob Newhart played the part of Dick Loudon, and Mary Frann his wife Joanna. Former New Yorkers having to adjust to rural life. Just enough oddball characters to make the series hilarious.

In last night’s episode, upon Joanna’s urging, Dick reluctantly agrees to direct a play for the local community theater. Not really thinking about the personal consequences, instead of casting Joanna in the play’s lead role, Dick selects the younger Stephanie (Julia Duffy). That leaves the part of “the mother” for Joanna. Needless to say, Joanna is not amused, and the hilarity between Joanna and Dick begins.

A couple of weeks into rehearsals, Dick comes up with a plan to rewrite the script to please his wife. To make a long story short, and as you might imagine, disaster ensues on stage. You just can’t rewrite the script without destroying it.

This morning we’re off to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where Eileen will receive a pain injection, or maybe several of them. Fun Friday? Not. No belly laughs today. But good Friday? Yes. Because God is good, and He never changes. James 1:17. Stay tuned for Sunday!

Sometimes, especially when things get tough, we’re tempted to long for a rewrite. But we’re learning, slowly but surely, that the Writer of our life script knew (and knows) exactly what He’s doing.

And, dear friends, He is oh so very, very good.

Pastor Charles

You can learn a lot from a baseball game.

Almost five hours after the start of Game 5 of the National League Division Series, the Chicago Cubs made good on manager Joe Maddon’s summer declaration to “Bring on the Dodgers!” Aided by some eighth-inning help from the Washington Nationals, the Cubbies held on tight for a 9-8 victory. They now advance to their third straight NL Championship Series against the Dodgers which begins this Saturday night in Los Angeles.

This morning some are calling last night’s game a wacky one. Indeed. The excitement surfaced in the second when the usually dependable Kyle Hendricks allowed a game-tying home run to Cubs playoff villain Daniel Murphy, and it continued when Michael Taylor cranked a three-run homer on an 0-2 pitch. But the Cubs pressed on. They chipped away at inconsistent left-handed starter Gio Gonzalez, who escaped with allowing only one run during a 26-pitch first but allowed the Cubs to cut their deficit to one after three innings. That set the stage for last night’s remarkable breakthrough. By now you probably know the rest of the story.

Maybe you need a breakthrough today. Now that Josh has his heart and plans set on a military career (we had no idea when we named him after General Joshua), I’m thinking in those categories more than ever. Only when an army is able to weaken its enemy to the point of collapse is a breakthrough a reality. Then, and only then, can enemy territory be invaded and taken.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

This much I can assure you: wherever you are right now – and no matter how weakened you may feel – you’re in the most strategic location possible when it comes to a breakthrough. That’s because you’re exactly where the Lord has placed you for this moment in time! And if you’re there, sister or brother, there’s a strong army stationed all around you. There may be plenty of enemy forces to frighten you, but I can tell you that there are more formidable forces being dispatched to defend you. The army of an excellent general most ferociously protects that which the general most highly prizes. We have such a General. His name is Jesus.

Do you and I face intense opposition today? You bet we do. And increasingly intense fighting nearly always precedes strategic breakthroughs. The ground which we’re seeking to gain is not given up easily. But Christ has won! By faith we’re now watching His glory triumph “on earth as it is in heaven.”

Christ’s Church is on the march! This is not the time, either personally or collectively, for us to circle the wagons. We’ve been commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations, not to hold up in a holy huddle here at home. Our enemy may be a roaring lion, but we’re in the King’s army! There’s no place I’d rather be. I’ll take even a wacky victory if God is in it. How about you?

Joe Maddon began his coaching career in Major League Baseball with the California Angels in 1993. He’ll be making at least one more visit to the Golden State in 2017. Even lovable losers can be winners.

Breakthrough, friends. What’s yours? Pray for it! Wait for it! Go for it!

Pastor Charles

It’s almost midnight.

Eileen and I are with Joshua for his first overnight college visit. We’re at the University of North Georgia: the Military College of Georgia. The campus is situated in the center of the picturesque mountain town of Dahlonega. Josh is in the barracks tonight. We are not.

Josh has been accepted into the university and the corps of cadets for the fall of 2018. Studying at one of the nation’s senior military colleges has been one of our son’s lifelong dreams, and here we are on the edge of the promised land. You would think that I would be excited, and I am, but I must tell you that I’m experiencing many other emotions at the same time.

Is Josh ready for college? Of course not. But neither was I when my senior year of high school raced by. It seems like only yesterday we were picking out our boy’s school clothes. Now we’re talking military apparel, foreign language study (Farsi and Russian, mind you), and specific degree requirements. How did we get here, and why did we have to get here so quickly?

As I write these words, I have no idea what Josh is doing tonight. Is he making new friends? Is he feeling comfortable? Anxious? Lonely? Energized? Is he having any second thoughts? I sure am.

