The Grace Message

I’m a new believer and thought that everyone will be treated the same in Heaven. Are there really different levels of rewards? Can you explain exactly why we can’t lose our salvation? Are there female angels? Where in the Bible does it actually say that we are forgiven of all our sins forever?

Why does Paul compare our relationship with Christ to sex and marriage in both 1 Corinthians 6 and Ephesians 5? What do you think about the term “revival”? I am a new believer and wonder if I should pray to the Father or to Jesus. What are your thoughts? Also, should we pray for Jesus to “be with us” or is there a greater truth to know?

Here’s the bad news: We’re all in the same boat! That’s the message of Romans 2 – we’re all equally doomed. And there’s no partiality with God. Whether it’s a Jew trying to keep the Law, or a Gentile trying to obey their conscience, there are exactly zero people on the planet who can meet God’s perfect standard. Here’s the good news: Therefore, God intervened. And He did so through Jesus Christ. As a result, anybody and everybody can be made perfect before God – for free. It’s about receiving, not achieving. This is where the book of Romans is headed. So, check out this important piece of the puzzle, as Romans 2 sets the stage for everything to come! Discussion Questions on Romans 2:1-16 1. Have you ever found yourself judging another person when you've done the same thing? Discuss. 2. React to this statement: The kindness of God leads you to repentance. 3. Who has an unrepentant heart? Why is knowing the audience important here? 4. How many “doers of the Law” are there who persevere in doing good and merit eternal life? Why is this key to understanding Romans 2? 5. Why do you think Paul mentions that there’s no partiality with God? 6. Why are the Gentiles also accountable to God if they weren’t given the Law? 7. Take two minutes to summarize the point of this entire passage in one sentence. Then share your sentence with others.

Is Jesus’ role to help us keep the Law once we’re saved? What is God’s perspective on natural disasters? I’m teaching a Bible study and some have left saying God is leading them away from the group. What should I do? Is there a difference between Heaven and Paradise? I struggle with legalistic, condemning thoughts. How can I break free? Why does Deuteronomy 7 talk about hate if God loves everyone?

Are some Christians spiritually stuck in the “outer court” instead of the “inner court”? Does God give more rewards to those who live better? What should we think about Christian movements that have harmed other people?

Was the prodigal son‘s inheritance revoked by the father? Can I not be used by God if I’ve been through a divorce? What’s actually happening when I feel guilty for my sins? What’s the danger in looking at Acts as doctrinal while ignoring its role as a history book?

I’ve been going on dates and have been asked to stop talking so much about God. What are your thoughts? Is Isaiah 43 a prophecy about Jesus as Savior? Can we call baptism immersion? Is it “the first act of obedience”? What are your thoughts on the concept of revival?

What does grace say about God allowing bad things to happen? What is your view on deliverance ministries? Can you expound on 1 Corinthians 14 regarding the gift of prophecy?

In Acts 10, is there a multi-year gap in between Pentecost and the Gentiles being saved? Is God helping us keep the Law? What does it mean to be in Christ or hidden with Christ in God? Should we ask the Holy Spirit to “fall fresh” on us? What should we think about revivals? Does Satan need permission from God to mess with us?

The truth is all around us! We see it in the mountains and in the stars. It’s evident in the animal kingdom and in our own bodies. We are not the product of random chance. We have a Creator! While this is obvious, some still suppress the truth, making foolish speculations about our origins. As a result, they don’t recognize God or give thanks to Him. Therefore, God gave them over… but not randomly one day because He was angry. No, humanity chose first to go rogue and live independent of Him. His response was to allow them the consequences of their choice. Romans 1 showcases this reality and even presents a controversial passage about sexual sin. This heinous sin is listed right alongside “disobedient to parents” – which says a lot. All of us – young and old – show up on the Planet in need of the same solution. And realizing our dilemma then puts the focus on the power of God’s grace – right where it should be! Enjoy this weighty message from Romans 1 and let us know what you think! Discussion Questions for Romans 1:18-32: 1. Read verse 18. What does “men who suppress the truth” mean? How do they suppress it? 2. Read verses 19-20. How are God’s attributes evident through what has been made?  3. Read verses 21-22. What are some of the futile, foolish speculations of people without God?  4. What are the three things God gave people over to? What do these mean for our core problem? 5. Read verses 26-27. What sin is defined here? What words and phrases help define it? 6. Read verses 29-31. Heinous sins are listed alongside “disobedient to parents.” What does this say about “levels of sin”? What does it say about God’s grace?