This six-week series, True & Better, examines the theological idea that Jesus is true, better, and greater than specific figures and events in the Old Testament. Through looking at the comparisons between Jesus and Moses, David, Job, Melchizedek, and the tabernacle, we can understand the importance of such figures and how Jesus fulfills and is greater than those truths of the Old Testament.
We live in a throwaway culture - a society where it is easy to use something once and throw it away to buy something new. We also live in a society that is driven by new technology. Give it eighteen months and what you are using or purchasing now will be replaced by the next upgrade. This mindset creates an idea that the new is better and the old is error filled and should be thrown away. We can have this same thought process between the New and Old Testaments: Jesus has given us a better covenant. Does that, then, denigrate God's revelation in the Old Testament? No. Saying Jesus is better or greater should not be interpreted that Moses has no value or that David is worthless.
So Jesus is better than the figures and events of the Old Testament, because He is the fulfillment, and the purpose points to Him and the redemption He brought. However, one cannot fully understand the significance of Jeusus without understanding the significance and importance of the figures and events of the Old Testament. The house of the gospel of Jesus is built on the foundation of the Old Testament. It is hard to have one without the other.
Serving on Sunday is great, but out in the community is where we are truly called to be. So, it's time to get out and on Saturday, February 21st, we will be heading down to Coushatta. We will have our next church-wide serve day at the Abbie Lane Pastor's Retreat Center, a place that has an impactful ministry in helping pastors rest and recover. We will help them out with various projects around the property as needed... the work doesn't matter - the blessing does.
ITINERARY
"How did you go bankrupt?" Ernest Hemingway wrote in The Sun Also Rises. The answer? "Two ways: gradually then suddenly." Based on the book by Mark Batterson, this series reveals that this principle applies not just to failure, but to every area of life - especially spiritual success. Through this attention-grabbing study of Scripture, Gradually, Then Suddenly, will identify the consistent, faithful steps that your church needs to be taking now to set the stage for future breakthroughs.
This series reveals:
For anyone feeling discouraged by slow progress or wondering if their faithfulness matters, Gradually, Then Suddenly, offers the encouraging truth that God is working behind the scenes through your daily obedience to prepare you for moments of dramatic breakthrough.
"The obstacle is not the enemy; the obstacle is the way." God often invites us into defining moments - grand gestures - where faith moves from intention to action. Big miracles are born out of bold, obedient steps that say to God, "I'm all in."
There comes a time when you stop talking to God about your mountain and start speaking to the mountain in Jesus' name. Mountains train our faith muscles. Tests become testimonies. Har climbs produce better views. Faith that has never been stretched can't stand. When God permits difficulty. He is often elevating your perspective. The mountain you face may become the platform from which you praise.
Step out. Make the gesture. Burn the boats. Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.
Let's Ride!!...
February 8th is the 2nd Sunday of the month. If you are new to Open Road Fellowship, that's when we jump on our bikes and head out as a group right after church for a nice ride. It's an opportunity for us to grab some good food and enjoy some fellowship as we take some time to get to know one another. The direction we head is always an adventure but geared to provide a relaxing time out on the bikes. Invite your friends; maybe a nice ride might be what motivates them to come to church. Hey, and if you don't ride, don't let that stop you from enjoying the day...just hop in your car and follow along.
North, south, east, or west... no matter where we head, you are sure to enjoy the ride. So, come join us for our next 2nd Sunday ride!
"How did you go bankrupt?" Ernest Hemingway wrote in The Sun Also Rises. The answer? "Two ways: gradually then suddenly." Based on the book by Mark Batterson, this series reveals that this principle applies not just to failure, but to every area of life - especially spiritual success. Through this attention-grabbing study of Scripture, Gradually, Then Suddenly, will identify the consistent, faithful steps that your church needs to be taking now to set the stage for future breakthroughs.
This series reveals:
For anyone feeling discouraged by slow progress or wondering if their faithfulness matters, Gradually, Then Suddenly, offers the encouraging truth that God is working behind the scenes through your daily obedience to prepare you for moments of dramatic breakthrough.
In a culture addicted to instant results, God invites us into a slower, steadier process. Spiritual growth is mundane - it's habit stacking, deliberate practice, and long obedience in the same direction. It's the cumulative effect of small, repeated acts of faithfulness that make holiness second nature. Just like a musician rehearsing scales or an athlete repeating drills, we are shaped by the routines we commit to. You can't fake maturity; you can only train for it.
