Is there real evidence that Jesus rose from the dead?

In Luke 24, the resurrection is presented with witnesses, proofs, and eyewitness testimony. In this sermon, Dr. Toby Holt considers the empty tomb and why so much hangs on whether it is true.

Questions this sermon answers:

1. Why were the disciples anxious at first? Because the news seemed too good to believe — even those closest to Jesus struggled to grasp that He was truly alive.

2. What evidence does Luke give? Witnesses, the empty tomb, and the risen Christ appearing in the flesh to many — a heavily attested event.

3. Why does it matter? Because the fate of every person hinges on it. If Christ is risen, death is conquered and our hope is secure.

"He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee." — Luke 24:6 (NKJV)

Speaker: In Luke 24, the resurrection is presented with witnesses, proofs, and eyewitness testimony. In this sermon, Dr. Toby Holt considers the empty tomb and why so much hangs on whether it is true.

What makes Mary's song one of the most counter-cultural ever written?

In Luke 1, a young woman responds to astonishing news with a song of praise — the Magnificat. In this sermon, Dr. Toby Holt explores why this humble hymn turns the world's values upside down.

Questions this sermon answers:

1. What news did Mary receive? That she would bear the Messiah, conceived by the Holy Spirit — a virgin birth, fulfilling prophecy.

2. What does Mary's song celebrate? A God who exalts the lowly and humbles the proud, who fills the hungry and sends the rich away empty.

3. Why is it counter-cultural? Because it locates all greatness in God, not self — magnifying the Lord rather than human status, power, or wealth.

"And Mary said: 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.'" — Luke 1:46-47 (NKJV)

Speaker: In Luke 1, a young woman responds to astonishing news with a song of praise — the Magnificat. In this sermon, Dr. Toby Holt explores why this humble hymn turns the world's values upside down.

Who is your neighbor?

In Luke 10, a lawyer tries to justify himself by asking Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus answers with the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this sermon, Dr. Toby Holt unpacks what real love for neighbor looks like.

Questions this sermon answers:

1. Why did the lawyer ask the question? To justify himself — to narrow "neighbor" down to a manageable few. Jesus widened it instead.

2. Why was a Samaritan the hero? Samaritans were despised by the Jews. Making one the example exposed the lawyer's prejudice and redefined neighborly love.

3. What does Jesus call us to do? To show mercy to whoever is in need, crossing the lines we would rather not cross.

"Go and do likewise." "So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?... And Jesus said to him, 'Go and do likewise.'" — Luke 10:36-37 (NKJV)

Speaker: In Luke 10, a lawyer tries to justify himself by asking Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus answers with the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this sermon, Dr. Toby Holt unpacks what real love for neighbor looks like.