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Salem Baptist Church, Owen County, Big Twin Creek Road, Worthville, KY (2026)

09/06/2026

September is here! A month filled with so much going on in Owen County in our churches and community. After last week's heat surge, with little to no rain.... we're ready for Fall aren't we? Come be with us this morning at Salem!

Today, we have a borrowed devotional for you. Pastor Mike's Bible Study will be back next week!

GOD WILL CALM YOUR STORM Borrowed (GIG Devotional)

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm (Luke 8:24b NLT).
I grew up close to the ocean, and I remember going to the beach with my parents. They taught me the water was to be enjoyed but also respected. The ocean was wild—both beautiful and destructive, life-giving and deadly, a playmate and a potential enemy. The disciples, especially Peter and Andrew as fishermen, likely had a similar attitude toward the Sea of Galilee.
One day Jesus says to His disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake” (Luke 8:22). It’s not the first time they’ve made this short journey. The Sea of Galilee is small, only thirteen miles from north to south and seven miles from east to west. Jesus settles in for a nap, weary from ministering to so many people.
The Sea of Galilee is known for its violent storms. One minute can bring blue skies, the next fierce winds and rain. The lake is surrounded by hills with steep sides, and cold air rushing over the edges collides with warmer air around the water, causing waves up to ten feet high.
We’re going to die, the disciples think as panic floods their minds and water begins to fill the boat. Where is Jesus? Why isn’t He doing anything? They find Him still sleeping and wake Him with a fear-filled question: “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” (Mark 4:38).
What Jesus speaks to the wind and waves seems fitting for the hearts of the disciples too: “Silence! Be still!” (v. 39). The storm suddenly stops, and there is great calm. With terror and amazement, the disciples ask each other, “Who is this man?” (Luke 8:25).
This miracle happens fairly early in Jesus’s ministry, and this question reveals that His disciples are still trying to figure Him out. They’ve been called by Him, listened to His teachings, even seen Him perform miracles. But they’ve not yet answered with absolute certainty this crucial question we all wrestle with at some point: “Is He really, truly God in every moment of my life?”
It’s the question we ask ourselves when the storms of life come. Anxiety will tell us the answer is no. The boat is sinking, and we’re in charge of saving ourselves. There is no hope; the rain will never end. No one cares about us. This is the end.
But the Spirit within us whispers yes! God is not distant; He’s in the boat with us. No matter how the storm rages, He will not let us drown in our difficulties. He is present and powerful, and He cares about every detail of our lives.
The disciples experienced the complete calming of a physical storm. This side of heaven, the emotional storms we’re in may not fully go away. The depression may come back. The panic attack might not stop instantly. The stress in our job could continue. Sometimes the storms calm, and sometimes we find calm in the storm because we know with certainty these two things: God is God in every moment of our lives, and with Him, we can make it through anything.
Dear God, when storms come, I pray for Your supernatural calm, either by causing the storm to cease or by giving me hope, strength, and inner stillness in the middle of it. You are God in every moment of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
~ GIG Devotional See less

08/30/2026

If we are honest with ourselves, we'll admit that in our circles of friends, family, neighbors, and others.... we all have someone that is so hard to love! Right? And we promise God that we'll love everybody else, but "just not him/her", ok God?

In Pastor Mike's Bible study for this week, he reminds us to look at the Bible as our guide to being Good to everyone, even those we find hardest to love.

Goodness: Doing the Right Thing – I Thessalonians 5:15

What is ‘Good’ and how do I know? (Galatians 5:19-26.) The virtue of ‘goodness’ in the original Greek, found in this list of Spiritual fruit, indicates how to respond to others from a deep moral inner conviction of what is the right thing to do for the sake of the other person. At the end of the day, ‘Goodness’ involves seeking the best for others.
3 Responses Between Good and Evil
Attitude #1---The pagan world operates on a philosophy which does evil in spite of good. The basic thought here is to "get the other fellow before he gets you". Use any method. He may treat you well but if you can get the advantage, win at any cost. This attitude and behavior are pagan and heathen.

