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 TIDINGSJune 3, 2020 Vol. 73 No. 23

For the last three months or so, our nation has experienced the devastating consequences of what has been identified as a pandemic. That English word itself is derived from the Greek, pan which means “all” and demos which means “people or population.” In other words, the term signifies “all people.” And how “all people” have been affected by the impact of COVID-19. From actual physical suffering to financial uncertainty, individuals have wrestled with the viral implications upon their own personal lives as well as upon their families’ lives. No one has escaped the difficult realities of this pandemic and its effect on our communities.But now, we have been reminded of yet another disease that has circulated in our country since its inception. It is a sickness that penetrates the heart and spirit; and it devastates everything it touches. The evil bacteria that infects? Hatred. Or more specifically, racism. The recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd have placed the disease in full view for all to see. Like many of you, I have grieved as I watched the painful videos of young lives extinguished. To hear George Floyd cry out for his mother specifically wrecked me. And of course, I recognized that these events were only samples of what our African American brothers and sisters have faced through the years.In the subsequent days after Floyd’s death, emotion has brimmed over with protests and cries for equitable justice . . . calls we should hear and act upon. Unfortunately, we have also seen cities burning as violence has spread across the nation. This is truly a time where we should recognize our fallen state and see how sin itself is spreading its lethal contagion among us. Indeed, we must repent from our errant ways and seek the forgiveness of our loving God.For the church today, we must be a part of the solution. Truly, this does begin with our own acknowledgement of sin and how we deal with it. In times past, we have not acted as decisively as we should have. We have not spoken clearly and firmly enough. We have not stood as unified as we could have. For that, we express our repentance. We ask for His grace, and we commit ourselves to His ways.You see, we don’t just “regret” our inadequacies of the past for regret changes nothing. Rather, we seek repentance. We

specifically work toward a deep appreciation for the imago dei (“the image of God”) value of each person. Sin may have marred the image, but it did not remove the image. Every individual is of intrinsic worth because he/she bears the image of God. Nothing can take that away. We recognize that all lives matter; but in times like these, we should be willing to join our brothers and sisters in declaring “Black Lives Matter.” Just as it is appropriate to proclaim “Blue Lives Matter” when a law enforcement officer is killed, so it is appropriate to affirm that black lives matter when our African-American brothers and sisters wonder if our culture really values their lives. You see our pro-life stance is not just a statement against abortion; it is about emphasizing life in all stages of our existence.We as believers need to specifically reach out across ethnic barriers to promote harmony and reconciliation. Just as Jesus demonstrated compassion to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) or as the disciples invited the nations into God’s kingdom in the book of Acts, we should seek to cross cultural lines in order to see His good news reign in our lives. We need to stop, listen, and learn from others in their cultural experience. We must be proactive in developing relationships and sensitivities that encourage such engagement.Never forget that at the heart of this issue is a bloodstained cross. As Paul would write to the Ephesians, the sacrifice of Christ enabled racial reconciliation and brought the people of God together (2:11-13). As the church, we are involved in reconciling people to God and to each other. If we don’t fulfill that purpose, who will? If we don’t bring hope to this culture, who will? Jesus clearly tasked us to reach all nations (Luke 24:47) with His gospel. Oh, and that terminology “all nations,” is derived from the Greek, pan which means “every” and ethnos which clearly is connected with ethnicity. We are to reach all ethnic groups for His glory! It is our “panethnos”! And this can only be done as we promote His gospel and its aim at racial reconciliation! This is a gospel issue!Grateful that we can do this together! Let’s make a difference for our communities and His kingdom! See you Sunday!

The Pastor’s PerspectiveDr. Reggie Bridges

Neighbors and NationsNeighbors and NationsBen Jernigan

We live in a broken world. If we were oblivious to social and racial tension in America before the pandemic, we are acutely aware of it now. How different would the world be if Christ followers showed selfless love toward others? How different would the world be if Christ followers exuded joy in their lives, were peacemakers in society, demonstrated patience when others were difficult, showed kindness to all, were good to their community, remained faithful to God’s Word, acted gently toward those not in the church, and showed self-control in stressful times?

Remember, this isn’t our homeland. Jesus said in John 15:13, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.” The world is not going to change through laws and politics, but through changed hearts as local people do the work to bridge gaps and build relationships. Let’s live and love with a different kind of love. Here are five simple ways to diffuse racial tension and show love to those in our world.

