Lakeside Bible Church Sermons: 1 Thessalonians

A Few Final Words

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0100

A Few Final Words

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 30th March 2025

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You've heard of sermons that consist of three points and a poem. Well, in the final words of 1 Thessalonians, we have three instructions and a blessing. They are simple and straightforward, but they are so very necessary for the church as well.

God Is Faithful; He Will Do It

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0000

God Is Faithful; He Will Do It

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 23rd March 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

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If you are a Christian, why do you think you will still be one tomorrow? It's not because you have the willpower to keep going when others fall away. It's not because you've personally reached a point of no return. It's not because you're so spiritually mature and in love with Jesus that you're beyond any temptation to turn back from Him. If you're a Christian, there's only one reason you will remain one tomorrow––because God is faithful to keep you to the very end. Through this amazing benediction, Paul presents us with the faithful God who promises to preserve and purify His people to the very end.

The Spirit's Sanctifying Work

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0000

The Spirit's Sanctifying Work

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 9th March 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

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In this final unit of instruction, Paul turns our attention to the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in the Christian's sanctification. The text affirms that the Spirit is indeed at work in the Church, preparing believers for the glorious return of Christ. It also teaches us that this sanctifying work is one in which we must actively participate, pursuing the purity that He will complete at the end. What we discover here is that we can stifle the Spirit's work in us by treating the various means of that work with contempt. There was a specific way that the Thessalonian Christians were quenching the Spirit's sanctifying work. It all had to do with contempt for the gift of prophecy, a critical means of the Spirit's operation in establishing the Church. So, we are taught in the passage that as we await Christ's return, we must be careful not to quench the Spirit's work by despising the Spirit's ways. At the heart of this text is the most significant and powerful means of the Spirit's mighty work in our lives. If you truly desire to live in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory, you must take this instruction seriously.

The Impossible Made Possible In Christ

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0000

The Impossible Made Possible In Christ

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 2nd March 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Some commands of the Lord just seem impossible to obey. Who can rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances? This text not only tells us that we must do these things, but it reveals that it is indeed possible for believers to genuinely obey these commands in Christ Jesus.

The Christian's Progress Through The Local Church

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0000

The Christian's Progress Through The Local Church

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 23rd February 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

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Believers are to pursue progress in sanctification as they await the return of Christ. Vital to this sanctifying process is the Christian's life in and through the local church. Following faithful leaders and meaningfully engaging in discipling relationships are ordinary means by which God purifies His people until Jesus comes back.

Concerning The Coming Judgment

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Concerning The Coming Judgment

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 16th February 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

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In 4:13-18, the issue was a lack of information that produced hopeless grief. In 5:1-11, the issue was a lack of assurance that produced fearful anxiety. The point of this text is to reassure and instruct believers of their destiny at Christ's return. To fully grasp the comfort that Paul sought to provide in this passage, I want to point out the reality of coming judgment, two reassurance for those who trust Jesus, and the proper response of those who have received assurance of future salvation.

I Don't Want To Miss A Thing

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0000

I Don't Want To Miss A Thing

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 9th February 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

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While the Thessalonian Christians had great expectations for the Second Coming of Christ, there were gaps in their understanding that were producing tremendous grief at death. In this passage, Paul began to fill those gaps so that by being rightly informed, they would be greatly comforted. Rooted in the gospel of Jesus' death and resurrection as well as the explicit teaching of Jesus, Paul's explanation of Christ's return is an encouraging call for unbelievers to prepare themselves and believers to long for that day.

Called To Be Holy

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Called To Be Holy

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 26th January 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

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Belief always affects behavior, and we should not be surprised that following Jesus involves submitting to His authority over our lives. While godly behavior doesn't contribute to our salvation, it is a consequence of it. The opening verses of 1 Thessalonians 4 make that truth abundantly clear. The bottom line is that God calls His people to be holy. Paul instructs the holiness of the Thessalonian Christian broadly through living to please God and narrowly through being sexually pure. He concludes that disregarding God's call is to disregard God Himself.

For Now We Live!

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 10:30:00 +0000

For Now We Live!

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 19th January 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

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Paul's life was bound up in magnifying Christ through making disciples. It's the passion that superseded all other passions for him. There are four features to his response and reaction to Timothy's report from Thessalonica that model what it looks like to passionately serve Christ by ministering the gospel to others.

It's That You Finish

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

It's That You Finish

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 12th January 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

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Sermon Summary: It is often said that it's now how you start but how you finish that matters. For Christianity, it's not how you start but that you finish that matters in the end. Only those who finish will be saved in the judgment, and it is this doctrine of perseverance with which we are called to wrestle in this text. Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters! Preached on Sunday, January 12, 2025

Do You Have A Heart For Ministry?