Attitude #2---The so-called refined, cultured, and educated of the world have their standard. That is, do good to those who do good to you. The political parties in America operate on that principle. If someone helps a man get elected, the politician reciprocates by offering the man a job or office. You take care of your own. That is the philosophy of the so-called civilized world. Jesus said, “If you do good to them who do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners do also even the same.”

Attitude #3---We Christians are to live under a different principle. We are to do good to everyone, but especially to those who do evil to us. That is contrary to the natural man. The instant someone hits us, it is natural to just want to hit him back.

Often as we minister to others, they oppose us and even reject us. Often, they show no appreciation. But we should always serve in love and always be ready to forgive. This is the theology that Paul is talking about---“See that none render evil for evil unto any man, but every fellow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”

"Goodness" is the tool a Christian should constantly be sharpening because it is the only tool we have to overcome evil.

Supporting Scripture:

Philippians 2:3-4 Exodus 20:14 Romans 13:9 Philippians 4:8 Romans 12:9 Romans 12:16-21 Luke 6:33 Matthew 18:21-22

08/23/2026

Come fellowship on the porch with us before joining us for worship this morning! We are a warm and welcoming church, where nobody is a visitor and everyone is friend. Come on down! Morning Service: 11AM

Pastor Mike's notes for Bible Study this week:

PATIENCE: Hidden Power – James 5:7-12

Trouble is an inevitable portion of our lives and proves the reality that we live in a fallen and cursed world. Patience has both the idea of long suffering with respect to people and of endurance with respect to situations or conditions. ‘Patience’ means “to stay put and stand fast when you would like to run away.”
Now, the question we must answer is “How can we experience this ‘patient endurance’ until Jesus arrives?”

3 Encouraging Examples of Patient Endurance

I (vv7-9) the Farmer---One agriculture teacher said, “If you are impatient, do not be a farmer.” No crop appears overnight and no farmer has control over the weather. He must have patience with the seed which takes time to produce fruit. The fruit is the harvest and is worth the waiting. James also pictures the Christian as a ‘spiritual farmer’ stablishing their heart as the soil. Farmers are also reputed to be good neighbors, helping others in their farming at any time. The farmer isn’t “standing around doing nothing” ... but is constantly working toward the harvest.

II (v10) the Prophets---James’ Jewish congregation would have understood this simple unexplained example of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus used them in “The Sermon on the Mount” as examples of victory over persecution. What encouragement do we get from that? For one thing, the prophets were in the will of God, but they suffered. Many of the prophets had to endure great trials and sufferings, not only at the hands of unbelievers but at the hands of professed believers. They kept on witnessing. This example ought to encourage us to spend more time in the Bible studying these Old Testament heroes.

III (vv11-12) Job---We have all heard of ‘the Patience of Job.’ Job is the greatest example of suffering in the Old Testament: he lost his wealth, his health, his beloved children and even his wife was against him. Job is the example of standing steadfast under pressure. An impatient Christian is a powerful weapon for Satan. Job was long tempered and faithfully endured.

THE IMPORTANT TRUTH: The farmer keeps working; The prophet keeps witnessing; The oppressed stays even- tempered. There can be no victory without a battle! Learn to be patient.

Supporting Scripture:
Job 5:7 John 16:33 Acts 14:22 I Peter 4:12-13 Philippians 4:13 James 1:1-5 Romans 8:25 II Timothy 3:12

08/16/2026

"Back to School" is happening all around us in Kentucky! And we will be much in prayer 🙏for our students and teachers from Salem as the new routines begin. Why not also make this time of year "Back to Church"? A good time for a new start....so come on down and join us!

