Apologetics

In Genesis 32, Jacob was ready for a fight. Jacob was no stranger to conflict, but this time was different. In Genesis 32, as darkness closed in, he prepared for a confrontation with his brother Esau. However, the figure who grabbed him that night was not who he expected. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Who was it that Jacob wrestled with in Genesis 32? B) What was the point of this wrestling match? C) How was Jacob changed forever as a result?   web: www.fpcgulfport.org

In Genesis 28, Jacob dreamed of a ladder. The ladder reached all the way from Heaven to Earth. So, what was this dream all about? For centuries, no one knew. For centuries, it remained a mystery. But then, in the first chapter of John, the answer was finally provided.Join us as we consider ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ in today’s study of Genesis. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why was Jacob all alone, using a rock for a pillow? B) What was the nature of his dream – and what exactly did he see? C) What was Jacob’s response (after waking from this dream)?   Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Jacob must have been one rotten kid! In spite of God’s clear direction, and although his other son was a numskull, Isaac did not want Jacob to receive his blessing. If it were up to Isaac, it would be Esau who would carry the family line forward. Jacob was not an option. However, God’s decree would not be thwarted, would it? That will be the focus of today’s study in Genesis 27. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why did Isaac prefer Esau? What were his reasons? B) Was the ‘ruse’ of Jacob and his mother Rebecca actually a sin? C) What can we learn from the brokenness of this patriarchal family?   Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Meet Abraham. Isaac. Jacob. These men, hailed as the ‘patriarchs’ of the Old Testament, helped shape the entire narrative of our faith.They were also sinners. Big, big sinners. In today’s sermon, we’ll see that the patriarchs needed God’s grace every bit as much as we do. And God gave it to them! His providential care is seen in every part of Genesis 25. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) In what way are the patriarchs the ‘Mt. Rushmore’ of the OT? B) Why them? In other words, why did God choose these three men? C) What does this text tell us about the doctrine of ‘predestination?’   website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons

In Genesis 22, God told Abraham to sacrifice his son. Why? For many, this event is one of the most confusing in all of Scripture – why would God tell Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? What was His purpose? And then, why would He tell Abraham to stay his knife? In today’s study, we will study this difficult and heartrending event. Questions That We’ll Answer: 1) What was God’s purpose here? Was He testing Abraham? 2) What did Abraham think would happen on Mt. Moriah? 3) How does this event foreshadow Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary?   website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons

Sodom and Gomorrah are the poster children for God’s wrath. In Genesis 19, we read of a cautionary tale to a world hellbent on offending a holy God. Specifically, Genesis 19 describes the destruction of these two cities. The destruction was horrific. It was severe. And yet, in Matthew 10, Jesus says that an even worse judgment will befall those places that reject the Gospel. Questions That We’ll Answer: 1) What was the sin (or sins) of Sodom and Gomorrah? 2) Why was God willing to relent if 10 righteous were found there? 3) What did Jesus mean in Matthew 10 (when He referred to Sodom)?   Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

In Genesis 18 made a promise so outrageous that Sarah laughed. The promises that He has made you are bigger. Throughout Scripture, God has promised to save and sanctify you, to wipe away all your tears, and to dwell with you in Paradise for eternity. Now those are promises! But how can we be sure they apply to us (and that they will be fulfilled)? That will be the focus of today’s sermon. Questions That We’ll Answer: 1) Who were the three men that appeared to Abraham in the desert? 2) What promises did One of the men make to Abraham and Sarah? 3) Why did Sarah laugh, and what was God’s reaction to that laughter?     Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

God made Abraham mind-boggling promises. Abraham believed Him. In Genesis 12, Abraham was introduced with little fanfare. He was a man from a pagan family and a pagan background. And yet, God was going to make this nobody a series of incredible promises – promises that Abraham believed in, and then acted accordingly. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What were these amazing promises? And how many were there? B) Who are the true children of Abraham? Are you one of his children? C) What does it mean to be called a ‘friend’ of God?   Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

