Some twenty years ago, one of our church’s forefathers, Leamon Best, stood before our congregation and declared his personal assessment of Temple Baptist Church and its future: I marvel at the edifice [i.e. the church building] itself, but there’s more there than brick and...
Centuries ago, the prophet Isaiah offered hope to a burdened, disheartened people (see Isaiah 54:1-5). And oh, how God’s children needed to hear that message! Basically, Israel had experienced loss at the hands of the Babylonians and had been carried into captivity. It had realized the...
“When Life Turns Bitter.” Such was the title of a recent message preached by a handsome, intelligent, eloquent, and (obviously) humble Mississippian. If I remember correctly, he spoke of the difficulties faced by a woman named Naomi as recorded in the book of Ruth. In particular, he...
“When Life Turns Bitter.” Such was the title of a recent message preached by a handsome, intelligent, eloquent, and (obviously) humble Mississippian. If I remember correctly, he spoke of the difficulties faced by a woman named Naomi as recorded in the book of Ruth. In particular, he...
Justice Anderson writes, “In the early stages of the church, mission was more than a function; it was a fundamental expression of the life of the church.” In other words, the proclamation of the Gospel naturally grew out of early believers’ identity in Christ and their...
A few years ago, Leslie became enamored with the Mitford series, a collection of books that focused upon the ministry of a small-town, Episcopal priest who was affectionately called Father Tim. Every evening, I would find her consumed in her literary pursuit as she moved from page to page, and I...
Elimelech. His very name made a statement of faith—”My God is King.” Indeed, it was a confession of trust in God’s sovereignty over all circumstances and situations. Elimelech. What a wonderful name! Unfortunately, names do not always reflect the hearts of men. As we...
For the past few years, our Temple family has joined Samaritan’s Purse in what we call Operation Christmas Child. The stated mission of Operation Christmas Child is “to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local...
Leadership. Through the years, God has certainly blessed us at Temple in this area. I know! Because I get to work closely with these men and women daily! Our staff is committed to Christ’s mission both personally and professionally. They get along (praise the Lord!), and they are...
Every day, the church finds itself facing new cultural challenges that attempt to define its ministry and identity. Just this week, I have had conversations with others concerning legal and ethical dilemmas we are facing in our churches. Whether it is confronting abusive behaviors in our...
