In Genesis 22, God told Abraham to sacrifice his son. Why? For many, this event is one of the most confusing in all of Scripture - why would God tell Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? What was His purpose? And then, why would He tell Abraham to stay his knife? In today's study, we will study this difficult and heartrending event. Questions That We'll Ans…

Sodom and Gomorrah are the poster children for God's wrath. In Genesis 19, we come across a cautionary tale to a world hellbent on offending a holy God. Specifically, Genesis 19 describes the destruction of these two cities. The destruction was horrific. It was severe. And yet, in Matthew 10, Jesus says that an even worse judgment will befall those…

In Genesis 18 made a promise so outrageous that Sarah laughed. The promises that He has made you are even bigger. God has promised to save and sanctify you, to wipe away all your tears, and to dwell with you in Paradise for eternity. Now those are promises! But how can we be sure they apply to us (and that they will be fulfilled)? That will be the …

God made Abraham mind-boggling promises. And Abraham believed Him. In Genesis 12, Abraham was introduced with little fanfare. He was a man from a pagan family and a pagan background. And yet, God was going to make this nobody a series of incredible promises - promises that Abraham believed in, and then acted accordingly. Questions That We'll Answer…

God told the people to go outward. Instead, they went upward. "Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth" God told the people. But they said no - in their minds, it was safer and smarter to stay in one place. And so, they built a formidable 'tower' in Genesis 11. In today's study we'll read about that tower (and God's response). Questions That We'l…

The wrong question: how did all the animals fit in the ark? The most crucial question of Genesis 6 is NOT about the animals. Not at all. Rather, it is this: why was an ark needed in the first place? In other words, why was God willing to flood the entire globe, only six chapters after creating it? Seems drastic. So why did God do it, and what does …

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…

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 Tha…

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? …

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 a…

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? Ques…

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, o…

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!…

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 Phil…

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…

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 …

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 fas…

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 'g…

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 othe…

How much of God's Word should we preach? To the Apostle Paul, the answer was ALL OF IT. And that's 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 m…

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'…

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) In Luke 1, what news did the Angel give Mary? What was her response? 2…

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 ta…

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 Th…

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 n…

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 before others. They wanted to destroy or hurt His credibility. In today's study, we'll see how Jesus responded. Questions That We'll Answer: A…

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…

Jesus, Moses, and Elijah met on the mountaintop. One's face radiated with divine light. The others did not. Moses and Elijah were no slouches - these were titans of Jewish history, the very embodiment of the law and the prophets. And yet, when standing next to Jesus, they paled. It was Christ alone that the Father referred to, saying "This is my So…

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 gate…

It is the most famous sermon ever preached - the 'sermon on the mount.' In Matthew 5, Jesus starts this sermon 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…

Who were the 12 Apostles? Well, they're not 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 an unlikely bunch. And yet, Christ chose them to be His friends and ambassadors. What can we learn from their service? Questions That We'll A…

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 'marve…

Does the devil think that he can win? In Matthew 4, Jesus is led out into the wilderness, where He was tempted for forty days by the devil. What did the devil think he was going to accomplish? And what was the Father's purpose in allowing His Son to undergo this? Other Questions That We'll Answer: A) What was the object of each of the three temptat…

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 bap…

The God who MADE YOU wants to be WITH YOU. Think on that. The pagan gods didn't work that way. These (false) deities kept the people at arm's length. But our God wants to be close. He walked with Adam in the garden. He dwelt in the tabernacle and temple. He came to earth in the form of a babe. Our God is "Emmanuel" - He is "God With Us." Join us fo…

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 addit…

Throughout the Old Testament, God made a series of incredible promises – promises that defied His people’s expectations. And, in His time, He fulfilled every last one of them. In today’s study of 1 Kings 8, we’ll consider the God who always ‘keeps His promises’ – including those that He has made to you and I. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What ar…

On many occasions, Moses went up a mountain to meet with God. In Deuteronomy 34, he would do so once again - but he would not return. What can we learn from the death of Moses? That will be the focus of today's study. Questions That We'll Answer: A) How old was Moses when he died? What was his health like? B) Who buried Moses? And where is he burie…

In 1 Peter 2, the Apostle talked about a 'war' waged against the soul of believers. When we think of 'war,' we tend to think of external enemies that are coming against us. But that's not the sort of war that Peter was talking about. Rather, Peter was talking about a war that is going on within our own body (even as Christians). He was talking abou…

God told the people to go outward - to be fruitful and to multiply across the globe. Instead, the people decided to go upward - to build a tower into the heavens. In today's study, we'll consider the construction of the "Tower of Babel" in Genesis 11, and see why God came down to deal with its builders. Questions That We'll Answer: A) Why was God a…

In Romans 10, Paul asks a series of important questions. Specifically, he asked this: "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" If you have come to a saving faith, it is b…

Who is your neighbor? That was the question that Jesus asked the proud, arrogant lawyer. The man said that he'd kept the law. The man said that he'd loved his neighbor as himself. But Jesus knew better. Jesus knew that was only true if he neutered the word of any meaning. And so Jesus asked him, "who is your neighbor?" Join us as we consider the pa…

Does the church need revival? Does it need reformation? What do you think? Throughout history, there have been a number of ‘revivals’ when God’s people have increased in size, health, and ministry. And in every single case, these revivals involved a renewed emphasis on God’s Word. In today’s study of 2 Kings 23, we’ll see that one of the most famou…

It was A DARK CAVE in a EVIL REGION. Specifically, this area was known as "Hell's Gate" - the path to the underworld. In a sense, this was the "red light district" of Christ's time. And yet, it was here that Jesus deliberately traveled, in order to teach His disciples. Click to hear what Jesus said about Hell's gates in this sermon from Matthew 16.…

Life is short. Act accordingly. In today's study, we consider Paul's words to the Corinthians, in which he referred to our mortal bodies as "earthen vessels." In other words, Paul likened our human bodies to pottery - easily broken, and not built to last. Now, is that a depressing thought? Well, it would be, except that Paul said that these "earthe…

In Acts 7, Stephen told people the truth. And they killed him for it. The story of Stephen is not unusual in Scripture - a faithful man tells resentful people the truth, and they respond by killing him. But why? Why this reaction? Why this anger? In today's sermon, we'll consider the reasons and results of Stephen's martyrdom. Questions We'll Addre…

Can a Christian LOSE THEIR SALVATION, or FALL AWAY from the faith? Are you only one sin or bad day away from being cast from God's presence? For some of us, this is a very painful and difficult question. If you've ever wondered about these things, then this sermon from John 6 may provide some encouraging and informative answers. Questions We'll Ans…

The human mind is capable of great things! It is better than any computer; it is impressive in all of its ways. However, it is also riddled by sin. It forgets. It is selective in what it believes. And it desperately needs to be "renewed." Join us for today's sermon from Romans 12. Questions That We'll Address: 1) What does it mean to have one's min…

A man 'reaps' what he 'sows.' As Paul wrapped up his letter to the Galatians, this was his emphasis. The things that you do and the things that you say will produce some sort of harvest - the question is, what kind will it be? Are you sowing good seeds, or are you sowing the spiritual equivalent of "gummy bears" that won't last the test of time? Cl…

What is the 'fruit' of the Spirit? In Galatians 5, the Paul talks about two different kinds of fruit - good and bad. As Christians, what kind of fruit are we supposed to produce? We are to produce good fruit! We are to cultivate good and healthy behaviors that reflect our Savior. But this requires some intentionality on our part, doesn't it? It doe…