Shows
First Baptist Blowing Rock"A Mudpie Miracle" They Had Been with Jesus Sermon Series #17In this message Pastor Rusty starts by offering some thoughts and reflections on the murder of Charlie Kirk and is aftereffects. He also ties in this assassination and several other troubling current events to the Encounter that Jesus had with the man born blind and the question of "Why". Why does God allow this kind of evil to run free? Why would God allow such evil to happen to good people? Jesus reveals in our study that "why" is the wrong question. Listen in to discover the right question and how it affects every one of us as we...
2025-09-1534 minFirst Baptist Blowing RockPastoral Devotion for looking at the New YearThis is the passage of scripture that Pastor Rusty read and discussed during the New Year Eve 2023 service as we look forward to 2024. Many choose a verse or "word" going into the new year that can be a guide for their spiritual journey. Here, Pastor Rusty shares what the Holy Spirit laid on his heart for the church as we face what could be a divisive and contentious year in 2024. Psalms 51:3-13Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join...
2024-01-0205 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Where are the Peacemakers?" Building Bridges Not Barriers Series #1We start a new mini-sermon series entitled "Building Bridges Not Barriers" that will examine our responsibilities as followers of Christ in light of all the division and conflict going on in our Nation right now. From riots in our streets, division in our politics and even conflicts in our local churches regarding dealing with the Coronavirus - how are Christians to respond? Join us for this 4 weeks series that begins by asking the question, "Where are the Peacemakers?". The New Testament is very clear that Jesus Christ came to reconcile or make peace between God and Man that sin...
2020-08-3139 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"There is Never a New Normal"This message examines the three short parables (groom, patches, wineskins) from Luke 5:29-39 in light of all that is going on in our culture concerning the Covid 19 Coronavirus. Using the popular buzzword "new normal" as a jumping off point we examine what Jesus had to say about dealing with change. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com o...
2020-08-1040 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Wedding Crashers" The Parable of the Wedding Feast"We examine Jesus's "Parable of the Wedding Feast" from Mathews gospel found in Matthew 22:1-14. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2020-08-0336 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Are You Ready?" Parable of the 10 BridesmaidsWe examine how the Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids from Matthew 25:1-13 relates to many of the current issues facing our nation and churches. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2020-07-2736 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"So Close yet So Far" A Story of Two BrothersWe continue examining the "Parable of the Lost Son" or "prodigal" son this week with the focus being on the two brothers/sons and their response and attitude towards their father. From Luke 15:25-31Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2020-07-2045 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Lost Son" Parable of the Prodigal SonWe take a look at the parable of the Prodigal Son or Lost Son from a different angle and instead of focusing on the son, we focus on the father. So many Christians have a corrupted, confused or even unbiblical view of God and it effects everything they do - the way they pray, serve, respond, worship and live. This morning we take a look at some very important characteristics of the nature of God that Jesus demonstrated through this well known parable. From Luke 15:11-24. (Next week we will compare and contrast the two brothers mentioned in this p...
2020-07-1335 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Be the Light" July 4th weekend MessageIn the midst of riots, protest and a pandemic; how are we supposed to celebrate July 4th and what should the Christians response be to all we see happening around us? We look at Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:14-16 as a challenge to followers of Jesus Christ and the Church in times such as these. We will also look at how fragile the freedoms we celebrate this Independence weekend actually are and the dangers we face for our Religious Freedoms. We also address some of the popular cultural and society movements like Socialism...
2020-07-0640 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"My Dad is Stronger than your Dad" Fathers Day 2020 SermonA look at Psalms 128 as an encouragement to Father's and Families. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2020-06-2229 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Where is the Risk?" The Parable of the TalentsFrom Matthew 25:14-30Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2020-06-1641 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Stepping Up and Stepping Out" The Struggle is Real Series Finale #55We wrap up our sermon series from 1st Corinthians by examining Paul's final challenge to the church and individual believers as they strive to live out the lessons and warnings he has discussed in this important letter. While very relevant in the 1st century in Corinthian, his words and call remain relevant in the 21st century for a church that is struggling to survive in a changing culture and in an ever growing hostile society. From 1st Corinthians 16:13-14. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page a...
2020-06-0833 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Identifying the Open Door" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #54How do we know when God is opening a door or providing us an opportunity to serve Him? How do we know when an opportunity is from God? What can we expect when we step out in obedience and go "through the open door"? In his closing words to the Corinthian Church, the Apostle Paul gives us some insight into how he determines when an opportunity to minister or serve is from God and what we can expect by "walking through that door". From 1st Corinthians 16:5-12.Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would...
2020-06-0133 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Faithful in All Things" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #53As the Apostle Paul draws his 1st Letter to the Church at Corinth to a close in 1st Corinthians 16, he gives them some clear and direct instructions for collecting an offering for the churches in Jerusalem. Through his instructions, we can gain some insight into the "how's", "why's" and importance of including the taking up of an offering each week as a part of our personal and corporate worship. Join us as we tear down some myths and misconceptions as well as addressing some of the unbiblical abuses taking place in relation to our personal giving in the church...
2020-05-2644 minFirst Baptist Blowing RockLearning to Worship when it is not ConvenientAs we continue to worship together online during this age of social distancing and stay at home orders; one of the casualties has been our willingness and ability to sing in worship. Like us here at First Baptist, most churches are broadcasting their entire worship services which includes the "singing" portion but if we are to be honest - joining in with the singing from home is not that same as it is in person in the corporate setting. It is awkward, it is uncomfortable and it requires more effort and we tell ourselves that it doesn't really make...
