Apologetics

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.’ Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why did the lawyer try to test or trap Jesus in Verse 25? B) What was a ‘Samaritan,’ and what was their reputation? C) What does ‘mercy ministry’ look like to those in need? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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?

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

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? C) Ultimately, what did the Tabernacle point toward? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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. Holt Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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?

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?

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?

The Israelites had seen ‘animal sacrifices’ before. On many occasions, they’d seen blood on the altar. However, they’d never been sprinkled by that blood (the way that Moses did in Exodus 24). Why did Moses do this? And what was the point of this “blood oath” or covenant that the people had entered into with God? That will be the focus of today’s study.

Did you know that Jesus Christ appears throughout the Book of Exodus? From the Red Sea to their arrival in the Promised Land, Jesus Christ makes multiple appearances in this part of the Old Testament. In Exodus 23, we see one of these – an occasion when He is referred to as the “Angel of the Lord.”

God’s law can teach, it can restrain, and it can disciple. But it cannot save. That was the problem of the Israelites as they looked at the burning mountain. When they heard the ten commandments, they realized this – as significant as those commandments were, they only condemned, and did not redeem. The fire on the mountain was a reminder that the people still could not approach God, even with the law in hand. So what was their hope? We’ll consider that in our continuing study of the Book of Exodus.

The people were out of Egypt. They’d gone through the wilderness. Now, they had arrived at the mountain of God. “There were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.” – Exodus 19:16-17

Ordinarily, bread doesn’t come from Heaven. Ordinarily, water doesn’t come from rocks. But in Exodus 16, they did! God provided for His people using the most unexpected means. Click to hear Part 7 of our new series on the Book of Exodus.

Across the course of the first nine plagues, all of Egypt’s gods had proven worthless – the God of Israel had brought plagues upon the very things those gods were supposed to protect. And yet, Pharaoh had learned nothing. His heart had only grown harder. However, the 10th plague would break his spirit and take his son. Following the events of the Passover night, God’s people would be set free. And in the implementation of the Passover meal, a neon arrow would point forward to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Click to listen to today’s sermon on the “passover” from Exodus 12.

In Week 4 of our new series, we review the ‘ten plagues of Egypt. ‘Why did God send these plagues? Why did it take more than one (let alone ten) before Pharaoh let God’s people go? And what was God’s reason for ‘hardening Pharaoh’s heart?’ Click to learn more.

In Exodus 5, God was not messing around. He was clear in His decree to Pharaoh – “let My people go.” However, Pharaoh resisted. He ignored God’s messenger (Moses) and he rejected God’s demand. In fact, He began to oppress the people even worse. This was not going to end well for Pharaoh!

In Exodus 3, God met Moses in the form of a ‘burning bush. ‘What are we to make of this theophany? And what did God tell Moses at this time? In this week’s sermon, we consider the great “I AM” statement and the commission that God gave to Moses (to rescue His people from bondage).

This is Week 1 in our new 10 Week Series on Exodus. Join us as we learn about the birth of Moses, the death of the Israelite children, and the hope for future deliverance (from the evil hands of Pharaoh).

The Gospel is NOT toothless. The Gospel is NOT weak. In Scripture, we see that the Gospel is the “power of God” unto salvation. We should treat it that way – as a lion to be let out, not as something to hide, package or subjugate. Just preach it!

For a Christian, is church OPTIONAL? In other words, do you really NEED the church? Why or why not? Spoiler alert: you do need the church. According to Scripture, the church is not optional, but essential. Click to learn why.

The man DID NOT believe. In his mind, there was NO WAY that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. That was until he met Jesus. And at that moment, Jesus convinced this skeptic that He was indeed the Messiah – the very Son of God.

Everyone is someone’s disciple. Someone is teaching you. Someone is attempting to remake you in their image. The question is: who? As a Christian, you need to consider the sources that are instructing you and your children (from church to the media to schooling). Not everyone can be right about the big questions in life, and some sources are outright wrong and depraved. Click to listen to this relevant sermon from Colossians 2.

Don’t do it. Don’t water down the Gospel. Don’t pander to sinners. Don’t appease goats and starve sheep. Don’t let people die on your watch. Tell people the truth! In Romans 1, the Apostle Paul said “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” We shouldn’t be either. Click to listen to this convicting sermon from Dr. Holt.

Is Jesus the ONLY way? Why or why not? There are a lot of religions – can Heaven be attained by all of them? Can well meaning people of any faith be saved, as long as they are sincere in their beliefs? And can these questions be answered in an intellectually honest, theologically consistent way? Click to learn more.

