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

So our Joshua has landed a summer job at Chick-fil-A. We’re so proud of him. He loves the idea of working and earning a paycheck. He loves the idea of grown-up responsibilities. He loves the idea of pursuing something important on his own. And, in this particular case, God has blessed our son with Christian managers, co-workers, and role models, who are – for us as Josh’s parents – the proverbial icing on the cake. (Or should I say, “the meringue on the lemon icebox pie?” Too bad that’s served only in Atlanta now.)

Please excuse my less-than-stellar photo. Josh would never approve of my photographing him at work, so don’t tell him. I had to run through the mall and hide behind a large woman just long enough to get the best shot I could. I’m certain I was inches away from being arrested.

Yes, I try to document all our family milestones. When I’m old and forgetful, I’m hoping that pics like these – even if I’m drooling on them a bit at that point – will spark a happy memory of the boy I still can’t believe I get to raise and love. Next to Jesus and Eileen, Joshua is my treasure. We are blessed, and God is good.

It seems like only yesterday that the world had to say goodbye to the well-respected founder of Chick-fil-A, Mr. Truett Cathy. In 2014 Mr. Cathy died, at the ripe old age of 93, after showing us that a billion-dollar business can happen in America without trampling on Biblical principles and ethics. Cathy ran his organization with excellence. When we lived out in SoCal – as Chick-fil-A was expanding and bringing their chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and sweet tea to the West Coast – Mr. Cathy would fly out to each new store, preside over an overnight campout comprised of the chain’s devotees (on the restaurant parking lot), and then pray over the crowd at the next day’s opening bell. After all of that planned hoopla – brilliantly and winsomely executed – hundreds of loyal customers received hundreds of free meal vouchers to be enjoyed throughout the next year.

Truett Cathy was a leader of leaders. Sometimes he paid a steep price for his stand for decency, particularly as traditional family values came under assault, but he seemed always the optimist who deeply desired to use his public platform for good. And that he did. At the time of Mr. Cathy’s home going, award-winning blogger, speaker, and author Paul Sohn published some “Cathy quotes” which are worth remembering. I’ll pass along to you just seven of them …

“You never know how or when you influence people … We have an impact on our children by what we say, but particularly by what we do. They forget many of the things we say, but they observe everything we do.”

“Nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give something to someone else – our time, our love, our resources.”

“The unexpected opportunity I enjoy most is the opportunity to turn a frown into a smile.”

“It is when we stop doing our best work that our enthusiasm for the job wanes.”

“I believe no amount of business school training or work experience can teach what is ultimately a matter of personal character. Businesses are not dishonest or greedy, people are.”

“We live in a changing world, but we need to be reminded that the important things have not changed.”

“If you wish to enrich days, plant flowers. If you wish to enrich years, plant trees. If you wish to enrich Eternity, plant ideals in the lives of others.”

Why do such simple yet profound thoughts stir our souls? Because they’re substantive. In an age of feeling-over-fact, these quotes communicate objective reality and value, because they were uttered by someone who possessed wisdom and insight into matters of life and eternity. Christ said: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25). Deep down, you and I long to be standing, safely, on the Rock.

Joshua, when you’re older and you realize that I posted this, know how proud I am of you.

And, for the rest of you, know how dearly loved you are by your highly-imperfect-but-hopefully-usually-smiling shepherd.

Pastor Charles

It was a real honor to travel Wednesday to our state capitol. Friends from our First Baptist Paducah family made our way to a rainy Frankfort just to be a part of Decision America Tour 2016 with Franklin Graham, who explained his sense of urgency: “We’re all here today because we know that our country is in trouble. We are in trouble spiritually, racially, economically, politically, and there’s no political party that is going to turn this thing around.”

Some 5800 concerned Kentucky citizens gathered on the capitol steps to, among other things, confess our national sins. Specifically mentioned were abortion, same-sex marriage, pride, the worship of profits, lack of concern for the poor, and an entertainment-driven culture which is obsessed with sex and violence. It was an entirely nonpartisan event, and in fact Mr. Graham convened the gathering at noon by expressing “zero hope” in both of our nation’s major political parties.

Since our church is just finishing a multi-month study of the Book of Nehemiah, we were immediately intrigued when Franklin began his presentation by telling Nehemiah’s story. I was not able to jot down his exact words, but Franklin simply reminded us that Nehemiah was spiritually moved by the desperate condition of his homeland. Nehemiah understood that his God-given mission was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and – by so doing – to restore the hope of God’s people. But it all began with crying out to God!

Franklin Graham is traveling to all 50 states to hold similar prayer rallies, to preach Christ’s gospel, and to challenge believers to take action. He is urging Christians to vote, and to live out their Christian faith in the public square – even running for political office when and where that is both possible and prudent.

At one point Franklin referred to plans of the current executive administration to erect a national monument in celebration of homosexual activism in America. “A monument to sin? That’s unbelievable. War heroes deserve a monument, our nation’s Founding Fathers deserve a monument, people who have helped to make America strong deserve a monument – but a monument to sin? … I can’t believe how far our country has digressed. I hope that the President will reconsider. Flaunting sin is a dangerous move. God’s Word tells us, ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people’ (Proverbs 14:34).”

As much as the prayer rally itself, I thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship and prayer as we traveled there and back. Even before our group arrived home in Paducah, I was receiving text messages from other pastors in our area who are desiring that we come together as believing churches to pray for such a time as this. I’ll be meeting with those pastors early Monday morning to discuss the details. More to come on those opportunities; please stay tuned.

