Have you ever needed to be rescued … from you?

Paul warned the young preacher Timothy (First Timothy 1:6-7) that certain teachers within the church would get way off-track, and even “wander away into vain discussion … without understanding … the things about which they make confident assertions.” I’ve been thinking recently about the dangers of teaching (or preaching, or leading, or even engaging in discussion) without bona fide humility. One of the realities for ministry leaders who get off-track is this: they rarely go alone. Often other people are dragged down with the spiritual leader who loses his or her way.

It’s so easy for us to become impressed by ourselves. That’s especially true for those of us who love to teach, and who are admired for even miniscule skill in communicating God’s truth. Who doesn’t want to be called “Rabbi, Rabbi”? Who doesn’t want to be known as a doctrinal expert? Who doesn’t want to be recognized for obvious aptitude in rightly dividing the Lord’s Word? Who doesn’t enjoy a little applause for a Bible lesson home run? The problem starts when we start believing that we deserve any of those kudos at all.

All of us are just myopic enough to think that we’ve got a corner on the truth. That our interpretation is pure, while everyone else’s is tainted. That our theological stripe lines up perfectly with God’s ideal. That our worldview is without its blind spots. Next thing you know we’re preaching (or teaching, or just talking) for personal gain, if only for the self-satisfaction of being right.

Pride is easy for us to spot among the rich and famous, but people can also spot it in religious leaders from a mile away! Pride threatens to choke the very life out of our souls, and it can wound our closeness with God – as well as our once-tight bonds of friendship with others. Humility, though often mistaken as weakness in our confused culture, becomes a window through which others can see the love of Jesus in and through us.

If Jesus taught, lived, and led humbly, shouldn’t we? If He who was God “made himself nothing” and “humbled himself” (Philippians 2:7-8), shouldn’t you and I be incessantly reminding – ourselves and others – that we have a long, long way to go before “spiritual maturity” would even be a fitting descriptor for the likes of us? I’m reminded of a quip from some of my old sermon notes: “Weak point. Pound pulpit hard.”

Beware of your dogmatic declarations, and I will try to do the same. Whether you’ve been a Christ-follower for a week, or for half a century, that’s pretty sound advice. We still need Jesus in everything we do. We’re still desperately dependent upon His Spirit for wisdom and grace. We’re still looking to Him for a perseverance that will stand the test of eternity.

C.S. Lewis said it like this: “To even get near [humility], even for a moment, is like a drink of cold water to a man in a desert. Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.”

Pastor Charles 

What could be lovelier than a holiday on the French Riviera?

Linda, a young mom, described the horror like this: “My husband picked up the kids and started running. I turned around and just saw so many dead people. I even saw a baby with its head totally crushed.” Another woman, who lost her eight-month-old son in the aftermath and panic of the attack, has been reunited with her boy after a Facebook appeal. Nice’s children’s hospital has treated around fifty children and teenagers, including two who have died from their injuries despite emergency surgeries. Dozens of people were literally run over, in barbaric fashion, by a huge truck driven by a French-Tunisian shouting “Allahu Akbar” (“God is great” in Arabic).

The death toll has now topped 80, with at least ten children listed among the dead. An American father and son, on vacation in Europe, perished in the brutal attack. According to France’s president, Francois Hollande, about 50 lives still hang in the balance. Bastille Day, France’s most important national day of celebration, is normally marked by fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. But this year’s festivities in Nice were interrupted by a terror strike with all the marks of an ISIS attack. These horrendous attacks are now happening weekly. As ISIS expands into new affiliates, like Bangladesh, my hopes are that NATO will declare war on ISIS – that a united and strong opposition can arise for such a time as this.

I will repeat something that I’ve been attempting to make clear at First Baptist Paducah for some time: What the world calls “radical Islam” or “militant Islam” is real Islam. I’m growing weary of calls by the media for “Muslim clerics” to clarify the teachings of Islam so that fewer people will become “radicalized.” I know this is unpopular to say, but I must say it: If an Islamic religious leader calls Muslims to anything less than “jihad” – “holy war” – then he or she is not teaching the religious tenets of Islam. Islam is a religious, political, and military ideology. It’s just that simple.