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Do You Have A Heart For Ministry?

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 5th January 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

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Sermon Summary: The Christians we read about in the New Testament immersed themselves in the life of the church and labored diligently to make disciples of Jesus. For them, it was more than a willingness to participate in gospel ministry; the very heart was oriented toward it. Few lives demonstrate this heart for discipling as Paul's, and his testimony in these verses gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to truly have a heart for gospel work. Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters! Preached on Sunday, January 5, 2025

The Work Of The Word Against Unbelievers

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Work Of The Word Against Unbelievers

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 8th December 2024

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16

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Sermon Summary: While the Thessalonians Christians represent those who, upon receiving the gospel–the Word of God–accept it, the unbelieving Jews represent those who continually reject it. This passage is a warning for those who refuse the gospel, and it is a reminder of the immense value of Christ to those who accept it and suffer for it. Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters! Preached on Sunday, December 8, 2024

The Work Of The Word In Believers

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Work Of The Word In Believers

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 1st December 2024

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14

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Sermon Summary: As he reflects on the miraculous conversion and perseverance of the Thessalonian Christians, Paul highlights the Spirit's work through the ministry of the Word of God–the preaching of the gospel of Jesus. This text teaches us that the Word of God works to save sinners and strengthen saints. Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters! Preached on Sunday, December 1, 2024

What Kind Of Minister Can You Trust?

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

What Kind Of Minister Can You Trust?

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 24th November 2024

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

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Sermon Summary: One of the most difficult things to do in life is discerning who you can truly trust. Unfortunately, we are often betrayed by those whom we should be able to trust the most, including spiritual leaders. But is there a way to identify Christian ministers who are trustworthy? The Scriptures give us the criteria for such discernment, and this text is one that helps us understand the nature of authentic ministry. Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters! Preached on Sunday, November 24, 2024

Missing Virtues In Gospel Ministry

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Missing Virtues In Gospel Ministry

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 10th November 2024

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

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Sermon Summary: What comes to your mind when you consider the most important qualities of an individual in gospel ministry? In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Paul described his ministry to the Thessalonians in ways that are often missing in many Christians today. Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters! Preached on Sunday, November 10, 2024

Faithful Gospel Ministry

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Faithful Gospel Ministry

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 3rd November 2024

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

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Sermon Summary: As in most places that he visited, it seems that enemies of the gospel in Thessalonica accused Paul of some improprieties in his ministry there. Though the Christians knew better and weren't persuaded, Paul still felt it necessary for their sake and the gospel's to defend the faithfulness of his ministry. The result is an incredibly helpful model of faithful ministry for us to follow. Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters! Preached on Sunday, November 3, 2024

A Model of Faith

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

A Model of Faith

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 27th October 2024

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10

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Sermon Summary: Shockwaves of gospel impact were felt all over Macedonia and Achaia, and the epicenter of it all was the embattled congregation in Thessalonica. In this text, we learn that there is no limit to how God can use a faithful church, but the only church God uses is one that is rooted and grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters! Preached on Sunday, October 27, 2024

How To Know You Belong To God

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

How To Know You Belong To God

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 20th October 2024

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7

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Sermon Summary: Though they may have been disdained and persecuted by their unbelieving neighbors, Paul was certain that the Thessalonian Christians were loved and chosen by God. But how could he be so sure? In this text, there are two proofs of God's electing love that will either be for you a line in the sand that exposes your actual standing with God or a tremendous encouragement and strength to your heart. Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters! Preached on Sunday, October 20, 2024

The Fundamental Marks of A True Christian

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The Fundamental Marks of A True Christian

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 13th October 2024

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

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Sermon Summary: In their opening thanksgiving, Paul, Silas, and Timothy underscored a triad of Christian virtues that are repeated throughout the New Testament: Faith, Love, and Hope. These three virtues are distinct perspectives of a person's genuine conversion to Jesus Christ, and they are all a work of grace accomplished by God. Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters! Preached on Sunday, October 13, 2024

A Gospel-Filled Greeting

Jared Blankenship — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

A Gospel-Filled Greeting

Series: 1 Thessalonians

Preacher: Jared Blankenship

Date: 6th October 2024

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:1

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Sermon Summary: Though the opening greeting of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians follows a typical structure for a letter of that day, it is teeming with gospel meaning. This study examines the three parts of 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and traces the history of the start of the Thessalonian Church (Acts 17:1-10) to expose the church's gospel beginnings, gospel identity, and gospel hope. Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters! Preached on Sunday, October 6, 2024