Theology

Jesus was walking into a trap. Several traps, actually.

When Jesus entered the Temple in Matthew 21, the Pharisees, Sadducees and others planned to ask Him questions that might trap or make our Lord look bad. They wanted to destroy or hurt His credibility. In today's study, we'll see how Jesus responded.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) What was the irony about the questions that Jesus was facing?

B) What was the point of Christ's parable about the wedding feast?

C) What happened to the improperly dressed 'wedding guest?'

Web: www.fpcgulfport.org

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In Matthew 21, Jesus was angry.

Now, how could this be? What could possibly make gentle, loving, patient Jesus so upset? What could cause Him to flip tables and to make a scene? In today's study, we'll consider both the circumstances and reasons for Christ's anger.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Who were the money-changers in the temple? What were they doing?

B) How does this event relate to the time Jesus cursed a fig tree?

C) What does it mean for God's temple to be a 'house of prayer?'

Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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Why did Jesus shine like the sun? In Matthew 17:1-9, Jesus is transfigured before three disciples, His face shining with glory. Dr. Toby Holt explains what this glimpse of Christ's majesty reveals. On a high mountain, Jesus' appearance changed: light shone from within Him, and Moses and Elijah appeared, speaking with Him. Peter, overwhelmed, offered to build three shelters — putting Jesus on the level of Moses and Elijah. But the Father's voice cut in: "This is My beloved Son… Hear Him!" The law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah) both point to Christ, who stands above them. When the terrified disciples fell, Jesus touched them: "Arise, do not be afraid."

Questions this study answers:

1. What was the transfiguration? A moment when Jesus' divine glory shone through His human body, letting three disciples see His majesty and become eyewitnesses of who He is.

2. Why did Moses and Elijah appear? Moses represents the law and Elijah the prophets; both point forward to Jesus. They spoke with Him about the death He would accomplish.

3. What was Peter's mistake? He tried to honor Moses and Elijah as Jesus' equals. The Father corrected him, making clear the Son stands above all and must be heard.

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" — Matthew 17:5 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

This was a very wicked region.

In the time of Christ, Caesarea Phillipi was the 'red light district.' It was filled with pagan people doing pagan things. And yet, this is where Jesus took His disciples in Matthew 16. Why? That will be the focus of today's study.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why did Jesus travel to the region known as Hell's gates?

B) What did He teach His disciples when they got there?

C) Why did Jesus say "on this rock I will build my church?"

Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org 

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It is the most famous sermon ever preached.

In Matthew 5, Jesus started the 'Sermon On The Mount' with a series of blessings (or beatitudes). What were these blessings all about? And how were they received by hurting, downtrodden people who were used to the legalism of the Pharisees?

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) How do the blessings of Matthew 5 contrast to the woes of Matthew 23?

B) Who was Christ's audience for this particular sermon?

C) What does it mean to be 'salt' and 'light' in the world around us?

First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport MS

Web: www.fpcgulfport.org 

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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? 

Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org

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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 are 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 

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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, church age baptisms?
B) Why did Jesus say His baptism would 'fulfill all righteousness?' 

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt
Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org 

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How can Jesus be both fully God and fully man?

The incarnation — God becoming man in Christ — is essential to the Christian faith. In this sermon (John 1:1-14), Dr. Toby Holt introduces the humanity of Christ and why it matters for us.

Questions this sermon answers:

1. What is the incarnation? That the eternal Son of God took on human flesh — "the Word became flesh" — becoming truly man without ceasing to be God.

2. Why did Christ need to become man? To represent us, obey in our place, and offer Himself as a true human sacrifice for human sin.

3. Why does it matter to us? Because our Savior fully understands us, sympathizes with our weakness, and is able to save us completely. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." — John 1:14 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

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
Church Website: www.fpcgulfport.org 

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