What about all the peaceful Muslims? Yes, most Muslims are peaceful indeed. But here’s the deal, at least in my opinion after studying Islam for two years: Peaceful Muslims are cultural Muslims. They’re ethnic Muslims. They share in at least one strand of the multi-faceted fabric which we might call a Muslim heritage. But they are not really practicing the mandates of the religion of Islam, which calls for the total eradication of “infidels” (non-Muslims). On our own Independence Day, our hometown newspaper’s front page included a very peaceful portrayal of Islam, and particularly the season of Ramadan. Though I greatly appreciate the desire to see our community thrive as a place of respect, diversity, and tolerance, I fear that we are sending the wrong message when we present the religion of Islam itself as innocuous. It is not. Sharia Law, which is the goal of Islam, is incompatible with Western Civilization as we know it. Islamic law, by nature, is completely hostile to freedom and the other ideals of a democratic republic.

Now on to what matters most. As Christ-followers, our most powerful weapons in this world are spiritual (Second Corinthians 10:3-6). You and I must make sure – within our own souls – that we are not against a people (Muslims or anyone else). When it comes to the Islamic world, we are to stand against the false ideology which oppresses Muslims – but we are to love, pray for, and attempt to win for Christ Muslims themselves. This may not be an easy calling to live out at times, especially when we feel threatened. But be encouraged, beloved church! In Iran, and in other parts of the Islamic world, there is tremendous and unprecedented spiritual revival taking place as I write these words. Muslims are coming to saving faith in Christ in a spectacular movement of the Holy Spirit on a never-before-seen scale. You and I are soldiers in the unstoppable army of the Sovereign King who reigns over an eternal kingdom of light – a light which dispels spiritual darkness for God’s own honor, glory, and praise.

#PrayForNice

Pastor Charles

I am deeply concerned about what is transpiring before our eyes in America’s heartland. Not in New York City. Not on the Left Coast. Iowa.

You and I better care about what’s going on in Iowa. The Iowa Civil Rights Commission has taken the official position that state law requires the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ to censor its speech about human sexuality. Friends, please let that sink in. The Iowa Civil Rights Commission has taken the official position that state law requires the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ to censor its speech about human sexuality.

Why? Because the church welcomes nonmembers to attend its worship services, the church has been deemed among the state’s “public accommodations.” Scary. Scary indeed. Under Iowa law, “public accommodations” can’t make a person feel unwelcome based on his or her “gender identity.” And the Iowa Civil Rights Commission has just lumped a church into that broad category. This is nothing short of a ban on free speech. Speech that every American should want to protect. Speech that is clearly protected by the U.S. Constitution.

But in this strange new world in which we live, the pastor of the Iowa church is now prohibited from preaching about God’s design in creating each person as distinctly male or female. The law also includes a facility-use mandate that compels “public accommodations” to open their restrooms, locker rooms, and even their showers to persons based on gender identity – rather than biological sex. Even asking about a person’s gender identity, in conjunction with using gender-specific facilities, violates the Iowa law. I wish I were making this up.

Why is this such a huge development? Simply this. For the very first time in the history of the United States of America, a state government is attempting to control a church’s religious teaching – even within its own house of worship. This is nothing short of outrageous. Federal law typically considers “public accommodations” to be facilities like restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, retail establishments, and parks. But that didn’t stop Iowa. The state is attempting to determine what is a “bona fide religious purpose.”

The Alliance Defending Freedom has intervened with a  “pre-enforcement challenge.” Please pray that ADF prevails. In another generation, we could have assumed that our U.S. Supreme Court would recognize the chilling effect of Iowa’s behavior on religious liberty – and that the high court would move quickly to protect free speech. But those days may be gone.

Friends, we have in large measure brought this on ourselves. We have played church, and watered down the gospel. We have lost our evangelistic fervor, and pursued the applause of the world over the favor of Almighty God. May Christ look upon us with grace, and forgive our manifold sins and weaknesses. Perhaps Ravi Zacharias said it best: “We are at war, but not only with an enemy. We are at war within our own culture, and whether we will ever win over the enemy depends on whether we win this war within our own souls.”

Iowa, Oh Iowa!

