First Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
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. Web: www.fpcgulfport.org
No. Other. Name.--As he felt the Sanhedrin's angry gaze, Peter stood firm. There's no other name, there's no other door, there's no other way by which fallen sinners can be reconciled to God. Not two. Not ten. Just one, Peter declared. Jesus Christ is the singular means of salvation.--Questions That We'll Answer--A- What are the implications of this statement to other religions---B- What were the implications to Peter's original audience---C- What sort of opposition does such an exclusive claim create------web- www.fpcgulfport.org
They meant it for evil. But God used it for good.In Genesis 45, Joseph's brothers stood before him - brothers that had once sold him off to slave traders, and then told their father that he was dead. They had acted wickedly! And in a 'twist of fate,' their lives were now in his hands.But was it really a 'twist of fate?' Was their encounter just an amazing coincidence? That will be the focus of today's study.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What is 'providence,' and how does that word apply to Gen. 45?B) Why didn't Joseph exact revenge, when given the opportunity?C) What was God's purpose in all the events of Joseph's life?Website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons
Joseph's story started poorly.--Within moments of being introduced in Scripture, Joseph was thrown into a pit by his brothers. And not long after, he found himself in prison. So, where was God when calamity struck-- That will be the focus of today's study in Genesis 37.--Questions That We'll Answer--A- Why did Joseph's brothers hate him so much----B- Why did God allow Joseph to face so many hardships---C- Where is God when our own circumstances grow dark------Web- www.fpcgulfport.org-sermons
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
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
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
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
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 first 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
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
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--
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. Holt-Church 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.'--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-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.--Questions That We'll Answer--A- Can the blood of animals take away sin-- Why or why not---B- In what way did the animal sacrifices point forward to Jesus---C- What is the weakness of the Old Covenant-- Why do we need a better one----Speaker- Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt-Church Website- www.fpcgulfport.org
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.---Questions That We'll Answer--A- What other times does Jesus show up in the Old Testament---B- How can we be sure that it is really Him on these occasions---C- What is the point of His presence in this chapter -and others---
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.
-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 itself, 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 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-.
2023 is here. Last year is gone. Act accordingly.--In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul said that he was going to forget the past, and push forward to what lay ahead. Paul saw life as a 'race,' one that he was committed to running well. What about you- What is your objective for the new year- And how will you reach it- In this sermon, we will consider Paul's exhortation to the church in Philippi - that they grow stronger and more sanctified in the time to come.---I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.- - Philippians 3-14
What was the -VALLEY OF DRY BONES- in Ezekiel 37---For that matter, whose bones were they, and what do these brittle objects represent- In Week 9 of our 10 week series on Ezekiel, we will answer these questions and more.
Which is harder, creating NEW LIFE, or regenerating a DEAD HEART---The hearts of Ezekiel's contemporaries were stony. They were dead in their sins and trespasses. They were spiritually flat-lining. So what did they need- The same thing we all need - regeneration. Click to learn more.
Pride comes before the fall. It was true of the CITY OF TYRE, and it was true of THE DEVIL as well.--In today's study of Ezekiel 26-28, we see the destruction of the island kingdom of Tyre. We also see a unique reference to the fall of the devil. Both were guilty of similar sins- Click to learn more.
History is filled with false prophets, false teachers, wicked Pharisees, and all manner of religious charlatans. Why would the modern church be any different- Spoiler alert- it's not.--Click to learn about God's judgment on false teachers from Ezekiel 13.
In Ezekiel 10, God's glory LEFT THE BUILDING. Destruction followed.--Why did this happen- Well, the people had turned their back on God, and turned toward idols. They had defiled His house. And so, Ezekiel had a vision of God's glory leaving the temple. But would He ever return-
When the TRAIN is coming, get off the TRACKS.--In Ezekiel's day, the Israelites were standing on the train tracks of God's wrath, and were about to get run over. But why- What had they done- Click for Week 4 of our series.