Christian life is a lifelong training program. Every season requires new endurance, new faith, and new focus. God's vision for your life is bigger than what your current level of obedience can sustain. Keep pressing. Keep practicing. Keep growing.
Widow’s Banquet – An Evening of Love, Honor, and Belonging
God’s heart for widows calls each of us to reflect His compassion in meaningful and personal ways. Throughout Scripture, we see His deep and abiding care—not only in providing daily needs, but in offering comfort, dignity, and a place of belonging within His family.
At the heart of our community is the belief that no one walks alone. It is our joy and privilege to come alongside widows as brothers and sisters in Christ, offering encouragement, fellowship, and genuine connection. When we gather, we do more than share a meal—we share hope, friendship, and the reassurance that God’s love is ever-present.
We warmly invite you to join us for a special evening dedicated to honoring and celebrating the widows among us. Come and be part of a night filled with heartfelt moments, meaningful conversations, and the beauty of God’s love expressed through community. Together, let us open our hearts, extend our hands, and reflect the grace and compassion that Christ has shown to us all.
We look forward to welcoming you into this special gathering.
Widow’s Banquet
Location: The Summit of Bossier City
Time: 6:00 PM
In February our Association churches will come together once again for our 11th annual CALL TO PRAYER. Our host this year is Trinity Heights Baptist Church. Each year hundreds of Southern Baptists have come together to join their voices and hearts in crying out to God for a fresh work in our lives and our churches.
There seems to be new local, national or world crises every month and uncertainty and confusion follows right behind. We know that the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 is still in control in spite of the wars and rumors of wars on every front. Our major cities are in turmoil with every vice you can think of on display on a daily basis. People are hurting everywhere, and clearly we need an EVENING OF PRAYER.
Throughout the evening the combined choirs from Trinity Heights, Gospel Light & FBC Blanchard will lead us in worship. Our pastors will be reading Scripture and leading us in corporate prayer. Don’t miss a great evening of encouragement, praise and prayer.
"How did you go bankrupt?" Ernest Hemingway wrote in The Sun Also Rises. The answer? "Two ways: gradually then suddenly." Based on the book by Mark Batterson, this series reveals that this principle applies not just to failure, but to every area of life - especially spiritual success. Through this attention-grabbing study of Scripture, Gradually, Then Suddenly, will identify the consistent, faithful steps that your church needs to be taking now to set the stage for future breakthroughs.
This series reveals:
For anyone feeling discouraged by slow progress or wondering if their faithfulness matters, Gradually, Then Suddenly, offers the encouraging truth that God is working behind the scenes through your daily obedience to prepare you for moments of dramatic breakthrough.
We read Bible stories in minutes that took decades to live. The same God who orchestrated Israel’s deliverance is shaping your story right now. You may only see the “gradually,” but heaven is preparing the “suddenly.” When it comes, it will reveal that none of the waiting was wasted. God specializes in turning ordinary faithfulness into extraordinary testimony.
It's the 1st Sunday of the month... it's time for our Food & Clothing Drive. We can't feed everybody, we're not a homeless shelter, we're not even a food pantry... but we can partner with other ministries to help them accomplish their tasks in what God has called them to do.
This Sunday, bring in a bag of non-perishable food items. We are making a difference in people's lives that are down and out. It may be you one day needing just a little bit of help. Also, go through your closets and look for those clothes that don't fit anymore or you haven't worn in awhile. Bring them in for those who just need a little help.
1st Sunday Food & Clothing Drive... let's make an impact!!
Seeds Women's Center serves women, to see that they have someone to walk alongside them in their toughest decisions and options when it comes to their unplanned pregnancies. We want to stand up and help the pregnancy care center as they offer these women a supportive foundation, sharing factual information, and the love of Christ. To help serve our community and share God's amazing grace and love, join with us as a part of the Baby Bottle Campaign. This outreach opportunity allows us to help in the coninuance of providing free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, nurse consultations, as well as free prenatal and parenting classes. To participate, just pick up a baby bottle from the campaign table and begin filling it up with your spare change or cash. When full, bring it back to the church and grab another. A little bit from a lot goes a long way!
Let's join together to not only help women, men, and families in crisis - let's help to strengthen and bless the body of Christ as we partner together to see life cherished and supported across our area.