2020-05-1833 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"What are we standing for?" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #52The past two weeks we have examines 1st Corinthians 15:58 and the call for Christians to "Stand". This morning we follow that up by discussing the importance of "where we stand" and "what we stand for" and how that relates to the current circumstances in our world with the Coronavirus pandemic. We examine Luke 13:1-8 and the "Parable of the Fig Tree". Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or o...
2020-05-1135 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Where do we go from Here" pt. 2 The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #51We continue to examine 1st Corinthians 15:58 as we strive to answer the question "What now?" As it relates to the powerful truth of the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of a resurrection from the dead for Christ followers; but also as it relates to our current situation with the Coronavirus. From 1st Corinthians 15:54-58.Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page.
2020-05-0442 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Where do we go from Here? Pt. 1 The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #50All of us have had "what now?" moments; those moments in our lives where we have planned or prepared for an event or activity for such a long time or with such intensity that once it is over, we have a sense of confusion. Graduations, new jobs, marriages, the birth of a child - all moments of celebration that once passed leave us feeling somewhat lost. That had to be what many of those early Christians felt after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ; "what now?" "where do we go from here?". You get some of that feeling b...
2020-04-2738 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"What Happens when we Die?" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #49If you were to ask the questions, "What happens to us when we Die" to a group of people, the variety of answers might surprise you. Even in the Christian community, the question seems to bring our some crazy beliefs. I have heard everything from "becoming angels" or "ghost" to resurrection reincarnation. How did so many get so confused? Do we project what we "hope" might happen, or does it come from trying to offer comfort to those who are dealing with death? Maybe it arises because there are some things that the Bible calls a "mystery" and we...
2020-04-2039 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Hope for a New Normal" Easter Sunday 2020Easter Service for 2020. We examine what we might have considered normal in light of the COVID 19 virus. From 1st Corinthians 15:19-20Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2020-04-1534 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The End of the Begining" Palms Sunday 2020A Palms Sunday Message on the relevance of the Cross of Jesus Christ on our everyday lives. We know the stories of Easter and Holy Week; we can describe what happened and how it happened - but how does that effect our everyday lives? We examine Colossians 2:8-15 as the Apostle Paul explains just how powerful and far reaching the Cross can be. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.c...
2020-04-0735 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Life Changing Friendships" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #48Last week we examined 1st Corinthians 15:33-34 where the Apostle Paul uses a popular saying of his day, "Bad Company Corrupts Good Character" to warn the early Corinthians Christians about the danger of allowing the wrong people into our lives, He warns of how they can pull us away from our relationship with God and bring doubts into our lives. This morning's message takes that popular quote and warning and turns it 180 degrees and ask the question - if bad company can corrupt us, what effect can "good company" have on our lives? We examine what true friendship looks...
2020-04-0140 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Choose your Friends Wisely" The Struggle is Real Series #47We examine the short little warning that the Apostle Paul gives in verses 33-34 from his great theological teaching on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from 1st Corinthians 15. He uses a popular quote from his day "Bad Company corrupts Good Character" to warn of the dangers of allowing the wrong people to have an influence on our lives. We unpack this saying and discover how it relates to the current day and the dangers of choosing the wrong friends, or wrong peer group and how it can effect your spiritual walk and witness. Thank you for listening t...
2020-03-2338 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Sometimes Helpless but Never Hopeless" Sermon Response to Current EventsThis message examines how Christians should respond to the recent Coronavirus Pandemic. What does the Bible say about times like the ones we are facing and what can we learn from it. John 16:33, Matthew 7:24-27,Mark 4:35-41.You can watch a video of this entire worship service at http://firstbaptistblowingrock.com Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@f...
2020-03-1643 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Public Enemy # 1" The Struggle is Real Series #46 We constantly hear about all of the threats facing each one of us; global warming, overpopulation, coronavirus, terrorism - and we live in a world of fear. Our media, whose job was once to educate and inform, spends all of their time feeding the hyperbole, fostering fear and trying to place blame. Like the little boy who cried wolf; when do we take any of it seriously? Why do we allow ourselves to be placed into bondage by fear over things that we have no control over? The truth is that most of the issues we spend so much t...
2020-03-0336 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock" A World Without Hope" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #45We continue our study of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from 1st Corinthians 15 by looking at Paul's theological argument from Chapter 15:12-20. The Apostle Paul paints a picture of what the life and faith of a Christian might look like had Jesus not been resurrected from the dead compared to the reality we can experience because He was. The world with no resurrected Jesus is a truly a world without hope. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us f...
2020-02-2430 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Reality of the Resurrection" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #44An introduction of 1st Corinthians 15 and the doctrinal teaching on the physical and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. We discuss how the resurrection is central to almost all of the other teachings of Jesus and the New Testament and the role this important truth plays in the life of the church and the individual Christian. From 1st Corinthians 15:1-7Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube...
2020-02-1735 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Sit Down Woman!" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series # 43We examine the controversial passage from 1st Corinthians 14:34-35 that seems to instruct that women are to remain silent in the church and that it is disgraceful for women to speak in worship. Could this really be what Paul was teaching for the Corinthian church, and if so, does that mean it applies to all churches, everywhere - even today? How would that interpretation fit into the rest of Paul's teachings, even here in the same letter? Is it consistent with New Testament thoughts and practices? If not, then what is the true meaning of these passages and how...