1. Slow down and speak. We often get so trapped in our own world that we don’t notice those around us. Take time to greet and ask a second question to those you encounter.

2. Invite a coworker/classmate/student of yours who is different than you to lunch. Learn about his/her life story. Be a listener. Show grace.

3. Be a helper. Ruston has hundreds of internationals who come from all over the world and would love to have a friend. Email or call me to learn how you can be a friend to internationals through Friendship Families.

4. Be helped. Don’t always try to be the expert. Allow others to host and help you.

5. Volunteer in the community. Volunteering in the community opens the door to many lives that you may not encounter otherwise. Contact George or me to learn about opportunities in the community.

Mission House - We are excited to welcome Jay and Michelle to our mission house! Jay and Michelle and their 4 kids will be staying in our mission house through the end of July. Be sure to meet them and learn how to pray for them in the next couple of months.

LoveLincoln - Temple Baptist Church Loves Lincoln Parish. Over the course of this year, we will be doing a series of events geared to love those of Lincoln Parish. Stay tuned to social media to see what God is doing in our Parish. Look for the hash tag #LoveLincoln

Virtual Trip to Boston - Would you like to go to Boston on a mission trip but you don’t want to travel just yet? No problem. Our church plant partner Jason Tallent from Harbor City Church in Winthrop is going to take us on a virtual trip. Be on the lookout for details soon!

For more TBC missions stories, read our blog at tbconmission.wordpress.com and follow us on Instagram at temple.go

Sunday School Classes are still meeting virtually. Would you like to join a class?

We want you to be a part.

Jason Walsworth is here to help! jason@temple.life | 255-3745

Youth Ministry News:Check out our ministry adjustments/trips/plans

at www.templebcstudents.org

College ConnectionCollege ConnectionCasey Casady

We need your help! As a result of the COVID-19 all of Louisiana Tech orientations are taking place in July. We will not be able to personally meet many freshmen until late in the summer. Church family, we need you to help us get the word out about our 17th annual Beach Retreat August 13-17 in Panama City Beach, FL. We are praying that God will bless in this mess, and that many new and returning students will be able to attend this incredible life-changing event. Many students have shared that Beach Retreat set them on the right path to follow God in their college years. I hope you will share with your network of friends and family the details of Beach Retreat. If you know a college student, this is a MUST ATTEND event. Details are available at beach.templecollege.life. We hope that you will pray for this event as it is a catalyst for many things God allows Temple College to do during the school year. If God puts on your heart to help financially with Beach Retreat in these difficult days, please contact Casey at casey@temple.life.

the family of Andrew “Clyde” Neaves, grandfather of Leslie (Reggie) Bridges; the family of

Teresa Riley, wife of Sam Riley, mother of Austin; the family of Georgia Myers,

mother of Lynn (Jodie) Williams.

The flowers in the Sanctuary are in memory of Jack Potter and John Shealy,

given by the church family.

Vacation Bible School is now Staycation Bible School

June 22-26Every family that registers will

receive a Staycation Bible School packet of supplies so you can have Vacation Bible School

at home. Also, neighborhood packets will be available for families who want to host

Neighborhood Block Parties. Contact The Journey Place Office to sign up for neighborhood packets.

Register online at sbs.temple.life

Registration Deadline: June 13Supply packets will be available for registered participants in The Journey Place on June 20.

Tristan Lovell

Temple’s Newest Membership Candidate:

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

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-GlanceSunday, June 7

9 a.m. - Blended Worship (Sanctuary);

livestream at live.temple.life (Blended Worship);

the gathering Worship (GS)

10:30 a.m. - the gathering Worship (GS);

livestream at live.temple.life (the gathering Worship)

Wednesday, June 10

6 p.m. - Prayer Meeting/Bible Study (Sanctuary),

livestream at live.temple.life

The Church Office is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday-Friday, but we encourage you to come to the

office only if it is completely necessary. To stay within

the guidelines given by the CDC and our government

leaders, more information about our ReGathering

efforts can be found at update.temple.life

How can we help? Our staff is here to serve. You can

contact them by calling the Church Office (255-3745)!

We are navigating unprecedented times, but we believe our God is still in control and can use us to share the Gospel in creative and powerful ways!

Church family, we LOVE you and are here to serve you!

Broadcast Hours: Sundays: 9 a.m. Channel 11 (KAQY); 9:30 a.m. 94.1FM (KRLQ); 9 and 10:30 a.m. livestream (live.temple.life)