First Presbyterian Church podcast

26:30

Fear overwhelmed the disciples.Huddled in the Upper Room, Jesus had talked about His coming death, the presence of a betrayer, and of the dark days to follow.The men were shaken.But, sensing their anxiety, Jesus gathered them close, saying "let not your heart be troubled." Dark days would soon give way to hope and victory.If your heart is troubled today, then be encouraged by this study of John 14.…

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John: The Washing Of The Disciple's Feet 20:56

16 days ago20:56

20:56

Unthinkable.In John 13, the Creator washed the feet of people that He created.And moments later, one went out to betray Him.The Lord Supper was filled with several shocking moments like these.We'll consider two of them in today's study of John 13:1-17.

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John: The Voice That Shook Heaven 29:01

24 days ago29:01

29:01

God's voice boomed from Heaven.Did the people listen and obey?No. They dismissed it as mere 'thunder.'Many say they're waiting for proof of God and His plan, asking for a clearer revelation from on high. Yet when He answers, guess what? They ignore Him.What about you?This will be the focus of today's study in John 12.…

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John: The Arrival Of The Messiah 25:57

5 weeks ago25:57

25:57

Jesus wept on Palm Sunday.While others shouted 'hosanna' and laid down palm branches, Jesus wept.But why?Because He knew something the others did not.In today's study, we'll consider what that was.Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby HoltText: John 12:12-19

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John: The Motives Of Mankind 25:13

6 weeks ago25:13

25:13

Motives matter.For example, some people pursued Christ with good, positive intentions.But others (like Judas Iscariot) had selfish or wicked motives.What are your own motives in coming to Christ?Is it for His glory and interests, or for yours?That will be the focus of today's study in John 12.

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Life From Death 30:28

13 weeks ago30:28

30:28

"John: Life From Death"Pastor Gardner FishJohn 12:20-26

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John: Lazarus And The Timing Of God 27:44

16 weeks ago27:44

27:44

He let him die.That's what the people were thinking.Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, and rather than go to him, He let him die.But that's not what happened, was it?Instead, Jesus allowed a difficult situation in order to bring about a miraculous outcome. We will consider that outcome in today's study of John 11.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Why did Jesus wait so long to go to Lazarus?B) Where is Jesus when His people need Him?C) How does God bring good out of evil?website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons…

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John: The Good Shepherd (And The Wolves) 29:50

17 weeks ago29:50

29:50

What makes a 'good' shepherd?He doesn't run when the wolves come.In John 10, Jesus faced all sorts of 'wolves.' From Pharisees, to Romans, to the Devil himself, Jesus was always in grave danger.But so were His sheep!And so, instead of running, Jesus faced the evils of this world on their behalf. Then, He drank down the cup of God's wrath on Calvary. Truly, there has never been a Shepherd like Jesus of Nazareth - the One who gave His life to save His flock.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What two jobs do shepherds have?B) Why did Jesus refer to 'sheep not of this fold?'C) What are the implications of being a 'sheep?'website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons…

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Light In The Darkness 25:39

18 weeks ago25:39

25:39

"Light In The Darkness"John 9:1-5Rev. Gardner FishFirst Presbyterian Church, Gulfport MS

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John: The Trap (A Story Of Sin And Stones) 26:02

20 weeks ago26:02

26:02

She was guilty. No doubt about it.As the woman stood before Jesus, no one defended her actions - not even her. She was guilty.So what would Jesus do?That's what they all wondered.The Pharisees had set this whole encounter up to trap Jesus. How would He deal with her sin and her guilt? Would He condemn her and risk the wrath of Rome? Would He free her and reject the law's demands? What would He do?They were not ready for His answer.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What is the 'divine dilemma?'B) What was the trap set in John 8?C) How can a holy God forgive sinners?website: www.fpcgulfport.org…

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John: The Hard Teachings Of Jesus 27:21

21 weeks ago27:21

27:21

Some things are hard to believe. Others are hard to accept.At the start of John 6, thousands pursued Jesus. By the end, few remained.What happened to the rest?The short answer: they heard Jesus talk, and they didn't like what He said. They could not accept His difficult teachings, and so they left.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What drew people to Jesus initially?B) What caused His disciples to remain?C) What does this say about us?website: www.fpcgulfport.org…

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John: The Feeding Of The 5000 30:27

22 weeks ago30:27

30:27

It was late. The people were hungry.Thousands had followed Jesus out of desperation. They were sick, hurting, and now starving. And as Jesus looked out at the crowds, He had compassion.In today's study, we'll see how He responded.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Why did the people follow Jesus?B) Why didn't they bring food?C) What sign did Jesus perform, and why?website: www.fpcgulfport.org…

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John: A Healing On The Sabbath 25:13