Pastor Charles

Headlining today’s Wall Street Journal is Akane Otani’s piece titled “Stocks Rebound, but Jitters Linger.” Thankfully our peace does not depend upon the Dow or London’s FTSE 100. Europe is volatile, and Istanbul is recovering from a massive terror attack, but you and I are to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving” lay all of our burdens at the throne of Christ’s grace (Philippians 4:6-7). When we present our requests there alone, we are promised “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” Heart, guarded. Mind, guarded.

If you didn’t meet Julian Sunday, I’ll introduce you now. Julian is from Romania (Grace Baptist Church in fact), and will be here as part of our family through the end of August. He is learning English, and we’re finding him to be a quick study! Yesterday we showed Julian the sites of Chicago, and this morning we’re off to the Botanic Gardens and then the Milwaukee area. Eileen will read Scripture tomorrow at the wedding of a close friend. After those festivities, we’ll be off to the Northwoods of Wisconsin near Michigan’s U.P.

We’re hoping that this big driving loop will give Julian a taste of American life, complete with fireworks on Stormy Lake on Independence Day. As we journey, our hope is to point both Julian and Joshua to the God who created such magnificent beauty, and who established and prospered this great nation.

My heart is warmed this morning by thoughts of the weekend bike ride for our dear Tammy Bohannon. It’s yet more evidence of a mighty Spirit-driven wind of grace in and through the people called First Baptist Paducah. Regardless of the stock exchange, we will persevere. Not because of our own strength, but that of Christ in us!

As you celebrate America’s birthday, remember to give thanks to God for our freedom. We who’ve been claimed by Christ know a freedom in Him that can’t be extinguished by political turmoil or economic uncertainty. We are safe. He is Sovereign and good.

Jitters, begone!

Pastor Charles

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

Psalm 115:1-3.

“Dare to dream that the dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom (Nigel Paul Farage).” If you’re unfamiliar with Mr. Farage, he’s a British politician and former commodity broker, and the leader of the U.K. Independence Party – a position he has held since November 2010.

Yesterday may well be remembered as the single most momentous day in British politics. At least since World War II. The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. Total votes came in at about 52% to 48%. This is a huge development with global implications.

Superstars and cultural icons like soccer player David Beckham had come out in full support of remaining in the E.U., but the “Remain” crowd did not prevail in the end. Professing Christians – with Anglicans and Baptists trending most heavily – comprised the group of Brits most solidly in support of leaving the E.U., polling at about 55% in the Brexit direction.

By this morning here, the pound had taken a brutal beating (the worst in 31 years), which had been expected. Global markets have been impacted as well, of course, and Prime Minister David Cameron has announced his official resignation. But, like it or not, the British people have spoken.

Does this matter to us as Americans, and as evangelical Christians? I think it does, on a number of levels.

1. It’s a reminder that the right to vote, and to exercise political freedom, is truly a gift.

There’s still a place for Christians to speak up in American life, and to speak our convictions. We must do so with consistent kindness, as is fitting for those who’ve been claimed by the Cross. I would contend in fact that sound Christian influence is needed now more than ever. Speaking of an independent U.K., Mr. Farage exclaimed: “This will be a victory for real people!”

2. It’s a reminder that we’re called to live “next door” to people who sometimes seriously disagree with us.

Whether we’re on Downing Street like Cameron, or Downing Cove like I, vibrant participation in a pluralistic society requires us to honor those who tend to vote differently than we. Sometimes our opponents are even correct (can you imagine?) on certain issues that we’ve missed, and humility after the example of Jesus is required. Regarding Brexit, evangelicals found themselves on both sides of the issue. So we must pray for our British brothers and sisters to find their unity in Christ, now as always. Is healthy disagreement without total division possible? Yes, but Britain needs grace to see recent wounds healed. So do we.

3. It’s a reminder that God writes human history, complete with all its twists and turns – for His own purposes, glory, and praise.

What will happen next? Only the Lord knows. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says that a Scottish referendum on leaving the U.K. is now on the table. Who knows but God? The U.K. is now divided in some new ways, as all 32 Scottish council areas voted in the “Remain” crowd. But, thankfully, God does know what tomorrow will bring – on both sides of the pond.

Personally speaking, I find the vision of Europe as a collection of sovereign nation-states working together much more compelling than an unwieldy European Union, which gets harder and harder to rein in by its very nature. Yes, “global” sounds more chic and trendy, but in reality I’d be downright giddy to see even a few nations managing their own affairs well.

