Brian McAllister, Author at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, LA

Thank You

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Brian McAllister in All |

It is official! My family and I are finally residents of Jonesboro, LA! We could not be more excited. A year and eight months ago we started this journey together. First Baptist Church and the Jonesboro community quickly became home to us. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been our address until this week. It’s true what they say: Distance only makes the heart grow fonder.

Over the last year and eight months God has been sanctifying me, and I didn’t even know it. At times I was confused and even discouraged, but in all of it, God was creating within me a love for First Baptist Church and Jonesboro and a greater desire to shepherd the flock and reach this community. The prayer of the Apostle Paul burns within my heart: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.” (Romans 10:1)

Isn’t it amazing how God can take a trial and use it for good! He used a twenty-five minute commute to create a deeper love for a group of people and a burning desire to see people saved. I rejoice today that I am resident of Jonesboro and closer to my faith family, but I also rejoice in His sanctifying work.

There is another blessing that came out of this: You helped me feel what I have always desired – genuine Christian community. Every time a prayergram came in the mail (and there were many), or an encouraging word was said, I was strengthened and encouraged in my hope to be a part of this community. Not once was a negative comment made.

You were patient with my family and me. Many of you prayed, helped, gave, and encouraged. You helped with repairing our old house, packing, renovating, painting, and moving us to our new house. Your kindness, love, and spirit has been unmatched by any church I have ever been a part of. I cannot thank you enough. My family and I are so very thankful for your outpouring of love for us. Thank you for being the church that God has called you to be. We love you!

By His grace,

Pastor Brian

Knowing the Gospel

Posted on Apr 1, 2019 by Brian McAllister in All |

Apr '19

At midnight on January 4, 2017 my wife woke me up from a deep sleep with the one word you never want to wake up to: “FIRE!” Thankfully, the fire was next door at an empty house, but we were not out of danger. As my eyes opened, my bedroom was completely visible. Did I mention it was midnight!?! The house next door was completely engulfed in flames. The heat from the fire could be felt through our window, causing the blinds to eventually melt. The sound of a police officer banging on our front door could be heard as we woke our children. It was a chaotic scene! I could have turned back over and gone back to sleep at Melanie’s warning, but the news of the fire compelled my wife and I to grab our children and run to safety.

As I look back on that night, I am thankful that I was awoken to the news of the fire by my wife and the policeman. Did I enjoy being told to wake up? No. Did I enjoy discovering that I was in danger? No. Did I enjoy leaving everything in the middle of the night to run to safety? No. Did I enjoy being safe? ABSOLUTELY! Not once have I ever regretted my decision to flee our home that night, for I found safety for myself and my family.

As a church, we have been given the responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel so that people may find safety in the salvation of Jesus Christ. The Gospel, or “The Good News” is their only hope of escaping the fires of judgment. Therefore, Knowing the Gospel is the next element in our Healthy Church Series.

What is the Gospel? It is not the news that we are okay. It is not the news that God is love or that Jesus wants to be your friend. It’s not the news that God has a wonderful plan and purpose for our lives. Though these things may be true, they are not the gospel and, therefore, they cannot save us.

Instead, the Gospel is the news that God is the Sovereign Creator of the universe. When He created everything it was perfect. That perfection was marred when Adam and Eve, who were made to love and worship God, disobeyed Him and, in an act of rebellion, broke God’s command. Their actions left them and all of humanity after them broken and sinful. Everyone is guilty before a Holy God and is under judgment because of this, but God, in an act of great love, promised a Redeemer. God would send Jesus, His own Son, to rescue humanity by His life, death, and resurrection. Through faith in Jesus Christ alone, anyone who puts his trust in Christ can have their sins forgiven and be saved from the wrath of God. God promised that those who look to Jesus in repentance and faith will spend eternity with Him where He will make all things new. Heaven and earth will be free from sin!

As you can see, the Gospel is the news that our house is on fire and that our only hope is to run to Jesus for safety. The news that “God has a plan,” or that “Jesus wants to be your friend”, or that “You’re ok just the way you are” isn’t enough. None of this will help our loved ones find safety in Christ! It is our job as the church to know and share the Gospel, for that is what healthy churches do.

By His Grace,

Pastor Brian

Evangelism Lead Them to the Cross

Posted on Mar 1, 2019 by Brian McAllister in All |

Mar '19

I remember it like it was yesterday; Christmas morning had come. Our family’s Christmas tree was surrounded by presents delivered by Santa. Many of them were mine, but there was only one that I cared for. Somewhere behind one of those wrapped boxes was a remote control truck. I had seen the commercials over the previous months leading up to Christmas. According those commercials, it was super-fast, super-tough, could go through mud, and able to make long jumps across ramps! I wanted it and made my desire was known. Now Christmas morning was here and I couldn’t wait receive my present!

Well, I got my remote control truck. I quickly learned it wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be. It was smaller than I imagined, slower than I expected, and those jumps the commercial raved about left me wanting. My gift was not as satisfying as I had hoped.

Isn’t that the way gifts go? There are good ones and there are bad ones, but even the good ones cannot satisfy. That is why Evangelism is so important. We give the one gift that can satisfy: the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Healthy Churches Evangelize!

What is Evangelism? It is sharing the news of Jesus Christ; presenting to people that Salvation comes from the Lord. This happens when you and I speak to people concerning the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Notice that I said “speak.” Sometimes we want to just “live” and let people “see” our faith in hopes they will come to know Jesus. The Bible is clear on this matter, salvation comes by “hearing” and that only happens when Church Members “speak” and share the gospel!

This doesn’t mean they will embrace your message. Not everyone accepts this gift, and that’s OK. Our job is to tell and God’s job is to save. By sharing the gospel, you have been faithful in presenting truth and offering them the greatest gift ever: the gift of salvation! The beauty of evangelism is that those who embrace the message of the gospel will never be dissatisfied with what they received! Their gift of salvation will be their ultimate joy in this life and in eternity.

That is why healthy churches evangelize. True church growth happens when God’s people share the gospel. We are being faithful to God’s command and we are loving people. So go and tell someone the gospel! It will be the best gift they have ever received.

By His grace,

Pastor Brian