When the Culture Quotes Jesus
Salt and Light Newsletter
February 11, 2026
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Pastor’s Thoughts
When the Culture Quotes Jesus
Imagine a child learning to ride a bike.
He wobbles. He panics. But then he cries out, “Let go. I can do it.”
If the father simply stepped away because the child felt confident, that would not be loving. The child does not need affirmation of his illusion. He needs guidance. Protection. Stability. Truth about where he really stands.
There is a difference between encouragement and endorsement.
There is a difference between compassion and confusion.
This week, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear appeared on The View and cited his Christian faith, specifically the Good Samaritan and the Golden Rule, as justification for vetoing legislation designed to restrict harmful “gender affirming” medical interventions for minors.
Christians must be the most compassionate people in any room. Every child bears the image of God. Every child deserves dignity, kindness, and protection. But invoking Jesus to defend policies that open the door to irreversible medical intervention on vulnerable children is not Christianity. It is sentiment wrapped in Scripture.
And that is where I want to speak clearly.
1. The Bible Can Be Invoked Only in Its Fullness
The Golden Rule and the Good Samaritan are real teachings of Jesus. But they are never presented as isolated slogans detached from the rest of biblical revelation. Jesus calls us to love others by walking in truth and holiness. The Sermon on the Mount, where the Golden Rule is found, is filled with commands to repent, to pursue righteousness, to take sin seriously.
To quote mercy while ignoring obedience is to present a partial gospel.
Christianity is not moral niceness. It is submission to the whole counsel of God.
2. Compassion for the Suffering Does Not Endorse the Causes of the Suffering
In Luke 10, the man on the roadside was wounded by violence. The Samaritan did not affirm the robbers. He did not reinterpret evil as good. He treated the wounds and delivered the hurt man to care.
Children experiencing confusion about their bodies and identity are not enemies. They are not problems. They are image bearers who may be hurting.
But wound care is not identity affirmation. Healing is not legitimizing harm.
To permanently alter a child’s body in response to psychological confusion is not mercy. It risks creating lifelong scars in the name of compassion.
True love and care protects the created reality that “male and female He created them” in Genesis 1:27. God’s design is not a mistake to be corrected. It is a gift to be stewarded.
3. Scripture Alone Is the Standard for Moral Truth
When public leaders invoke Christian faith while detaching it from the Bible’s teaching on creation, fall, and redemption, they present something that sounds Christian but is not anchored in truth.
As Albert Mohler has observed, when Christianity is reduced to a vague call to be nice, it becomes a rival religion shaped more by cultural ideology than by biblical revelation.
The Bible does not begin with sentiment. It begins with creation. It establishes God’s design before it ever speaks of compassion. Love that contradicts creation is not biblical love.
4. Love Without Truth Is Not Christian Love
Scripture teaches that love is both kind and truth bearing. Jesus showed mercy to sinners, but He also said, “Go and sin no more.”
To love someone is not merely to affirm their feelings. It is to speak life giving truth to them. To tell a confused child that their confusion defines them is not loving. It leaves them captive to a worldview that distorts God’s design for the human body.
Christian love does not celebrate disorder. It calls people toward restoration.
5. Protecting Children Is Not an Optional Compassion
Legislation limiting puberty blockers, cross sex hormones, and surgical pathways for minors was certainly not rooted in cruelty. It was rooted in caution. It recognized that minors cannot meaningfully consent to life altering interventions whose long term consequences are significant and often irreversible.
Christians should be the most ardent defenders of children. Not only spiritually. Physically. Emotionally. Medically.
If we believe children are made in the image of God, then we must defend them from harm even when that stance is unpopular.
The church must not surrender theological clarity for cultural applause.
We will love every person.
We will treat every child with dignity.
We will walk with families in pain.
But we will not redefine God’s design.
Because the gospel does not begin with affirmation.
It begins with Christ, leads us to repentance and it ends with restoration
And that restoration is not found in transitioning a body.
It is found in transforming a heart.
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Vision Update
I am grateful to share that our elders have officially approved the lease for the new store space.
Let me say this clearly: this project is coming at no cost to the church’s general budget. We are only spending what has already been specifically given toward this initiative. No ministry funds are being redirected. No operating dollars are being touched.
If you would like to invest in this vision, you can give directly toward the project through our website. Every dollar designated to this effort goes toward launching something we believe will multiply impact for years to come.
The goal is simple and strategic. The store will operate as a self-sustaining outreach. Its profits will be submitted back to the mission of Salt and Light. In other words, donation dollars today have the potential to stretch further tomorrow. This is not just about opening a store. It is about creating a long-term revenue stream that fuels ministry, outreach, education, and service in our community.
We believe this will open doors for even greater engagement in Oldham County and beyond. More relationships. More service opportunities. More ways to be salt and light.
On another front, the stables area has officially been cleared. We are currently leveling and cleaning the ground in preparation for spring and summer use. The plan is to hang string lights, install speakers, and begin hosting outdoor gatherings and events in that space.