In our day and in our land, may we as Christ’s blood-bought sheep walk in sufficient grace so that our “salt” and “light” (Matthew 5:13-16) may be used of our Sovereign Lord to preserve decency and order (First Corinthians 14:40) for such a time as this.

Pastor Charles

When people in Orlando – where many Americans go to vacation and unplug – are gunned down in cold blood, we all experience a sense of unsteadiness and revulsion. The world seems to be shifting under our feet, and shifting much too fast. In a gay nightclub, a Muslim man took the lives of 49 men and women, most of them gay or lesbian – and all of them created in God’s own image. The shooter paused in the middle of his ravenous slaughter, called 911 and a local T.V. station, and pledged allegiance to ISIS. Regardless of other evil and mixed motives, this was jihad, plain and simple.

The wake of the Orlando tragedy has yielded even more unsteadiness and revulsion. Strangely, or maybe not, Anderson Cooper – whom I tremendously respect as a journalist – fired verbal assaults at Pam Bondi, the Florida attorney general. Bondi had been an outspoken supporter of traditional marriage, you see, and somehow that connected her to Omar Mateen’s hate, bigotry, and murderous acts. I am not making this up. While most of us were stunned and brokenhearted over the Orlando slaughter, evangelical Christians were being accused by the New York Times of being at least semi-accomplices to the “casualties of a society where hate has deep roots.” There were waves of this dangerous and demoralizing sentiment across the nation.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, off the hook.

North Carolina governor Pat McCrory and Texas governor Greg Abbott, under suspicion. Their crime? Wanting to keep bathrooms safe for girls and women. (Which would, I might add, never be a debate under Sharia Law. But that’s for another time.)

How are we to be “strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9) when the enemy appears to be getting even more and more adept at hiding? Our only hope is the gospel of Jesus. Because of what Christ has done for us in His death and resurrection, even our sadness is marked with a sense of celebration. We can be honest about the legacy of damage and death that sin has left on us and on our world, while at the same time remembering the life-giving grace that claims us by name!

When I consider all the mistakes that I have made in my life, and all the sin that I have allowed and even embraced, I feel paralyzed and ashamed. But when I “fix my eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of my faith” (Hebrews 12:2), I feel hope rising again. Christine Caine writes in Undaunted: “Often the very things that you think have disqualified you are the ones that qualify you to do what God has called you to do.”

In terms of analyzing Orlando, Anderson Cooper is dead wrong. I only wish he understood the theological truth – God’s truth – that both Anderson and I indeed “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). That would be the beginning of understanding Orlando, and in fact understanding all things.

In the meantime, you and I are called to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Though we may be deemed insincere in our weeping even before our tears have dried, we weep on.

Pastor Charles

Vacation Bible School 2016 has come and gone. It’s hard to believe. It was a wonderful week.

As has become our tradition, the Paducah City Fire Department showed up today to soak all the kids – and even a few unsuspecting adults. What fun! Thanks to all our firemen friends.

SUBMERGED took all of us on an “underwater adventure” … we went “down, down, down” into the heart of the sea. We grabbed our goggles, stepped into our slippers, and dove in! As we submerged ourselves in God’s Word, we discovered something very important: Jesus doesn’t just see what’s on the outside of people. He looks deep within! Psalm 139:23-24 was the core of our study: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” Our motto was: Jesus sees. Jesus knows. Jesus saves.

Pastor Russ helped our VBS kids catch a vision for world missions – including North American and local opportunities – and the kids themselves raised over $2000 to be used this summer to build a playground in Ozero, Ukraine. That project will be completed by our church members and a partner congregation on the mission field.

As we wrapped up our fifth day of VBS just before noon today, Mr. Rusty gave a clear gospel presentation and a call to trust Christ for salvation. Many children responded, and each will receive personal follow-up. Please pray for the Spirit to bear eternal fruit through what was discovered and delighted in this week.

Thanks to all of your who gave your time, talent, and treasure to make all of this happen for God’s glory. Pulling off a successful VBS for hundreds of children, as well as their grateful families, is truly a family affair.

Have a restful weekend. Summertime is here. The Lord is good. Oh so good.

Pastor Charles

In early May I posted some photos of our trip to Frankfort. I mentioned then that several of my local pastor friends and I have decided to unite our “prayer forces” between now and the upcoming Presidential election. To that end, I thought you might like a schedule of the upcoming “If My People” prayer rallies.