2020-02-1034 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Worship, Order and Edification" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #42What does it mean when we talk about having "order" in our worship services? Who gets to decide what is "order" and what might be "out of order"? In Chapter 14 of 1st Corinthians as Paul is addressing the abuses of some spiritual gifts during the time of Corporate worship; he takes a moment to lay out the priorities of worship. Instead of focusing on the "why" and "how's" of worship like many churches today get bogged down in; Paul lays out the overarching purpose of worship in a corporate setting (like what most churches have on Sunday's services). Join...
2020-01-2039 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Mystery of Speaking in Tongues" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #41Is the gift of "speaking in tongues" still available for Christians today or did it cease during the second or third centuries? If it is still available; what is it? A gift with foreign languages? a private prayer language? something to be used in church worship services? Regardless of what you might think or believe about the spiritual gift of tongues, we can all agree that it has been controversial and confusing for many in the church. So what exactly is it and what does the Bible really teach? We strive to answer all of those questions by examining...
2020-01-1344 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"An Unknown Prayer Language" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #40As we begin to tackle the controversial 1st Corinthians 14 and the subject of "speaking in tongues" or a "private prayer language"; Pastor Rusty takes this message time to share his personal testimony and experiences with "tongues". By using glimpses of his spiritual journey, scripture and through the churches and people he has served for and with over the last 30 years, you get a glimpse of how the Holy Spirit has led, guided and taught him what it really means to be "Charismatic". From 1st Corinthians 14:1-5 - part 1 of 2 messages from this passage. Thank you for listening t...
2020-01-0643 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Difference between Thriving and Surviving" New Years MessageA challenge for Christians to stand in the promises of God in 2020 and what that might look like. A message on how God takes those things that we feel like we "just survived" and uses them to mold and shape us into "overcomers". From 1st Corinthians 10:31-11:1. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828...
2019-12-3037 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Greatest of These Is..." The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #39Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2019-12-2337 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Power of Love" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #38Jesus warns us that others will know we are his disciples by the way we love each other. John warns over fifteen times in his first letter that if we claim to be a follower of Jesus and yet do not love our brother, we are a liar and the truth is not in us. The New Testament is clear that Christians have the capability and are commanded to love. In our study of 1st Corinthians, we find ourselves in Chapter 13, where the Apostle Paul warns the early church that this "love command" must start inside of the church...
2019-12-1633 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"In the Name of Love" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #37We kick-off the first week of the Advent season by continuing our study from 1st Corinthians by looking at the "Love Chapter" of 1st Corinthians 13. In the English language the word "love" can be used to describe a number of things and through its multiple uses it has become very subjective and difficult to define. What does it really mean to "love" someone, or to "love" something? Is all "love" equal? Do we really "love" our spouse or children in the same way that we "love" a good meal or television show? In the Greek language of the Bible...
2019-12-0238 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Some Assembly Required" The Struggle is Real Series #36 What do these three most dreaded words of the Christmas season (some assembly required) have in common with the local church? Join us as we examine the Apostle Paul's instruction manual for how the local church should be organized and operate. From 1st Corinthians 12:12-27. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2019-11-2533 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Wonder Working Power" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #35What role does the Holy Spirit play in the life of a Christian? What does it mean to be "baptized in the Holy Spirit" or to be "Spirit-filled"? Are their certain Spiritual gifts that are "sign" that you have been "filled with the Holy Spirit"? Are all of the Spiritual Gifts listed in the New Testament still available for Christians today and if so, how can they be used to lift up and edify the Church? We discuss all of these questions and more in this message from 1st Corinthians 12 on the topic of Spiritual Gifts. Sadly, the same...
2019-11-1843 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Gifts that Keep on Giving" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #34The Apostle Paul tackles the confusion and misuse of Spiritual Gifts by the Corinthian church in 1st Corinthians 12. Sadly many of the same issues facing that early church concerning spiritual gifts are still found in the church today. Join us as we examine Paul's warnings and how they relate to both the church and the spiritual growth of individual Christians. This is an introduction on the topic of Spiritual Gifts as we examine 5 truths that every Christ follower needs to both know and apply to their lives. From 1st Corinthians 12:1-7.Thank you for listening to our...
2019-11-1138 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Do this in Remembrance of Me" The Struggle is Real #33We continue our examination of the Apostle Paul's teaching about the Lord's Supper or Communion to the Corinthian Church from 1st Corinthians 11:23-34. This passage can be somewhat controversial as it has led many Christians and Christ follower's to abstain from participating in Communion for fear they might come in an "unworthy" manner. Was that really Paul's intent? Can we ever be "worthy" or pay "proper" respect to the meaning and purposes of this special event? Or was Paul simply reminding us that our behavior towards other Christians in the church will always affect our relationship with God and...
2019-10-2135 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Too Much Feast and Not Enough Love" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #32From the early church until today, the very simple act of worship and unity that Jesus exampled at his last meal with his disciples before his arrest, has become a point of disagreement and distraction. Whether you call it Communion, Eucharist or The Lord's Supper, it has been surrounded in confusion, disagreement and divide; yet it was instituted by Jesus Christ as a means of displaying the power of unity and the celebration of community. Sadly for many Christians, we have allowed it to become everything but worship and celebration. Join us as we examine Paul's warning to the...
2019-10-1430 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Should I Shave or Let it Grow?" The Struggle is Real Series #31An examination of the somewhat confusing and controversial 1st Corinthians 11:2-16. What does it really say about Men's authority over women? Should we cover our heads in worship? Should we cut our hair as a spiritual act? What in the world is Paul getting at in this crazy passage and does it have any application for the current church and Christian's today? Join us as we strive to unwind just what this passage means and more importantly what it meant to the original listeners and what Paul was trying to get them to understand! This podcast and sermon i...
