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  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is the most famous sermon ever preached - the 'sermon on the mount.' In Matthew 5, Jesus starts this sermon 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're not 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 an unlikely bunch. And yet, Christ chose them 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 before sending them out? C) What unique responsibilities were the apostles given?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.

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.orgSee 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. HoltChurch 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? 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. HoltChurch 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. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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. HoltChurch 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 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. HoltChurch 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. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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)? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Does the church need revival? Does it need reformation? What do you think?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 revival or reformation of your own practices involve? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

In Acts 7, Stephen told people the truth. And they killed him for it.The story of Stephen is not unusual in Scripture - a faithful man tells resentful people the truth, and they respond by killing him. But why? Why this reaction? Why this anger? In today's sermon, we'll consider the reasons and results of Stephen's martyrdom.Questions We'll Address:1) Did Saul (Paul) consent to Stephen's death?2) What did Stephen say that made everyone so mad?3) What does this text tell us about future persecution in the church?Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Can a Christian LOSE THEIR SALVATION, or FALL AWAY from the faith? Are you only one sin or bad day away from being cast from God's presence? For some of us, this is a very painful and difficult question. If you've ever wondered about these things, then this sermon from John 6 may provide some encouraging and informative answers.Questions We'll Answer:1) Can a true believer lose their eternal hope?2) What about those who seem to have turned their back on the faith?3) What assurance or guarantees does the Bible have for us in this matter?"And this is the will of Him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given Me, but raise it up on the last day." - John 6:39Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

The human mind is capable of great things! It is better than any computer; it is impressive in all of its ways. However, it is also riddled by sin. It forgets. It is selective in what it believes. And it desperately needs to be "renewed."Join us for today's sermon from Romans 12.Questions That We'll Address:1) What does it mean to have one's mind renewed?2) Why did Paul tell us not to be conformed to this world?3) How do we change the focus of our thoughts?Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch 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. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

A man 'reaps' what he 'sows.' As Paul wrapped up his letter to the Galatians, this was his emphasis. The things that you do and the things that you say will produce some sort of harvest - the question is, what kind will it be? Are you sowing good seeds, or are you sowing the spiritual equivalent of "gummy bears" that won't last the test of time?Click to listen to this final sermon in our series on Galatians.Questions That We'll Answer:A) In this last chapter of Galatians, how does Paul conclude his letter?B) What does it mean to 'sow' to either the flesh or the Spirit?C) What did the cross mean to Paul? What does it mean to you and I? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

What is the 'fruit' of the Spirit?In Galatians 5, the Paul talks about two different kinds of fruit - good and bad. As Christians, what kind of fruit are we supposed to produce? We are to produce good fruit! We are to cultivate good and healthy behaviors that reflect our Savior. But this requires some intentionality on our part, doesn't it? It doesn't happen by accident.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What 'fruits' does Paul list in Galatians 5?B) Why do some of us have an appetite for destruction?C) Can we judge one another by our fruits? If so, how and why? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Abraham had two sons. These sons had different mothers, and a very different future.In this eye-opening episode, we consider the story of Abraham's two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, and their connection to the theological argument of 'works' and 'faith.' We'll see how Paul refers to these biblical figures in Galatians 4 to challenge the Judaizers about their reliance on works for salvation.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What role does our works have in our salvation (if any)?B) Why does Paul refer to Abraham's sons to make his case?C) Why did the Galatian church need to hear this particular message? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Is God your father? Does He love you like a father loves a child, and pursue what is best for you? Or are you outside of His family?In the Bible, there is a doctrine called the "doctrine of adoption," and it is one of the most encouraging teachings in the entire book. Click to learn more in our study of Galatians 4.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What does it mean to have God for a father?B) Will God ever cast His children from His sight?C) What about when you sin? What is your Father's response? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

What's the purpose of God's laws? And how did He come up with these laws - especially the ones that we don't like or don't understand?In Galatians 3, the Apostle Paul explains the purpose of God's laws (and tells us why they are a good and necessary thing). He reminds us that these laws A) teach us, B) they restrain our sinfulness, and C) they conform us in Christ's image. We'll consider these things and more in today's study.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Can salvation come through "lawkeeping?"B) In what way was the OT law a "tutor" (as Paul says in Verse 24)?C) Do we still need to keep the civil and ceremonial laws of the OT? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

In Galatians 3, the Apostle Paul had a question for the Galatians – he wanted to know who had ‘bewitched’ them. In other words, Paul wanted to know who had misled them into turning from a gospel of ‘faith’ to a gospel of ‘works.’ You can't save yourself by keeping the law - and that's because a million cases of obedience cannot offset a single sin. And as Paul suggests throughout Galatians, any 'gospel' that is predicated on works is no gospel at all.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Why did Paul use the word "bewitched" in Chapter 3?B) What is the reason that a gospel of works is so dangerous?C) What are the implications for churches that preach works now? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Paul was angry with Peter. Peter had done something very wrong. And so, Paul rebuked him to his face. But do you remember why?The reason that Paul rebuked Peter is important. We'll learn more about this 'crisis' in the early church, in today's sermon from Galatians 2.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Does God make a difference between Jewish and Gentile believers?B) Why did Peter not want to eat with Gentile Christians?C) Who were the Judaizers, and why were they dangerous? Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. HoltChurch Website: www.fpcgulfport.org