Sermon Summary:

It is often said that it's now how you start but how you finish that matters. For Christianity, it's not how you start but that you finish that matters in the end. Only those who finish will be saved in the judgment, and it is this doctrine of perseverance with which we are called to wrestle in this text.

Series Summary:

Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters!

Preached on Sunday, January 12, 2025

Sermon Summary:

The Christians we read about in the New Testament immersed themselves in the life of the church and labored diligently to make disciples of Jesus. For them, it was more than a willingness to participate in gospel ministry; the very heart was oriented toward it. Few lives demonstrate this heart for discipling as Paul's, and his testimony in these verses gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to truly have a heart for gospel work.  

Series Summary:

Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters!

Preached on Sunday, January 5, 2025

Preached on Sunday, December 22, 2024

Perhaps no one in the biblical narratives of the incarnation better exemplifies the spirit of Advent than Simeon and Anna. They have a significant role in Luke's gospel record as witnesses of Jesus as the promised Messiah. They also provide a wonderful example of how believers should live as they await Jesus' return. Listen to this Advent sermon that meditates on the part of Simeon and Anna in the Christmas story.

Preached by Jared Blankenship on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

Sermon Summary:

While the Thessalonians Christians represent those who, upon receiving the gospel–the Word of God–accept it, the unbelieving Jews represent those who continually reject it. This passage is a warning for those who refuse the gospel, and it is a reminder of the immense value of Christ to those who accept it and suffer for it.  

Series Summary:

Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters!

Preached on Sunday, December 8, 2024

Sermon Summary:

As he reflects on the miraculous conversion and perseverance of the Thessalonian Christians, Paul highlights the Spirit's work through the ministry of the Word of God–the preaching of the gospel of Jesus. This text teaches us that the Word of God works to save sinners and strengthen saints. 

Series Summary:

Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters!

Preached on Sunday, December 1, 2024

Sermon Summary:

One of the most difficult things to do in life is discerning who you can truly trust. Unfortunately, we are often betrayed by those whom we should be able to trust the most, including spiritual leaders. But is there a way to identify Christian ministers who are trustworthy? The Scriptures give us the criteria for such discernment, and this text is one that helps us understand the nature of authentic ministry.

Series Summary:

Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters!

Preached on Sunday, November 24, 2024

5th Anniversary Service

Preached by Jonathan Blankenship, Pastor at Laurel Baptist Church in Charlotte, on Sunday, November 17, 2024.

Sermon Summary:

What comes to your mind when you consider the most important qualities of an individual in gospel ministry? In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Paul described his ministry to the Thessalonians in ways that are often missing in many Christians today. 

Series Summary:

Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters!

Preached on Sunday, November 10, 2024

Sermon Summary:

As in most places that he visited, it seems that enemies of the gospel in Thessalonica accused Paul of some improprieties in his ministry there. Though the Christians knew better and weren't persuaded, Paul still felt it necessary for their sake and the gospel's to defend the faithfulness of his ministry. The result is an incredibly helpful model of faithful ministry for us to follow. 

Series Summary:

Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters!

Preached on Sunday, November 3, 2024