Theology

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?'

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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?

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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?

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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 make?

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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?

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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?

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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 the events of Joseph's life?

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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 would the outcome of their dreams mean for them and Joseph?

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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?

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In Genesis 32, Jacob was preparing 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?

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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)?

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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?

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Meet Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

These men, hailed as the 'patriarchs' of the Old Testament, helped shape the entire narrative of our faith.They were also sinners. Big, big sinners. In today's sermon, we'll see that the patriarchs needed God's grace every bit as much as we do. And God gave it to them! His providential care is seen in every part of Genesis 25.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) In what way are the patriarchs the 'Mt. Rushmore' of the OT?

B)Why them? In other words, why did God choose these three men?

C) What does this passage tell us about the doctrine of 'predestination?'

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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 Answer:

1) What was God's purpose here? Was He testing Abraham?

2) What did Abraham think would happen on Mt. Moriah?

3) How does this event foreshadow Christ's sacrifice on Calvary?

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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 thatan even worse judgment will befall those places that reject the Gospel.

Questions That We'll Answer:

1)What was the sin (or sins) of Sodom and Gomorrah?

2) Why was God willing to relent if 10 righteous people were found there?

3) What did Jesus mean in Matthew 10 (when He referred to Sodom)?

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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 focus of today's sermon.

Questions That We'll Answer:

1) Who were the three men that appeared to Abraham in the desert?

2) What promises did One of the men make to Abraham and Sarah?

3) Why did Sarah laugh, and what was God's reaction to that laughter?

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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:

A) What were these amazing promises? And how many were there?

B) Who are the true children of Abraham? Are you one of his children?

C) What does it mean to be called a 'friend' of God?

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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'll Answer:
A) Why was God angered by the building of this tower?
B) Why did God confuse the language of the builders?
C) What relationship does Genesis 11 have with Acts 2 (Pentecost)?

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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 it tell us about the future?

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) In what way did the flood typify the wrath of God being 'poured out?'

B) In what way did the ark typify Jesus Christ? Is Jesus in this text?

C) Why did Christ refer to future days as being 'like the days of Noah?'

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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 was wrong with his sacrifice?

B) Why did God warn Cain that 'sin lay at his door?'

C) Is it possible that sin is at our door as well? What should we do?

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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) What is the purpose of the fiery sword at the garden's edge?

C) Why are the words 'Genesis 4' the best words in any language?

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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 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?

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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 sort of 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 in Heaven)?

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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?

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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, leaders, and political parties 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? What hope does it offer?

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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, GRIEFis NOTthe 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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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?

B) What are the concepts of 'inner peace' and 'inner war?'

C) What is holding us back? What's keeping us from living in the 'day?'


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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 again?

C) What other points did Paul emphasize during their last visit?

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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 did Jesus pray for in this text? And what did He say?

C) In what way is Jesus interceding for you this very moment?

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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?'

3) What makes the 'magnificat' so counter-cultural?


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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 Study:

1) What really happened on the Sunday after Christ's death?

2) Who were the eyewitnesses to Christ's resurrection?

3) What supernatural events rocked Jerusalem on that great day?



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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 signify?

B) Did the Father really turn His face away from the Son?

C) What hope do we find even in the hardest chapter in Scripture?

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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 26.

Questions That We'll Answer:

A) Why did Judas betray Christ? What was his purpose and reward?

B) What doctrines did Jesus emphasize during the 'Last Supper?'

C) What was about to happen next? What did Jesus expect to occur?

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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?'

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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?'

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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 Son, listen to Him" in Matthew 17.

Questions That We'll Answer:
A) What was the 'transfiguration,' and why did Jesus undergo it?
B) Why did Moses and Elijah appear, and what did they talk about?
C) What was Peter's mistake, and what forgiveness did he receive?

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