23 weeks ago25:13

25:13

"Do you want to be made well?"That was Christ's question of the sick man. It is also Christ's question of you. Do you want to be made well? And what do you want to be made well from?This will be the focus of today's sermon from John 5.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What was Christ's objective?B) Why did He enter the 'Sheep Gate?'C) Who did He seek out, and why?Website: www.fpcgulfport.org…

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John: The Encounter At The Well 29:00

24 weeks ago29:00

29:00

Surprising. Shocking. Scandalous.Jews and Samaritans were NOT supposed to interact. Their mutual hatred went back generations. And yet, here Jesus was, not only talking with this woman in John 4 - but asking her for water. What was this encounter all about?Questions That We'll Answer:A) What was the history of the Samaritans? Who were they?B) What had the woman done to be ostracized by her own people?C) What did Jesus tell the woman - and why was it so encouraging?Website: www.fpcgulfport.org…

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John: What It Means To Be Born Again 32:20

25 weeks ago32:20

32:20

To Nicodemus, it seemed like crazy talk.But to Jesus, this was serious business. If God's people are to be saved, we must first be 'born again.' So what does that term mean? And how does it happen? In today's study, we'll dive into the critical topic of regeneration.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Who was Nicodemus, and why did he go to Jesus?B) Why did Jesus say Nicodemus must be 'born again?'C) What are the implications for the rest of us?…

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John: Water Into Wine (The Miracle At Cana) 24:30

26 weeks ago24:30

24:30

It wasn't just a miracle - it was a sign.In John 2, Jesus attended a wedding. And at this wedding He performed His first recorded miracle (turning water into wine). So, what was this miracle really about? As we'll see, it pointed forward to the cross - even if no one knew it at the time.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Why did Jesus tell Mary that His 'hour had not come?'B) In what way(s) did this miracle point forward to Calvary?C) How is John 2 a 'bookend' with John 19?…

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John: A Voice In The Wilderness 26:47

27 weeks ago26:47

26:47

John the Baptist had one job.John came to prepare people to meet Jesus. Specifically, he would 'make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah had foretold. But the people wouldn't listen. John would be a voice crying in the wilderness. He would be misunderstood, and eventually killed. And the same would happen to the Messiah.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Why was John 'baptizing' people? What kind of baptism was this?B) Why did John say 'behold the Lamb' when he saw Jesus approach?C) What's the difference between 'appeasement' and 'atonement?'Web: www.fpcgulfport.org…

First Presbyterian Church

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John: The Eyewitness To The Messiah 29:16

28 weeks ago29:16

29:16

Christianity: rooted in history, backed by eyewitnesses.In John 1, the author skips the greetings and goes straight to the heart of the matter: he and others saw, heard, and observed the Messiah. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us," he declared.In today's study, we'll consider the historical facts that support our faith.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Why did John refer to Jesus as 'the Word?'B) In what way is Jesus also 'the light' that came into the world?C) What are the implications of Christ's incarnation to you and I?website: www.fpcgulfport.org…

First Presbyterian Church

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Jericho's Fall: The Walls Came Tumbling Down 34:55

29 weeks ago34:55

34:55

Jericho had massive walls. It didn't matter.There are no walls that can deter God's Wrath. And there is no army that can stop those who serve Him. In Joshua 6, we will study both points in one of the most famous (and faith-building) passages in Scripture.Questions That We'll Answer:A) How big was Jericho's outer wall? Did it have an inner wall as well?B) What tool or weapon was used to bring the walls down?C) What can we learn from the battle at Jericho that applies to us?web: www.fpcgulfport.org…

First Presbyterian Church

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Jesus: The (Only) Name That Saves 25:52

30 weeks ago25:52

25:52

No. Other. Name.As he felt the Sanhedrin's angry gaze, Peter stood firm. There's no other name, there's no other door, there's no other way by which fallen sinners can be reconciled to God. Not two. Not ten. Just one, Peter declared. Jesus Christ is the singular means of salvation.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What are the implications of this statement to other religions?B) What were the implications to Peter's original audience?C) What sort of opposition does such an exclusive claim create?web: www.fpcgulfport.org…

First Presbyterian Church

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Transformation Or Conformation (Paul's Warning) 26:45

31 weeks ago26:45

26:45

The world is trying to remake you in its image.Will you let it?In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul reminds his readers that the world is intent on creating worldly people. That's what it does. It wants to conform you and I to its own priorities. However, Paul tells Christians that we are NOT to be conformed - instead, we are to be transformed through the 'renewing of our minds.'Questions That We'll Answer:A) Why is conformity bad (and dangerous)?B) How does transformation occur?C) What does it mean to 'renew' your mind in God's Word?Website: www.fpcgulfport.org…