Pastor Mike's notes for this week's Bible Study:

HOPE: How I Cope with Trouble Hebrews 6:18-20

We can bear all problems and troubles in this life because of the hope we have in Christ Jesus. Human hope (wishful thinking) pales in comparison to biblical hope. A Christian’s biblical Hope is far superior to the unbeliever’s worldly hope. Instead of wishing or hoping for something to happen, a believer knows that their hope is solid because it is grounded on the truth of the Word of God. The author of Hebrews explains the elementary, the basic, and the essential of my Hope.

(Hebrews 6:18-19) The basic for my Spiritual Security---The two unchangeable things that assures our eternal security is guaranteed by God’s promise and God’s oath. God has given believers the Holy Spirit as a guarantee and He cannot lie. Because He cannot lie, we can be secure in His promises; we don’t need to wonder if He will change. To a true seeker who comes to God in belief, God gives an unconditional promise of acceptance. When we ask God with openness, honesty, and sincerity to save us from our sins, He will do it. This truth alone should give us the encouragement, assurance, confidence, and hope we need.

(Hebrews 6:19-20) Jesus is the Anchor---This veil hung across from the holy place to the holy of holies, the two innermost rooms in the temple. This veil kept anyone from entering, looking into, or even getting a fleeting glimpse of the interior of the holy of holies. The high priest could enter the holy of holies only one day per year to stand before God’s presence and atone for the sins of the entire nation. My hope is anchored to Christ Jesus, who is the best hope, a permanent High Priest, and the Atoner and Redeemer as the Perfect Savior.

We sorrow not as others who have no hope, ‘For if we believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, Jesus will be back to take us where He is.’

Supporting Scripture:
Hebrews 6:13 I Corinthians 10:13 Romans 8:28 Hebrews 11:1 Romans 8:16-17 Hebrews 6:17 Colossians 1:1 I Timothy 1:5 John 14:6 John 3:16 Acts 16:31 I John 4:4 Hebrews 11:6 Hebrews 9:6-9 Hebrews 8:1 I Thessalonians 4:13-18

08/09/2026

We would love to have you join us today for morning worship at 11AM. We will celebrate Holy Communion at the end of our service, and that's always a meaningful few minutes to reflect and rededicate yourself to a closer walk with the Lord.

Pastor Mike's notes for Bible Study:

Self-Control – Titus 2:11-14

“Self-control” ... sounds so simple and straightforward, maybe even commonplace. Self-control is not a flashy concept or an especially attractive idea. It does not turn heads or grab headlines. It can be as seemingly small as saying no to another Oreo or milkshake---or another half hour on Netflix or Facebook---or it can feel as significant as living out a resounding yes to sobriety and sexual purity.
Self-control is at the height of Christian virtue in a fallen world, and its exercise is quite simply one of the most difficult things you can ever learn to do…. Self-control is the epitome of ‘easier said than done.’
Self-control brings thoughts of combatting dominating habits that can range from the simple to the more complex: --overeating—talking too much—drunkenness—drug abuse—sexual sin—quick anger—pattern of exaggerating or lying—dealing with abusive spouse—becoming abusive—lazy with poor work habits—workaholics
In our society where too much emphasis is placed on physical appearance, many folks exercise extreme self-control to maintain a beautiful appearance, but exercise little self-control when it comes to moral issues such as sexual purity or honesty in business.
Paul counseled a young church concerning ‘self-control.’ The fruit of the Spirit that must grow for the others to grow is a doctrine guaranteed in three time zones:
(v11) The Past--God is speaking to the church when he declares, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Paul is saying that he wants to put the ‘Grace of God’ under us as a solid spiritual foundation because we need a true foundation and because the grace of God is the way God saves us.
(v12) The Present—We are being taught to put off ungodliness and worldly lusts” by the ‘grace of God. We are to put on soberness, righteousness, and godliness, in this present world.” When a man says, “I’ll try to do it better,” I think to myself, he lies. God does not want to reform you or the world; God wants to redeem you.
(vv13-14) The Future—Those who were saved and learn self-control, and are zealous about good works, have the blessing of the hope of the Rapture by the Redeemer.

