Pastor Taylor Shippy's Sermons

Pastor Taylor Shippy - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

What happens when Jesus returns? And why should His return be a source of hope rather than fear? 

As part of our ongoing series through First Thessalonians, we explore Paul's words in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and discover the glorious promise awaiting everyone who belongs to Christ.

Paul reminds a grieving church that death does not have the final word, that no believer will be forgotten or left behind, and that one day all God's people will be reunited with their returning King. But the greatest promise isn't found in the details of the end times. It's found in these beautiful words: "And so we will be with the Lord forever."

Join us as we look beyond speculation and discover the hope of Christ's return—a hope that comforts our grief, strengthens our faith, and reminds us that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the God who desires to be with His people.

Pastor Taylor Shippy - 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

What does it really mean to be part of a church family?

In this week’s message from our sermon series through First Thessalonians, we explore Paul’s call to "philadelphia"—brotherly love—and discover that being a family in Christ means more than simply showing up. It means showing up for one another, serving one another, and sharing the responsibility of caring for each other.

Join us as we explore what it looks like to move from being spectators to active participants in a community where we truly look out for one another.

Pastor Taylor Shippy - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

This week in our survey of 1 Thessalonians, we explore God’s call to holiness and what it means to live lives that increasingly please Him.

While Paul addresses sexual immorality and the importance of self-control within the Thessalonian church, his larger concern is our sanctification—the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to resist the values of the world, honor God with our bodies, and treat others with dignity and respect. Christianity isn’t simply about being saved from something; it’s about being shaped into Someone.

Join us as we consider what it means to pursue holiness more and more, answering God’s call to live differently, reflect His character, and follow His lead.

Pastor Taylor Shippy - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10

In 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10, we see Paul’s deep love and longing for the church in Thessalonica. Separated from these believers, Paul sends Timothy to encourage them and check on their faith. When he hears that they remain steadfast, he overflows with joy and gratitude.

In a continuation of our series through the Book of First Thessalonians, we’re reminded not to take the gift of Christian community for granted. God has given us one another not only to enjoy fellowship but to encourage, support, and help each other stand firm in the faith.

Pastor Taylor Shippy - Mark 5:1-20

What do you do when God says, “No”?

In Mark 5:1-20, a man whose life has been radically transformed by Jesus asks to follow Him—but Jesus has a different plan for him.

This morning, we explore what it means to trust Jesus not only when He says “Yes,” but also when He says “No.”

Pastor Taylor Shippy - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

What makes a Christian leader trustworthy?

In our survey of First Thessalonians, Paul pulls back the curtain on his ministry in Thessalonica—showing that the credibility of the message is inseparable from the character of the messenger.

No impure motives. No tricks. No greed. No masks. No applause.

Instead, Paul describes a ministry marked by gentleness, care, integrity, hard work, and a genuine desire to help others walk worthy of God.

As we consider the people we allow to influence our faith, both leaders in our church and abroad, Paul’s words also turn the question back toward us: Do those people in our lives match the criteria Paul lays out?

Pastor Taylor Shippy - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

What if one of the most unlikely churches in the New Testament became the model for every other church?

In the opening chapter of First Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul can't stop thanking God for a young, persecuted congregation whose faith worked, love labored, and hope endured. Their lives had been so transformed by the gospel that their reputation “rang out” far beyond their own city becoming the mold Paul wishes every church fit into…

As we begin our journey surveying the Book of First Thessalonians, we ask ourselves challenging question: What would happen if our church fit the mold of the Thessalonian church?

What does it mean to be the Church?

In Mark 3, Jesus calls the Twelve—not simply to believe in Him, but to be with Him and ultimately to be sent by Him. As His apprentices, they would learn to live like their Rabbi by watching, following, and becoming more like Him.

And that's still the calling of the Church today.

As we kick off a new ministry year at Gibbon Baptist Church, Pastor Taylor invites us to move beyond simply attending church and consider what it means to fully participate in the life and mission of Christ's Church.

Called. Gathered. Sent.

Pastor Taylor Shippy - Daniel 6:1-28

What would people find if they examined your life as closely as Daniel’s enemies examined his?

In Daniel 6, Daniel is pressured to compromise his integrity and his faith—but instead of panicking, retaliating, or retreating, he remains steady, faithful, and true to God. His integrity and consistency don’t just carry him through the lions’ den; they become a witness to the living God.

In this message, we consider what it means to live with integrity, consistency, and a faith that points beyond ourselves to the living God—especially when the pressure is on.

Pastor Taylor Shippy - Daniel 4:1-37

What do we do when the people who have hurt us finally get what they deserve?

In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar’s pride brings about his downfall—and eventually helps him find a 'new groove.'

But this story also gives us a surprising picture of Daniel’s humility. Even when his enemy falls, Daniel doesn’t gloat. Instead, he shows compassion, speaks the truth without humiliation, and hopes for his enemy’s redemption.

What might Daniel teach us about loving our enemies, the “Nebuchadnezzars" in our own lives?