What does it mean to be “born again?” Is this a real thing? Does something really happen to us when we come to Christ, or is this just a fancy way of referring to our decision to follow Him? Click to learn what being born again is all about in this study of John 3.

The devil is real. And the whole world is under his sway. That was the Apostle John’s exact warning in 1 John 5. With that said, what does the devil’s “reality” mean for you? And presuming that he attacks believers and the church, how does he go about it? Click to listen to our latest study.

Original sin – is it true? Is man born good, bad, or neutral? In other words, does the Bible say that we come into this world innocent, wicked, or as a spiritual free agent? The Apostle Paul taught on this topic at length – click to learn what he said in Romans 5.

Belief or disbelief – either choice comes with reasons. What are yours? If you believe in God (or if you don’t) you may be expected to give a reason for those views. But not everyone can. In this sermon, we consider some reasons for faith in God and His book.

Wars begin with words. It is words that shape our opinions and outcomes – words, semantics, and definitions form our “worldview.” But where do these words come from? And are their sources reliable? Click to learn more in this sermon on “The War Of The Worldviews.”

Are these the last days? According to the author of Hebrews, yes. But in these last days, we are not left alone. In these last days, we do not have to guess about God’s plan. And that’s because in these last days, God has spoken through His Son.

Are you in danger of “losing” your salvation? Are you one sin or one bad day away from being cast from God’s presence? If you’ve ever wondered these things, then this sermon from John 6 may provide some answers. Click to listen.

The Gospel, when faithfully preached, will be opposed by a world that hates it. And that opposition may be fierce. But how are we to respond to the world’s barbs and persecution? Click to learn more in this encouraging sermon from Acts 5.

This wicked cave in this wicked region was known as Hell’s gate – the path to the underworld. This was the “red light district” of Christ’s time. And yet, it was here that Jesus deliberately traveled, in order to teach His disciples. Click to hear what Jesus said about Hell’s gates, and what will ultimately prevail against them.

Pastors are not supposed to show partiality – not in what doctrines they teach, and not in who they teach those doctrines to. In Malachi’s day, this was a problem. The priests were showing partiality to specific teachings and specific people. And God was angry! Click to learn more.

You don’t love us. That was the cry of the people against their God. And yet God, did love them – and there was a lot of proof of that love, if they were to just look around. God loved Israel with a unique, abiding, special love – a love that was not granted to His enemies. That love exists for you as well, as a child of God. Click to hear more.

A new MP3 sermon from First Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Church: Refined And Tested Through Fire Subtitle: Depression Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: First Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 3/29/2020 Bible: Zechariah 13 Length: 32 mins. Overview: Life is hard right now. Jobs are lost, people are sick, and the horizon looks bleak. But just as iron is wrought over fire, so are God’s people refined through difficult circumstances. Click to hear this encouraging sermon from Dr. Toby Holt.

A new MP3 sermon from First Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jude: Of Wolves And Warnings Subtitle: Apologetics Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: First Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 2/28/2020 Bible: Jude 1, Jude 20 Length: 27 min. Overview: We all think that we’re right – we all think that we see life clearly. But what if we’re deluded? What if our worldview is wrong? What if we’re packing our minds with lies? How will that turn out for us? Click to hear this convicting sermon from the Book of Jude.

A new MP3 sermon from First Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Strong Words And Stern Warnings Subtitle: Book Of Jude Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: First Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 2/13/2020 Bible: Jude 1 Length: 29 min. Overview: Bad advice will mess you up. Bad teachers will lead you astray. And you don’t have a lot of room for error – life is hard enough without having people tell you things that aren’t true.–Click to hear Jude’s warnings about false teachers in Jude 1-4-11.

A new MP3 sermon from First Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Contending And Not Pretending Subtitle: Apologetics Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: First Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 2/07/2020 Bible: Matthew 6 Length: 26 min. Overview: Truth is not a moving target. Our culture redefines what is “true” with every generation – sometimes faster. And this is wrong. Truth doesn’t emanate from our culture, but from God alone. Click to learn more.

A new MP3 sermon from First Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Lord’s Supper: What It Is To “Fence” The Table Subtitle: Book Of 1 Corinthians Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: First Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 12/08/2019 Bible: 1 Corinthians 11; 1 Corinthians 11:1 Length: 29 min. Overview: What does it mean to “fence” the Lord’s Table? In 1 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul warns believers not to eat and drink of the Lord’s table “in an unworthy manner,” lest they were to “eat and drink judgment” upon themselves. Click to learn what this means.