2019-10-0743 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Brick By Brick"Our goal is to shape and develop First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock into a place where people can Belong, Believe and Become. This message is to help explain and define what those terms mean and how it effects our members and community. We also look at why it is important to be a part of a local faith community. From Ephesians 2:19-22.Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock...
2019-09-2329 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Follow Me" The Struggle is Real Series #30The Apostle Paul makes a bold declaration in 1st Corinthians 11:1 when he tells the Corinthian Christians to "Follow me as I follow the example of Christ". As Christians, we are all following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, but what Paul was saying is that if you want to see what it means to live that out; look at me, watch me, listen to me and imitate me. I don't know many Christians today that would want that kind of pressure or be willing to make that kind of statement, but the truth is that people are already...
2019-09-1634 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Free to Be" The Struggle is Real Series #29Join us as we discover the importance of maintaining balance in every area of our lives - especially our spiritual lives. We examine 1st Corinthians 10:23-24 and strive to discover just what it means to be spiritually free and how we can apply our spiritual freedoms to our everyday lives. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com o...
2019-09-0940 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"American Idols" The Struggle is Real Series #28What do we think about when we hear the term "idol", or idolatry, or "false idols"? Most of us think of bowing down to carved or created object, yet the most dangerous form of idolatry today has nothing to do with created objects but rather our attitudes and priorities. The Bible teaches that idolatry is the most destructive sin that a person can commit, yet we rarely hear that term any longer. We prefer less offensive phrases like "misplaced priorities" or "wrong perspective" or "different theology" but make no mistake, those things are no less idolatry or an offense...
2019-09-0336 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"It Could Never Happen to Me" The Struggle is Real Series #27A look at 1st Corinthians 10:1-13 and the issue of trials, temptations and test. Join us as we examine how it could not only happen to you - but probably will! What is "it" listen in to find out! Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2019-08-2744 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Not Everyone Wins" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #26Most Christians would say that they have a desire to grow spiritually; to learn the word of God and how to apply it to their lives, to grow deeper in their personal relationship with God - yet their seems to be a huge gap between wanting something (desire) and actually doing it. Less than 5% of those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ say they actually read the Bible on a daily basis and less than 25% on a weekly basis and that includes a Sunday service where they are encouraged to read it. We will never develop spiritual...
2019-08-1940 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Sam, I AM!" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #25We continue our close examination of 1st Corinthians 9:15-23 and the Apotle Paul's motivation and determination to preach the gospel to anyone, anywhere at anytime. We once again look at what it means to be "compelled" and what exactly might it be that could compel us to move out of our apathy and comfort zone and move into a place of service for the Kingdom of God. Sermon #24 examined how Paul was compelled by the call that God had placed on his life and this morning's message picks up there to examine how Paul was also compelled by both...
2019-08-1236 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Do You Take the Call?" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series # 24As Paul continues to defend his rights as an Apostle and his preference for choosing to abstain from those rights for the sake of sharing the gospel; he gives us some insight into his motivation for serving. While the word "call" is never used in the passage from 1st Corinthians 9:15-23, Paul clearly defines what a "call" from God looks like lived out. When we use the word "call" in a religious sense, most think of someone who has been called to vocational ministry, like a missionary or a Pastor; but the New Testament is very clear that everyone...
2019-08-0536 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Ultimate Expression of Freedom" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #23After introducing the concept of a Christ follower's willingness to restrict their own freedoms and rights for the sake of a weaker or more immature fellow Christian in 1st Corinthians 8 in last week's message; the Apostle Paul continues to illustrate this concept by using examples from his own life. Here in Chapter 9, Paul makes the case for his own rights as an Apostle and how he freely sacrifices those rights for the sake of the gospel. In this study we will examine what makes someone an Apostle and why their are no modern day apostles as well as the...
2019-07-2939 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Coloring Outside the Lines" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #22The Apostle Paul has already warned the Corinthian church about using their personal convictions as a spiritual club to guilt, manipulate and control other Christians. These convictions are not always spiritual admonitions but rather guidelines and boundaries that the Holy Spirit has convicted the individuals for their own personal growth, yet when we try to push these convictions on others or worse, we judge others because they do not hold the same convictions; it can lead to legalism and turn biblically gray areas into dangerous absolutes. But what about on the other end of the spectrum? What about the s...
2019-07-2240 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Serenity Now" The Struggle is Real Sermon Series #21One of the greatest areas of struggle in a Christians life is dealing with destructive discontentment. From the Garden of Eden until today, we all struggle with the idea that if we could only have a better job, a better relationship, a bigger house, etc. then life would all work out and we would be happy and satisfied. But it never works out, because those things only create a bigger hunger and never satisfy. That is the same lie that convinced Lucifer to rebel against God in the heavens, and it was the same seeds of discontentment that led...
2019-07-1535 minFirst Baptist Blowing RockLet Freedom Ring; July 4th Weekend MessageA message looking at the Freedoms that we have as Americans compared to the Freedoms we have in Jesus Christ. From Galatians 5:1-6,13Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2019-07-0840 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Should I Stay or Should I Go?" The Struggle is Real Series #20What does the Bible really teach about divorce? about remarriage? While most are quick to point to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5 and 19, the Apostle Paul takes a deeper dive in answering questions from the Corinthian Church about specific instances that Jesus' teachings don't cover. Join us as we examine those specific examples and try to seek some truth we can apply to our own relationship situations as well as how the church should treat and minister to those who are divorced or remarried. Regardless of what we might believe or may have been taught; the issue of...
