THE TIDINGSGOD’S MISSION FOR TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH IS TO LOVE HIM FULLY AND FOLLOW HIM FAITHFULLY.

THE TIDINGS (USPS #020005), Published Weekly except Christmas by:Temple Baptist Church, Periodical Postage Paid, Ruston, LA 71270

Postmaster send address changes to:Temple Baptist Church, 1515 South Service Road West, Ruston, LA 71270

Phone: (318) 255-3745 • Fax: (318) 255-0134Website: temple.life

THE TIDINGSJanuary 22, 2020

Vol. 73 No. 4

Henry Martyn once remarked, “The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become.” I wholeheartedly agree. We are all grateful for God giving us a place to worship as a faith family and to study His life-giving Word. The vision and thought that gave us such a campus were extraordinary. Yet, we are reminded of that truth that Dr. Magee spoke some twenty-two years ago as he challenged the congregation to reach out: “We are a light set upon a hill.” As he reminded the Temple family then, we cannot retreat behind the columns of a church building; we must bring Jesus into our community and beyond. And we will become missionaries “in spirit and practice” as we draw near to Him. Every day, I see our members exemplifying that missionary zeal. You may be volunteering at LifeChoices and doing the ever-important work of encouraging life itself. You may be delivering backpacks to our schools or tutoring students. You may be helping a battered wife find shelter from years of abuse, or you may aid a drug-addicted husband find healing through a Christ-focused rehab. You may be sitting with a fellow Bible study member at the hospital, or you may be cooking a meal for a bereaved family. You may be working with a spiritual revitalization effort at The Springs, or you may be leading a study at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. And in all these instances, you are having Gospel conversations—sharing the good news of Jesus! (Don’t forget to bring your green pit ball back to the church as we celebrate/pray over those conversations!) We are seeing the results of these conversations as people continue to come and follow Him through the public declaration of baptism.

And what’s more? We are able to extend that missionary effort not only to our local community, but we are also able to promote it among the cities and nations around the globe. We have a global mission because we have a global God! Through our praying, giving, and going, you and I are touching eternity! Last year, we contributed a tremendous amount of resources to our state, national, and worldwide missionary causes. In our special offerings alone, we gave $34,379 through Georgia Barnette (state missions), $75,011 through Annie Armstrong (North America missions), and $161,018 through Lottie Moon (international missions). That does not account for the $280,000 given through the Cooperative Program, the direct support for church plants and missionaries, or the amount many of us personally expended in short-term mission trips. Wow! God is faithful! We not only gave, but we went! And we are still going! Our East Asia team just returned from a fruitful trip; and later this week, another short-term team will depart for Puerto Rico. Working with the North American Mission Board, this group will take part in the disaster relief effort that continues after the recent earthquakes there. Pray for these men and women as they impact Puerto Rico for our Lord! John Piper put it strongly and succinctly: “You have three choices in world missions: be a joyful, sacrificial goer, be a joyful, sacrificial sender, or be disobedient.” I am so grateful that I pastor a faith family that is committed to obedience in going and sending. No doubt, He is blessing our efforts and empowering us through His Spirit! Indeed, He is on the move, and He is bringing us with Him! Let’s hang on for an awesome ride! See you Sunday!

The Pastor’s PerspectiveDr. Reggie Bridges

Worship Attendance9 a.m. Blended

Worship Service 609

9 a.m. the gatheringWorship Service 167

10:30 a.m. the gathering Worship Service 215

The Springs Worship Service 32

Combined Morning Total 1023

Sunday SchoolAttendance ‘20

9 a.m. Sunday School 91

10:30 a.m. Sunday School 846

First Steps 111

Off Campus 93

Total 1141

FROM THE RECORDS OF JANUARY 19, 2020

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Budget $57,219.40 Share the Light $450.00

Preschool Ministry ~ First StepsBible stories and Bible-learning activities

for our preschoolers (Babies-Kindergarten)Sundays 9-11:30 a.m.

Greetings from sunny Puerto Rico! Well, I am not quite there yet but will be flying there this Saturday with ten others on our team. We would appreciate your praying for the work that God has for us there, where recent earthquakes have devastated the southern part of the island. Just as we experienced after the Ruston tornado of April 2019, many hurting people will need the love of God demonstrated in tangible ways. That is the environment in which we will be serving next week, and I am so excited to have an opportunity to go with this team to Puerto Rico. As you pray for our team, please also lift up the pastors of church plants who are in the heart of the recovery effort. They have continued to serve after yet another disaster, and they need the strength of the Lord to continue in this season. Thanks for praying!

Looking ahead to the following Sunday, February 2, we will have our Super Bowl Mega Men’s Choir in the loft! It really is one of my favorite Sundays, and I hope that men and boys of all ages will join us! Rehearsal will be Wednesday, January 29, at 6:45 p.m. in the Choir Room. We will also meet on Sunday morning, February 2, at 8:15 a.m. I hope to see you guys there!

Weekday Early Education MinistryAccepting Fall 2020 applications

beginning February 4 for Temple members and

those presently enrolled. Open to the public March 4.

Applications available in The Journey Place. For a digital copy, email Gina at gina@temple.life.

Contact: Gina Holstead, 255-9506

Music MinistryMusic MinistryJeremy Asher

LA Baptist All-State Youth Choir AuditionsTuesday, February 4

6:30-7:30 p.m. | Choir Room and Sanctuary All youth are invited to participate.

Chicago Tour Dates: June 3-12Homecoming Concert: Friday, June 12

6:30 p.m. | Guinn Auditorium Louisiana College

Now-February 2 A soup collection for Christian Community Action

Bring cans of soup to the drop-off baskets located around the building

For more information: souperbowl.org

Wednesday, February 5 4-8 p.m. | Rooms 76 & 81 Goal: 15 Units

If we meet our goal, Temple members who need blood will move to the top of the list.

