Temple Times February 2026

Temple Times Newsletter February 2026  In this Edition Growing Spiritually Monthly Memory Verses Calendar Small Groups Are About to Begin We Need You! Growing Spiritually We ask God to guide us with our commitment to grow spiritually this year. Gain insight into victorious living by denying self, in favor of walking in obedience to God's Word in your daily life. Meditate on how His ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than ours, and commit to walk in accordance with them. Spiritual growth is an ongoing process of becoming more like Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, through deepening knowledge and love for God, application of His Word, prayer, and community, resulting in Christ-like character (love, joy, peace, etc.) and good works. Key Principles of Spiritual Growth Rooted in Christ: Believers are called to continue "walking in Him, being rooted and built up in Him" (Colossians 2:6-7). Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. Knowledge & Grace: It involves growing "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. Transformation by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit works within to change thoughts, feelings, and actions, leading to the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. God's Word: Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17) equips believers for teaching, training, and righteousness, with meditation on God's law being key (Psalm 1:1-3). 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is ]inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Psalm 1:1-3 - How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. Bearing Fruit: Growth is seen in "bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10). So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and ]increasing in the knowledge of God. Community: Growing together as a community to become mature in Christ (Ephesians 4:15-16). but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.   How to Grow Spiritually (Biblical Practices) Pray: Ask God for help and wisdom (Matthew 7:7-11). Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or ]if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Study & Meditate: Deliberate study and reflection on God's Word (Joshua 1:8). “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Fellowship: Connect with other Christians for support and growth (1 John 1:3). What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. Love Others: Actively love and serve others (1 Peter 1:22-25). Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. for, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you. Obey: Live a life that pleases God and turns from sin (James 1:22). But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. Embrace Trials: See difficult times as opportunities for growth (Romans 8:28). And we know that [fn]God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. This Month's Memory Verses February 1  Luke 6:27-28 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”   February 8 Romans 13:8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.   February 15 Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves   February 22 Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive [fn]others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” CALENDAR February 2026 02/01 - Conference 5:30pm in Sanctuary 02/01 - Small Group Studies begin 6:00 pm 02/03 - Ladies of Grace Lunch at noon, Green Tomato Buffet $10 02/08 - Ladies Bible Study 02/15 - Small Group Studies 02/22 - Ladies Bible Study BOOK OF THE MONTH Each month we will feature a book here to encourage growth in our walk with God. Sometimes this book may be a book of the Bible or it could be a book from an author of sound doctrine that will help us as we grow daily. This month's book is recommended by Bro. Danny Moncrief. The book's author, Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr., serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world. Dr. Mohler has been recognized by such influential publications as Time and Christianity Today as a leader among American evangelicals. In fact, Time.com called him the "reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S." In his book, The Gathering Storm, Mohler reveals how secularism has infiltrated every aspect of society and how Christians, equipped with the gospel of Jesus Christ, can meet it head on with hope, confidence, and steadfast conviction. Western civilization and the Christian church stand at a moment of great danger. Facing them both is a hurricane-force battle of ideas that will determine the future of Western civilization and the soul of the Christian church. The forces arrayed against the West and the church are destructive ideologies, policies, and worldviews deeply established among intellectual elites, the political class, and our schools. More menacingly, these forces have also invaded the Christian church. The perils faced by the West and the church are unprecedented: threats to religious liberty redefinitions of marriage and family attacks on the sacredness and dignity of human life How should Christians respond to this multifaceted challenge? Addressing each dimension of this challenge, The Gathering Storm provides answers and equips Christians both to give an answer for the hope that is within them and to contend for the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints. SMALL GROUPS ARE ABOUT TO BEGIN! Our small groups are about to begin,  February 1. There are some changes in the classes and their leadership; therefore, here are the descriptions to help you in deciding which is best for you. The Pulpit Discourse led by Pastor Shane Smith   This class is designed to help deepen understanding and personally reflect on the current sermon series. It will be a welcoming environment designed to explore the themes and messages shared during our morning services. Whether you want to ask questions, share insights, or simply listen and contemplate, this class is intended for anyone seeking to grow in their faith and foster fellowship. Pastor Shane will "break the ice" with a short list of discussion questions or topics relating to the sermon; or you can simply ask your own! The Gospel Primer led by Dr. & Mrs. Chris Bazal   In this class we will study The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent.  Through this book we will learn 31 reasons to rehearse the gospel daily. God did not give us His gospel just so we could embrace it and be converted. It is a gift for us to use daily,  that gives to us everything we need for life and godliness.   This book is about how to preach the gospel to yourself daily,  and how it can help you to savor the glories of God's love and experience the life-transforming power of the gospel in all areas of life. Twelve Ordinary Men led by Jason Pittman   They weren’t saints. They weren’t scholars. They weren’t even religious sages. What is most amazing about the disciples is that Jesus ever selected them at all. Among them, a handful of common fishermen, a hated tax collector, and an impulsive political zealot.    This study will bring you face to face with the disciples as you’ve never seen them. You’ll put yourself in their shoes. You’ll understand their doubts and hopes. And you’ll hear the power of Jesus’ words in a whole new way. The message is clear. If Christ can accomplish His purpose through the lives of common men like these, imagine what he has in store for you.    This study will require at home reading prior to each biweekly session. You can sign up for your class on our website.  If you would like to serve by helping with childcare during small groups, please let us know when you sign up. tbcmoultrie.com WE NEED YOU! Are you looking for a way that you can help serve in the church? We have a need in several areas that would be glad to have you join their team. Please contact one of our deacons if you are interested!