THEO101

That didn't take long, did it?

You might have thought Genesis 4 couldn't go worse than Genesis 3 - that mankind would have learned its lesson. Surely man would do better! Surely he'd turn away from sin! However, before Genesis 4 was over, a blood soaked corpse proved otherwise.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why did Cain kill his brother? And what was wrong with his sacrifice?

B) Why did God warn Cain that 'sin lay at his door?'

C) Is it possible that sin is at our door as well? What should we do?

Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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One sin. That's all it took.

In our day, sin is treated casually - as a marketing device (think 'Sin City'), and rarely as a spiritual anchor. But one sin is all it took for man to be thrown out of the garden, and for chaos to sweep the created realm. This tells us two things: 1) sin must be really bad, and 2) God must be really holy.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) What 'tool' did the serpent use to attack Eve in the garden?

B) What is the purpose of the fiery sword at the garden's edge?

C) Why are the words 'Genesis 4' the best words in any language?

web: www.fpcgulfport.org

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Witnesses, proof, evidences - it was all there.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most heavily reported, historically verified events of antiquity. And that's a good thing, since the fate and future of billions hangs in the balance. Today, we'll consider the implications of the empty tomb.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why were the apostles so anxious in Luke 24?

B) Why is the best news often the hardest to believe?

C) If Jesus is alive, then what is He doing right now? Do we know?

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On the day the people were looking for a perfect lamb for their Passover celebration, the 'lamb of God' approached. It wasn't a coincidence.

In today's study, we will consider the events of Palm Sunday through an unusual set of eyes - those of John the Baptist. Why did John call Jesus the 'lamb of God?' Why didn't anyone else see Him that way?

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) What is the connection between the Passover and 'Palm Sunday?'

B) What is the difference between appeasement and atonement?

C) Can you be saved by appeasing God? Why or why not?

Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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You won't find 'utopia' in a warzone.

So many people misunderstand their reality. They think that this world is their home, irrespective of how little time they'll spend here. They think this world is great, irrespective of the landmines going off around them. Conversely, the Bible says that this world is filled with trials and hardships. And so, our hope is not found in this 'valley of death,' but in the Shepherd that leads us to someplace better.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) What words of encouragement did Peter have to the suffering?

B) Why does God allow His children to be tested and tried?

C) How do we know that our story ends well? How can we be sure?

Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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What makes 'love' greater than faith or hope?

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul said "now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." So, why is 'love' superior? Well, for starters, it is the only one of those three words that applies to God. God does not have 'faith.' God does not hope. But HE DOES LOVE - in fact, HE IS LOVE!

Questions That We'll Consider:

A) What sort of mess was Corinth in, that they needed a primer on love?

B) How does love motivate us in ways that no other emotion can?

C) What sets love apart (both now and in Heaven)?

Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

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The desert is home to some of the Bible's most fascinating stories.

In Acts 8, there was a caravan traveling in the desert of Judea. At its head was a pagan eunuch - someone well outside of the covenant community, but not outside of God's plan of salvation. And in order to reach this man, God sent an evangelist into the wasteland. His name was Phillip, and this is his story.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why does God care for rebels, pagans, and sinners?

B) What book was the Ethiopian reading when Philip found him?

C) What hope does Acts 8 give for the 'lost people' in our lives?

Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

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Rebellion. Rejection. Disdain.

The nations have long rejected God's rule in favor of their own. But why? What causes the nations to rage against God, and to plot so many vain things? In today's sermon, we'll consider mankind's ongoing rebellion and God's response.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) How do nations, leaders, and political parties foment their insurrection?

B) What does it mean that God 'sits' in Heaven and laughs at them?

C) In what way is Psalm 2 a 'Messianic' Psalm? What hope does it offer?

Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

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God does not have any 'peons' in Heaven. He has family.

Your salvation accomplishes so much more than just 'punching your ticket' to Heaven. Rather, it includes this wonderful outcome: you are treated as family when you get there! God has no peons in Heaven, but He does have sons and daughters. "Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called children of God."

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) What does it mean for God to be our Heavenly 'Father?'

B) Why was John so amazed that we are called God's 'children?'

C) What is your value in God's eyes? How does He see you now?

Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

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Mustard seeds are small. But they don't stay that way!

In Matthew 13, Jesus shared the parable of the 'mustard seed' in describing the kingdom's growth. Mustard seed start small. But in time, they grow upward and outward. Now, who did Jesus share this parable with? He shared it with a smattering of disciples on the shoreline. They were few. But fast forward to our day, and the kingdom now fills the entire planet (2.38 billion professing believers).

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) What can local churches learn from the 'mustard seed' parable?

B) Is growth the church's main objective? What about transformation?

C) What should the church emphasize in a time of cultural upheaval?

Web: fpcgulfport.org

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