I can’t say it any better than Franklin, so I won’t even try. Mr. Graham made it clear: “The only hope for the United States of America is Almighty God.”

Pastor Charles

As part of a new nuclear energy plan, the Belgian government intends to issue iodine tablets to its entire population. After ISIS-linked terrorists communicated plans to build a “dirty bomb,” widespread fears were fueled. Again. Apparently a senior researcher at a facility in Belgium – a center which produces a significant portion of the world’s supply of radioisotopes – was spied upon by terrorist bombers. Ugh. All of this information was the fruit of a home invasion stemming from the ISIS attack in Paris last November. To make a long story short, the dirty bomb threat is also directly linked to the March attacks in Brussels.

Compounding these threats are fears over Belgium’s aging nuclear plants. Two reactors are 40-years-old. Though global experts are divided on the pros and cons surrounding potassium iodide distribution, the new plan is: give everyone a pill. Just in case.

We might or might not agree with Belgium’s pill plan, but I think we can all agree that the real power of a dirty bomb (even the threat of a dirty bomb) is its power to spread panic and fear.

I’ll remind you of C.S. Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew – just in case it’s been a long time since you read it. When the great lion Aslan speaks to the creatures of Narnia, as well as the human children, everyone is comforted by Aslan’s strong voice. That is, everyone except Uncle Andrew. Says Aslan of Andrew: “I cannot comfort him … he has made himself unable to hear my voice. If I spoke to him, he would hear only growlings and roarings.”

In no way do I mean to minimize the viable threats against us on Planet Earth. From Sharia law to nuclear meltdown, we see symptoms of a broken world. But the Church has survived, and even thrived under hardship, and she will continue to press on! No opposing ideology will stop her. The Church survived the occupation of the Roman Empire, the bizarre Middle Ages, the brutal Nazi regime, and every other oppression in between. In the Middle East, particularly, Christianity survived severe Sharia law under oppressive Islamic regimes from the Eighth through the Fourteenth Centuries. Today a revival of Christ’s gospel is happening in that very part of the world. (If you’re coming to dinner tonight, you’ll hear more about that.)

Who would have thought that the Church could flourish in China? Ethiopia? Kenya? North Korea? Pakistan? Vietnam? Even where the government can be grossly violent against evangelicals, the Church can’t be stopped.

Jesus declared (Matthew 16:18): “I will build my church.” Not “I might.” “I will.”

Thank you for bearing with my long midweek teaching series on Islam. Many dimensions of the Islamic threat make us very angry, as they should. But we must deny the “human nature” in us which wants to hate. We can be grieved for our friends in Europe, and deeply saddened by the cultural meltdown across the ocean, but you and I must love. We must love all people, and all people groups, as our fellow image-bearers. That’s God’s image, not our image.

You and I are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. We’re on a great voyage, accompanied by none other than the King of the Universe. We can see at least some of the threats for what they are, but our trust is in Christ alone.

Our mission is self-sacrifice. Our message is unstoppable grace. All other “messages” are but growlings and roarings.

Aslan gave us our marching orders: “Be just and merciful and brave. The blessing is upon you.”

Pastor Charles

I’ll go ahead and admit it. I saw Prince live on stage back in the 80’s when I was a U.K. student. At the time it was billed as one of Lexington’s premiere concerts. Good tickets were expensive, and the crowd was wild. And I was there in the thick of it all.

At the time I didn’t think about Prince ever dying. After all, he was young and energetic and all over those specially-crafted, multi-level platforms at Rupp Arena. We were all young. Or so it seemed. And who was thinking about dying when we all felt so much alive?

Prince is dead.

That may not be a big deal to you, but isn’t the death of every cultural icon a critical moment? A wake-up call? A reminder? A bit of an APB? Soon, and very soon, each one of us will be the person of interest.

Now is the time to learn from a rock star. Life is short, and getting shorter, and personal popularity means nothing of merit when we face the Judge of the Universe. Prince Rogers Nelson must stand before the God who created him; you and I will do the same. Whether we’ve sold 100 million records or not, Ecclesiastes reminds us (3:17-20): “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work … All are from the dust, and to dust all return.”

If, as Solomon also affirms (3:11), God has “put eternity into man’s heart,” then today is a great day to ask ourselves all the right questions. The questions that count. Last year Prince and 3rdEyeGirl released an electric guitar-heavy version of singer-songwriter Nichole Nordeman’s What If … “What if you’re right? And he was just another nice guy … What if he takes his place in history with all the prophets and the kings who taught us love and came in peace? But then the story ends. What then? But what if you’re wrong? What if there’s more?”

Those were sound and sobering questions – questions of eternal weightiness – not really the kind we had come to expect from a master musician and sensational (sometimes even scandalous) entertainer like Prince. Prince sang: “What if you’re wrong, what if there’s more … what if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for?”

The Bible assures us that Christian believers have “steadfastness of hope” (First Thessalonians 1:3). That’s certain hope, and enduring hope. It’s not just any hope, and it’s not just hope in anything. It is “hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Did Prince know the hope of which he sang at least a time or two? Only God knows the answer to that question. But Prince’s sudden and unexpected death compels me to ask a more important question …

Do you know hope?

His name is Jesus.

Pastor Charles