God told the people to go outward. Instead, they went upward. “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth,” God told the people. But they said no – in their minds, it was safer and smarter to stay in one place. And so, they built a formidable ‘tower’ in Genesis 11. In today’s study, we’ll read about that tower (and God’s response). Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why was God angered by the building of this tower? B) Why did God confuse the language of the builders? C) What relationship does Genesis 11 have with Acts 2 (Pentecost)?   web: www.fpcgulfport.org

The wrong question: how did all the animals fit in the ark? The most crucial question of Genesis 6 is NOT about the animals. Not at all. Rather, it is this: why was an ark needed in the first place? In other words, why was God willing to flood the entire globe, only six chapters after creating it? Seems drastic. So why did God do it, and what does it tell us about the future? Questions That We’ll Answer: A) In what way did the flood typify the wrath of God ‘poured out?’ B) In what way did the ark typify Jesus Christ? Is Jesus in this text? C) Why did Christ refer to future days as being ‘like the days of Noah?’   Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

That didn’t take long, did it? You might have thought Genesis 4 couldn’t go worse than Genesis 3 – that mankind would have learned its lesson. Surely man would do better! Surely he’d turn away from sin! However, before Genesis 4 was over, a blood soaked corpse proved otherwise. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why did Cain kill his brother? What was wrong with his sacrifice? B) Why did God warn Cain that ‘sin lay at his door?’ C) Is it possible that sin is at our door as well? What should we do?   www.fpcgulfport.org

One sin. That’s all it took. In our day, sin is treated casually – as a marketing device (think ‘Sin City’) and rarely as a spiritual anchor. But one sin is all it took for man to be thrown out of the garden, and for chaos to sweep the created realm. This tells us two things: 1) sin must be really bad, and 2) God must be really holy. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What ‘tool’ did the serpent use to attack Eve in the garden? B) What is the purpose of the fiery sword at the garden’s edge? C) Why are the words ‘Genesis 4’ the best words in any language?   web: www.fpcgulfport.org

There is a God, and you are not Him. The starting point for all correct theology or philosophy is found in Genesis 1, which declares God’s existence and transcendence over that which He has made. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why do people argue for ‘evolution’ or the ‘big bang’ instead? B) Are those theories consistent w/ the Bible’s teaching on creation? C) How do we explain the apparent age of rocks, stars, and so forth?   Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Witnesses, proof, evidences – it was all there. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most heavily reported, historically verified events of antiquity. And that’s a good thing, since the fate and future of billions hangs in the balance. Today, we’ll consider the implications of the empty tomb. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why were the apostles so anxious in Luke 24? B) Why is the best news often the hardest to believe? C) If Jesus is alive, then what is He doing right now? Do we know?   Web: http://www.fpcgulfport.org

On the day the people were looking for a perfect lamb for their Passover celebration, the ‘lamb of God’ approached. It wasn’t a coincidence. In today’s study, we will consider the events of Palm Sunday through an unusual set of eyes – those of John the Baptist. Why did John call Jesus the ‘lamb of God?’ Why didn’t anyone else see Him that way? Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What is the connection between the Passover and ‘Palm Sunday?’ B) What is the difference between appeasement and atonement? C) Can you be saved by appeasing God? Why or why not?   Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

You won’t find ‘utopia’ in a warzone. So many people misunderstand their reality. They think that this world is their home, irrespective of how little time they’ll spend here. They think this world is great, irrespective of the landmines going off around them. Conversely, the Bible says that this world is filled with trials and hardships. And so, our hope is not found in this ‘valley of death,’ but in the Shepherd that leads us to someplace better. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What words of encouragement did Peter have to the suffering? B) Why does God allow His children to be tested and tried? C) How do we know that our story ends well? How can we be sure?   Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

What makes ‘love’ greater than faith or hope? In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul said “now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” So, why is ‘love’ superior? Well, for starters, it is the only one of those three words that applies to God. God does not have ‘faith.’ God does not hope. But HE DOES LOVE – in fact, HE IS LOVE! Questions That We’ll Consider: A) What mess was Corinth in, that they needed a primer on love? B) How does love motivate us in ways that no other emotion can? C) What sets love apart (both now and on Heaven’s shores)?   Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

