Theology

Here's something you can take to the bank: As a Christian, your future is brighter than you can imagine. But for now? For now, we face hardships and heartache. For now, we live in 'this present darkness.' That's the tension of the Christian life, isn't it? We live in the 'already, but the not yet.' Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why does all of nature 'groan?' What is the cause? B) How can we be sure of a brighter tomorrow? C) How do we find strength to endure to the end? Speaker: Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is worship difficult for you? For many people, it is. For many, it seems difficult or unnatural. Now, why would 'worship' be difficult? Well, we're not used to glorifying someone other than ourselves. So, how do we fix this? It begins with the study of God himself. It begins with an appreciation of His character. The more we understand God, the more natural worship becomes. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What sort of worship was taking place in 2 Chronicles 7? B) What happened the moment the Temple was dedicated? C) How can we grow in our love and commitment to worship? Speaker: Dr. Toby B. HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bible is full of promises. Some were made by God, and some were made by men. Man's promises are notoriously flimsy (and often broken). Conversely, the promises of God are iron clad. In today's study, we'll consider one of those promises up close. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What does the term 'covenant' mean? B) What promise did God make to Israel after the Exodus? C) What promises has He made to you and I as believers? Speaker: Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God looks after His children. There are so many examples of this. Manna from heaven. Water from rock. In today's text, God will use ravens to bring Elijah food. Then, He will then use Elijah to bring a widow hope. The God who provided for them will look after you. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What is the context of 1 Kings 17? B) Why was Elijah hiding from Ahab and Jezebel? C) What can we learn from the Widow of Zarephath? Speaker: Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God doesn't need us to do anything. However, He invites us to do a great deal! Specifically He gives us jobs of great importance. How then should we respond? That will be the focus of today's study in Matthew 10. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What is the harvest field, and who are the laborers? B) Why did Christ tell His apostles not to rely on their provisions? C) What jobs and responsibilities do you and I have this year? Speaker: Dr. Toby B. HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elisha was bald. Very bald. In 2 Kings 2, the youth noticed - and mocked him for it. How did Elisha respond? Well, not in a way that you might expect. He cursed the youth - and two bears came out to maul them. So, what's the deal with that? For some, it seems like an overreaction. Other Questions That We'll Answer: A) What was so sinful about the youth's actions? B) Why was Elisha justified in his response? C) What do these events tell us about God? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Psalm 8, David marveled at the stars. And as he did so, he considered God's power. 'What is man,' David asked, that God should care for him? In other words, why would a God so big care for people so small? And yet, He does. In today's text, we'll consider the towering yet tender nature of our God. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What is so striking about Psalm 8? B) Why does David focus on the 'name' of God? C) What proof do you have that God loves you? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.' - Ecclesiastes 3:1 In life, there is a time to be born and a time to die. There is a time to kill and a time to heal. There is a time of war and a time of peace. In today's study, we'll consider the various cycles of our existence. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Who wrote this famous passage, and why? B) Why is life futile 'under the sun?' C) What makes things different 'under heaven?' Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is your 'finish line?' Your life and choices are taking you somewhere. One decision at a time, you are closer to a destination. The question is: what sort of destination is it? That will be the focus of today's study in Philippians 3. Other Questions That We'll Answer: A) What does our past have to do with our future? B) What did Paul say about his own history? C) What does it mean to 'press toward the prize?' Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why? It is the most basic of all questions. As humans, we want to know why things happen. Especially when those things are painful. That was Job's problem. Job couldn't understand how God could allow his suffering. We'll explore this further in today's study of Job 10. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What was Job's struggle? What couldn't he understand? B) Is God indifferent to our hurts or pains? C) What are the implications to your own life? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This world is not our home. We live out our earthly days in the 'shadowlands.' All around us is a mixture of darkness and light. However, we still have a choice. Will we be agents of the light or of the dark? That will be the focus of today's study in 1 Thessalonians 5. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What were the Thessalonians anxious about? B) How did the Apostle Paul address that anxiety? C) What were the implications for how they were to live? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In John 21, Jesus talked about His 'return.' He would leave. In due time, He would come back. But for what purpose? And at what point? That will be the focus of today's study. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did Jesus suggest that John would remain til He returned? B) What happened in 70AD, and what does it have to do with this passage? C) How does John's gospel wrap up? What is John's 'epilogue?' Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many times had Peter 'denied' Jesus? Three. How many times did Jesus ask Peter if he 'loved' Him? Three. In today's study of John 21, we'll see the forgiveness of Christ, and the commissioning of Peter. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What caused Peter to recognize Jesus on the beach? B) What did Jesus mean by 'feed My sheep?' C) How does this passage apply to our own lives and leadership? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skepticism is NOT a fruit of the Spirit. In John 19, Jesus died. In John 20, He was resurrected. And after that, He appeared to His apostles in the Upper Room. However, one was missing. And he didn't believe the other ten. The 'doubts' of Thomas will be the focus of today's study. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What are the proofs of Christ's resurrection? B) What else do we know about 'Doubting Thomas?' C) What does this text teach us about 'faith?' Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He Is Risen! In John 19, Jesus died. But He didn't stay dead. In John 20, He rose from the tomb (just as He said He would)! And in doing so, He made possible our own resurrection. That will be the focus of today's study in the Gospel of John. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What are the proofs / evidences of the resurrection? B) Why were two angels sitting on either side of Christ's grave slab? C) What did Jesus say to Mary Magdalene at this time? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It. Is. Finished. Just three words - yet, the most significant ever spoken. On Calvary, Jesus declared 'it is finished.' The question for us is: what was He referring to? What was 'finished,' and what value does it have for us? That will be the focus of today's study in John 19.  Other Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did Jesus have to die? Was it really necessary? B) Why did the sky grow dark, and why was the temple veiled ripped? C) What proofs are there of the crucifixion and resurrection? Dr. Toby Holt is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, in Gulfport MS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is finished. Three simple words - three words, on which your fate rests. On Calvary, Jesus completed the work that He was sent to do. What was that work? And what does it mean for you? That will be the focus of today's study from John 19. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Did Jesus really have to die? And if so, why? B) What did Christ's death actually accomplish? C) What prophesies were fulfilled on the cross? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby HoltSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"What is truth?" That was Pilate's question. It was a great question - too bad he didn't wait for an answer. Pontius Pilate asked Jesus a number of things in John 18 - and was befuddled by Christ's responses. We will consider their unique conversation in today's study. Questions We'll Address: A) Who was Pilate, and what was his background? B) Why did the Jewish leaders take Jesus to Pilate? C) Why did the people demand the release of Barabbas?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter said that he loved Jesus. Peter said that he'd die for Jesus. But on the night of Christ's betrayal, Peter denied Him three times. So, what do we make of Peter's failure? What do we make of his weakness? And how did Christ respond? That will be the focus of today's study in John 18.   Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermonsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lanterns, torches and weapons. The men who sought Jesus were heavily armed! That's what rebels do - they arm themselves for battle. Meanwhile, Jesus waited patiently. In a sense, the events of John 18 are a microcosm of mankind's history. Specifically, our history of rebellion against a loving and patient God. We'll consider that rebellion (and Christ's response) in today's study of John 18.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.