What does it mean to be A WATCHMAN---Ezekiel was called to be a 'watchman' over God's people, and that involved two things- identifying spiritual danger, and warning the people. Are there any watchmen in our day- Click to listen.
Ezekiel was sent to TELL PEOPLE things that they DIDN'T WANT TO HEAR.----In Week 2 of our study, we consider Ezekiel's call to be a prophet. Israel had a long history of rejecting -and even killing- its prophets. So how would this young man respond- What would he say- Click to find out.
In Ezekiel 1, the prophet had a vision.----In this vision, he saw a fiery whirlwind approach, and within the whirlwind was a CHARIOT OF FIRE - carried by angels, who flew amidst the chariot's fiery wheels. What was this vision all about- Click to learn more.
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.
Your suffering is NOT forever. There are BETTER DAYS ahead. How do we know- Well consider God's servant, Job. Yes, Job cried a lot of tears. Yes, Job hurt. But in time, all those tears and pains were wiped away.----Join us for the final encouraging chapter in our short study of Job.
Job was HURTING and CONFUSED. He asked God a lot of questions - and that was OK. But what's NOT OK is questioning God's wisdom, as if God is doing the wrong thing.----Well, in Job 28, God responded to Job. Click to learn more.
Friends should COMFORT us, right- Friends should ENCOURAGE us- But what happens when our friends accuse us or make us feel worse-----In Job 3, that's just what Job's friends did. They made him feel worse. Join us for this sermon as we consider Job's response.
WHY did something terrible happen to you- WHY are you hurting- WHY is life going the way it is going, if a GOOD GOD is in charge-----These are timeless questions - in fact, they were the very questions asked by Job centuries ago. But are there answers- Click to be encouraged.
Job was GOOD. Job was RIGHTEOUS. And yet, Job suffered HORRIBLY.----What is the Book of Job all about- Why did God permit this godly man to go through so many trials- And what does this mean for us- Click to learn more in this intro to our new series.
HOW LONG, O LORD- That was the cry of the prophets. That was the cry of the apostles. That was the cry of the martyrs. How long-----When we see injustice or suffering, it offends our sense of right and wrong. And so we wonder WHEN IT WILL END. Click to learn more.
God is ALWAYS THERE. There is NO PLACE YOU CAN GO where God is not present. That's part of the job description of being God - His jurisdiction has no bounds.----Join us for Week 3 of a three week series on God's attributes of omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.
God is ALL KNOWING. He knows EVERYTHING. God knows everything that is, and everything that could be. He does not learn new information successively - He knows it all simultaneously.----Join us for Week 2 of a three week series on God's attributes.
God is ALL POWERFUL. That means NO ONE OUTRANKS HIM. No one can frustrate His purposes. Not me, not you, and not the kings or corporations of this age.----Join us for Week 1 of a new three week series on God's attributes of omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.
YOUTH is fleeting, but IMMATURITY can last forever.----If you're still swimming in the shallows of the Christian faith, it is time to dive deeper. It is time to take ownership of what you believe and act accordingly. Click to learn more.
HOW WE WORSHIP MATTERS.----God cares about worship. He's told us how to do it. He's given us instructions. And so it's silly -and dangerous- to approach Him on our terms with our methods.
Have you ever asked God for a -sign------Sometimes life gets cloudy, and we want God to show us a sign. Perhaps we want Him to demonstrate His presence -or His plan- to us. How does God respond- Click to learn more from Matthew 12.
Jesus was crucified between two thieves. And at first, both mocked Him. Then one stopped mocking.---Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom,- this thief said. And Christ's response was, -truly, this day, you will be with Me in paradise.- Click to learn more.
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.
Have you ever been angry with God- --In Jonah 4, the prophet was angry at God. He couldn't believe what God had done. It didn't seem good or fair. And he insisted that his own anger was right and appropriate- Click to hear God's response.