2019-07-0144 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Single and Blessed" The Struggle is Real Series #19Many people consider 1st Corinthians 7 to be the Apostle Paul's manifesto on marriage and if that is true, then it is also his masterpiece on Singleness. All throughout the Chapter, Paul continues to confront the culture and the church's wrong thinking about those who are unmarried or single by reminding them that not only was he single and content, but being single is a gift from God and comes with many blessings and opportunities to serve and minister that married people will never have. Join us as we discuss why the modern church needs to repent of the same...
2019-06-2432 minFirst Baptist Blowing RockA Message from Pastor Rusty GuentherJust a short message from Pastor Rusty about our lack of recent podcast due to some sound upgrades and his recent vacation. We will be back with a new podcast on Monday, June 24th from the Sunday, June 23rd worship service. We also would like to announce that our entire worship services are now Livestreamed each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on our church's website (firstbaptistblowingrock.com) or our church's Facebook page. You can also go back and watch services from earlier services. This is also available on mobile devices by going to our website from t...
2019-06-1801 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"It's Just Sex" The Struggle is Real Series #16The Church at Corinth was surrounded by one of the most immoral cultures in the Roman world and the city of Corinth and it's Temple to Aphrodite was ground zero. With over 2,000 temple priestess who supported the temple through prostitution, the prevailing attitude concerning sex and sexual behavior had devolved to the point where it was considered just another "activity" like eating, sleeping and going to work. This had a strong influence on the mindset and the activity of the Corinthian Christians as they found themselves embracing this new "liberating" sexual revolution. With slogans like "Everything is Permissible" or "...
2019-05-2040 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Christian and the Courthouse"; The Struggle is Real Series #15As the Apostle Paul continues to challenge the Church at Corinth about what it means for the church to love one another and operate as a "family"; he confronts the issue of Christians suing each other and church members taking other members to court. As America continues to be the most litigious nation in the world with over 125 million civil lawsuits filed last year; the church is not far behind. Any easy search will discover information about Pastors or church staff members suing deacon boards, deacon boards suing the staff, church members suing the church, members suing one another...
2019-05-1335 minFirst Baptist Blowing RockThe Tolerant Indifference of Accommodation; The Struggle is Real Series #14 One of the struggle for the Christian Church today is how do you create a welcoming, loving and gracious attmosphere where anyone and everyone is welcome yet still be a Holy place that stands for God's righteousness. The simple answer is balance, but many congregations and even denominations find themselves slipping into the dangerous extremes where you are either legalistic, harsh and judgmental on one end or you ignore, rationalize and excuse sin in the name of tolerance and love to the point that the church becomes powerless and indistinguishable from the world on the other. In our passage t...
2019-05-0641 minFirst Baptist Blowing RockAuthentic Spiritual Leadership; The Struggle is Real Series #13In the setting of the local church, it seems like everyone has an opinion on what a Pastor does or even should be doing. Some think the Pastor only works on Sunday's and Wednesday's, others think the Pastor should do everything that is needed done around the church - after all, the church does pay their salary! Sadly, when you look at most Pastor's job descriptions and combine it with the expectations of church members; you have a job that even the Apostle Paul couldn't live up to. Could it be that many of the churches that struggle and...
2019-04-2938 minFirst Baptist Blowing RockThe Glorious Easter Conjunction - Easter 2019Join us as we celebrate Easter and the impact and power of the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ by examining one of the most memorized and quoted verses in the Bible; Romans 6:23. In this short and concise verse, the Apostle Paul captures the impact of the Easter story and the implications it holds for all of humanity. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube p...
2019-04-2330 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Gaining a Proper Perspective" The Struggle is Real #12Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2019-04-0840 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Where Why is Just as Important as What" The Struggle is Real Series #11We continue to examine the Apostle Paul's warning to the Corinthians church in 1st Corinthians 3 as he introduces the idea of Christians standing in judgement before Christ to give an account of their lives. Sadly, for a majority of people, most of what we claim to believe and understand about Heaven is based more in popular literature, movies or television than in scripture. So it is not uncommon to discover that many Christians do not understand that their are two judgements mentioned in the New Testament and both have huge eternal consequences. Most would recognize the "Great White Throne"...
2019-04-0138 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Corruption of Carnal Christianity" The Struggle is Real Series #9Can a Christian be "worldly"? or "Carnal"? And if so, what does that really mean and look like in a practical sense for today's church? How would you define an "immature" Christian versus a "mature" Christian and does the maturity level of a Christian really matter anymore? As the Apostle Paul continues to confront the divisions in the Corinthian Church (as well as today's church), those are just a few of the questions he strives to answer and define. Could it be that one of the reasons so many Christians struggle in their relationship with God and their faith...
2019-03-1843 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"I Can See Clearly Now" The Struggle is Real #8In our passage from 1st Corinthians 2; the Apostle Paul continues to explain God's wisdom versus the wisdom of men and now he introduces the role that the Holy Spirit plays in illuminating God's wisdom for Christ follower. In this message, we give an overview of the Holy Spirit's role in the life of Christians with an emphasis on how he brings scripture to life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can know the ways, wisdom and will of God as revealed in His word. We discuss the confusion over the Holy Spirit's role in a Christ followers...
2019-03-1136 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Releasing God's Wisdom and Power" The Struggle is Real Series #7What makes an effctive witness? What makes an effective Sermon? Why was the Apostle Paul's message so powerful that we continue to study and follow his example today? In this passage from 1 Corinthians we can gain some insight into how Paul was able to release the power of God's wisdom and message through his life and testimony as well as discovering how we can do the same in our own churches and personal lives. In a world where we are told the church must be more "relevant" and focused on "needs based" message and ministry; the Apostle Paul counters t...