We want to create environments where people can gather, worship, celebrate, and build community. This will be another step in stewarding the property God has entrusted to us.
Thank you for believing in this vision. Thank you for praying. And thank you for walking forward with us.
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Prayer Cards are located at the church entrances.
If you have a prayer request, please complete a prayer card and place it in the offering plate or boxes and someone will pray for you.
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Church Happenings
Wednesday at Salt & Light – February 11
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby Sloppy Joes and Shredded Chicken Sandwiches, Hash Brown Casserole, Veggies and Dip, Fruit Salad, and Dessert
A $5 donation is requested to cover food costs with additional going to the Building Fund. If you cannot make a donation, please join us for dinner, all are welcome.
7:00 PM Bible Study | Romans 15 | Sanctuary
What does real spiritual strength look like? Romans 15 is about bearing with the weak, building others up, and reflecting the selfless heart of Christ. Tonight we’ll see how true strength is measured - by what we are willing to carry for the sake of others.
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level with Paul Thomas
Girls (8th grade and up) - “Lies Young Women Believe” with Sarah Thomas
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Prayer Meeting - Friday, February 13 | 6:30 PM Sanctuary
All are welcome as we gather to pray.
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The Brotherhood - Saturday, February 14 | 10:30 AM Upper Lobby
Men’s Small Group Discipleship
Please Register Here
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This Sunday February 15 | 11 AM
The Real House of David – The House God Built
Part II: The Reign of David
When God Is Building You | 2 Samuel 7:1–17
How do you know if your idea is a good idea… or a God idea? In 2 Samuel 7, David has a noble plan to build something for the Lord, but God says no and reveals a bigger purpose. What if the delay you’re frustrated by is actually discipleship? What if God is more concerned with building you than blessing your blueprint? Join us as we discover how to discern His voice, surrender our plans, and trust the eternal work He is doing in and through us. _________________________________________________________
Salt and Light Academy - Application Process Open February 16 - March 16
2026-27 School Year Grades K-9
Contact: Michelle.Elliott@SaltandLightAcademy.com
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Youth - Grades 6-12
Summer Camp - June 12–16, 2026
5 days of fun and fellowship—lake swimming, staying up late, eating too many snow cones, and most importantly, growing in God’s Word.
Students 12 years old (by June 12 and have completed 6th grade) through high school may attend.
February 16 - Registration Deadline | First payment of $75 due
A $5 registration fee is required to hold your spot.
Total cost $400 per student - $75 due February 16, $325 due May 18th
All camp payments are non-refundable.
Register Here
If the cost of camp is a hindrance to your student’s attendance, please see Paul Thomas or email Youth@SaltandLightKy.org
Sponsor a Youth Attending Summer Camp at Crossings
The total cost for each young person to attend Summer Camp is $400. For many of our families with multiple children in 6th - 12th grades that cost can be prohibitive. If you would like to sponsor a youth for this potentially life-changing week growing in their faith, please contact Paul or Sarah Thomas or email Youth@SaltandLightKY.org__
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Women of the Word Bible Study- Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 AM
at Sharon Holbert’s Home
Continuing in the study of Daniel. Questions? Contact Sharon 502-235-6687
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Chili Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament - March 14 | 4 - 7 PM at Salt & Light
Salt and Light Academy Fundraiser - Details coming soon.
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Young Adults | Next Chapter (Ages 18-31)
For anyone around 18–31 who wants to stay connected, build friendships, and grow in faith together.
Signal Group - to request to join and stay in the loop or with questions - text Joshua Rieth 502-230-6629 or Kaiden Perrodin 502-663-3681
Bible Study - Sundays | 10:05 - 10:45 AM - Meets near the Library
Questions? Email Cheri Grinnell - Cheri@SaltandLightKY.org
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Lee Corps - Tuesdays | 7 - 9 PM Upper Lobby
Lee Corps provides a youth led, adult facilitated, Christian cadet program to foster leadership and a love for Christ in our community’s young men, ages 12-18. They excel in leadership and military skills preparation with a Christian worldview to serve their country and communities through training in tactics and field training, Christian apologetics, marksmanship, physical conditioning, and much more.
Lee Corps is not associated with or a ministry of Salt & Light Church but uses our facilities for their weekly training and welcomes interested young men to attend. No registration required.
Younger boys are welcome if they can sit through and be engaged in the presentations.
For more information LeeCorps.org or contact LtCol (Ret) Michael Muller (270) 300-1571
or Lauren Engle (502) 802-1688
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Serving Opportunities & Needs
Building Fund - The building purchase and maintenance needs continue in 2026. Thank you for prayerfully considering giving an offering toward the property purchase. Please memo your offerings “Building Fund”.
In 2021, when Salt & Light outgrew our former location, God provided the beautiful 71 acre property with a former horse auction facility and barn where we now gather as a church family.
We entered a lease to own agreement with a payment due December 31 of each year until the purchase is complete.
