Today in our series on Basic Christian Doctrine we begin a new area of study discussing the works of God which are traditionally considered creation, providence, and redemption. Our catechism question is "What is the work of creation?" and we answer affirmatively that "The work of creation is God's making all things of nothing, by the word of His power, for Himself, in the space of six days, and all very good."

The Baptist Catechism catechism question 49 teaches us that we are bound to obedience—not by bare force, not by fear of punishment alone, and not by a cold legalism—but because of who God is and what He has done. Authority, covenant relationship, and redemption together create an unbreakable obligation of love and gratitude between God and His people.

Grab your Bible and join us as we continue our study in 1 Thessalonians. In Chapter 1, Paul gives heartfelt thanks to God for the Thessalonian believers, highlighting the clear marks of their genuine conversion: their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfast hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. He reminds them that the gospel did not come to them merely in words, but in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction, so that they received the word in much affliction yet with the joy of the Holy Spirit, becoming imitators of Paul and of the Lord.

In Jonah 3, the prophet who once fled God's command receives a second chance after repenting in the belly of the fish, then boldly proclaims a stark message of impending judgment to the violent city of Nineveh; the people—from the king to the least—believe God, turn from their evil ways in genuine repentance, and cry out for mercy, prompting the Lord to relent from the disaster He had announced. This holy pattern of the Word proclaimed, sinners turning, and God showing compassion reveals the heart of a merciful God who still calls us today to hear His Word, repent unto life, rest in the mercy found only in Christ, and carry that same message of warning and grace to others.

Join us as we begin our study of 1 Thessalonians—one of the earliest New Testament letters. Written by Paul to a young church in a bustling pagan city, it offers encouragement, correction, and hope to new believers facing pressure, questions about those who died before Christ's return, and the challenge of living holy lives. This short, five-chapter letter is packed with pastoral care and theological depth, revealing what early Christian life looked like just decades after the resurrection. Today, in this introduction we'll explore the author, historical setting, context, and major theological themes addressed in this lively letter..

Many of us know what it is to run from God and end up in dark places. The good news is that His providence still pursues, His appointed mercy still finds, and His grace can swallow us up before we are lost forever. Come open the Scriptures with us to Jonah chapter 2 and hear how the God who disciplines His children is the same God who rescues them by grace.

Grab your Bible and join us as we conclude our study of Paul's letter to the Galatians by recognizing that the "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:14-16) is the body of Christ, all who walk by the rule of the cross and new creation—believing Jews and Gentiles united in Christ by faith alone.

Grab your Bible and join us from Whitemarsh Island Baptist Church as we begin our study of the story of Jonah. This book is not just about being swallowed by a big fish. It's about an immeasurable God and a small-hearted servant. It's about the relentless grace that pursues us even when we run, and the missionary heart of God that will not let the world go unwarned. May the Holy Spirit awaken us from inwardness, repent of our coldness, and freshly commission us to fulfill the Great Commission. Come and listen to this sermon on Chapter 1—you won't want to miss it!

The story of Jonah is not just about being swallowed by a big fish. It's about an immeasurable God and a small-hearted servant. It's about the relentless grace that pursues us even when we run, and the missionary heart of God that will not let the world go unwarned. May the Holy Spirit awaken us from inwardness, repent of our coldness, and freshly commission us to fulfill the Great Commission. Come and listen to this sermon on Chapter 1—you won't want to miss it!

The Scriptures do not merely tell us that God loves. They reveal a special kind of love—covenantal, steadfast, loyal, and consistent across the whole canon. Our catechism question captures it beautifully: 'What do the Scriptures teach about the lovingkindness of God?' The answer: 'The Scriptures teach that it is consistent in His love, grace, and mercy.'"