Theology

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...

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 d...

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 belie...

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 P...

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...

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 nee...

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 ...

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...

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 Ans...

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 billio...

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...

How much time do you have left?

In Romans 13, the Apostle Paul answered that question this way - not much. Specifically, Paul said that "the night is far spent, the day is at hand." Paul wanted his readers to understand the value of today. He wanted them to live as if their time was both short and precious.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) What other passages refer to 'night and day' in a similar manner?

...

How much of God's Word should we preach?

To the Apostle Paul, the answer was ALL OF IT. And that's just what he told the Ephesian elders in Acts 10. He told them that he had not refrained from preaching and teaching the whole counsel of God, and he expected them to do the same.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why did Paul invite the Ephesian elders to meet with him?

B) Why did Paul tell the elders they'd never see his face agai...

As Christians, we often remember the things that Jesus has done.

With that said, have you ever wondered: what is He doing right now?

Among other things, Jesus is interceding on behalf of His people. You have a divine advocate that is (even now) seeking your welfare! And that should be an encouragement during these difficult days.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why is John 17 referred to as the 'high priestly prayer?'

B) Who ...

What is the 'Magnificat?'

The 'magnificat' is the name that we give to Mary's song in Luke 1, in which she declares that her soul 'magnifies the Lord.' In today's study, we will see that this is one of the most counter-cultural songs ever written.

Questions That We'll Answer:

1) What news did the Angel give Mary? What was her response?

2) Why was it necessary that the Messiah be born of a 'virgin?'

Victory is at hand - your story ends well!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only the capstone of the entire Gospel, but it secures your great future. You see, if the grave didn't hold Him, then it won't hold you. And if death can be defeated, then so can all the other hardships that you're undergoing right now. Today may be difficult, but take heart - your story ends well!

Questions That We'll Answer In Today's...

Darkness. An earthquake. A shock in the temple.

And on top of that, a cry - 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'

What really happened on the cross? What do we make of all the supernatural events that transpired? And what do we make of Christ's final words? In today's study, we will consider our Savior's final moments on Calvary.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why did the sky grow dark at 12PM? What did the darkness sig...

In Matthew 26, Jesus sat down. His betrayer joined Him.

In today's study, Jesus sat down for what we call the 'Last Supper,' with His betrayer seated just a few feet away. Our Lord had come to celebrate the Passover with His disciples, knowing this would be their last opportunity to do so. But He also knew the heart (and pending actions) of a man named Judas Iscariot. 

In today’s study, we’ll consider the high stakes of Matthew 2...

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...