Wednesday, June 29

7:00 p.m.       Rosebower Baptist Church       1120 Tyree Road

Wednesday, July 27

6:30 p.m.       Friendship Baptist Church       146 South Friendship Road

Wednesday, August 31

6:30 p.m.       Bellview Baptist Church       4875 Old Mayfield Road

Wednesday, September 28

6:30 p.m.       Lone Oak First Baptist Church       3601 Lone Oak Road

Wednesday, October 26

6:00 p.m.       First Baptist Paducah       2890 Broadway

You’ll notice that five different churches, including our own, will serve as host churches. The start time each Wednesday evening is the start time for that congregation’s normal Wednesday services.

Our Lord Jesus called us “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16). So we must “let our light shine” for such a time as this. We have no misguided notion that America is ancient Israel. The Church is God’s covenant people, not the U.S.A., and this we must never forget. America is not a theocracy, nor do not expect that everything which transpires within American government will line up with the ideals of Scripture. That being said, Christ has put you and me on this Earth, and in this nation, for this particular season – political turmoil and all.

If you have been discouraged about American political life in recent days, please allow me to encourage you. Even considering all its flaws, a government that is less than perfect is better than no government at all. Human government serves God’s gracious purposes in this world, including order, accountability, and leadership. Surely we can pray for those who lead, and those who will lead, our nation – believing by faith that we serve a Sovereign God “who works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11). This ministry of prayer is an important aspect of our being the most Christlike citizens we can be until we are called home.

Who but God knows how powerful the prayers of Paducah believers – coming together around the cross of Christ – could be? Everyone – regardless of church affiliation, denominational background, or political affiliation – is invited to participate in these important and timely prayer rallies. No one is excluded, and all are welcome. Please help me get the word out!

Pastor Charles

Last night I sat in the stately auditorium balcony for the high school graduation of my niece and nephew in Boston. It was the perfect bird’s-eye view.

Toward the end of the very formal New England ceremony, the graduates were instructed to turn around and face the audience, just so they could take in a momentary glimpse of all the family members and friends gathered to show their love and support.

As I looked down upon a sea of blue, my eyes were drawn immediately to Emily and Brendan (right smack dab in the middle of my photo). Though I was happy for all of the graduates, I was elated for the two whom I adore.

I recalled the words of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 10:29, when He reminded us that you and I are the apple of His eye! Even greater than God’s love for the birds of the air is His unending delight in, and passion for, His own beloved. We are uniquely and wonderfully His!

Way back in 1905, Civilla D. Martin got it oh so right: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

Pastor Charles

Last night I was invited by the Paducah Human Rights Commission to serve as a panelist for a public forum entitled “Justice for All.” Justice, of course, should be a missional concern for all of us who are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ (Micah 6:8). We are seekers of justice because we serve a God of justice.

Our community experiences its share of problems, of course. We’re not yet in the City of God. But I’m regularly struck with a profound gratitude for the abundant blessings attached to life in Western Kentucky. By and large the folks in this neck of the woods value hard work, neighborly kindness, and respect for human life.

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for our public servants. As I regularly interface with civic and community leaders in Paducah, I observe a tremendous amount of cooperation, teamwork, selflessness, and charitable giving. I am convinced that our region will advance even more in terms of economic and educational opportunity for all citizens as we deliberately choose to step out in faith and build life-giving friendships which intentionally blur racial, ethnic, and cultural lines.

To those beyond our immediate church family who read this blog, I want to assure you that First Baptist Paducah is committed to loving all people. Period. I extend a hand of friendship to all who will walk this sometimes-broken road with us. Many dividing walls can topple if we will live out the kind of grace that I saw Police Chief Brandon Barnhill model last night. After all, who wants justice without grace (James 2:13)?

Ultimately and once-for-all, perfect justice triumphed at Christ’s cross. We now live in the shadow of that atoning sacrifice, and we’re grateful for every taste of temporal justice afforded by the powers and systems of this world. We’re much like a hungry person who devours an appetizer in anticipation of an even more satisfying meal. But we long for the brightest of days, which has been promised and secured before the foundation of the world, when we will dwell with Christ forever in a land where Justice reigns.

Pastor Charles