Does the devil think that he can win---In Luke 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---Click to hear this sermon from Luke 4.
One sermon. Eight words. Over a hundred thousand people repented.----There's no other sermon like this. There's no sermon ever preached that had as wide-spread a response among those that it was originally preached to. Click to learn more from our series on Jonah.
If baptism is for SINNERS, then why was JESUS baptized-----Even John the Baptist didn't understand this one. John told Jesus that he needed to be baptized by Him, not the other way around. So why did Jesus do it- In this recording, we learn the answer.
Our hosts begin a new mini-series looking at the life of famous hymn writer, Charles Wesley.
Alone. Scared. Anxious. Is that you- Have you felt that way-----No one has ever felt as alone as Jonah - sitting by himself in the belly of the beast. But the prophet wasn't really alone, and this wasn't the end of the line. Click to listen and be encouraged.
You can RUN from God. But you can't HIDE from God.----Has God every placed a call on your life that you've run away from- Has God ever called you - and instead of responding to His call, you ran- That's what the prophet Jonah did. Click to learn more.
At one point, Ruth and Naomi were down. They were BROKEN, HURTING, and DESPERATE. But in God's time, He picked them up - the last chapter of their story was far better than the first-----Click to hear this encouraging word from Ruth 4.
Today may be terrible. But that doesn't mean that tomorrow will be.----In Chapter 1 of Ruth, things couldn't have been worse for Ruth and Naomi. Death in the desert awaited. But God had a better plan. Click to learn more.
What makes you HAPPY-----If you're only happy when your circumstances are great, then prepare to be unhappy a lot. But what if your happiness is vested in something else- Something transcendent- Click to learn more.
It is easy to become JADED toward the need of others. It is also WRONG.----From one end of Scripture to the other, God's love for the poor, broken and hurting is on display. As Christians, we should reflect that love. In this sermon we discuss how.
The prophets spoke. The people didn't listen.----For centuries, the people had ignored the prophets. But the prophets were consistently right. And Micah was definitely right about this - a KING was coming, to be born in BETHLEHEM.
The Jews stopped saying God's name in the 5th century BC. Why-----There are a lot of reasons for this. Among them was that God's name is holy and not to be taken lightly. So how do we approach His name now- Click to learn more about the -name- of God.
Ten men stood on the edge of town. They were broken. They were desperate. And then the most amazing thing happened - their greatest desires were fulfilled. It was incredible. It was a MIRACLE.----But what happened next- How did they respond- Click to learn more.
You're making progress. Good. But there is some issue in your life that you haven't addressed - some issue that you have been unwilling to deal with. Some sin that you're letting hang on.----In Judah, there were a number of good kings. But even the good kings did not take down the -high places- of idolatry. They kept them up. And God held that decision against them. They went so far in their reforms, but they did not go all the way. Click to learn more in this sermon from 2 Kings.
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. 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, preached on Reformation Sunday.
Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it. If a church or an individual repeats silly, stupid or sinful decisions of the past, then they are like a dog that returns to its own vomit - and they pay the price.----Click to listen to this timely sermon from Psalm 78.
Are you depressed- Are you beaten down- Do you wonder where God is in the middle of your hurts- Then here's some encouragement- God is near, and He cares.----In Psalm 139, we see that although we travel through some dark valleys, we're never alone. God is with us. Click for more.
The human mind is capable of great things- It is better than any computer- impressive in its ways. However, it is also riddled by sin. It forgets. It is selective in what it believes. It desperately needs to be -renewed.-----Click to listen to this sermon from Romans 12.
Stephen told people the truth. And they killed him for it.----The story of Stephen -in Acts 7- is typical in Scripture - a faithful man tells people the truth, and they respond by killing him. But why- Why this ferocity- Why this anger- Click to learn more.