Supporting Scripture: John 3:16-17 Philippians 4:13 I Timothy 4:7 Ephesians 4:22-24 Romans 3:23
Ephesians 2:8-9 James 1:15 I Thessalonians 4:13-15

08/02/2026

Our area has had so many tornado warnings and watches lately! Just got through another one as I was preparing this Facebook entry for Sunday! I'm always reminded of the verse "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee". Psalm 56:3. I sat on my basement steps (as instructed by the TV weather folks) and prayed for the safety of all. Peace in the midst of the storm is Pastor Mike's sermon topic today. Why don't you venture on down to Salem Baptist Church and be with us this morning!

PEACE: The Only Solution for Anxiety – Philippians 4:6-7

Peace of mind is something that we all want. We all want to be able to rest, to not have to worry, and to feel free to enjoy life, family, friendship, home, work, church, and so on. We want to be able to enjoy ourselves without being burdened down with worries that rob us of energy, purpose, and life
(v5b) **TRUTH: Here is a truth to hide in your heart and to start every worship with: “The Lord is at hand.” When anxiety approaches you, think what you know about Christ Jesus; The Lord is nearby.
(v6) The Command---PRAYER is the ‘spiritual’ power to conquering fear, doubt, stress and worrying. Paul is playing on the words ‘nothing’ and ‘everything.’ NOTHING’ is the most exclusive word in the English language. ‘Nothing’ excludes everything. In the last study we were given a command (v4) “to rejoice always!” Here we are commanded, “Worry about nothing, pray about everything.” We are not told to ignore reality. We are told not to worry about it and do pray about it with thanksgiving. Nothing should be left out of prayer. Do you unload your heart to God about everything?
(v7) The Promise---“The peace that passes all understanding” is different than peace we can understand such as world peace. Also, there is peace that comes from our sins being forgiven, justified by faith. There is also ‘tranquility’ such as when Jesus assured us, “My peace I leave with you.”
Those are marvelous but they are not ‘the peace that passes all understanding” The storm is still raging, the waves are still rolling, the lightning is still flashing, and the thunder is still roaring. Although the storm has not abated, something has happened in the individual. Something has happened in my mind and my soul.

Peace comes with a change in me! We can enter with worry and come out with peace. Prayer is the power!

Supporting Scripture:
John 14:25-27 Matthew 11:28-30 I Peter 5:7 Matthew 6:9-15 Ephesians 4:22-24 Ephesians 4:31-32 Psalm 73:28 Philippians 4:8

07/26/2026

Here we are at the last Sunday of July....can you believe how quickly the summer is flying by! Why not make today a Sunday that you come worship with us down on Big Twin Creek? You'll find a friendly, loving church family, preaching from the Bible, 📖singing from the old hymn books, 🎶 and there might even be a hug or two! See you this morning, 11AM.

Pastor Mike's notes for this week's Bible Study:

JOY: The Secret of Contentment – Philippians 4:10-19

Despite my circumstances, it is my goal to be Joyful; to feel inner contentment and to understand my purpose in life. The very first thing that Jesus’ brother James teaches us’, ‘Fellow believers, consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops patience. But patience must finish her work that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’
In a CHRISTIANITY TODAY Editorial/Dec7, 2009: “When Christians do a little self-reflection, not many of us point to joyfulness as the thing that needs attention. Mostly we flagellate (religious self-flogging) ourselves for our undisciplined discipleship. We issue calls to repent of our consumerism, and we issue manifestos to help the poor and the planet. No one has yet issued a joint ecumenical statement on the need for Christians to be more joyful.” As James said above, “Working thru many trials makes your Joy complete".

