The Grace Message

In Acts 16, it says God opened Lydia’s heart to the Lord’s teaching. Does God want to save us all or does He only open some hearts? Did the thief on the cross go from insulting to suddenly defending Jesus? My daughter is starting to listen to the Jehovah’s Witnesses and saying Jesus is not God, etc. What should I do? How do you remain married to someone who is mean and verbally abusive? I’ve heard preachers say we will have different levels of authority in Heaven based on our faith on Earth. Is there any truth to that?

1 John talks about believers not practicing sin, while 1 Corinthians mentions lots of believers sinning. How do we reconcile this? What ultimately happened to Adam and Eve? How do I present God’s grace to someone without attacking their religious background?

Does the parable of the soils in Luke 8 teach loss of salvation? How do you heal from childhood abuse? Does it take time to realize Christ actually lives in you?

When sin increases, grace just increases even more. So, this begs the question: Why not just go out and sin to show off God’s grace? Paul offers an unexpected answer. He doesn’t issue any threats, and there’s no guilt trip or manipulation. Instead, he asks, “You died to sin. How can you live in it any longer?” Yes, that’s His answer. So, you could go out and sin, and God’s grace would never run out on you. But look at you! You died with Jesus and awoke as a new person bonded to Him forever. You’re so different now. How could you live in sin any longer? Or maybe you don’t know all the details of what happened to you at salvation? God has done something dramatic inside you. Find out exactly what in this essential message! Questions for Romans 5:18-6:7 1. Read verse 18. Explain the profound significance of the phrase “justification of life.”  2. Read verse 19. React to this statement: You’re righteous because of Someone else’s obedience. 3. Read Romans 5:20 and 6:1. What happens when sin increases? What are your thoughts on this? 4. Read verse 2. What reason does Paul give for not sinning? Expound on that reason. 5. Read verse 3. Why do you think some believers don’t know what happened to them at salvation? 6. Read verses 3-6 and then, in your own words, describe everything that took place within you when you believed. 7. Read verse 7. How is this different from trying hard to defeat sin or waiting on a future maturity? Explain.

Should we just keep on sinning since God’s grace will increase? If you harbor certain sins, will God not forgive you? Is Melchizedek an early appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament? Why does 1 John 3 talk about our heart condemning us? What about the prayers of David which include asking for a new heart and a right spirit? How does showing remorse or regret over sin fit in with the grace of God?

How exactly does God’s grace teach us to live upright lives? If we are forgiven, and our sins are remembered no more, then are we judged for our sins? In what way did the resurrection of Jesus Christ lead to our righteousness?

Would you say salvation is simple? What about “easy believism” - is it Biblical? Why does Jesus talk about watching and waiting for His return? Does James 5:15 mean we are not forgiven of future sins yet? What is the sin that leads to death? Why can’t we pray to prevent it?

What is spiritual growth? Are recovery groups helpful? Should we judge anyone at any time? Did God the Father forsake Jesus on the cross?

What is predestination? What is Romans 9 trying to say concerning Jacob and Esau, Pharaoh, and the Potter and the clay? Did Jesus only come for Israel?

How much wine did Jesus drink? Do we go straight to Heaven when we die? What do you think about the book of Enoch? Is it okay to read such books? How do I know if I’m hearing from God?