Pandemics, hurricanes, earthquakes - these things SCREAM at us that the world is BROKEN. But why is that- And if it's broken, how did it happen, and when will it be fixed-----Click for this encouraging sermon from Romans 8.
What do you tend to think about- Do you think good thoughts, or bad ones- Do you focus on good things, or bad things-----The focus of your thoughts will direct your future. That is the Apostle Paul's warning in today's text in Philippians 4.
Will you stand tall if you face opposition- Standing is easy when there are no forces acting against you. It is harder when you are being pushed or pulled contrary to your will.----Click to listen to Week 8 in our study of Philippians.
This world is NOT your home. You may think it is - but in the larger scheme of things, it is absolutely not. It is a short stay. It is a temporary pit-stop on an eternal highway.----Click to listen to this reminder that the Christian's -citizenship- is in Heaven.
Your future IS better than your past. There IS hope on the horizon. That's the message of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3, when he talks about -pressing on- toward an encouraging future - no matter how bad your past has been.----Click to listen to our latest study in the Book of Philippians.
-Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.- What did Paul mean in this statement- What kind of -work- was he talking about, and why is it done -with fear------Click to learn more in Week 4 of our study on the Book of Philippians.
Jesus can relate to what you're going through. Philippians 2 says that He took on our nature and likeness, and experienced our hurts and pains. We refer to this as the -humility- or -condescension- of Christ.----However, Philippians not only says that Jesus was humbled, it also says that He was exalted. Click to learn more in Week 3 of our study.
What is your purpose in life- Do you even know- If you have a Creator, does He have a say in what you're supposed to be doing-----The Apostle Paul certainly believed this. To him, -to live is Christ, and to die is gain.- Click to learn more in Week 2 of our new series on Philippians.
Paul was in prison. His situation was terrible. Death awaited. And yet, it was here that Paul wrote the most joyous letter in all of the Bible. How can this be-----Join us for the first week in our study on the Book of Philippians.
Our God is a consuming fire - and left to our own devices, we would melt before His gaze. So how will we survive on the day to come-----You see, the world has got God all wrong. They've denigrated His holiness to accommodate their sinfulness. And this is dangerous. Click to learn why in this study of Heb. 12.
Is your conscience bothering you- Do you feel guilty over something you've done - perhaps something that nobody else knows-----Sometimes our guilt weights us down - even affecting our health. But remember, there is forgiveness. Absolutely. There is forgiveness for you and for whatever it is you've done. Click to be encouraged in this study of Psalm 32.
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 way of referring to our decision to follow Him-----Click to learn about the doctrine of regeneration in this sermon from John 3.
-The Lord is my shepherd- I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures- He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul- He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil- for You are with me.- Psalm 23
Jerusalem was going down. The walls would be destroyed. The temple would burn. And the reason this was coming was because the people -did not know the hour of their visitation.-----Click to learn why Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem, and what implications this might have for the future.
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.
A man sows what he reaps. 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.
Do you have an appetite for destruction- Do you find yourself doing things that you shouldn't do, or wanting things that you shouldn't want-----There is a battle that is going on in our flesh. Don't think otherwise. We do a lot of things that we know are wrong - the question is why- Join us as we consider the difference between -good fruits- and -bad fruits- in our study of Galatians 5.
Abraham had two sons - Isaac and Ishmael. One was the son of promise, the other was the son of works.----In Galatians 4, Paul tells the Judaizers that they are the spiritual offspring of Ishmael. Now, what did he mean- Click to learn more.
Is God your father- Does He love you like a father loves a child, and actively 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 book. Click to learn more in our study of Gal. 4.
What's the point of God's laws- And how did He come up with these laws anyway - especially the ones that we don't like or don't understand-----In Galatians 3, the Apostle Paul talks about the purpose of God's laws and why they are a good and necessary thing. Click to learn more.
People are quick to believe lies.----O foolish Galatians - who has bewitched you- This was the question that Paul had. He wanted to know who had misled them. And then he reminded them of the truth, using Abraham as an example. Click to listen to this study of Galatians 3.
