RADIO FPC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are not alone. You have a divine 'intercessor.' And when life gets hard, the Son pleads your case to His Father. But what does He say? What does He ask for? That will be the focus of today's study in John 17. 

Jesus, 1. The World, 0. It wasn't even close. Herod, Pilate, the devil, and all the Pharisees could not stop Christ's victory. They didn't even delay it. In John 16, Jesus said He had overcome the world - but what does that mean for you and I as believers? That will be the focus of today's study.

Some believe the world is a 'neutral' place. But they're wrong. The world is filled with light and shadow; good and evil, angels and demons. The world is not neutral. It is spiritually polarized. And that's just what Jesus told His disciples in John 15.

Picture a branch. If that branch is on the ground, it's dead. A severed branch bears no fruit. However, if that same branch is connected to a tree or vine, it's alive. In John 15, Jesus says that the same is true of us. Specifically, He tells us to 'abide' in Him (as a branch on a vine). But what does the word 'abide' really mean? That will be the focus of today's study.  

Who is the Holy Spirit, and what does He do? In John 14, Jesus promised that the 'Holy Spirit' would appear after His departure. "I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth." - John 14:16 Beyond this, Jesus said that the Spirit would be of great blessing to His disciples. So, what would that blessing be? That will be the focus of today's study in John 14.

Fear overwhelmed the disciples. Huddled in the Upper Room, Jesus had talked about His coming death, the presence of a betrayer, and of the dark days to follow. It was no wonder the men were shaken. But, sensing their anxiety, Jesus gathered them close, saying "let not your heart be troubled." Dark days would soon give way to hope and victory. If your heart is troubled today, then be encouraged by this study of John 14.  

Unthinkable. In John 13, the Creator washed the feet of people that He created. And moments later, one went out to betray Him. The Lord Supper was filled with shocking moments like these. We'll consider two of them in today's study of John 13:1-17.

God's voice boomed from Heaven. Did the people listen and obey? No. They dismissed it as mere 'thunder.' Many say they're waiting for proof of God and His plan, asking for a clearer revelation from on high. Yet when He answers, guess what? They ignore Him. What about you? This will be the focus of today's study in John 12.

Jesus wept on Palm Sunday. While others shouted 'hosanna' and laid down palm branches, Jesus wept. But why? Because He knew something the others did not. In today's study, we'll consider what that was.   Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby Holt Text: John 12:12-19

Motives matter. For example, some people pursued Christ with good, positive intentions. But others (like Judas Iscariot) had selfish or wicked motives. What are your own motives in coming to Christ? Is it for His glory and interests, or for yours? That will be the focus of today's study in John 12.

He let him die. That's what the people were thinking. Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, and rather than go to him, He let him die. But that's not what happened, was it? Instead, Jesus allowed a difficult situation in order to bring about a miraculous outcome. We will consider that outcome in today's study of John 11. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did Jesus wait so long to go to Lazarus? B) Where is Jesus when His people need Him? C) How does God bring good out of evil?     website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons

What makes a 'good' shepherd? He doesn't run when the wolves come. In John 10, Jesus faced all sorts of 'wolves.' From Pharisees, to Romans, to the Devil himself, Jesus was always in grave danger. But so were His sheep! And so, instead of running, Jesus faced the evils of this world on their behalf. Then, He drank down the cup of God's wrath on Calvary. Truly, there has never been a Shepherd like Jesus of Nazareth - the One who gave His life to save His flock. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What two jobs do shepherds have? B) Why did Jesus refer to 'sheep not of this fold?' C) What are the implications of being a 'sheep?'     website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons

She was guilty. No doubt about it. As the woman stood before Jesus, no one defended her actions - not even her. She was guilty. So what would Jesus do? That's what they all wondered. The Pharisees had set this whole encounter up to trap Jesus. How would He deal with her sin and her guilt? Would He condemn her and risk the wrath of Rome? Would He free her and reject the law's demands? What would He do? They were not ready for His answer. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What is the 'divine dilemma?' B) What was the trap set in John 8? C) How can a holy God forgive sinners?     website: www.fpcgulfport.org  

Some things are hard to believe. Others are hard to accept. At the start of John 6, thousands pursued Jesus. By the end, few remained. What happened to the rest? The short answer: they heard Jesus talk, and they didn't like what He said. They could not accept His difficult teachings, and so they left. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What drew people to Jesus initially? B) What caused His disciples to remain? C) What does this say about us?     website: www.fpcgulfport.org  