First Presbyterian Church

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Genesis: The Final Words Of The First Book 25:22

32 weeks ago25:22

25:22

Genesis started in a GARDEN.It ended in a COFFIN.In Genesis 1, things were looking great. God had created the world, and said that all He had created was good. But things got dark in Genesis 3.Following man's sin in Genesis 3, a roller coaster of depravity followed. In Genesis 4, Cain killed his brother, and things didn't improve through the end of the book.In today's sermon, we will consider Genesis 50 (the final words of the last chapter).Questions That We'll Answer:A) What does Genesis tell us about mankind?B) What does Genesis tell us about God?C) How does Genesis set the stage for the rest of Scripture?Website: www.fpcgulfport.org…

First Presbyterian Church

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Genesis: God's Providence In Evil's Path 28:30

33 weeks ago28:30

28:30

They meant it for evil. But God used it for good.In Genesis 45, Joseph's brothers stood before him - brothers that had once sold him off to slave traders, and then told their father that he was dead. They had acted wickedly! And in a 'twist of fate,' their lives were now in his hands.But was it really a 'twist of fate?' Was their encounter just an amazing coincidence? That will be the focus of today's study.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What is 'providence,' and how does that word apply to Gen. 45?B) Why didn't Joseph exact revenge, when given the opportunity?C) What was God's purpose in all the events of Joseph's life?Website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons…

First Presbyterian Church

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Joseph's Rise To Power 34:18

34 weeks ago34:18

34:18

"Joseph's Rise To Power"Rev. Gardner FishFirst Presbyterian ChurchGulfport, Mississippi

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Genesis: Dreams In The Dungeon 24:55

35 weeks ago24:55

24:55

In Genesis 40, Joseph was in prison.Now, he did not deserve to be there. He'd done nothing wrong. And he must have wondered what part his shackles played in God's plans. Hadn't God given him a dream of a great and glorious future? Well, in today's text, two other men would have dreams - and their interpretation would play a huge role in Joseph's story.Questions That We'll Answer:A) What were the dreams of the Butler and Baker all about?B) Did these men deserve to be in jail? If so, what had they done?C) What did their dreams mean for them (and for Joseph)?Web: www.fpcgulfport.org…

First Presbyterian Church

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Genesis: Joseph And The Coat Of Many Colors 25:14

36 weeks ago25:14

25:14

Joseph's story started poorly.Within moments of being introduced in Scripture, Joseph was thrown into a pit by his brothers. And not long after, he found himself in prison. So, where was God when calamity struck? That will be the focus of today's study in Genesis 37.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Why did Joseph's brothers hate him so much?B) Why did God allow Joseph to face so many hardships?C) Where is God when our own circumstances grow dark?Web: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons…

First Presbyterian Church

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Genesis: Wrestling With God 26:44

37 weeks ago26:44

26:44

In Genesis 32, Jacob was ready for a fight.Jacob was no stranger to conflict, but this time was different. In Genesis 32, as darkness closed in, he prepared for a confrontation with his brother Esau. However, the figure who grabbed him that night was not who he expected.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Who was it that Jacob wrestled with in Genesis 32?B) What was the point of this wrestling match?C) How was Jacob changed forever as a result?web: www.fpcgulfport.org…

First Presbyterian Church

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Genesis: Jacob's Ladder - What Was It? 25:48

38 weeks ago25:48

25:48

In Genesis 28, Jacob dreamed of a ladder.The ladder reached all the way from Heaven to Earth.So, what was this dream all about? For centuries, no one knew. For centuries, it remained a mystery. But then, in the first chapter of John, the answer was finally provided.Join us as we consider 'Jacob's Ladder' in today's study of Genesis.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Why was Jacob all alone, using a rock for a pillow?B) What was the nature of his dream - and what exactly did he see?C) What was Jacob's response (after waking from this dream)?Website: www.fpcgulfport.org…

First Presbyterian Church

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Genesis: The Blessing And The Betrayal 28:21

39 weeks ago28:21

28:21

Jacob must have been one rotten kid!In spite of God's clear direction, and although his other son was a numskull, Isaac did not want Jacob to receive his blessing. If it were up to Isaac, it would be Esau who would carry the family line forward. Jacob was not an option.However, God's decree would not be thwarted, would it? That will be the focus in today's study of Genesis 27.Questions That We'll Answer:A) Why did Isaac prefer Esau? What were his reasons?B) Was the 'ruse' of Jacob and his mother Rebecca actually a sin?C) What can we learn from the brokenness of this patriarchal family?Website: www.fpcgulfport.org…

First Presbyterian Church

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Genesis: The Patriarchs And Predestination 29:27

40 weeks ago29:27