The desert is home to some of the Bible’s most fascinating stories. In Acts 8, there was a caravan traveling in the desert of Judea. At its head was a pagan eunuch – someone well outside of the covenant community, but not outside of God’s plan of salvation. And in order to reach this man, God sent an evangelist into the wasteland. His name was Phillip, and this is his story. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why does God care for rebels, pagans, and sinners? B) What book was the Ethiopian reading when Philip found him? C) What hope does Acts 8 give for the ‘lost people’ in our lives?   Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

Rebellion. Rejection. Disdain. The nations have long rejected God’s rule in favor of their own. But why? What causes the nations to rage against God, and to plot so many vain things? In today’s sermon, we’ll consider mankind’s ongoing rebellion and God’s response. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) How do nations and leaders foment their insurrection? B) What does it mean that God ‘sits’ in Heaven and laughs at them? C) In what way is Psalm 2 a ‘Messianic’ Psalm?   Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

God does not have any ‘peons’ in Heaven. He has family. Your salvation accomplishes so much more than just ‘punching your ticket’ to Heaven. Rather, it includes this wonderful outcome: you are treated as family when you get there! God has no peons in Heaven, but He does have sons and daughters. “Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called children of God.” Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What does it mean for God to be our Heavenly ‘Father?’ B) Why was John so amazed that we are called God’s ‘children?’ C) What is your value in God’s eyes? How does He see you now?   www.fpcgulfport.org

Mustard seeds are small. But they don’t stay that way! In Matthew 13, Jesus shared the parable of the ‘mustard seed’ in describing the kingdom’s growth. Mustard seed start small. But in time, they grow upward and outward. Now, who did Jesus share this parable with? He shared it with a smattering of disciples on the shoreline. They were few. But fast forward to our day, and the kingdom now fills the entire planet (2.38 billion professing believers). Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What can local churches learn from the ‘mustard seed’ parable? B) Is growth the church’s objective? What about transformation? C) What should the church focus on in a time of cultural upheaval?   Web: fpcgulfport.org

If you have lost someone that you love, it is natural to grieve. With that said, GRIEF is NOT the same as DESPAIR. In 1 Thessalonians 4, the Apostle Paul makes this distinction. Specifically, he says that although it is OK to lament the loss of a loved one, we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. Reunions are coming. And because of that, our ‘grief’ is tinged with expectation. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why were the Thessalonians so confused about life after death? B) Will Christians see (and recognize) our loved ones in eternity? C) How can we be sure of this? What is the basis of our hope?     Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

How much time do you have left? In Romans 13, the Apostle Paul answered that question this way – not much. Specifically, Paul said that “the night is far spent, the day is at hand.” Paul wanted his readers to understand the value of today. He wanted them to live as if their time was both short and precious. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What other passages refer to ‘night and day’ in a similar way? B) What are the concepts of ‘inner peace’ and ‘inner war?’ C) What is holding us back? What’s keeping us from living in the ‘day?’   www.fpcgulfport.org

How much of God’s Word should we preach? To the Apostle Paul, the answer was ALL OF IT. And that’s just what he told the Ephesian elders in Acts 10. He told them that he had not refrained from preaching and teaching the whole counsel of God, and he expected them to do the same. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why did Paul invite the Ephesian elders to meet with him? B) Why did Paul tell the elders they’d never see his face again? C) What other points did Paul emphasize during their last visit?   Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

As Christians, we often remember the things that Jesus has done. With that said, have you ever wondered: what is He doing now? Among other things, Jesus is interceding on behalf of His people. You have a divine advocate that is (even now) seeking your welfare! And that should be an encouragement during these difficult days. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why is John 17 referred to as the ‘high priestly prayer?’ B) Who did Jesus pray for in this text? And what did He say? C) In what way is Jesus interceding for you this very moment?   Web: www.fpcgulfport.org  

