Theology

This was a very wicked region. In the time of Christ, Caesarea Phillipi was the 'red light district.' It was filled with pagan people doing pagan things. And yet, this is where Jesus took His disciples in Matthew 16. Why? That will be the focus of today's study. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did Jesus travel to the region known as Hell's gates? B) What did He teach His disciples when they got there? C) Why did Jesus say "on this rock I will build my church?" Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is the most famous sermon ever preached. In Matthew 5, Jesus started the 'Sermon On The Mount' with a series of blessings (or beatitudes). What were these blessings all about? And how were they received by hurting, downtrodden people who were used to the legalism of the Pharisees? Questions That We'll Answer: A) How do the blessings of Matthew 5 contrast to the woes of Matthew 23? B) Who was Christ's audience for this particular sermon? C) What does it mean to be 'salt' and 'light' in the world around us?   First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport MS Web: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who were the 12 Apostles? Well, they weren't the sort of men you would expect. They weren't the sort of men that anyone would expect. Fishermen, a tax collector, a Judas - from an earthly perspective, this was a most unlikely bunch. And yet, Christ chose these men to be His friends and ambassadors. What can we learn from their service? Questions That We'll Answer: A) What is the difference between a 'disciple' and an 'apostle?' B) What warnings did Jesus give to His apostles about the world? C) What unique responsibilities were the apostles given?  Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharisees hated Jesus. This Roman Centurion did not. Throughout the New Testament, the Pharisees antagonized our Savior. They accused and berated Him at every turn. Conversely, there are seven Roman Centurions in the New Testament - and each is portrayed in a more positive light. How can this be? Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did Jesus 'marvel' at the faith of the Centurion? B) What stood out about the Centurion's request? C) What warning did Jesus give the Jews in Matthew 8?   Website: http://www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If baptism is for SINNERS, then why was JESUS baptized? In Matthew 3, Jesus asked John to baptize him. That blew John's mind. And so, John told Him that it was the other way around - that Christ needed to baptize him! John knew that Jesus had no sins that He needed to repent of, and no need to be 'washed clean.' So why did Jesus insist on being baptized? That will be today's focus. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What sort of baptism was John doing by the Jordan River? B) Were John's baptism the same as our modern, church age baptisms? B) Why did Jesus say His baptism would 'fulfill all righteousness?'  Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The God who MADE YOU wants to be WITH YOU. Think on that. The pagan gods didn't work that way. These (false) deities kept the people at arm's length. But our God wants to be close. He walked with Adam in the garden. He dwelt in the tabernacle and temple. He came to earth in the form of a babe. Our God is "Emmanuel" - He is "God With Us." Join us for Part 2 of our study in the Book of Matthew. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What is the difference between being 'with' or 'for' someone? B) What did the Angel tell Joseph about Jesus? Why was it so important? C) What comfort do the Angel's words have to those of us who are hurting?  Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who was Matthew? What is the Book of Matthew all about? In Part 1 of our new study, we will introduce this Gospel and talk about the audience that it was originally written to - the Israelites. While Matthew contains truth and wisdom for all people, it was intended to explain the person and work of Jesus to Matthew's Jewish contemporaries. In addition to introducing the Book of Matthew, we'll also talk about the 'intertestamental age' that preceded its writing. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why was God 'silent' for over 400 years? B) What differentiates Matthew from the other Gospel accounts? C) Why are there two different genealogies (in Matthew and Luke)?  Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout the Old Testament, God made a series of incredible promises – promises that defied His people’s expectations. And, in His time, He fulfilled every last one of them.  In today’s study of 1 Kings 8, we’ll consider the God who always ‘keeps His promises’ – including those that He has made to you and I. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What are some of the most amazing promises God has ever made? B) What promises has He made to you  for your own future? C) Why did 1 Kings 8 represent such a high point in Israel's history?  Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On many occasions, Moses went up a mountain to meet with God. In Deuteronomy 34, he would do so once again - but this time, he would not return. What can we learn from the death of Moses? That will be the focus of today's study. Questions That We'll Answer: A) How old was Moses when he died? What was his health like? B) Who buried Moses? And where is he buried to this day? C) What did Moses see from the mountaintop prior to his death?  Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1 Peter 2, the Apostle talked about a 'war' waged against the soul of believers. When we think of 'war,' we tend to think of external enemies that are coming against us. But that's not the sort of war that Peter was talking about. Rather, Peter was talking about a war that is going on within our own body (even as Christians). He was talking about a war between our flesh and our spirit. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did Peter (and other apostles) use military terms so frequently? B) In what way is the devil like a 'roaring lion,' seeking to devour us? C) How can we protect ourselves from that which we cannot see?  Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God told the people to go outward - to be fruitful and to multiply across the globe. Instead, the people decided to go upward - to build a tower into the heavens. In today's study, we'll consider the construction of the "Tower of Babel" in Genesis 11, and see why God came down to deal with its builders. