The Grace Message

I’ve been swindled out of almost $1 million, and I think of revenge every day. What should I do? Am I allowed to hang out with unbelievers or only Christians? Do believers today need to observe a Sabbath day? I heard a voice in the middle of the night that said, “Follow me”, and I worry that it was Jesus trying to tell me something. What are your thoughts?

Did you know we Christians are only qualified to share one spiritual message about having relationship with God? And it’s not the message of self-improvement. It’s the new covenant message of God’s grace! That’s right, the new covenant is all we are qualified to share with others. And when we focus on the new covenant, it leads to all kinds of confidence and boldness. This is exactly what Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3. We just started a new year. As new creations, isn’t it time we focus on the new covenant? When we do, the “veil” of the Law is taken away and we find real freedom in Jesus!   Find out more in this foundational message that will help you start the new year off right! Discussion Questions: 1. Read verses 1-3. How do people serve as “letters of recommendation”? 2. Read verses 4-6. What specific message are we believers adequate and confident to share? 3. Read verses 7-11. Here, Paul compares the Ten Commandments (on stone) with the Gospel message we enjoy today. What expressions does Paul use to compare them? (Hint: Look for keywords such as the four uses of “ministry” and the ten uses of “glory.”) What should we conclude? 4. Read verses 12-13. Paul says we can “use great boldness in our speech” about the new covenant. How can this boldness be misinterpreted by others? Is there anything we can do about being misinterpreted? Discuss. 5. Read verses 14-16. Who has the veil over their eyes and hearts? What specifically does the “veil” blind them from? How is the veil lifted? 6. Read verse 17. What atmosphere can we expect from the Holy Spirit? How will this atmosphere be manifested in our personal lives? Relationships? Church congregations? 7. Read verse 18. Why does Paul say “beholding as in a mirror”? If you’re already a new creation, then what exactly is being transformed within you? (See also Romans 12:2 as a cross-reference.)

What do you do about doubts concerning salvation? What are the “various kinds of tongues” in 1 Corinthians 12? Can Christians get tattoos? What do we say to people who claim the Bible isn’t true because of the age of the Earth? What kind of amends should I try to make for the hurt I caused as an alcoholic? Is it possible to be blotted out of the Book of Life?

How should we view prayer and prayer meetings? Do I have to listen to my father if he’s giving me bad advice? How should we approach tough decisions? What does it really mean to fear God? Should we be scared of Him?

How do you balance the eternal security of Romans 8:1 with Galatians 6:8? Did God create evil? Are those who believe they can lose their salvation not even saved? I deal with scrupulous thinking and wonder if I’m saved. Can you help?

Why would there be animal sacrifices in the millennial kingdom if Jesus was the final sacrifice for sins? I have seen Jesus three times but wonder if I should say anything. I’m concerned about a dream I’ve had repetitively involving death. Is there a message from God in it? If Revelation is full of symbolism and imagery, then why do we need to heed its instruction (Revelation 1:3)?

What are the “commandments” in 1 John 2:3-6? My friend believes she can see sin on people. What do you think of that? What did Jesus mean by ask and you will receive? I’m deeply terrified that I’m a narcissist. What should I do?

I’ve heard that God’s hand is in three places - on you, off you, against you. What does that mean? Is our focus to be on sins at all? My dad passed away a couple months ago. He was a believer. Where is he now? Has he gone through the judgment yet?

This Christmas season – even amidst the stresses and difficulties we face – we have more to celebrate than baby Jesus in a manger. We believers have the light and life of Jesus in our hearts! But we have the treasure of Jesus in earthen vessels, and people don’t always see the One we contain. So, how does the resurrection life of Jesus get revealed in us? In this unique Christmas message, you’ll learn why bad things happen to good people and what God is doing in the middle of it all. You’ll be invited to view pain in a new and different way – against the backdrop of all that God is renewing in you. Someday, the troubles we’re going through now will be expressed in no more than a single sentence in comparison with the glory revealed in us. But even now, we see glimpses of that glory as we fix our eyes on the invisible gift of God – the gift of Jesus Christ Himself given to us. Check out this unusual Christmas message to learn why Christmas is about more than a manger! Discussion Questions: 1. Read verse 4. How does this shed light on the false idea that God is blinding some people to the Gospel? 2. Read verse 5. How does legalism “preach ourselves” instead of preaching Christ? 3. Read verses 7-12. Notice the “we/us” and then the “you”? Why is this important? Is Paul talking about some sort of “dying to self”? Or is he referring to the physical persecution of the apostles? How can we know? 4. Read verse 15. Reflect on how it might be a beautiful theme verse for The Grace Church and for the message that we hold dear. 5. Read verse 16. How are we being renewed day by day? 6. Read verse 17. What perspective caused Paul to say the afflictions were “momentary” and “light”? 7. Read verse 18. What “unseen” things do you fix your eyes on? Give examples.

Do you think there are seasons when we sin more than others? My pastor keeps insisting that I ask myself if I'm saved. Is this healthy? Did God make Caesar Augustus issue the decree for a census, or did God just know it would happen? Why do Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25 when they know Jesus wasn't born then? What about people who've never heard the Gospel? Why does 1 John 2 say that we need no one to teach us? Is there a second chance to believe the Gospel after death? How should we respond to those who say we're still under the Law?