2019-03-0438 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Paradoxical Nature of God's Wisdom" The Struggle is Real Series #6As the Apostle Paul continues to explain the differences between the wisdom of the world and God's wisdom in his 1st Letter to the Corinthian Church; today's message finds him listing several examples that prove that divide. Using paradoxical language, he describes the types of people that God uses to further his kingdom; the types of people that He calls to serve, to minister, to teach and preach. In a time where so many Christ followers are quick to find excuses for why they "cannot", the words found in our passage today offer a rebuke and an encouragement for...
2019-02-2535 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Wise In Our Own Eyes" The Struggle is Real Series #5Paul continues his discussion on the divisive nature of the Cross and all that the Cross represents by taking his assertion from last weeks message that "there are only two true responses when we are confronted by what Christ accomplished on the Cross" and suggest their are two main reasons people reject the "Message of the Cross". Have you ever wondered why people reject Christ and walk away from his offer of forgiveness and salvation? This message looks at those two groups; one wanting a sign from God, and others caught up in their own wisdom, reason and understanding...
2019-02-1842 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"When the Cross of Christ Divides" The Struggle is Real Series #4As the Apostle Paul continues to confront the divisions in the Church at Corinth over personalities and preferences, he moves into the issue of philosophical differences. Just as last week we examined how the Cross is the foundation for unity within the church, this week we look at the "flip side" and how the Cross can be divisive outside of the church and when it comes to world philosophies. We discuss the centrality of the Message of the Cross to everything Christians believe and uphold and how that message compels Christ followers to "deny themselves, take up their cross...
2019-02-1133 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Power of Unity in a Divided Nation" The Struggle is Real Series #3When the Apostle Paul begins to confront the problems and issues plaguing the Corinthian church, he starts with addressing the power struggles and division that is tearing the church apart. As many churches today continue to be torn apart over issues of personality, programs and power; Paul's words still ring true. If division and quarreling is left unchecked it can destroy a church body, a churches witness and their ministry to the local community, leaving individual Christians as spiritual casualties in the process. Join us Paul "names names" and calls out the various groups on their real agenda by...
2019-02-0433 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" The Real Christmas Story # 3There were over 80 prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the birth of the Messiah; very specific prophecies, and yet many of the very people who had spent their lives studying those prophecies missed his arrival. The odds of one person fulfilling all 80 of those prophecies are 1 in one hundred quadrillion (1 with 17 "0"'s) yet Jesus Christ fulfilled them all. In this message, we finish up our series on The Real Christmas Story by looking at how many times Ralphie was warned about the dangers of a Red Ryder BB gun and shooting his eye out and how that relates to...
2019-01-2129 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Letter to an Ancient Church with Modern Problems" The Struggle is Real Series IntroWe begin a new series examining the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Church at Corinth that we are calling "The Struggle is Real". In this series we hope to address many of the struggles that Christians face trying to live out and apply Biblical principles and truth to their everyday lives. This message is an introduction to the series and examines the history and problems facing the Corinthian church and the culture they live in. We also find Paul laying a foundation of some important truths that he will build on throughout the letter. In his short introductory...
2019-01-2139 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Fra-gee-lay" The Real Christmas Story # 2Part 2 of our Real Christmas Story series that examines the Biblical Christmas story through the lens of the popular movie and television show "A Christmas Story". This week we discuss Ralphie's dad and all the trials and tribulations he faces in the movie and how that related to Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ. Joseph is a character who usually gets pushed to the sides of our nativity scenes and Christmas musicals. There are no songs about Joseph and we know very little about him; yet without Joseph and his obedience to God in a very trying and...
2019-01-0835 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Dreaded Triple Dog Dare" The Real Christmas Story Series #1We kick off our new series that uses the popular Christmas Movie "A Christmas Story" as a jumping off place to discover some important elements of the Real Christmas Story that tend to get overlocked. As we discuss Ralphie and his Christmas experience in the 1950's and his pursuit of a Red Ryder B-B gun, we will take a closer look at several scenes and storylines from the movie and how they compare to the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The first in this series examines the "Dreaded Triple Dog Dare" when Ralphie's friend Swartz dares Flick...
2018-12-0435 minFirst Baptist Blowing RockStarting the Holidays Off Right Every year it seems like the Christmas Season starts earlier and earlier and as Thanksgiving bleeds into Christmas, it might be beneficial for each of us to take a moment, hit the pause button, and examine our hearts. While we like to bemoan the commercialization and secularization of Christmas, those issues are not the heart of the problem - the problem just might be our hearts! This week between Thanksgiving and the start of Advent gives us a great opportunity to examine our hearts and make sure we have the right foundation and motivation to start the Holidays off r...
2018-11-2738 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Ones That Return" Season of Thanksgiving #3We finish up our study on developing a Thankful heart and grateful spirit by looking at the benefits and blessings that are unlocked when we express gratitude. We look at an encounter that Jesus had with 10 men struck with leprosy to unpack the difference between feeling thankful and being thankful and why it matters. We also suggest some practical ways we can express our gratitude to those around us during the holiday season. From Luke 17:10-19Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with...
