THEO101

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a God, and you are not Him.

The starting point for all correct theology or philosophy is found in Genesis 1, which declares God's existence and transcendence over that which He has made. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why do people argue for 'evolution' or the 'big bang' instead?

B) Are those theories consistent with the Bible's teaching on creation?

C) How do we explain the apparent age of rocks, stars, and so forth?

Takeaways:

• The opening verse of Genesis establishes a fundamental truth that God is the Creator of all things, emphasizing the importance of recognizing a divine authority in existence.
• The notion that faith and science are in conflict is a false dichotomy, as historically, many scientists have acknowledged a Creator behind the complexities of the universe.
• Understanding that humanity is created in the image of God imparts a profound significance to human life, elevating it above all other forms of creation.
• The implications of God's creative authority extend to His governance over the natural laws, which reflects His sovereignty and intention behind creation.
• The biblical account posits that everything in existence has a purpose and utility derived from the will of the Creator, challenging secular perspectives that deny inherent meaning.
• Finally, the rejection of a divine Creator leads to nihilism, as it denies the intrinsic value and significance of life, contrasting sharply with the biblical affirmation of a purposeful creation.

The sermon unfolds by examining the profound theological implications embedded within the first chapter of Genesis. It begins with the assertion that all creation is the result of divine intention, leading to a reflection on the historical dialogue between faith and science. The speakers contest the modern dichotomy that positions scientific inquiry against religious belief, arguing for a reconciliatory approach that acknowledges both realms as seeking truth. Through the lens of historical figures like Galileo and Newton, the episode illustrates that the scientific exploration of the cosmos has often been rooted in a desire to understand the Creator's handiwork. Moreover, the speakers articulate that recognition of God's sovereignty necessitates a moral framework through which humanity engages with the world. This engagement is not mere compliance but a call to action, as being made in God's image imbues human life with intrinsic value and purpose. The episode concludes by urging listeners to uphold the truths of Genesis as a counter-narrative to contemporary nihilism, reaffirming that life, imbued with meaning and responsibility, originates from a Creator who calls humanity to a higher standard of living.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.