Everyone come and give. Let’s make and even exceed our goal!

Chili Cook-off & Ice Cream FellowshipSunday, February 9,

following Evening Worship

Sign up to bring chili during Sunday School on January 26 and February 2.

Bring your chili to Fellowship Hall prior to Evening Worship.

Is there absolute truth? Why can I trust the Bible? How does someone really become a Christian? Do we all worship the same God? How can I be sure I have a relationship with God? Is it wrong to doubt my faith? How do I fight temptation? How do I really start new habits and quit bad habits? How do I have a godly relationship with the opposite sex? When do I need a romantic relationship with the opposite sex? What are godly ways to deal with stress and pressure? How can I keep healthy margin in my life? What’s God’s will for my life? How do I know God’s purpose for me right now? How am I supposed to relate to my parents? Why are my parents so nosy? What do I do if my parents aren’t leading me spiritually? How do I have spiritual conversations with my parents?

218 students and adults studied through what God’s Word has to say about all these questions and much more this past weekend at Princess & Warrior Weekend. God was not just with us, but He moved in very big ways. Soon, you’ll see students who will come forward to let you know how they’ve put their faith in Jesus Christ; and others who already had that relationship but have decided to be baptized. Other decisions and commitments you’ll see as students live differently because of the truth they’ve heard and experienced this past weekend.

So, much thanks is owed to the many adults who spent their time and energy chaperoning teenagers over the weekend. Large events like this depend on great adult volunteers, and our Youth Ministry has been blessed with outstanding college students, young adults, and parents of teenagers who love our youth and minister to them.

Thank you, church family, for giving scholarships for students to attend and for praying. Know that your prayers have been answered in incredible ways!

Youth MinistryYouth MinistryJohn Nugent

the family of Glenda Colvin, grandmother of Ryan (Laura) Roberson.

Congratulations to:Zach and Melanie Binns on the birth of their son,

Judd Maverick Binns. Proud grandparents are Mike and Mariam Stone.

Before You Say "I Do"7-week class beginning

Sunday, February 2 | 9 a.m. | Room 216Open to couples who are engaged

or married less than two yearsEach session will be taught by one of our ministers and his/her spouse.

Topics: Love Languages, Biblical Foundations, Intimacy, Finances, Communication/Conflict Resolution, Love & Respect, and In-laws.

temple.churchcenter.com/groups/bible-studies“Mentor Couples” needed.

Contact: Jacob Ambrose, jacob@temple.life, 255-3745

Levi Newsom

Lilla Jimmerson

Grant Garlington

Temple’s Newest Membership Candidates:

Travis Corum

THE TIDINGSGOD’S MISSION FOR TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH IS TO LOVE HIM FULLY AND FOLLOW HIM FAITHFULLY.

THE TIDINGS (USPS #020005), Published Weekly except Christmas by:Temple Baptist Church, Periodical Postage Paid, Ruston, LA 71270

Postmaster send address changes to:Temple Baptist Church, 1515 South Service Road West, Ruston, LA 71270

Phone: (318) 255-3745 • Fax: (318) 255-0134Website: temple.life

THE TIDINGSLabel here

Family Life Center Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wednesday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.The Journey Place Playscape Hours: Monday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 2:30-5 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Media Center Hours: Sunday: 8:15-9 a.m.; 10:30-11 a.m.; Wednesday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; 1:30-5 p.m.Broadcast Hours: Sundays: 9 a.m. Channel 11 (KAQY)

Core Values: Authoritative Truth • Strengthening Worship

Authentic Community • Intentional TransformationHands-On Missions • Relational Evangelism

Compassionate Servanthood

Vision: To become authentic, loving followers of Jesus,

who are experiencing life transformation through God’s Word, For the purpose of impacting our world.

Week-at-a-GlanceSouper Bowl Collection for CCA ~ Now-February 2Puerto Rico Mission Trip ~ January 25-31Senior Adult Trip to Evangelism Conference ~ January 28Men’s Retreat at Seeker Springs ~ January 30-February 1

Sunday, January 269 a.m. - Blended Worship (Sanctuary); the gathering Worship (GS); Sunday School10:30 a.m. - the gathering Worship (GS); Connections Class (Rm 221); Sunday School4:30 p.m. - Grades 4-6 Bible Drill (JPMR)5 p.m. - The Springs Worship Service (The Springs)6 p.m. - Evening Worship (Chapel); High School Worship (Youth Rm); temple-tech Sunday Night Supper

Wednesday, January 299 a.m. - Friendship International (Rm 76); Quilting/Sewing (FH)5 p.m. - Family Night Meal (FH; Cost: $4/person, $2/child under 8, $12 max/family; Menu: Meatloaf) 5:45 p.m. - Children’s M3 (Missions, Music, & More!) (JP); The Springs Midweek Gathering (The Springs)6 p.m. - Prayer Meeting/Bible Study (FH); GROW Visitation - WHITE TEAM (FH); Junior High Worship (Youth Rm); Love Talk (Rm 49)6:45 p.m. - East Asia Mission Trip Interest Meeting (Rm 76); Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Choir Rm)8 p.m. - temple-tech Midweek (GS)

Mission Trip Interest MeetingsEast Asia Basketball

(Trip: June 13-21)Wednesday, January 29

6:45 p.m. | Room 76Boston Community Outreach

(Trip: July 25-August 1)Wednesday, February 5

6:45 p.m. | Room 82Montana Mission (Trip: May 23-29)

Wednesday, February 5 6:45 p.m. | Room 72

More information at missions.temple.life or contact: Ben Jernigan, 255-3745,

ben@temple.life

Deacons of the Week—January 26-February 1 Bill Austin & Matt Barham