First Baptist Blowing Rock

Many 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 mindset as the Corinthian church in our attitudes and behaviors towards those who are not married and move towards a more Biblical attitude. Many of us are guilty of seeing those who are single and older and asking ourselves "I wonder what is wrong with them that they are not married?" or "Why are they still single?" when we should be recognizing that God calls and gifts those among us to be single for a purpose. Join us as

Just 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 those devices. Thank you for listening to our podcast and for your continued support of our ministry by sharing it with your friends and family. We have people listening from all around the globe and in every state and we thank you for that. If you ever have any questions about a message or a prayer request, or if their is something our ministry might can do for you; please let us know by emailing us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock

The 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 "I can do what I want" to "It's My Body", these early Christians lost sight of the devastating effects that sexual activity outside the confines of Biblical marriage can sow in our hearts and souls. The Apostle Paul not only confronts this mindset, but warns and reminds this early church - and us, how we are to respond to sexual tem

As 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 and even individual churches suing their denominations. It seems Paul's warnings from 1st Corinthians 6 have gone unheeded and the reputation, integrity and testimony of the church and its members continues to deteriorate. Join us to discover why Paul thinks Christians taking other Christians to court is such a big deal and how it can destroy the unity of the Body of Christ. We also address when it is okay for a C

 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 today, the Apostle Paul deals with the somewhat controversial topic of "Church Discipline" and in his warnings and encouragements, I think we can find some answers for maintaining balance and creating an open and welcoming, grace centered church that still takes sin seriously. Join us to discover the answer. From 1st Corinthians 5. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscr

In 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 find themselves in decline have arrived at that place because their Pastor or Spiritual leaders spend so much time trying to live up to the unrealistic expectations of church members that they have no time or energy left to actually Pastor? So what does the Bible actually say about "what" a Pastor should be focusing their time and energy on? Join us as we examine how Paul confronts the division and the disunity in the Church at Corinth by laying o

Join 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 page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715

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

We 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" judgment mentioned in the Book of Revelation where all mankind will give an account for their lives and how they responded to Jesus Christ invitation of salvation, but many do not understand about the second judgment that Christians will face. This will not be a judgment of sin but rather one of stewardship. Join us as we explore what this place of judgment will be and how our lives lived for Christ today

Can 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 is their maturity level? Listen in as we try to allow Paul's teaching to shine some light on the "shallow" faith that seems to be so pervasive in the church today and what we can do about it. Could it be that spiritual immaturity is corrupting the message and ministry of the church and endangering Christ followers? Listen in! From 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:9. Thank you for listening to our podc

In 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 life and the difference between revelation and illumination. From 1st Corinthians 2:6-16. 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

What 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 that the most relevant message is that of the Cross. In this Sermon we examine how followers of Christ can allow what the world calls "foolish" to be unleashed and released as the "power of God". From 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.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 Yo

As 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 why "God can"! From 1st Corinthians 1:26-31.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

Paul 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, and explores how that relates to today's culture. We also examine and discuss the "expected process" of someone converting to Christianity, or surrendering their life to God through Jesus Christ and ask the question "Have we made it more complicated than it really is?". From 1st Corinthians 1:18-25.   Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and shar

As 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 and follow Jesus". From 1st Corinthians 1:17-19Thank 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

When 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 reinforcing the power of unity that is only found in the Cross. From 1st Corinthians 1:10-17Thank 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

There 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 the warnings of the coming Messiah. We will examine some of the various prophecies about the birth of the Messiah and how Jesus fulfilled them as well as the prophecies from Jesus's own lips and the Apostle Paul about the second coming of Jesus Christ. Will we be as prepared for his second coming as the religious scholars were for his first?   From Isaiah 9:6-7, 1st Thessalonians 4:13-5:11Thank you for listening to our podcast

We 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 greeting Paul addresses not only who the church is but also what it means to be "sanctified" in Christ and why that is important to both the original readers and to us today. From 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 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@

Part 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 difficult circumstance, we would have no nativity. Join us to discover how God used Joseph to fulfill numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning Jesus' birth and how his example of obedience can still teach us a few lessons today. 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. C

We 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 to stick his tongue on a frozen telephone pool. Join us as we discover why Jesus was born when he was and how that fits into God's overall plan for each one of our lives. From Galatians 4:4-7.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@firstbaptistblowing