Paul was angry with Peter - he rebuked him to his face. But do you remember why-----The reason that Paul rebuked Peter is extraordinarily significant. Click to learn more about this crisis in the early church, in this sermon from Galatians 2.
The Israelites and Gentiles had a violent history.----The Gentiles had long oppressed the Israelites. There was great hatred and animosity between them. And yet, in God's time, the Gentiles were to be engrafted into His family. This was amazing grace- But it wouldn't come easy. Click to listen to Week 3 of our series in Galatians.
Don't like the message- Attack the messenger.----When our predecessors didn't like the Biblical message, they attacked the messenger. Prophets, apostles, even Christ himself - all died because of what they had to say. Join us for Week 2 of our study in Galatians.
What is the Book of Galatians all about-----The Book of Galatians was an epistle written by the Apostle Paul that contains some of the strongest and most critical statements in all of Scripture. Click to learn why Galatians is so important -and so relevant- in our own day.
In the center of the Garden of Eden, there were two trees.----Now, we usually think of the tree that prompted man's fall - the tree of -good and evil.- But there was another tree nearby, which Scripture calls the -Tree of Life.- Click to learn more.
Are we in the -end times-- Are we in the -last days------The Apostle Paul said that the end times would be marked by a great falling away within the visible church, and with the arrival of the -man of sin.- Click to learn more in this study of 2 Thessalonians 2.
When the Devil comes for you or your children, it won't be the serpent's fangs that you should fear - but his words.----Click to listen to this timely sermon from Colossians 2.
There is a villain in the Christmas story - a villain named Herod. Who was this man Herod, and what did he do that was so bad- Also, what was the Christmas Star and who were the Wise Men-----Click to listen to this timely sermon from Luke 2.
At Christmas, even a secular world finds -baby Jesus- appealing. Jesus as a child, or a teacher, or even as a healer, does not cause the world grief. But Jesus as King- Or Jesus the divine- Well, that's a different story.----Click to hear this sermon from Luke 2.
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.
When the furious storm hit, the sailors were exactly where Jesus had told them to go. But how can that be if He loved them so much-----Storms happen. And sometimes God puts you right in their midst. But He does not leave you alone- Click to listen to this study of Matthew 14.
-Are you the Messiah, or should we expect another------Given who John the Baptist was, why would he ask this question of Jesus- What was going on in his heart and mind, and how would Christ respond- Click to listen to this encouraging sermon from Matthew 11.
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.
Have you had a bad week- A bad month- A bad year-----If so, how do you respond when God's word says to -make a joyful noise-- How do you respond with praise, when you are unhappy or depressed- Click to hear the Bible's own response to this question.
Is cremation biblical- In 1960, only 4- of Americans were cremated. As of 2020, that number is 52-. --Clearly, cremation is considered a viable option for those planning ahead. With that said, what does the Bible have to say on this topic- You may be surprised.
Does it feel like you are drowning-----For many of us, our present circumstances are so hard or unpleasant, that it feels like we're drowning. We can't seem to escape the situation that we're in- If that's you today, then click for this encouraging sermon from Jonah 2.
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.
-Lord, I believe- help my unbelief,- the man cried.----Like this man, many of us are living in a tension between that which we believe about God, and that which we doubt. Some doubt God's person - but more often, we doubt God's plan.----If that's you, then click to be encouraged in this sermon from Mark 9.
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 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, this sermon from John 6 may provide some answers. Click to listen.
Masks, viruses, politics - there are a lot of issues out there, capable of dividing churches. It may get worse in the months ahead.----The debates in the world around us are tearing at the social fabric. Don't let it happen in your congregation. Click to hear more.