What is the ‘Magnificat?’ The ‘magnificat’ is the name that we give to Mary’s song in Luke 1, in which she declares that her soul ‘magnifies the Lord.’ In today’s study, we will see that this is one of the most counter-cultural songs ever written. Questions That We’ll Answer: 1) What news did the Angel give Mary? What was her response? 2) Why was it necessary that the Messiah be born of a ‘virgin?’ 3) What makes the ‘magnificat’ so counter-cultural?   Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Victory is at hand – your story ends well! The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only the capstone event of the Gospel, but it secures our great future. You see, if the grave didn’t hold Him, then it won’t hold you. And if death can be defeated, then so can all the other hardships that you’re undergoing right now. Today may be difficult, but take heart – your story ends well! Questions That We’ll Answer In Today’s Study: 1) What really happened on the Sunday after Christ’s death? 2) Who were the eyewitnesses to Christ’s resurrection? 3) What supernatural events rocked Jerusalem on that great day?   Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Darkness. An earthquake. A shock in the temple. And on top of that, a cry – ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’ What really happened on the cross? What do we make of all the supernatural events that transpired? And what do we make of Christ’s final words? In today’s study, we will consider our Savior’s final moments on Calvary. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why did the sky grow dark at 12PM? And what did it signify? B) Did the Father really turn His face away from the Son? C) What hope do we find in the darkest chapter in Scripture?   www.fpcgulfport.org

In Matthew 26, Jesus sat down. His betrayer joined Him. In today’s study, Jesus sat down for what we call the ‘Last Supper,’ with His betrayer seated just a few feet away. Our Lord had come to celebrate the Passover with His disciples, knowing this would be their last opportunity to do so. But He also knew the heart (and pending actions) of a man named Judas Iscariot. In today’s study, we’ll consider the high stakes of Matthew 26. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why did Judas betray Christ? What was his purpose and reward? B) What doctrines did Jesus emphasize during the ‘Last Supper?’ C) What was about to happen next? What did Jesus expect to occur?   www.fpcgulfport.org

Jesus was walking into a trap. Several traps, actually. When Jesus entered the Temple in Matthew 21, the Pharisees, Sadducees and others planned to ask Him questions that might trap or make our Lord look bad before others. They wanted to destroy or hurt His credibility. In today’s study, we’ll see how Jesus responded. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What was the irony about the questions that Jesus was facing? B) What was the point of Christ’s parable about the wedding feast? C) What happened to the improperly dressed ‘wedding guest?’   Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

In Matthew 21, Jesus was angry. Now, how could this be? What could possibly make gentle, loving, patient Jesus so upset? What could cause Him to flip tables and to make a scene? In today’s study, we’ll consider both the circumstances and reasons for Christ’s anger. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Who were the money-changers in the temple? What were they doing? B) How does this event relate to the time Jesus cursed a fig tree? C) What does it mean for God’s temple to be a ‘house of prayer?’   Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Revelation is the last book in the Bible. However, the entire Bible is a revelation from God – and so is every molecule in the created realm. Every ounce of creation tells us something about the Creator. In today’s study, we’ll talk about the benefits of God’s revelation, and the consequences for ignoring what He has said. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why do people plug their ears to God’s Word? B) If a society ignores God, who will they turn to instead? C) What about our universities – if they reject divine revelation, what’s left? Show Notes / Timestamps 00:02 Welcome (This Is Radio 3:16) 00:50 Chapter 1: Where Does Knowledge Come From 05:43 Chapter 2: Our Need For Something Better 13:54 Chapter 3: Garbage In, Garbage Out 20:59 Chapter 4: Divine Revelation 25:00 Broadcast End Keywords: Epistemology, Special Revelation, Divine Revelation Web: www.fpcgulfport.org  

Jesus, Moses, and Elijah met on the mountaintop. One’s face radiated with divine light. The others did not. Moses and Elijah were no slouches – these were titans of Jewish history, the very embodiment of the law and the prophets. And yet, when standing next to Jesus, they paled. It was Christ alone that the Father referred to, saying “This is my Son, listen to Him” in Matthew 17. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What was the ‘transfiguration,’ and why did Jesus undergo it? B) Why did Moses and Elijah appear, and what did they talk about? C) What was Peter’s mistake, and what forgiveness did he receive?   Site: www.fpcgulfport.org

