The Grace Message

“Let love…” Hebrews 13 begins with these two beautiful words: Let. Love. Perhaps there’s no better way to summarize the “mechanics” of the Christian life. God has poured out His love in our hearts, so now we can “let love” be expressed in all we do! Hebrews 13 goes on to assure us that God will never revoke His love or withdraw His presence. It also warns us of the importance of majoring in God’s grace and not letting any “strange teachings” distract us. Finally, Hebrews 13 inspires us to go “outside the camp” of traditional religion to embrace the finished work of Jesus Christ… even if we’re criticized for it. This message is the grand finale in our Hebrews series. I hope you enjoy it! Discussion Questions for Hebrews 13: 1. Read verse 1. How do the two words “let” and “love” speak to you? 2. Read verse 4. Then react to the following statement: Sometimes, the New Testament tells us as saints not to act like “those people” whom God will judge. This doesn’t mean we’re “those people”! 3. Read verse 5. How does the author link money and God’s presence? 4. Read verse 7. Why do you think it says “imitate their faith” rather than imitate their conduct? 5. React to this statement: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 6. Read verse 9. What strange teachings are people carried away by today? How could they be strengthened by God’s grace instead? 7. In what way do we go to Jesus “outside the camp”? 8. Read verse 15. What kind of sacrifice does God really want from us? How is this different from what we might’ve heard elsewhere? 9. Read verses 20-21. What is God doing within you? For what purpose?

Is there really a place of separation from God like Hell? Why did Jesus say, "Weep for yourselves"? Is misusing 1 John 1:9 the same as sacrificing Jesus all over again? Can you drift away and lose your salvation? Do we have to maintain a surrendered will to remain saved? Does God care about denominations? What's most important in finding a church?

Can you help me understand why Jesus would have something against a church in Revelation if He keeps no records of our wrongs? If a believer starts to do every evil thing, will they lose their salvation or their reward? How do I enter God’s rest and live by grace?

I’ve been thirsting for spiritual food and I haven’t been finding it. Shouldn’t prophecy be a main focus? I believe God spoke to me and my cat through the television and a floating orb. How do I break free from addiction and experience what God wants for my life?

Do we need a person as a spiritual covering? How do you interpret Revelation 21:8? I’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had hallucinations that I blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Have I lost my salvation?

What is falling from grace in Galatians? What about the falling we see in first Corinthians 10? My husband’s new job is presenting major challenges, and I don’t know what to do. Can you help? How do I glorify God in the workplace and find my real purpose in life?

When Jesus rose from the dead, why did He tell Mary not to hold onto Him? How should we view the Ten Commandments and the Sabbath now? Was Jesus half-God and half-man? Did God abandon Heaven when Jesus came to Earth? What should I do if I disagree with my daughter's life choices but still love her?

In Hebrews 12, the Jews are urged to be careful not to come short of the grace of God and miss out on their birthright. Otherwise, they won’t find any place for repentance elsewhere. The author goes on to share an analogy of two mountains – Sinai and Zion – to contrast the old way of the Law and the new way of grace. There’s a passing away of earthly things for a salvation and a kingdom that cannot be shaken. In this important message, you’ll see the significance of choosing Jesus and the safety and freedom from fear it brings. You’ll also discover more reasons to rest in the simplicity of the New Covenant, including encouragement that what God really wants from us – our “acceptable service” – is easy and light! Discussion Questions for Hebrews 12:15-29: 1. What do you think it means to “come short of the grace of God”? 2. Why do you think Esau’s birthright comes up in this passage? 3. How might the Hebrews also “find no place for repentance” if they look in the wrong place? 4. What are the two mountains in this passage? How are they described? What do they each represent? 5. What expressions do we see in verse 23 that describe your new identity in Christ? 6. Why are Jesus and Abel compared here? 7. What are the “things which cannot be shaken”? 8. What is our “acceptable service”? In other words, what does God really want from us?

What is the meaning of “high standing” and “great confidence” in 1 Timothy 3:13? What is meant by Matthew 22:14: “For many are called, but few are chosen.” I’m having a hard time with when to keep the Sabbath. I’ve had horrible thoughts about the Lord, and it’s hard for me to believe I’m forgiven for those blasphemous thoughts. What do I do? I serve as a pastor and other leaders in my church oppress me. What should I do? How do I communicate modesty to my daughter without being legalistic? What is the unpardonable sin and have I committed it unknowingly? What is Paul referring to as “self-control” in the passage about marriage?

Would it be right to say God has a special love for His church? Why does Jeremiah say “you must not marry” and later say “marry”? What does prayer look like in the life of a believer?