2018-11-1936 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Foundation of a Grateful Heart" Season of Thanksgiving #2As we continue our series on developing a grateful and thankful spirit during this season of Thanksgiving, this message examines what is at the core or foundation of true gratitude. Why do we sometimes struggle with being thankful for what we have been blessed with and how do we overcome the barriers to a grateful heart like envy, greed and lack of faith? Join us as we examine what the Apostle Paul calls "the secret" of gratitude and how we can learn to apply this "secret" to our own lives. From Philippians 4:10-13.Thank you for listening...
2018-11-1239 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Blessed and Highly Favored?" Season of Thanksgiving SeriesFor those who have grown up in the church or around the church, you might be unaware of how strange some of the most commonly used phrases sound to those outside of the church. We have a tendency to speak "Christianeze" and cling to our own terminology and catch phrases that might not be communicating what we hope. Think about some of these phrases like; "hedge of protection" "whole armor of God" "Traveling Mercies" "unspoken prayer request" "washed in the blood" "speaking in tongues" and even "born again". If we have to take time to further explain what a...
2018-11-0433 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Who is Going to Fill Their Shoes?" Harvest Day 2018As the average age of a majority of church congregations in the United States continues to rise, it is understandable that the same is true for church leadership. The average age of Senior Pastors in the US is in the mid 50's, our foreign missionaries average is in the mid 50's, even our deacons, elders, Sunday school teachers and committee membership is around the mid 50's. While there is nothing wrong with people in the mid 50's or even older, it stands to reason that as the average age continues to rise and with the current trend of younger...
2018-10-1431 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Why We Gather" This is Us Sermon Series #26Have you ever thought about why we gather together on Sunday mornings for church, or corporate worship? Not the theological reasons; it is pretty clear in the Bible that the local faith community is the main avenue for individual Christians to grow and serve and it is the main means by which God accomplishes his purposes here on earth. I am talking about your own personal reasons. Why do you "go to church"? out of habit? routine? obligation? because you think it is expected of you? Building on last week's message of "Why we sing" this message strives to answer...
2018-09-3038 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Why we Sing" This is Us Sermon Series #25Have you ever wondered why churches spend between half of even a third of their worship services in song? If you look back over the last 30 years in the history of the American church, the greatest place of contention, disruption, disunity and spiritual warfare has revolved around that portion of our worship services where we sing. We have fought over how we sing, what we sing, and even the instruments we use when we sing and churches continue to split, become spiritually neutered and rendered powerless in the process. For the enemy to attack this portion of our worship service's...
2018-09-2339 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Unknown but not Forgotten" This is Us Sermon Series # 24Have you ever considered your legacy? What will people think about you when you are gone, or will they even think about you? What about 50 years from now, or 75? When you think of the great examples of those who were faithful to God in the Bible it is easy to come up with the names like Moses, Gideon, Joshua, David, Nehemiah, Elijah; but the vast majority of people whose legacy we follow are unnamed and really unknown. They served God, remained faithful and sought to do his will; yet to our history they seemed to have been forgotten. But God's...
2018-09-0931 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"When You Least Expect It" This is Us sermon series #23When you mention Satan in Christian circles you will find that many Christ followers fall into one of two extreme positions; they are either obsessed with spiritual warfare and see the devil in everything, or they downplay or ignore that he is even real, with many picturing him as some cartoon with a pointy tail and horns. The Bible is very clear that both of those extremes are dangerous and the Apostle Peter warns us in 2 Peter 5 that we must always be alert as "the enemy" or Satan would love to "devour" all we hold dear. Jesus warns in the...
2018-09-0234 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Discovering Your Worth" This is Us Sermon Series #22How do we determine our worth? Is it our income? our talent? our abilities? For the Christ follower our value or worth should not be defined by who we are, or what we can do, or have done but rather "whose" we are. From our story in Nehemiah we discover that the Israelites used the old broken and burned bricks from the destroyed wall to rebuild the new wall. They literally redeemed those bricks that had laid around for 170 years and which most people had considered worthless and gave them value. They formed the foundation of all that was new...
2018-08-2628 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Operation 99" This is Us sermon series #21Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2018-08-1937 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"What are you Hungry For?" This is Us Sermon Series #19In Nehemiah chapter 6 we discover that Nehemiah has seen his dream/vision become a reality. The walls of Jerusalem are complete and in record time. In Chapter 7 we learn that after completing the task, the people go back to their villages, jobs and normal routines, yet something is still not right. They had their security, life was returning to normal, but something was still missing. In Chapter 8 as they gather back in Jerusalem to celebrate "Rosh Hashana", the Jewish new year, they are confronted with the reality that what is missing and has been missing for 170 years is their relationship...
2018-08-0539 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"A Strongholds Slippery Slope" Part 2 This is Us Sermon Series #18We continue our examination of Strongholds that exist in the lives of Christ followers and that have been institutionalized in the church. Strongholds are "beliefs, ideas, pretext or principles" that are contrary to the Word of God. These are ideas we have allowed to take root in our hearts and minds that keep us from fulfilling God's call on our lives and distort our mission and message. This week we examine and explain the stronghold of "Americanized Cultural Christianity". A homogenized view of what it means to be a Christ follower that circumvents scripture and replaces it with the American...
2018-07-2940 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"A Strongholds Slippery Slope" This is Us sermon series #17In 2nd Corinthians 10:3-5, the Apostle Paul uses the term "Stronghold" to describe thoughts, pretext, reasonings and even beliefs that can take root in our hearts and minds that are contrary to scripture. These "strongholds" can be both conscious or subconscious. Many times we do not even realize that they have taken root until they are exposed by the truth of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. These "strongholds" influence our thought patterns, our presuppositions, our prejudices, our philosophies and even our worldviews and while they might seem innocent, many are unbiblical and can not only hinder our...
