Apologetics

Is cremation biblical?

In 1960, only 4% of Americans were cremated. As of 2023, that number is over 52%. Given the popularity of cremation, many Christians want to know if the Bible ever refers to it, and if there is any Biblical precedent for pursuing it. That will be the focus of today’s study.

Questions That We’ll Address:

1) What does the Bible say about cremation? Does it accept the practice?

2) How were bodies dealt with in Biblical days, and is there a precedent for us?

3) Does any of this matter? Does the disposition of one’s physical body really matter in eternity?

Today’s episode ends with a listener question on the topic of ‘tattoos.’

Radio 3:16 Website: www.r316.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Depression can be more than just ‘feeling sad.’

Yes, depression involves sadness. But clinical (or major) depression is not limited to a particular ‘mood’ or emotional state. Clinical depression is a persistent, recurring condition that may stem from our nature or physiology – and not just our circumstances. It can strike when things are going poorly, but it can also strike when they’re going well.

In today’s study, we’ll see what the Bible has to say about depression. Is there hope for the hurting?

Questions That We’ll Address:

1) How does a feeling of ‘sadness’ differ from ‘clinical depression?’

2) Did any of the men and women of the Bible suffer from depression? Who?

3) What encouragement does Christ offer for the depressed? What does He say?

Radio 3:16 Website: www.r316.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who were the 12 Apostles? Well, they weren’t the sort of men you would expect. They weren’t the sort of men that anyone would expect. Fishermen, a tax collector, a Judas – from an earthly perspective, this was a most unlikely bunch. And yet, Christ chose these men to be His friends and ambassadors. What can we learn from their service?

Questions That We’ll Answer:

A) What is the difference between a ‘disciple’ and an ‘apostle?’

B) What warnings did Jesus give to His apostles about the world?

C) What unique responsibilities were the apostles given?

Pharisees hated Jesus. This Roman Centurion did not. Throughout the New Testament, the Pharisees antagonized our Savior. They accused and berated Him at every turn. Conversely, there were seven Roman Centurions in the New Testament – and each is portrayed in a more positive light. How can this be?

Questions That We’ll Answer:

A) Why did Jesus ‘marvel’ at the faith of the Centurion?

B) What stood out about the Centurion’s request?

C) What warning did Jesus give the Jews in Matthew 8?

Website: http://www.fpcgulfport.org

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

If baptism is for SINNERS, then why was JESUS baptized?

In Matthew 3, Jesus asked John to baptize him. That blew John’s mind. And so, John told Him that it was the other way around – that Christ needed to baptize him! John knew that Jesus had no sins that He needed to repent of, and no need to be ‘washed clean.’ So why did Jesus insist on being baptized? That will be today’s focus.

Questions That We’ll Answer:

A) What sort of baptism was John doing by the Jordan River?

B) Were John’s baptism the same as our modern baptisms?

B) Why did Jesus say His baptism would ‘fulfill all righteousness?’

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

The God who MADE YOU wants to be WITH YOU. Think on that.

The pagan gods didn’t work that way. These (false) deities kept the people at arm’s length. But our God wants to be close. He walked with Adam in the garden. He dwelt in the tabernacle and temple. He came to earth in the form of a babe. Our God is “Emmanuel” – He is “God With Us.” Join us for Part 2 of our study in the Book of Matthew.

Questions That We’ll Answer:

A) What is the difference between being ‘with’ or ‘for’ someone?

B) What did the Angel tell Joseph about Jesus?

C) What comfort do the Angel’s words have to the hurting?

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

Who was Matthew? What is the Book of Matthew all about?

In Part 1 of our new study, we will introduce this Gospel and talk about the audience that it was originally written to – the Israelites. While Matthew contains truth and wisdom for all people, it was intended to explain the person and work of Jesus to Matthew’s Jewish contemporaries.In addition to introducing the Book of Matthew, we’ll also talk about the ‘intertestamental age’ that preceded its writing.

Questions That We’ll Answer:

A) Why was God ‘silent’ for over 400 years?

B) What differentiates Matthew from the other Gospel accounts?

C) Why are there two different genealogies (in Matthew and Luke)?

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Throughout the Old Testament, God made a series of incredible promises – promises that defied His people’s expectations. And, in His time, He fulfilled every last one of them.

In today’s study of 1 Kings 8, we’ll consider the God who always ‘keeps His promises’ – including those that He has made to you and I.

Questions That We’ll Answer:

A) What are some of the most amazing promises God has ever made?

B) What promises has He made to you for your own future?

C) Why did 1 Kings 8 represent such a high point in Israel’s history?

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

On many occasions, Moses went up a mountain to meet with God. In Deuteronomy 34, he would do so once again – but this time, he would not return. What can we learn from the death and final days of Moses? That will be the focus of today’s study.

Questions That We’ll Answer:

A) How old was Moses when he died? What was his health like?

B) Who buried Moses? And where is he buried to this day?

C) What did Moses see from the mountain prior to his death?

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org