It just hit me. I’m sad. Really sad. I’m not sad because I don’t want my son to have all of these new (and wonderful) experiences. I’m sad because of this: from this point on, many of the most significant moments in Josh’s life won’t include me. That’s as it should be, but I can still be sad about it.

I like the nightly tuck-you-into-bed. I like the daily review of “this was cool, Dad, and this was not.” I like the family giggles that no one else would even understand. I like to be needed, and I don’t even mind hero status, at least on occasion. Can I turn back the clock, please? Can I just turn back the clock?

I think I’ll cry tonight, at least for a few minutes.

12:06 a.m. I just got a text from Josh: “Love you, goodnight. See you tomorrow.” I can sleep better now. Not great, but better.

Pastor Charles

Among pro football stars a trend started with San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began kneeling during our national anthem. President Trump eventually called on NFL owners to deal unequivocally with players who disrespect the American flag. Further political protests erupted, including the decision of the Pittsburgh Steelers to stay out of sight when The Star-Spangled Banner was played before their Chicago game. The Seahawks and Titans followed suit. Arms were locked. Heels were dug in on both sides.

Is this just about freedom of speech? Is this just about police brutality specifically, or racial injustice generally? I don’t think so. I think what we’re witnessing are symptoms of a nation in trouble.

What is wrong? For starters, we have lost our respect for authority. And I don’t mean this as an indictment against the kneeling players only. It is more widespread than that. And it goes both ways. We have forgotten that to respect authority is to revere God (Romans 13:1). We have also forgotten to speak of our political opponents as those who – despite perhaps deep disagreements with us – are created in God’s image (James 3:9).

We have abandoned the pursuit of godliness. We have tolerated racism in our own hearts. We have used our money and power for selfish advancement and fleeting comforts. We have failed to limit our own freedoms for the sake of harmony and peace (First Corinthians 8). Until we are willing to pray and work for the common good, how can we expect a song or a banner to unite us? We are divided.

Nobody asked my opinion but here goes. NFL players: please stand for the anthem. The rest of us: please stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. All of those. We must never forget that the way down ends up being the way up (James 4:10).

I was moved by the words of Alejandro Villanueva, the one dissenting Steeler: “If you’re right with God, everything else is fine; if you’re not right with God, everything else is out of place.” Jesus said something similar (Matthew 6:33): “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

I’ve been reading through First and Second Samuel for my personal devotions. One text particularly strikes me, and it’s when David has to flee from King Saul (First Samuel 27). In fear for his life, David escapes to the land of the Philistines where Saul can no longer pursue him. There the king of Gath protects David, David’s family, and the 600 men who are traveling with David. But think back for a moment: way back when David killed the Philistine champion Goliath, on behalf of King Saul himself, who would have imagined that the Philistine king would one day have to protect David from Saul? Here’s my point: God uses all kinds of unusual people, and all kinds of really strange circumstances, in kingdom ways which you and I would never expect.

Maybe our Lord will use the mess that is the NFL to humble all of us. After all, our national entertainment only mirrors our national values. Maybe love will break out where there has been pride and foolishness. Maybe we’ll see people kneeling, but for different reasons. If that happens, we will know that God’s Spirit and gospel are on the march!

One day you and I will sing the songs of Zion. Every voice will be raised in unison as God’s redeemed people lift high the anthem of Christ. Race and ethnicity and social status, and even football, will matter no more. And we will be home.

Pastor Charles

“Of all nations” (Jesus, Matthew 28:19)!  Romania Mission 2017 was a wonderful week, and I’ll send just a few more pics while we’re stuck here in Chicago. By God’s grace we tackled a few complications on the way home, including a power outage at the Timisoara Airport which knocked out all of their computer systems. Severe and in fact deadly thunderstorms raced though on Sunday, making all international boarding complicated and delayed.

Tom did an excellent job distributing the remainder of the Serbian and Romanian Bibles. He is an evangelist at heart, and I’m grateful for his boldness for Christ.

Saturday morning Bri and I led a children’s event. Some local pastors took our team for a cruise on the Danube in the early afternoon. That night I preached high on a hillside in an incredibly quaint Czech village. You’ll see some of the parishioners walking to and gathering outside their beautiful building. The setting was so charming, and the people so warm and gracious, that the whole night seemed surreal.

Sunday morning was the 25th anniversary service. Both local mayors were present. You’ll see pastor Claudiu translating for one of them. I preached on the subject of “moving from being a mission to being on mission.” I preached again in the evening and talked about “pressing on” in the Lord, with the hope that Grace Baptist will appreciate their past without living in the past. I pray that God will bear good fruit through His Word that I was privileged to share.

Sleep well. I think I could sleep standing up at this point. Thanks for your faithful prayers, friends.

Pastor Charles