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 w/ the Bible’s teaching on creation?

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

 

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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?

 

Web: http://www.fpcgulfport.org

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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?

 

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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?

 

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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 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 on Heaven’s shores)?

 

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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 and leaders 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?

 

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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?

 

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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 objective? What about transformation?

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

 

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If you have lost someone that you love, it is natural to grieve.

With that said, GRIEF is NOT the same as DESPAIR.

In 1 Thessalonians 4, the Apostle Paul makes this distinction. Specifically, he says that although it is OK to lament the loss of a loved one, we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. Reunions are coming. And because of that, our ‘grief’ is tinged with expectation.

Questions That We’ll Answer:

A) Why were the Thessalonians so confused about life after death?

B) Will Christians see (and recognize) our loved ones in eternity?

C) How can we be sure of this? What is the basis of our hope?

 

 

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