A new MP3 sermon from First Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio.com with the following details: Title: The Question Of Free Will (In Our Salvation) Subtitle: Regeneration, Election, Calvin Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: First Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 6/19/2019 Bible: Ephesians 2:1, Romans 9:21 Length: 41 min. Overview: What is “free will?” Do we actually have it? And if so, how do we reconcile the choices that we make with God’s plans and decree? Click to hear this sermon from Ephesians 2.

A new MP3 sermon from First Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio.com with the following details: Title: Atheists, Agnostics, And The Apostle Paul Subtitle: Apologetics Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: First Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 5/18/2019 Bible: Romans 1, Acts 17 Length: 27 min. Overview: You’ve never met an atheist. You may have met those who deny God, sure. You may have read their books. You may have encountered their unbelief in the public square. But if Paul was right, you’ve never met an atheist. Click above to learn more.

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio.com with the following details: Title: Predestination (The Potter And The Clay) Subtitle: Regeneration, Election, Calvin Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: Christ Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 7/1/2018 Bible: Romans 8; Romans 9; Romans 9:21 Length: 31 min. Overview: Why does God allow sickness and death? What purpose can these things possibly serve? Why did God allow Pharaoh, Goliath, or other wicked men to reign? What’s the deal? Well, in Romans 9, Paul answer this question, as he talks about the “potter” and the “clay.” Click to listen to this encouraging sermon.

A new MP3 sermon from First Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio.com with the following details: Title: When Will God Deal With Evil (Habakkuk’s Cry) Subtitle: Christian Living Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: First Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 3/25/2019 Bible: Habakkuk 1, Lamentations 1 Length: 26 min. Overview: Habakkuk had seen all the evil he could stomach. He’d seen all manner of vile and terrible things, and he’d had enough. And because of this, he asked God the question, “how long?” Habakkuk wanted God to intervene and deal with unrighteousness. Click to hear God’s answer in this sermon from Habakkuk 1.

A new MP3 sermon from First Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio.com with the following details: Title: Twisting Of Truth: Peter’s Concern For Scripture Subtitle: The Bible Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: First Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 3/15/2019 Bible: 2 Peter 3, 2 Peter 1 Length: 28 min. Overview: God has spoken! But sometimes people are not satisfied with what He has said. And because of this, they add new teachings to the Bible (or subtract from its contents). Click to hear this sermon on the topic of “sola scriptura,” from 2 Peter 3.

A new MP3 sermon from Amenistry is now available on SermonAudio.com with the following details: Title: Know With Certainty: Facts, Faith And Assurance Subtitle: The Bible Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: Amenistry Event: Sunday Service Date: 3/6/2019 Bible: Acts 1, Luke 1 Length: 24 min. Overview: Our faith is grounded in facts. What we believe, and the certainty with which we can believe it, was at the forefront of Luke’s mind as he penned his gospel. Click to hear about the intersection of “facts” and “faith” in this sermon from Luke 1.

A new MP3 sermon from Amenistry is now available on SermonAudio.com with the following details: Title: Training For Tomorrow (Equipping The Believer) Subtitle: Christian Living Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: Amenistry Event: Sunday Service Date: 3/4/2019 Bible: 2 Timothy 3, 2 Timothy 4 Length: 26 min. Overview: Train. Equip. Prepare. Athletes do this all the time, and it should be no different in matters of faith or spirituality. Click to hear how the Bible can be used to equip us for the road ahead, in this encouraging sermon from 2 Timothy 3.

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio.com with the following details: Title: Lord, Help My Unbelief (Hope For The Skeptic) Subtitle: Depression Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: Christ Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 12/30/2018 Bible: Mark 9, Mark 9:24 Length: 30 min. Overview: Do you have doubts? Do you have problems with God, His Word, or His work? Do you live in a tension between “belief” and “unbelief?” If so, click to hear this encouraging sermon from Mark 9-20-24.

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio.com with the following details: Title: Madness Of The Modern Age (Wrong Became Right) Subtitle: Christian Living Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: Christ Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 11/11/2018 Bible: Isaiah 5, Proverbs 21 Length: 31 min. Overview: There is a “right” and there is a “wrong.” There are absolutes in life and in the created realm. And to flaunt them is not only silly, but dangerous. Click to hear this sermon from Isaiah 5-20-21.

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio.com with the following details: Title: Why Did Jesus Have to Die, And Why Does It Matter Subtitle: Jesus Christ (Person And Work) Speaker: Dr. Toby B. Holt Broadcaster: Christ Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 9/23/2018 Bible: Luke 22; Hebrews 9 Length: 28 min. Overview: Why did Jesus have to die? Well, the short answer is that He didn’t “have” to do anything. However, He did want to redeem you from sin, and if the wages of sin is death, then the tomb was inevitable. Click to listen to this encouraging sermon from Luke 22-7-20.