2018-07-2238 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Escaping the Pit of Despair" This is Us Sermon Series # 16Everyone of us has faced discouragement; things don't turn out the way we had planned, not moving as fast as we had hoped, everyone is not supportive - we have all been there. But if we are not careful, simple discouragement can lead us into a pit of despair where we can lose hope, joy and even our faith. By revisiting our story from Nehemiah, this message examines and identifies several factors that can lead us into discouragement and despair. We then look at how Nehemiah dealt with discouragement and discover some spiritual solutions to not only guard against it...
2018-07-1539 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Some Things Are Still Worth Fighting For"As we celebrate our nations independence, this week we examine some of the reasons that drove the 13 colonies to choose independence and whether or not we have achieved those goals. We examine how that relates to the church in the areas of religious liberty and freedom and ask the question; is their anything today that we really feel is worth fighting for? Join us for a call to the church for a Spiritual Revolution and Revival that declares not our independence but rather our total dependence on the one who created, saves and leads us. From 2 Samuel 23:11-12. Thank...
2018-07-0835 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Impossible Becomes Reality" This is Us Sermon Series # 15Nehemiah gathered forty four diverse groups of people and put them to work rebuilding a mile and a half wall that used to encircle the city of Jerusalem. People from all types of backgrounds and walks of life, people with no real training in construction, and under constant threats of attack; he led them to build. In 52 days, less than 2 months, they had completed the wall to a height of 8 feet or half of its original height. For 170 years the walls had been nothing more than rubble that people walked over and ignored and then this stranger with a vision...
2018-07-0137 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Can Dreams Become Nightmares" This is Us Sermon Series #14It is all to common to find Christians and Churches pursue a God given dream or vision, only to find it turn into a nightmare along the journey. From losing sight of our true purpose to allowing opposition or distractions to get us sidetracked; History is littered with the stories of how well intentioned people and churches go from moving forward to falling by the wayside. In this message, we examine the many detours and dangers that Nehemiah faced as he pursued his vision. Sometimes it is even the most well intentioned thoughts and ideas that can turn our dreams...
2018-06-2436 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Getting from Here to There" # 3 This is Us Sermon Series #13As we continue our discussion on following our God given dreams and visions, this morning we discuss how we can recognize when God is opening a door, or providing a means for our dreams to become reality. So many churches and Christians become focused on God working in the same way He has worked in the past, that we miss all of the new opportunities and open doors right in front of us. We examine how God provided for Nehemiah thought the most unexpected place as he pursued his dream. We also discuss the opposition and conflicts you will face...
2018-06-0344 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Getting from Here to There" #2 This is Us Sermon Series # 12When God gives us a vision or dream for anything; our families, our future, a career, a ministry opportunity; there is always a tension between the way things are and the way things can be, or should be. It is in this tension between the two where most of us spend our time. We know what could be, we might even know how to see it become a reality, but waiting on God's timing and for God to open a door that will allow us to move forward is one of the hardest parts of following a dream. We hate...
2018-05-2742 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Getting From Here to There" This is Us Sermon Series #11How do we know what God's dream or vision for our life is? Does everyone have one? What about the church, how can we know? Where do we start? Join us we continue our series "This is Us" by talking about the tension between "where we are" and "where God wants us to be" and how it relates to the "dreams and visions" that Peter talked about in quoting Joel at Pentecost. The Bible is clear that God created each one of us with a purpose but how can we know what it is, and once we do, what can...
2018-05-2035 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Faith of a Determined Mother" Mothers Day 2018A celebration and encouragement to all of our Mothers. From Matthew 15:21-28Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715
2018-05-1328 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Turning Cant's Into Cans" This is Us Sermon Series #10How many of us have allowed the "cant's" of the world and the people around us to stifle and kill our hopes, dreams and visions? The Bible is clear that God has a purpose for each one of us and he reveals and plants that purpose in our hearts through his visions and dreams. He does the same thing for churches and ministries. Then how can we know it is a "God given dream" and not just our own? What do we do once we discover what His dream is for our lives? or for our churches? Join us as...
2018-05-0642 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Inconsistent Idea of an Inactive Church Member" This is Us Sermon Series #9One of the rare phenomenon found in many churches is the idea of an "inactive member". Many churches claim to have one number as "church members" that is usually much greater than the number of people who are in worship on a regular basis. Some have "members" who have not been in that church for years, some who they don't even have an active address or phone number to be able to contact; yet they are still counted as "members". In searching the Bible it is difficult to find anything that might indicate it is possible to be an "inactive"...
2018-04-2940 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"Membership Has Its Privileges" This is Us Sermon Series #8We continue our "This is Us" sermon series by examining the "how" and "why" of the various things we do in the church by discussing how we evaluate church health or church success. How do we measure success and by what standards? It is difficult to evaluate the success of a program or ministry unless we first examine why we do those programs or ministries. Do we do them because their is a Biblical mandate or it was something the early church exampled? Or do we do them because it is a preference (the way we like it, or way...
2018-04-2237 minFirst Baptist Blowing Rock"The Right Stuff"; This is Us Sermon Series #7We continue our examination of who we are as "the church" by looking at the first church and what where their guiding motives and methods. As we plan for the future and who we want to be as a church and a Christian community in ten, twenty or even fifty years; the best place to start is by examining where we have come from, where we have been and to allow those lessons to become guardrails that guide us towards the future. We have an example in Acts 2 of the most effective and Biblical church growth model in history; yet...
2018-04-1538 min