(v11) A Joyful Person Is Content with Little---Paul says, I am not always in a state of want, but I have disciplined myself to be content with little.” The contented attitude of Paul is so out of place in society today. Even the wealthiest folks are most miserable. For almost all joyless people, there is a blurring of the distinction between needs and wants. The reason here is, not to have our needs met, but to glorify God by soul winning. Paul was willing to let God control his circumstances and was joyful, ‘whatever state he was in.’

(v12) A Joyful Person is Indifferent to Circumstances---Paul counsels us that in all things and in all places, “He has been instructed (so have you now) and then disciplined himself to be content whether rich or poor, full or hungry.” Paul did not consider the circumstance but focused on the heavenly realities.

(v13) A Joyful Person Is Strengthened by Divine Power--- No matter how difficult his sufferings and struggles may have been, Paul had a joyful understanding about an invisible means of support. God’s power, that indwells a believer, is far more than sufficient to joyfully strengthen and sustain them if they are obedient and in God’s will.

The power that brings Joy comes from God; it does not come from counselors, therapy, or self-help formulas, but only from godly living.

Supporting Scripture:
John 15:11 James 1:2 II Corinthians 5:9 Psalm 16:11 Matthew 16:33 I Timothy 4:7 Matthew 6:31-33 Matthew 4:4 James 4:2-4 I Timothy 6:8 Romans 5:3-4 Galatians 2:20

07/19/2026

More evidence of the fun, learning, and bonding we experienced at VBS at Salem, 2026! TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD. PSALM 34:8 See you next year......we're already thinking about the next theme!

07/19/2026

VBS was a big SUCCESS! Lots of fun and learning and playing and crafting and singing and making good choices! TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD. PSALM 34:8. Come worship with us this morning and you'll get a small taste of VBS too!

Pastor Mike's Bible Study Notes:

LOVE: The Supreme Divine Requirement Matthew 22:34-40

Because of the things I believe, and because of how I act, I am committed to loving God and loving others. Someone has said that love may not make the world go around but it sure does make the trip worthwhile. Those words perhaps gather up the opinions of the world that the sweetest and most exhilarating of all emotions and actions is love.
Consequently, volumes and libraries of magazines, poems, songs, plays, novels, and films have been produced about love. In this Bible history the subject comes up in the answer to a test question from a lawyer:
THE QUESTION: (v36) ‘The lawyer tested Jesus, ‘Master, what is the great commandment in the law/” Over the years, the rabbis had determined that there were 613 laws in the Pentateuch. They always debated over which were heavy and which were light but there had never been unanimity on the subject. They had their own merits in the divisions that favored each of them and figured that because Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, He would bend them also.
THE ANSWER: (vv36-38) Jesus’ answer was unexpectedly a quote from the law of Moses, “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Jesus was saying to them, I am telling you that “love the Lord your God” is the ‘first and great commandment’ and is the law you have written on you and in your houses and that you recite twice per day and teach to your children (with genuine love.) The genuine love of God is all intelligent, all feeling, all willing, and all serving. We are to love our Lord with our entire being!
The distinguishing mark of saving belief in God is “love of God.” Faith in Christ Jesus that is not characterized as consuming love for Jesus is not saving faith. But in truth, it is an acknowledgement of His divinity such as even the demons believe (James 2:19.)
THE CONSUMING LOVE: (vv39-40) Jesus goes on to say that the ‘works” that prove the greatest commandment obeyed includes the ‘love of God’ also when He finishes, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

The entire Old Testament stands on this truth: Love God, Love others.

Supporting Scripture:
Mark 12:28-34 Luke 10:25-28 Deuteronomy 4-9 Deuteronomy 11:13-21 James 2:19 James 2:14-20 Philippians 4:8 Leviticus 19:18

07/16/2026

We are in full-swing decorating for Saturday VBS! It's gonna be really SWEET learning about the SWEET Love of Jesus! Don't miss it! July 18, 4-8PM. Put a note in the comments if you need a ride!

Salem Baptist Church, Owen County

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