The Grace Message

My dad passed away last Fall and was not a believer. I get very depressed about where he might be. Can you help? Can a genuine believer fall into habitual sin? I grew up in a very legalistic environment, and I think that just made me want to sin more.

Why do you say there are two kinds of sanctification? Is it possible to be saved and be radically confused about the Law? Are pastors the only ones who can have the gift of healing? Are the gifts of the Spirit still around today? Why does Solomon say there’s nothing new under the sun in Ecclesiastes?

What does Deuteronomy 30 say the Law is “not too difficult”? Can you explain the two kinds of sanctification? Did Adam and Eve realize the full effects of what they had done? Is self-improvement really a sin?

I need some encouragement because of my recent failures. Can you help me? How can I get my prayer language? How can I get a second baptism by fire? I seem to get stuck in self-analysis and it distracts me from Jesus. Can you speak to that?

As we wrap up our series, “Forever in His Presence,” this grand-finale message underscores a powerful truth: We are safe and secure in Jesus and can have total confidence with God. Imagine a loving husband and his bride. Does he want her to be afraid? Walking on eggshells? Wondering if divorce is looming? Of course not! Just as a husband desires his bride to feel secure and cherished, so too Jesus wants His bride (the church) to feel secure – always. Pastors, teachers, leaders, and fellow believers of all kinds should always be ready to encourage others in the truth of their security in Christ, not to scare them. Otherwise, we end up assisting in the work of the Accuser rather than the work of God! Throughout our journey through 1 John, we’ve uncovered the depth of our total forgiveness, our righteousness in Christ, and our perfect safety in Him. We’ve even explored the profound truth of the assurance we can have at the final judgment. Now, don’t miss this chance to fully embrace God’s desire for you to know your rock-solid safety and stability in Him. Join us for this powerful and encouraging finale, and let’s celebrate together the profound security we have in Jesus Christ. Discussion Questions: 1. What did you learn in this series about your forgiveness? 2. What did you learn about your compatibility with Christ? 3. What about your righteousness? Be specific. 4. How are the new commandments on your heart different from the Law? 5. How do you feel about the final judgment? Why? 6. Recall the husband-wife analogy. How does a husband want his wife to feel? How does Christ want you to feel?

Where is the garden of Eden today? Why did Jesus say “no one is good except God”? My husband died, and I can’t seem to spend time with my son now. How was Scripture canonized? Why were certain books left out? I struggle with fear over my physical health and wonder what I can do. Do we get saved and then receive the Holy Spirit later?

How can I find a believing wife? How can I address my struggle with lust? Does Hebrew 6 teach that we can lose our salvation? My husband died recently and did not repent of any last-minute sins. Is he still in Heaven with God?

Why does Jeremiah 31 say we don’t need to teach our neighbor about the Lord? If Lazarus was raised from the dead and then died again later, why does Hebrews say it’s appointed for us to die once? Why did Jesus say He came not to bring peace but a sword in Matthew 10? Are there two different judgments or only one?

What did Jesus mean by “falling on the stone” in Matthew 21? Does God judge us based on how we treat our family? My wife says saltwater fishing is sinful and opens me up to spiritual attack. What are your thoughts?

What does it mean to be with Jesus where He is? And why did He pray for it? What is the true gift of tongues? Why do we see something else at times in today’s churches? How do I know if I’m being called to serve in ministry?