Are there levels of reward (or punishment) in eternity? In Dante’s Inferno, the poet described Hell as having ‘nine circles.’ Each circle corresponded with a different sin and degree of punishment. But is this a Biblical understanding? Does the Bible teach that different sins merit different punishments in Hell? And what does it say about ‘rewards’ in Heaven? Questions That We’ll Address: 1) If our works don’t save us, then what eternal affect can they have (if any)? 2) When Jesus referred to ‘treasures in Heaven,’ what was He talking about? 3) Why did Jesus say that the people of Capernaum would face a more tolerable judgment than the people of Sodom (who were poster-children for God’s wrath)?   00:02 Welcome (This Is Radio 3:16) 01:03 Chapter 1: Introduction 06:00 Chapter 2: Different Sins, Different Punishment 13:07 Chapter 3: Earthly Deeds, Eternal Rewards 19:53 Chapter 4: Closing Thoughts 24:22 Closing / Outro 25:00 Broadcast End   Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Web: R316.org

This was a very wicked region. In the time of Christ, Caesarea Philippi 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

It is the most famous sermon ever preached. In Matthew 5, Jesus starts 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?   www.fpcgulfport.org

Does God ‘change’ His mind? It seems unlikely. Why would a perfect, all knowing God change His mind? On the other hand, there are several verses that suggest He does. In Jonah 3, the Bible said God ‘relented’ from destroying Nineveh. In 1 Samuel, God himself said He ‘regretted’ making Saul king. If God doesn’t change His mind, then why do these verses make it sound like He does? Is there an answer? Questions That We’ll Address: 1) Is God’s nature subject to change, growth, or development? 2) Can God ever ‘regret’ His own choices, or ‘repent’ from His prior actions? 3) What is ‘anthropomorphic’ language? How does that term apply to this topic? Site: www.r316.org

How big do you think the church really is? It depends on how you define it. In Matthew 7, Jesus warned that there were many professing believers who did not know Him. In Christ’s own day, there were hundreds of thousands of Israelites who claimed to know God, but who were in danger of severe judgment. The same may be true in our day (2023). The ‘true’ church may be a small fraction of what it appears. And historically, the Bible has two words to describe this group of believers: THE REMNANT. Questions That We’ll Address: 1) How big is the church? What do the statistics and numbers tell us? 2) What is the difference between the ‘visible’ and ‘invisible’ churches? 3) Are we living in the days of a ‘remnant?’ How can we know? Radio 3:16 Website: www.r316.org   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is cremation biblical? In 1960, only 4% of Americans were cremated. As of 2023, that number is over 52%. Given the popularity of cremation, many Christians want to know if the Bible ever refers to it, and if there is any Biblical precedent for pursuing it. That will be the focus of today’s study. Questions That We’ll Address: 1) What does the Bible say about cremation? Does it accept the practice? 2) How were bodies dealt with in Biblical days, and is there a precedent for us? 3) Does any of this matter? Does the disposition of one’s physical body really matter in eternity? Today’s episode ends with a listener question on the topic of ‘tattoos.’ Radio 3:16 Website: www.r316.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Depression can be more than just ‘feeling sad.’ Yes, depression involves sadness. But clinical (or major) depression is not limited to a particular ‘mood’ or emotional state. Clinical depression is a persistent, recurring condition that may stem from our nature or physiology – and not just our circumstances. It can strike when things are going poorly, but it can also strike when they’re going well. In today’s study, we’ll see what the Bible has to say about depression. Is there hope for the hurting? Questions That We’ll Address: 1) How does a feeling of ‘sadness’ differ from ‘clinical depression?’ 2) Did any of the men and women of the Bible suffer from depression? Who? 3) What encouragement does Christ offer for the depressed? What does He say? Radio 3:16 Website: www.r316.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?

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 were 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

Does the devil think that he can win? In Matthew 4, Jesus is led out into the wilderness, where He was tempted for forty days by the devil. What did the devil think he was going to accomplish? And what was the Father’s purpose in allowing His Son to undergo this? Other Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What was the object of each of the three temptations? B) Why did Jesus refer to Scripture at each opportunity? C) How was Christ’s temptation related to Adam’s in Genesis 3? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby Holt Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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 baptisms? B) Why did Jesus say His baptism would ‘fulfill all righteousness?’ Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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? C) What comfort do the Angel’s words have to the hurting? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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

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

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 and final days 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 mountain prior to his death? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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

In Romans 10, Paul asked 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