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why was God angered by the building of this particular tower? B) Why did God confuse the language of the builders? C) What relationship does Genesis 11 have with Acts 2 (Pentecost)? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Romans 10, Paul asks a series of important questions. Specifically, he asked this: "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not  believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" If you have come to a saving faith, it is because someone shared God's Word with you. Maybe it was a pastor. Maybe it was a parent. But someone told you about Jesus, and you responded in faith. And now, guess what? You've been sent to share that same gospel with others. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did Paul's heart break for his Jewish contemporaries? B) What did Israel need? Is God done with His covenant people? C) Why is the Gospel called the "power of God unto salvation?"  Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who is your neighbor? That was the question that Jesus asked the proud, arrogant lawyer. The man said that he'd kept the law. The man said that he'd loved his neighbor as himself. But Jesus knew better. Jesus knew that was only true if he neutered the word of any meaning.  And so Jesus asked him, "who is your neighbor?" Join us as we consider the parable of the 'Good Samaritan' in Luke 10. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did the lawyer try to test Jesus in Verse 25? B) What was a 'Samaritan,' and what was their reputation? C) What does Biblical 'mercy ministry' look like to those in need?  Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does the church need revival? Does it need reformation? Throughout history, there have been a number of 'revivals' when God's people have increased in size, health, and ministry. And in every single case, these revivals involved a renewed emphasis on God's Word. In today's study of 2 Kings 23, we'll see that one of the most famous revivals in history came about after the 'rediscovery' of the law during the reign of King Josiah. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did the ancient Israelites tumble into sin so frequently? B) What does a biblical 'revival' look like? How can we be sure? C) What would a reformation of your own practices involve? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life is short. Act accordingly. In today's study, we consider Paul's words to the Corinthians, in which he referred to our mortal bodies as "earthen vessels." In other words, Paul likened our human bodies to pottery - easily broken, and not built to last. Now, is that a depressing thought? Well, it would be, except that Paul said that these "earthen vessels" house an eternal treasure, which can never be lost or destroyed. Join us as we consider this treasure further, in today's study of 2 Corinthians 4. Questions That We'll Answer: 1) What is the difference between what's 'eternal' and 'temporal?' 2) What does it mean to be a good 'spiritual' investor? 3) What did Christ say about laying up treasures in Heaven?  Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Exodus began, God's people were laboring over a building project - Pharaoh's. But by the time Exodus ends, an entirely different building project is in view (the Tabernacle). In our final study of the Book of Exodus, we consider the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was a game changer for the people of Israel. With that said, what was this tent designed for? What was its purpose? Other Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why was God so specific about the Tabernacle's construction? B) Why was Moses not permitted to enter into the Tabernacle (Ex. 40)? C) Ultimately, what did the Tabernacle point toward? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you and I able to look upon God's face? Why or why not? What about when we're in Heaven - will we be able to look upon God then? In today's text, we'll consider Moses' request to see God's face. And we'll also consider God's response, and how He safely tucked Moses into the 'cleft in the rock.'Questions That We'll Answer:A) What did the 'cleft in the rock' typify? What was it all about?B) Why did God say He would not go with the Israelites in Exodus 33?C) Why was Moses so concerned by this? Why did they need God's presence?Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 'golden calf' incident is a dark blot in Israelite history. While coming down the mountain, Moses heard the sound of warfare from below. But he soon found that it wasn't warfare - it was singing and adulation toward an idol. The people had broken God's law. Terribly. Egregiously. And to demonstrate what they'd done, Moses shattered the 10 Commandments before their eyes.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What were the people thinking? And why did Aaron help?B) Were the people trying to replace Jehovah altogether?C) What was the immediate punishment that they received?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does God care how we worship Him? According to Exodus 28, the answer is YES. In the last fifteen chapters of Exodus, we read about the construction of the Tabernacle. In these chapters, God gave the people some meticulous, specific details for the Tabernacle's components and design. He also gave specific details for the clothing of the priests - including a phrase they were to wear on their foreheads, "HOLINESS TO THE LORD."Questions That We'll Answer:A) What was the significance of God meeting with His people in the tabernacle?B) In what way did the Tabernacle reflect or anticipate Heaven?C) How are you and I considered "priests" as NT believers?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What was the Ark Of The Covenant? In Exodus 25, God told the Israelites to construct an 'ark,' and to place the ark in the Tabernacle. But what was the purpose of the Ark? And what was the significance of the 'mercy seat' that was on its top? These questions will be the focus of today's study.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What do we know about the ark's construction and origins?B) What was the ark's history as it was moved from place to place?C) And finally, where is the ark today? Egypt? Ethiopia? Where?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.