There is a storm on the horizon.----There is a storm coming that will leave no man, no institution, and no nation untouched. It is a storm that all other storms point forward to. What will you do when it arrives-
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 is an increasingly dark and despairing world.----In the midst of this present darkness, the world needs light, and not just more shadow- It needs salt that transforms, not conforms. It needs the Church to fulfill its mandate - not to appease a culture that will always be at war with it.----Click to hear more in this convicting sermon from Matthew 5.
In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul makes two significant statements- the first, that he had been given a vision of Heaven, and the second, that he had received a -thorn in the flesh.-----What were these disparate things all about- What was God revealing to Paul- Click to learn more.
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.
What are the last words of the Old Testament-----Click to find out in this study of Malachi 4, and to see how the last words of the OT anticipate encouraging events and circumstances that were just around the corner.
Are you depressed- Are you downhearted- Then know this - you are special in God's eyes. You are of immeasurable value and worth to your Maker. And He wants you to know that.----In Malachi 3, God says this about His people- -They shall be Mine, on the day that I make them My jewels.- In all the gravel of creation, you sparkle as a priceless gem. Click to be encouraged-
What is a -tithe-- Do we still -tithe- today-----And what is Biblical -stewardship- - is it the accumulation of God's gifts, or the outpouring thereof- If you're looking for a clear, Scriptural overview on the topics of giving and finances, please click to listen.
God is good, yet evil exists. How do we reconcile the two- And where is -the God of justice- when so much injustice occurs in the world around us- Click to hear this timely message in a study of Malachi 3.
Is your marriage hurting or broken- Have you gone through, or are you considering, divorce-----Click to hear what the Bible has to say about God's view of marriage and divorce in the Old Testament book of Malachi.
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.
Note from the pastor- When talking about the justice of God that we see when we worship him, there is more than equitable punishment of the guilty or mercy for all who seek it. There is also sympathy for all who come with weakness, temptation, suffering and need -Hebrews 4-15-.
What is -mercy ministry------When someone calls your church in need of help, what happens next- What role does the Pastor play- What about the Diaconate- How is mercy ministry implemented in a way that glorifies God and reflects Scripture- Click to listen.
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. Click to hear more.
Life is hard. Pain is real. And yet, God is there.----No matter how hard life may get, God will not abandon you over to it. He walks side by side with His children, hand in hand. Click to hear more in this encouraging sermon from Matthew 4.
There is a theological pandemic in our world - and it is infecting entire nations, institutions, and even seminaries.----Click to hear about this disease, and how we should respond, in this sermon from 1 John 5.
What is the Bible about- What is it's main theme- Click to watch Dr. Toby Holt answer these questions and more.
One was the Messiah, the other a murderer. One was innocent, the other was guilty. And three days before Easter, it was the innocent who was slaughtered.----Click to hear the story of Jesus Christ and Barabbas from Luke 23.
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.
The Coronavirus, and all the challenges that it has brought with it, is part of God's plan and decree. But how will we respond to it-----In particular, what is the role of church and pastoral leaders, in shepherding God's flock at this challenging time- Click to hear more.
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.
Are you ready to give up- Are you depressed, hurting, down, or anxious about the future- Then know this - your story ends well.----Click to hear this encouraging sermon from Psalm 113.
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. Especially regarding the Gospel-----Click to hear Jude's warnings about false teachers in Jude 1-4-11.
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 how to contend for it.
You want it all - but that's not realistic- Time and resources are finite. So what should you prioritize- Where should a Christian's focus be-----Click to hear this convicting sermon from Matthew 6-19-21.
Have you been hurt by someone else-----Sometimes our greatest hurts have come from family or friends. These sorts of broken relationships can cause us unbearable pain. Has that been your experience- If so, then click to hear an encouraging word.
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.
In one breath, Isaiah compares man to grass that bends in the breeze, and withers in the sun. He says that man is weak - even youths grow weary.----But in the next breath, he says that believers will -soar on wings like eagles.- What has changed- Click to hear this encouraging sermon from Isaiah 40.