It was late. The people were hungry. Thousands had followed Jesus out of desperation. They were sick, hurting, and now starving. And as Jesus looked out at the crowds, He had compassion. In today's study, we'll see how He responded. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did the people follow Jesus? B) Why didn't they bring food? C) What sign did Jesus perform, and why?     website: www.fpcgulfport.org  

"Do you want to be made well?" That was Christ's question of the sick man. It is also Christ's question of you. Do you want to be made well? And what do you want to be made well from? This will be the focus of today's sermon from John 5. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What was Christ's objective? B) Why did He enter the 'Sheep Gate?' C) Who did He seek out, and why?   Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Surprising. Shocking. Scandalous. Jews and Samaritans were NOT supposed to interact. Their mutual hatred went back generations. And yet, here Jesus was, not only talking with this woman in John 4 - but asking her for water. What was this encounter all about? Questions That We'll Answer: A) What was the history of the Samaritans? Who were they? B) What had the woman done to be ostracized by her own people? C) What did Jesus tell the woman - and why was it so encouraging? Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

To Nicodemus, it seemed like crazy talk. But to Jesus, this was serious business. If God's people are to be saved, we must first be 'born again.' So what does that term mean? And how does it happen? In today's study, we'll dive into the critical topic of regeneration. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Who was Nicodemus, and why did he go to Jesus? B) Why did Jesus say Nicodemus must be 'born again?' C) What are the implications for the rest of us?

It wasn't just a miracle - it was a sign. In John 2, Jesus attended a wedding. And at this wedding He performed His first recorded miracle (turning water into wine). So, what was this miracle really about? As we'll see, it pointed forward to the cross - even if no one knew it at the time. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did Jesus tell Mary that His 'hour had not come?' B) In what way(s) did this miracle point forward to Calvary? C) How is John 2 a bookend with John 19? Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

John the Baptist had one job. John came to prepare people to meet Jesus. Specifically, he would 'make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah had foretold. But the people wouldn't listen. John would be a voice crying in the wilderness. He would be misunderstood, and eventually killed. And the same would happen to the Messiah. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why was John 'baptizing' people? What kind of baptism was this? B) Why did John say 'behold the Lamb' when he saw Jesus approach? C) What's the difference between 'appeasement' and 'atonement?' Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

Christianity: rooted in history, backed by eyewitnesses. In John 1, the author skips the greetings and goes straight to the heart of the matter: he and others saw, heard, and observed the Messiah. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us," he declared. In today's study, we'll consider the historical facts that support our faith. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why did John refer to Jesus as 'the Word?' B) In what way is Jesus also 'the light' that came into the world? C) What are the implications of Christ's incarnation to you and I? website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Jericho had massive walls. It didn't matter. There are no walls that can deter God's Wrath. And there is no army that can stop those who serve Him. In Joshua 6, we will study both points in one of the most famous (and faith-building) passages in Scripture. Questions That We'll Answer: A) How big was Jericho's outer wall? Did it have an inner wall as well? B) What tool or weapon was used to bring the walls down? C) What can we learn from the battle at Jericho that applies to us? web: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons

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 make? web: www.fpcgulfport.org

The world is trying to remake you in its image. Will you let it? In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul reminds his readers that the world is intent on creating worldly people. That's what it does. It wants to conform you and I to its own priorities. However, Paul tells Christians that we are NOT to be conformed - instead, we are to be transformed through the 'renewing of our minds.' Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why is conformity bad (and dangerous)? B) How does transformation occur? C) What does it mean to 'renew' your mind in God's Word? Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Genesis started in a GARDEN. It ended in a COFFIN. In Genesis 1, things were looking great. God had created the world, and said that all He had created was good. But soon, things got dark. Following mankind's first sin (in Genesis 3), a roller coaster of depravity followed. In Genesis 4, Cain killed his brother, and things didn't improve through the end of the book. In today's sermon, we will consider Genesis 50 (the final words of the last chapter). These words will set the stage for the rest of the Bible. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What does Genesis tell us about mankind? B) What does Genesis tell us about God? C) How does Genesis flow into Exodus and the rest of Scripture? Website: 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 the events of Joseph's life? Website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons

In Genesis 40, Joseph was in prison. Now, he did not deserve to be there. He'd done nothing wrong. And he must have wondered what part his shackles played in God's plans. Hadn't God given him a dream of a great and glorious future? Well, in today's text, two other men would have dreams - and their interpretation would play a huge role in Joseph's story. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What were the dreams of the Butler and Baker all about? B) Did these men deserve to be in jail? What had they done? C) What would the outcome of their dreams mean for them and Joseph? Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

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

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