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Recurring Monthly Giving - As the Lord continues to grow His work among us, one way many choose to serve is through recurring monthly giving. This helps provide steady support for the ministry and allows us to plan wisely while trusting God completely.
If you’re interested, you can explore this option through our online giving page by visiting the website. Thank you for your faithfulness. "God truly does fund what He calls."
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Security Team - Volunteers are needed to serve on the Salt & Light Security Team.
Please text Mike Muller 270-300-1571
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Food Pantry
Volunteer Need - pick up donations at Panera Bread in Buckner on Wednesday at 1:15 PM sharp. May serve one-time, weekly, monthly, any time you can give will be a blessing.
Bible Donations - The Food Pantry gives a Bible to many of our visitors. Children’s Bibles are especially popular.
We are not requesting purchasing Bibles. If you have gently used Bibles that you no longer use or that your children have aged out of, it would be a blessing if you could donate them for us to share.
Food Items Needed
Frozen Chicken, Beef, Breakfast Sausage
Frozen Pizza and Lasagna
Tuna
Hamburger Helper
Eggs
Canned Fruit Cocktail
Chef Boyardee
Spaghetti/Pasta sauce
Please place food and Bibles in bags labeled “Food Pantry” on the hospitality counter near the Coffee Connection. Please ask the volunteers to place perishable items in the refrigerator.
Thank you for donating and praying for this ministry!
If you are in need of food or know someone in need, please text Kristen Tingle 502-931-7987
for a private appointment to shop in the pantry.
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Children’s Ministry
For More Details or to Serve - text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
Busy Bags - 2 volunteers are needed to serve weekly or bi-weekly to empty used items and replenish the busy bags provided to children who attend worship.
Teachers for 4-6 year old class - 11a Sundays
Music with the Children - if you are musically gifted, we would love for you to teach and sing Bible songs with the children twice each month or as you have time to share.
Substitute and Rotational Teachers are needed to fill in for 1 class or multiple weeks when regular teachers are unavailable or to give them a break for a month or so.
Special Needs - Volunteers are needed to serve as one-on-one buddies in class with children with special needs.
Vacation Bible School - July 20 - 24 | 6 - 8 PM
Emerald Crossing - An Irish Adventure through Psalm 23
Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas! Sign up now to serve.
Interest Meeting - Sunday, March 15 | 1 PM
Greet and Check-In children and their families to the nursery and their classes when they arrive on Sunday morning and/or Wednesday evening. Text Debbie Duvall 502-321-8798
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Salt & Light Academy
Classroom Build Supplies Needed - new classrooms have recently been constructed and a few items are needed to complete the project. If you have any of these items you could donate, know a donor, or would like to give money to purchase supplies, please see the listing of needed items here.
Questions contact Kurt Shelton 502-387-0960
Lunch & Recess Volunteers - Interact with and help the children to give the teachers a planning period. A background check is required. Email Michelle Elliott michelle.elliott@saltandlightacademy.com
Please continue to pray, promote, and support Salt and Light Academy. Your ongoing giving keeps the school fully funded and tuition-free, and every gift matters.
One-time or auto pay weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly donations may be made or set up online Here
Donations of needed supplies for classes and the office are greatly appreciated. You can view and give through our Amazon Wish List
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Wednesday Dinner Volunteers
Assist with food prep at Katie’s house in Shelbyville on Tuesday and/or Wednesday.
We don't need a weekly commitment, anything you can do to lend a hand will be greatly appreciated!
Contact Katie Anasis by call or text 937-441-4225. Thanks so much!
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Salt & Light Library
Open Sundays 8:30 - 11 AM and 15 min after service
Wednesdays 5 - 7 PM and 15 min after service
Volunteers Needed - Text Sharon Holbert 502-235-6687
Book Donations appreciated — view our wishlist:
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Family Communication Board
We have a bulletin board in the Upper Lobby inside the main entrance, on the wall above the giving box across from the Connection Point area, for you to post needs you would be blessed to receive and shares you would like to give.
Freely Receive - If you have a need - a service or item or a friend to do something with - please post it on the side of the board labeled “Freely Receive”.
Freely Give – when you have something to give - a lawn mower that still works, furniture you aren't using, a willingness to serve by sharing a skill or some spare time - please post on the side of the board labeled “Freely Given”.
Note papers are in the basket to write your give and receive notes to post on the board.
This is not a buy, sell, or trade board, but a family sharing board.
The only money that should be exchanged would be a paycheck if you are offering to hire someone.
Check our family sharing board often, there may be a message that will be a blessing for you!!
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Care Ministry
If you are in need of care (hospital, long-term facility, homebound), please contact Salt & Light at 502-265-6828
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Stay Connected – Join Our Facebook Groups
Stay encouraged and connected!
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Have an Announcement of an Event or Volunteer Need?
Please email new submissions by Monday each week to Marie Long at Long12686@gmail.com
Thanks for helping us keep everything clear and timely!