What is the -church-- What is its job- Is the church essential to the life of the Christian, or is it optional depending on our needs-----Click to hear this sermon on the -work of the church,- in a study of Paul's words from Ephesians 4.
Romans 1-16-17 has been called the -theme- of the entire Book of Romans.----Beyond this, it was this very same text that converted the heart of Martin Luther and affirmed to him the doctrines of grace. Click to hear more.
Do you believe the Bible- Do you believe that the book really is God's Word-----In Daniel 8, the man we know as Daniel recorded prophesies of events that would happen in the centuries to come. And in this study, we see that those prophesies line up perfectly with the actual historical record. Click to hear the details-
Four beasts climbed out of the water - four violent, hideous creatures. But what were they- And what did they come to do-----Click to hear this fascinating sermon from Daniel 7, on the identify of the four terrifying -beasts- from Daniel's dream.
The Devil is like a prowling lion, seeking who he can devour.----This statement from 1 Peter 5 makes for an interesting contrast with the prophet Daniel's experience in the lion's den in Daniel 6. Click to hear more.
The King was terrified. A hand had appeared out of nowhere, and had written a series of words on the far wall. And nobody knew what these words meant - nobody except Daniel.----What did these words say- Click to hear this fascinating sermon from Daniel 5.
The King was a bad man. As villains go - the worst.----And yet, he was still a candidate for grace-----Click to hear this encouraging sermon on the apparent -regeneration- and -conversion- of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.
-There is a God, and you are not Him.-----Created beings do not outrank the Creator. Nor does any state or nation outrank the King of Kings. Babylon, for all its riches and all its glory, was still subject to the transcendent rule of the Most High.----Click to hear more in this sermon from Daniel 4.
Do you have integrity- Do you have principles-----Sometimes in life, our principles are put to the test. Sometimes we're faced with terrifying choices. How do we respond in those moments-----Click to hear how three faithful men responded, in this sermon from Daniel 3.
Have you ever had a -bad dream------King Nebuchadnezzar once had a dream that was so terrifying, that he demanded that all of his wise men interpret it for him on pain of death.----Click to hear more about this dream, in this sermon from Daniel 2.
This world, these pains - none of these are permanent. You were made for someplace better.----While living in Babylon, Daniel remembered this. He remembered God's promises. He knew that he was a stranger in a strange land, and he lived accordingly. Click to hear this sermon from Daniel 1.
What happens when you die- Where will you go- And what will it be like-----On some level, we all have questions about our eternal future. Fortunately, Scripture has answers. Click to hear more in this sermon from John 14.
The -spirit of Babylon- is not dead.----Just as the Babylonian envoy showed up at King Hezekiah's door, looking to be let in, so does the -spirit of Babylon- show up at the door of our own hearts. So how should we respond-----Click to hear this 2 Kings -prologue- to events that would follow in Daniel.
Are you sick- Do you have a loved one who is ill or dying-----The Bible talks a lot about healing - and yet, what it says is often misunderstood or misconstrued. Click to listen to a an expositional teaching on an important topic -from Luke 17-.
What is -free will-- Do we have it-----And if so, how do we reconcile the choices that we make with God's sovereign plan and decree-----Click to hear this sermon from Ephesians 2.
A trial was underway - and the three main figures were the Priest, the Devil, and the Judge.----But what would happen- Would the Priest be found guilty- Would the Devil's accusations stick- Would death follow- Click to hear the surprising outcome in a sermon from Zechariah 3.
Have you ever lost a loved one-----Are you anxious about your own -eventual- passing- Do you wonder about the -fairness- of who dies and who lives-----Click to listen to this sermon on -Mortality- from Ecclesiastes 12.
At one point, man's approach to God was difficult - for He was behind the veil -so to speak-.----But in Hebrews 10, the author says that something has changed. We can now come before God -boldly.-----Click to listen to this encouraging sermon.